2022-03 Sydney

All things Indian. In Australia.

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SYDNEY I MARCH 2022 I Vol. 29 No. 6 I FREE

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, Shane Warne's Indian links

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n PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra CONTRIBUTORS Rhea L Nath, Bageshri Savyasachi, Ritam Mitra, Ajay Naidu, Venkat Bharatwaj, Aneri Upadhyay, Petra O'Neill, Gopika Sambantham, Minal Khona, Auntyji SALES AND MARKETING Charu Vij Indian Link is a monthly newspaper published in

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

BY

PAWAN LUTHRA aking up on Saturday 5 March to the news of Shane Warne's untimely death was a shock to us all. As we followed his cricket career for Australia, for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, and in the commentary box, he became a permanent fixture in our cricketing experience for 35 years. All this, of course, without his other well-known adventures away from the cricketing world. His death at just 52 comes after the shock demise of another cricketing hero Dean Jones, also 1nuch loved in India - he died in Mumbai at the age of 59 in 2020.

The untimely deaths of the two men are a wake-up call for us to be more careful about our health. While there will be much chatter about lifestyle issues, perhaps one area which Indian migrants in Australia need to be mindful of, is to get their wills and estate planning in order.

Having the paperwork sorted to handle all your assets and liabilities ensures that you

EDITORIAL

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will have certainty about who - in what proportion and in the most tax-friendly way - inherits your assets in case of death.

While individual needs will be different, let us look at three different scenarios: a young family, say with children below 12 years; a family with children who are teenagers to young adults, and finally those in their 60s or older.

While assets such as property (residential and investinent) and shares are created in the early stage of the migrant's working life here in Australia, their biggest asset will be the life insurance in their superannuation.

In the case of a young family, the wills need to specify who would 1nanage these assets and take care of the young children should the couple not be around anymore: will the children and investments move back to India to the care of extended family, or will local friends step in? As one is aware, the Australian legal system is rightfully protective of all 1ninors, and it can take considerable time in deciding who will be the best providers of care should the parents pass away. Clear cut instructions in a legal document can make this difficult time more manageable.

Those migrants with teenage children

who have spent most of their younger years in Australia will have a more challenging time. The children will have established social networks and structures in Australia and to uproot them and relocate the1n to extended family overseas could be a challenge. Not only will the children be coming to terms with their personal loss, they will also face the challenges of a new social environment.

The legal system can further bog the process down if the parents have not expressed their wishes as to what should happen to their children and assets.

In the case of migrants with adult children, they need to make sure their assets are passed on in a sensible way to their family members. Assun1ing wealth assets have been created, a proper estate plan can clarify how these must be distributed in a tax friendly and responsible manner. Other issues of protecting the wealth from spendthrift family members can also be considered.

A simple will by a qualified professional can cost a couple of thousand dollars, but can save a lot more in the future, with less uncertainty and confusion at a time of grief. You can count on the certainty this will provide, in those uncertain times.

MARCH 2022 3

SPECIAL FEATURES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Political Affairs Reporter Shalailah Medhora

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SCIENCE Making vaccines easily transportable

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WELLNESS Shakti Mental Health

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FOOD

Thandai for Holi

TRAVEL

Ladies travelling solo

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MARCH 2022

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YOUR SAY

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MAKING DATING APPS MORE INCLUSIVE

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HOW NOT TO PICK A UNI DEGREE

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

Rob Dunderdale wrote: A great article, Aneri. Thanks for all that you do for the firm.

Knrtl Joshi wrote: Inspirational.

Sangeeta Khan wrote: So so true.

Anerl Upadhyay wrote: Thank you so much Indian Link for sharing my career journey. I strongly believe that it was important for me to share this within the South Asian community. Like many, I felt an internal pressure to choose a profession that would make my parents proud and ensure their efforts towards building a life for me in Australia was not wasted. It is humbling to share the failures and successes of building a career. By sharing my story, I hope to represent careers that were not previously represented in my community.

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RHEA L NATH reported on Melbourne-based Jerusha Mather's Change.org petition to make Bumble, Tinder, and other dating apps more inclusive of people with disabilities.

• Must-have-coffee (Reddit user) wrote: I am behind you 100%. I signed! I • •• hope others will too.

• • ...........,, • Mstrlrlshpub (Reddit user) wrote: Years ago, before I gave up my search, CELEBRATING •• • BROWNGIRL SEXOLOGY I took e-Harmony's stupid (compatibility) test as the man I am now and got PLEASURE AND • • Posts • the message "Sorry, we have no matches for you". I went back and did their OUR BODIES • • •• test as the man I was before my disability started taking a toll on my life, RHEA L NATH on •• • browngirl.sexology • and I ended up with a whole lot of possible matches. lnstagram's browngirl.

•• •• sexology, a safe space Now granted, I am much older than most (61, will be 62 in a couple of •• months) but after losing my girlfriend of 9 years to her disease back in for young South Asians •• 2009, I took some time before starting to look. I went to many different •• to discuss all things • • is it OK to ignore • • dating sites and wrote at least 100 messages and got 60 per cent replies. sex-related .

•• •• • • Of course, I told all women about my disability once we seemed to be going Rajni Luthra wrote: • • that your • •• • someplace. Most simply disappeared and stopped writing. On the two Wonderful to see the • •• • • • next gen step up in so occasions a meeting was planned, and I stood with my crutch to greet them grandparents are •• •• • •• as a gentleman should, both women looked at me, whispered the old "I'm many different fields of •• •• homophobic? sorry" and left.

• work.

While this one's all •• • • I will say this, men are just as bad. People see "disabled" and they think, "I •• about our community's • (since they're old) •• • •• young adult women, nice •• will eventually have to take care of this person." Being 61, the woman I seek •• •• I got,.,;. q\N•t.ton }'flterdcry ond I h,.,,.. l�hh..... would be over 45, but women that age want to do things. They want to go to see that duty of care I 41 love IO heor y-,i •• •• •• •• out, maybe travel. They did their care giving raising their children. But the towards our young men • • -�l<OlOCY • • problem is, not all of us need to be taken care of. I have lived alone since too, at the end of the • • • • 2009 and taken care of myself that entire time, yet I couldn't even yet the • • piece.

• • • • • chance to talk to someone who loves the same things I do. I have talked to • Dr Myralini Santhira 0 0 V • •• • • •• a few disabled women over the years with the same kind of stories as mine.

Thesan wrote: So proud •• Liked by being_in_body and others •• • Until society gets rid of this stereotype, what you talk about in the article of you.

•• •• browngirl.sexology queer kids don't • Arth Patel wrote: It •• will never happen. Maybe for disabled people to meet and date, that is how • have the luxury of being 'ok' with • •• •• is amazing to see you I met my late girlfriend. Now I have given up any chance of finding someone •• queerphobic family • to share my life with. Anyway, for those of you who read this, don't give up bring your important •• •• •• •• like I have. The younger generation has a chance to change all this. Please perspectives. Thanks for • •• is it OK to ignore that your • • change it.

• sharing this content.

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SAY IT AGAIN

6 MARCH 2022

Read that article about gender-based violence. Talk about these issues with your mates. Strive to be better. International Women's Day isn't a "cause" men need to swoop in and rescue. This is something we've been quiet about for too long.

Tarang Chawla, Lawyer, activist

On #IWD2022 I'm also thinking of women seeking asylum in Australia, black & brown women in immigration detention or in community often with no right to work, Medicare or income support placing them at extreme risk of abuse & exploitation. Women the PM will never mention.

Kon Karapanagiotidis, Lawyer, writer, social worker

www.indianlink.com.au

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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 at your curiosity to keep learning new things and inspire the next generation!

Chachi Ayyamanl wrote: Trooper!

Subha Chari Harlnath wrote: Wonderful Mythili Aunty is always up for a challenge. Multi talented also with singing, painting, Sanskrit. Such an inspiration.

Devi Ravi wrote: What a bundle of talents! Want to be like her when I get to her age .

Swathy Prlthlvl wrote: What a boss lady.

Radhlka Prlthlvl wrote: Proud that she's my aunt. Always inspiring and being a wonderful role model to all her nieces in different parts of the world.

Sanskrit is a bug to have bitten the aunts in our family across continents and Mythima is a torch bearer!

Sangeetha Ayyar wrote: A powerhouse of talents and an enterprising person who I adore so much.

Gayathrl Kalasaball wrote: Mythili is a role model.

Narmadha Ramamurthy wrote: Amazing and inspiring.

Aparna Sudhakar wrote: Super proud to know you, Mythili Chiti. Keep it going.

Vanltha Venkatraman wrote: Rightfully captured! Looking to hear more of her other many accomplishments - Carnatic music, Sanskrit scholar, phenomenal cook and green thumb gardener!

Ramesh Swaminathan wrote: Amazing attitude and zest for life.

Rohln Iyer wrote: What a great way to keep your mind active and enjoy life.

Nandlni Iyer wrote: Good on you Mythili, go after whatever makes you happy.

Chronos 2016 (Reddit user) wrote: Hell yeah! Nanijis rock.

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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 health journeys.

Yuva Australia wrote: Great initiative by and for the young South Asian community.

Rajiv Panchal wrote: My twin brothers are driving mental health change in our cultural communities. I'm so proud!

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MAN'S BEST FRIEND NOT LEFT BEHIND

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

Shabu Thomas wrote: It is his choice. But if (the) pet dog takes a human's place, that is not cool. Better he wait for end of evacuation when seats for both him and the pet are available.

June3052 wrote: This is so sad! I wonder how I can help him and the puppy .

(Rishab has now crossed over to Hungary with Maliboo and nine other friends.)

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On the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti, we asked you to identify the location Wilderness, luxury, or a bit of both? Where in Australia can you find this luxury •• of this iconic statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Readers Anu Shree, resort set in the wilderness? Readers Petra O'Neill, Vimisha Jani, Anu •• •• Shree, and Rohit Ganesh had the right answer: this is Southern Ocean Sweta Shah, Nivedita Kunder, William Stanton, and Puneet •• • Pathange guessed right: South Mumbai.

Lodge in Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

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The Kyiv Independent

Lived through a few monsoon seasons in India but have never seen anything like the extreme and sustained rain of the past fortnight in New South Wales and Queensland. Once in a century weather events happening every few years. ABC radio as invaluable as ever.

Nick Bryant, Writer, broadcaster

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COVER STORY

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King of spin, master of analysis, courter of controve rsy: Farewelling cricket's modern-day Colossus BY RITAM MITRA ike so 1nany others, I grew up idolising the enigma that was, and now forever will be, Shane Warne.

Self-evidently a wizard with the baU in hand, he also n1astered the psychological side of cricket at a level that few - if any have since. Many of his sledges are already cricketing folklore; but antithetically, the power of Warne's presence at the bowling crease was fundamentaUy about what was unsaid. The smile, the stare into the batsn1an's eyes, the lick of the lips, the fact that even after he was hit for a boundary, there was a sense that it was all part of the plan - and it ahnost always was.

Warne's sudden death of a suspected heart attack in a hotel roo1n in Thailand at just 52 years of age is not only devastating, but for such a colossus of the game, unbefitting. It foUows closely the passing of another beloved Australian sporting idol, fonner Test wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, capping off a horror week not just for Australian cricket, but the game at large.

Like 1nany sporting greats, in his early days, Warne received a sports scholarship in his teenage years; but it was not for cricket.

Despite being short and chubby in stature, 8

MARCH 2022

Warne took up a sports scholarship to Mentone Grammar School for Australian rules footbaU at the age of 15, and was a talented enough full-forwa1·d to earn a trial contract with the St Kilda Under-19s side.

Yet his talent with the cricket baU soon became too difficult to ignore, and despite a difficult start to his international career, it didn't take long for Warne to capture the world's imagination and attention in a way that few have since. His craft - leg­ spin - inherently lent itself to 111ystery and beguilen1ent, but it was the total package that set Warne apart. The zinc slathered across his nose, the striking blond hair, the leisurely stroU into the crease before a vicious snap of the wrist and flick of the fingers, an action that miUions have sought to emulate at least once in their life.

In England and India - Warne's two greatest opponents on the field - he was as respected and admired off the field as he was feared on it. That much is evident from the glowing tributes that have poured in since his passing, including from Sachin Tendulkar, with whom Warne shared some of cricket's most memorable and cherished battles, Sharjah and Chennai in 1998 being foremost a111ongst those.

Warne took 708 Test wickets, the second-most of all time behind Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who took 800. Despite the clear gap, so exceptional was Warne that there is an almost universal

recognition (at least outside Sri Lanka) that he was the superior bowler. Leg-spin is a harder trade, Warne played most of his career on the relatively unfriendly tracks of Australia and England, and unequivocally Warne was the more feared bowler for batsmen standing across 22 yards.

Off the field, if it was always written that he was destined for only 52 years, Warne certainly lived like it.

He was unapologetically a fan of the guiltier pleasures in life: fast food, alcohol, drugs, sex. In Warne's own words, "I liked loud music, smoked, I drank, and bowled a bit of leg spin. I don't have any regrets."

Close friends have described his life as revolving around Tinder, beers, darts, gambling and cricket. He was a regular on the World Series of Poker tour, played

golf - and quite well at that - at some of the most exclusive courses in the world, and it has been whispered in press circles that he has on occasion been found asleep behind a couch, when due on air for a commentary stint.

In short, Warne lived the hedonistic lifestyle that many can only drean1 of.

In recent years, it is fair to say that love for Warne had dwindled somewhat. There was an on-field stoush wiili Marlon Samuels, the one-sided bickering in Warne's decades­ long feud with former Australian captain Steve Waugh, and more recently ilie childish insults that he hurled at former Test bowler Chadd Sayers. Warne also 1nocked Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne in a hot-mic gaffe, labelled journalist Waleed Aly an "arrogant cretin" for referencing an audit of the now-defunct Shane Warne Foundation, and even claimed that humans evolved from aliens.

But it would be fickle to say that these episodes in any way diminish Warne's legacy. Rather, they evidence that Warne's longest innings was played exactly how he played the game: unflinchingly honest, combative and captivating. In an era where PR firms are rapidly engaged to handle even the most minor of crises, Warne was never one to retreat or backpedal.

Cricket is poorer without Shane Warne, but he gave so much that it was unfair of us to have expected more.

www.indianlink.com.au

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AJAY NAIDU's tribute to a cricket sta r who shared great ra pport with I ndian players and a lso comma nded love a nd respect from I ndian fa ns n the end, he seen1ed to have reserved his final googly - as beautifully deceptive as many of his deliveries with a cricket balJ in the way he bid farewell to the world. It was just that, unlike the joyous celebrations he engineered in the stands and in the drawing rooms every ti1ne he foxed a batter, the suddenness of it left people stunned into disbelief. Shane Keith Warne probably played the shortest format in lite, leaving when he was just 52 years young.

And yet, he lived many lives on and off the 6eld. Much like Don Bradn1an and Viv Richards, or his good friends and rivals Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, he seduced fans across the world to fill the stadiu1ns. A packed stadiu1n with frenzy in the stands was his theatre. And Warne set the adrenalin flowing every tin1e he had the ball in his hand.

His deliveries seemed to defy both geon1etry and science, blessed with such an art at the bowling crease that there was 'no logic, only magic' as he went about his business with passion and fire. Jn his po1np, he was much like a Grand111aster playing chess with the schoolboys; he just didn't dis1niss the batters, he destroyed them psychologically. interestingly enough, Shane Warne's arrival in international cricket at Perth was against India where opener Ravi Shastri and Sachin Tendulkar took hi.tu to the cleaners. However, Shastri - who scored a double hundred - openly acknowledged that the leg spinner was blessed with rare skills and will soon have bis place under the sun. I-low prophetic those words were!

As years rolled by, Warne's love for life beyond the boundary made news too; his larger-than-life persona was always under the microscope. His call for baked beans and

spaghetti on his first tou1· of India, supposedly because he wasn't comfortable with spicy Indian food, grabbed headlines.

"Everyone thinks all I lived on in India for 12 weeks on the 1998 tour, was baked beans.

False, incorrect," he revealed later.

Apparently, having eaten spicy Indian food for a couple of months, at breakfast one morning Warne saw team coach Geoff Marsh open a tin of spaghetti and baked beans. He and so1ne other players asked if they could have some too. Within days Cricket Australia had sent over a parcel. Or consignment.

"So we get to the docks where the baked beans and spaghetti have been delivered, and there's 3 tonnes of it," Warne recounted in an interview. "On both sides of this big crate (were the words) 'Shane Warne, India'. There were other players who wanted tlle spaghetti and beans, but it was just addressed to 111e!

And that's how the myth was born."

Given his great cricketing acumen it is an irony of fate that Warne will go down in history as the best captain Australia never had.

However, at the age of 41, he demonstrated his leadership skills in India when he inspired a young, inexperienced team like Rajasthan Royals to become champions in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premiere League in 2008. He tlu·ew his boys into the deep, asking tllem to overcome the fear of failtu·e. Players like Ravindra Jadeja and Yusuf Pathan among otllers made the most of Warne's wealtll of experience, and gave hin1 credit for making them confident and aggressive cricketers.

Only a day after his death, his protege Ravindra Jadeja, who he christened with the nicknan1e Rockstar, brought up his second test hundred (an unbeaten 175), playing against Sri.Lanka at Mohali.

In congratulations, Rajasthan Royals tweeted, "100* off 160. Rockstar Jadeja. You've made him proud."

Speaking to Jadeja after play, broadcaster Harsha Bhogle said on air, "Warnie loved you, Jaddu."

Only hours before, the Rajasthan Royals had paid rich tribute to Warne.

"Shane Warne: The name stands for magic.

Our first Royal; a man who made us believe tllat impossible is just a myth. Warnie, you are forever going to be our captain."

Sachin Tendulkar had once said famously, "Warne is God's gift to cricket". There couldn't have been a better tribute from a greater batsman. The two shared a great rapport and their love tor food and fast cars is welJ known.

Indeed one important thing that Warne didn't learn from his good friend Tendulkar was to keep his feet on the ground. Besides, for all his success against the best of batsn1en across the world, son1ehow Warne couldn't have his way against an Indian team that bad greats Like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and WS Laxman. Navjot Sidhu too would give the side a great start taking on Warne before the others consolidated and cut loose.

Yet, that didn't dilute the respect he commanded among the Indian greats. Over the years, people in India too developed great admiration for Warne. In fact, as this is being written, Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar is fending off the brickbats for suggesting that Muttiah Muralitharan may have been a better spinner.

A man who lived life to the full and entertained fans across the globe has 111ade an unexpected exit.

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COVER STORY

Shane Warne celebrates his 700th wicket: Melbourne Dec 26 2006, 4th Ashes test

(Photo: AP)

10 MARCH 2022

www.indianlink.com.au

Peak Shane Wa rne: VEN KAT BHARATWAJ picks -five of the cricket g reat's best hane Warne was an impact player - in the mould of greats fron1 other fields of sport - like Muham,nad Ali, Michael Schu,nacher, Tiger Woods and Lance Arn1strong. Like these sportsn1en, his flan1boyance and personality attracted new followers to the game. Again, like the,n, he was not without his faults - if anything, they just added to his persona.

Warne started his career around a tin1e when the winning forn,ula in cricket was a diet of hostile fast bowling. His flippers were to leg spin, what reverse swing was to swing bowling.

He did not just have strong self:belief - he seen1ed to ensure it percolated to the entire team. Fa1nously called "the best player never to have captained Australia", he demonstrated his captaincy skiJJs in the inaugural edition of the IPL by leading an almost ragtag team of inexperienced youngsters to an i1nprobable tournan1ent victory in 2008.

However, it was his on-field perfonnance that saw hi1n nan1ed as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Century, the only specialist bowler selected in the quintet, and the only one still playing at the time.

H.ere's my pick of his top five performances. in chronological order. Much has been already written about his 'BaU of the Century' with which he outwitted England batter Mike Gatling at Old Trafford in Manchester in 1993, his first ever delivery against England. l choose here fro1n the others of his 708 wickets in 145 Tests and 293 in 194 ODls.

1992: Colombo

Australia had begun to e1nerge from their horrific form in the '80s, as a force to be reckoned with. However, their overseas track record, especially in the subcontinent', was still poor. lt was against this backdrop that they went to Sri Lanka in 1992.

Sri Lanka got into the fourth innings needing a paltry 181 runs to win the match.

They were expected to win in a canter with a batting line up that boasted of the likes of Mahanama, de Silva, Ranatunga and Atapattu.

A spirited performance by the Aussies got the chase to the wire at 147-6. However, Greg Matthews, who kept the Aussies in the hunt was tiring and the fast bowlers were not effective. There were not enough runs to play with and Sri Lanka was still the favourites to win.

Alan Border, in a stroke of luck / genius tossed the ball to Shane Warne. Incidentally, Warne's test average at that point in time was 1 for 350+, including an e,nbarrassing 0 - 107 in the first innings.

What followed was too quick to detail.

Warne wrapped up the last three wickets before the blink of an eye and heralded an Aussie victory, which was the beginning of a decade of do1ninance on all su1·faces.

Warne's figures at the end of the second innings read 5.1-3-11-3.

A star was born.

1996: World Cup Semi Final, Mohali

The mighty West Indies was a huge force to be reckoned with, especially in the shorter

format. The semi-final threatened to finish very early with the Aussies reduced to 15-4 in less than 1 0 overs. Somehow, they cobbled together an apology of a total, 207, on a true wicket.

With hardly a total to defend, the best Australia could do was be restrictive but even that tactic was not working. The West Indies cruised to 165-2 and with 10 overs remaining, less than 50 runs to get and a decent batting line-up still to con1e, looked set to enter the final.

However, Mark Taylor, the Aussie captain had something up his sleeve. He had reserved the bulk of Warne's 10-over quota for the business end of the innings.

It was unnatural in those days for a spinner to bowl at the death. Such was Taylor's confidence in Warne, that he had kept his weapon of mass destruction under wraps for most of the first 40 overs.

Between the 44th and 48th overs, Warne ran amuck. Aided by an umpire who understood spin bowling (there was no DRS then), Warne let it rip. Gibson was out, looking for the cut and con1pletely misreading the flipper; Adams desperately tried to sweep a full and fast delivery only to trap the ball with his toe and be plumb in front of the wicket. Bishop let the pressure get the better of him: Warne's deliveries always picked up pace AFTER pitching, and Bishop was just not good enough to bring the bat down soon enough, before the ball thudded into his pads. ln 5 overs, Warne claimed 3 wickets and what looked like certain defeat began to appear as a shock upset. Australia pulled off an ilnprobab1e victory.

1999 : World Cup Semi Final Birmingham

If the Mohali encounter was considered close, then the next edition of the World Cup sen1i-final was even more theatrical.

Australia's can1paign threatened to end prematurely with indifferent performances early on. However, buoyed by some inspired performances by Glenn McGrath and Steve Waugh, Australia n1anaged to reach the semi-final after a near-death encounter against South Africa in the playoffs.

South Africa and Australia were the two best teams and the fact that they were going to clash again in the se1ni-finals, n1eant that a high voltage encounter was on the cards.

Batting first, the fabled Australian line-up could not hold a candle to a motivated and hostile South African attack.

Not able to last 50 overs, Australia set up a paltry target of 214.

South Africa had a business-like start, rattling up nearly 50 runs in the first 10 overs. 214 was looking ridiculously easy.

Wickets were needed - and quickly.

Waugh had no choice but to turn to Warne.

The chemistry between Warne and Waugh was like oil and water - there was no connect. However, the stakes here were not personal. This was the World Cup. Between overs 12 and 15, Warne conjured up a magic that is talked about to this day.

He bowled to Gibbs, a ball that ru·ifted and pitched outside the leg stump. It grabbed the footmarks and suddenly moved on steroids, turning prodigiously and clipping the off stump. Gibbs initially did not leave, refusing to acknowledge that he was bowled (much like Mike Gatting several years earlier).

Next was a left hander, Gary Kirsten.

Warne bowled a similar ball that had done Gibbs in. Kirsten tried to sweep, completely missed the turn and pace, and saw his off stuLnp gone.

Next came Cronje. The ba!J pitched up near the toes. Cronje, attempting to turn it onto the on side, edged to the glue-like hands of Mark Waugh.

3 wickets in 8 balls.

Warne had given his team more than just a sniff from a con1pletely hopeless position.

He galvanised the rest of the team to a point where the great Aussie fighting spirit surfaced. It was still not good enough for outright victory though, the match ending in a tie.

But Warne's belief turned the match around on its head.

The South Africans earned the "chokers" tag after this match. The pressure put out by Warne was just too much.

2005: Ashes Series

The 2005 Ashes series is considered the greatest ever. England managed to reverse the trend of being at the wrong end of a sledgehammer for more than a decade.

They did it by blunting some of Australia's sharpest weapons - Gilcru·ist, Gillespie, Hayden and to an extent Ponting. With so many weapons rendered innocuous, England should have won the Ashes 5-0; instead, they won 2-1, in no small measure due to Warne.

Warne was just coming off a very public and messy divorce, and the general feeling was that his preoccupation with personal matters would impact his performance. Maybe it did - if he did not have to handle the divorce during this series, who knows, he may have taken another 20 wickets and Australia may not have lost the Ashes after all.

Warne demonstrated at thls time, an ability to completely switch off from his personal issues while up against his old enemy.

He captured 40 wickets at an average of less than 20 apiece. Between him and the next bowler on the league table (on either side), there was daylight. Flintoff, the next highest wicket taker, tallied 24.

It was a pity that for once, the rest of the team could not rise up to Warne's heroics, but cricket tragics were treated to a crick fest that they still talk about.

2006: 2nd Test, Ashes, Adelaide

I t is never too late for an encore. By now, Warne's career was storied and envied. But one task still remained. The Ashes urn was no longer in Australia.

The 2005 Ashes defeat probably spurred Warne (and perhaps some others) to stick around longer so as to bring the urn back Down Under. However, just a victory was not going to be sufficient. The Aussies had their sights on a 5-0 whitewash since only that kind of a result would be a fitting enough response to the unexpected defeat in 2005.

Everything was going according to plan in the Gabba test which the Aussies won comfortably.

However, the English team was not a push over by any stretch of the imagination.

In the second test at Adelaide, they started very strongly posting a mammoth 500 plus total in the first innings. As if to rub salt to the wounds, they declared their first innings at 551, casting doubts about the ability of the ageing Aussie attack to dismiss then1 twice in a test.

Since Adelaide has traditionally been a flat batting wicket, the Aussies responded well and notched up their own 500 plus total - which nevertheless, was not good enough to overhaul England's total.

Warne had been savaged for 1 for 167 in the first innings. Kevin Pieterson, his old buddy, was particularly ruthless as he helped himself to a first innings score of 158.

However, too much time had elapsed during the sides' first innings. Such a high scoring match n1eant that England entered day 5 at 59-1 and on the back of a small lead of 40 or so. Tbe match was expected to peter out to a draw and with three tests still remaining to go, the Ashes series was thought to be very much alive.

Warne had other ideas. The old showman, who had already announced his retirement, proved that it's never over till it's over. With England wobbling after two early setbacks, he reverted to his attacking line from over the wicket and bowled Pietersen round the legs with a prodigious first-ball leg break that pitched in the rough and exploded onto the off stump. lt was a seminal moment, and England's resolve crumbled iii an instant.

Pietersen had gone for 2, England had lost three wickets for four runs in three overs, and they had absolutely no place to turn. Warne took 4-27 in an unbroken 26over spell and had a hand in the dismissal of Andrew Strauss and lan Bell as well.

In a single session, the entire match was turned on its head and a seemingly dull draw ended in an exciting clunax.

Warne always looked for a way to win, irrespective of the position. In doing so, he glamorised a game which has always needed to look at ways to reinvent itself and keep viewership interested.

While Warnie's record will speak for itself, his contribution to the game will be more than mere statistics. He brought flamboyance to a game played over 5 days which even today, 1nore than half the world finds difficult to understand or empathise.

MARCH 2022 11

New Delhi's Ukrainian community take to the streets in support of Ukraine on 6 March 2022, as the Indian government chooses neutrality in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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

Open hostility against a sovereign nation is a strange thing for citizens of the world's largest democracy to be patriotic about, but it can be attributed to three key causes.

BY RITAM MITRA s sanctions continue to rain down on Russia in response to its horrific invasion of Ukraine, the world's geopolitical clin1ate has suddenly changed in a way not seen since 9/ 1 1 . Now, as then, transnatio11al loyalties are being rapidly flushed out across the world, with Russia beco,ning increasingly isolated at a scale on which perhaps only North Korea can compare.

While many countries have openly condemned Russia's actions, some - notably including China and India - have re,nained neutral, reflecting the complex and multi­ faceted considerations underpiluung international politics.

But concerningly, politics is also influencing how individuals are reacting to the Kremlin's atrocities. That is the opposite of how representative government is supposed to work, and from a hu111anitarian perspective, there can be no justification when it comes to the state-sanctioned murder of innocent civilians.

On the political front, the world's attention has been drawn to India and China, the largest nations to abstain from voting to condemn Russia in a recent United Nations Security Council Resolution. China's "no linuts" partnership with Russia is well­ documented and is a strategic no-brainer for the autocratic Asian country, but India finds 12 MARCH 2022

itself in a trickier diplomatic quagnlire where Russia is concerned. lndia's relationships with its Western allies re1nain of funda1nental strategic importance, particularly given the dismal state of relations with China and Pakistan and the threat of growing unrest on those borders. These are by no means a one-way friendship: the West too, views India as a critical democratic lynchpin in the Asia-Pacific region. Think the Quad alliance between India, Australia, the United States and Japan, and the focus on China in last year's G7 swnnut ill the United Kii1gdom (to which lndia was also invited).

On the other hand, India is heavily dependent on Russia fro1n a defence perspective. It is estinlated that up to 85% of India's military technology has Russian origins.

Between 2000 and 2020 alone, India spent some $47 billion on anus iinports from Russia, and in recent years, India has been Russia's largest anus purchaser. This is not a case of 'buy and forget'; the significant investment by India also requires ongoing Russian support m the form of spare parts, maintenance, software and hardware upgrades. These are not easily abandoned.

India's understandable neutrality on

Ukraine has been vigorously supported by many Indian citizens. But there has also been strong support for Russia itself, with the hashtags #IstandwithPutin and #lstandwithRussia continuing to trend on Turitter in India.

Open hostility against a sovereign nation is a strange thing for citizens of the world's largest democracy to be patriotic about, but it can be attributed to three key causes.

Ffrst, and p1imarily - the hyper­ nationalisation of India under PM Narendra Modi. You are either "with him" on every issue, or you are not. There is no scope for grey.

While the Indian government has necessarily walked a fine line between its Western allies on one hand and Russia on the other, many Indian nationals appear to have seen that as an invitation to not only promote neutrality, but to openly advocate for Russia's invasion, a staggering leap.

Secondly, whataboutism: many supporters of Putin's regime, including in India, cite the United States' dismal record on occupying countries as some kind of twisted justification for Russia's potential occupation of Ukraine.

But obviously, to criticise Russia's atrocities is not to ignore those committed by the United

States, including ill Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

There is a broader conversation to be had about the role of the United States in those and other foreign troop il1cursions - and the double standards in how the world responds to those events - but not in the context of justifying ongoing crm1es against Ukramians.

Thfrdly, the widely-reported mstances of Indian nationals - priinarily students - beil1g held back from exiting Ukraine, amidst alleged racism by officers in the Ukramian army. For many on social n1edia and even in n1ainstream media, this justifies Russia's military efforts to "de-nazify" Ukraine. But that reflects a failure to recognise that, just like in any other part of the world, there is good and bad in Ukraine. Racism is a scotu-ge, but pockets of racism durmg the humanitarian disaster of war do not warrant a full-scale military mvasion - if that were the case, no country on the planet would be safe.

War is not black and white from a foreign affairs perspective, but as mdividuals, to oppose the atrocities of war should be the easiest decision we can ever make. To paraphrase Martin Niemoller's well-known confessional prose, to support or stay silent on the purging of civilian groups is to accept that one day, there will be no one left to speak out for you.

www.indianlink.com.au

es1 a •

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hen Rahul Bajaj arrived in Australia as an international student in 2009, he found it was a challenge to identify services that fulfilled his Indian needs, a good tiffin service or immigration lawyer.

A chat with fellow MBA student at the University of Melbourne, Vineet Singh, sowed the seed for a start-up: a mobile app that would provide this very infonnation.

Ten years later, well into their careers as n1anagement consultants, Vineet and Rahul launched DesiPedia, a platfonn that provides information about Indian services at your location in AustraJia. "There's no other consolidated platform that ties everything Indian here in Australia," Vineet Singh told Indian Link. "Our aim is to provide a sin1ple, sn1art and easy­ to-use tool that lets you quickly find • or post - any Indian service you 1night need."

Your first stop at DesiPedia might be searching for businesses or services in grocery or restaurants or places of worship, or community groups or Indian events, or perhaps renting or buying property, or even finding jobs.

"The core of it is to build upon the inherent trust that exists within the Indian community, with a view towards mutual promotion in business, or at least 1nutual

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networking," Vineet described.

He added, "DesiPedia is a great opportunity particularly for home-based businesses, a sector which we have seen rise impressively in recent years - caterers, produce growers, photographers, party planners, fasruon providers, art classes, food trucks. Find these businesses on our app, or if you are a provider, then co1ne list yourself. With our credible, trustworthy reviews, we hope to be providing the users a valuable service, as weU as help these independent, individual enterprises to get the word out about the1nselves."

Businesses and service providers who choose to list, will own the data their listing generates, and will manage it themselves.

DesiPedia's push notifications are another useful feature. "If a particular community association has an upcoming event for exan1ple, we will be able to send out a notification to those interested."

The user base of the app is just over 5000 at the mo1nent, con1ing in largely via its social media handles. "We're also reaching out via comn1unity associations, interest groups, local businesses, and small business, offering them visibility," Vineet revealed.

In the pipeline are services for international students orientation services, assistance with setting up etc. "We're hoping to reach out to them even before they arrive in Australia."

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Vineet Singh (left) and Rahul Bajaj t

Long-term plans include extending the app to New Zealand and Singapore.

While DesiPedia is currently focused on making Indian services visible and easy to find, the platform ain1s to keep evolving, with significant plans to add more and more value to the community.

Interested collaborators, partners and investors are invited to connect via email: vineet.singh@desipedia.com.au

The Australian Labor Party wishes you and your family a safe. happy and blessed Holi

MARCH 2022 13

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journalist. Ultiinately, it is personal stories that cut through the noise and that comes with the toll of reaching out to family and friends during their difficult times. Thankfully, tllere's a lot more sensitivity to the issues now.

We're becoming warier of the language we use and the way we approach these topics."

BY

RHEA L NATH hether it's reporting on international student n1enta1 health, the financial in1plications of Robodebt on Australia's young people, or the i1npact of COVID on the property 1narket, Shalailah Medhora has certainly n1ade her presence felt in the Australian 111edia landscape. She's a fatniliar nan1e on Twitter for her insightful conunentary in the #auspol arena, and for many young Australians, a byline they've con1e to trust over at Triple / Hack.

In 2020, Shalailah was notably the first person of South Asian origin to be invited to Insiders, ABC's flagship political discussion program. It was a significant experience for thousands of Indian-Australians to see that kind of representation on their television screens.

"Journalism, to 1ne, is making sense of the world," Shalailah tells Indian Link with a smile. "Growing up, we lived in Fiji, then we moved to New Zealand, then settled in Australia. These experiences of moving around only made 1ne n1ore curious about the world, news, and current events."

Adding that journalists are "the first docun1enters of history", her career has interestingly come fulJ circle, having begun in co1n1nunity radio for seven years through her university days. ("It's ingrained in our co1111nunity to get as much work experience as you can," she chuckles.)

From there, her considerable portfolio has included writing for The Guardian Australia and SBS in the Press Gallery of the Parlia1nent House for a decade. It's clear she sunk her teeth into online, television, and radio in AustraJia with rapid strides - and was recently recognised for it in a potential shortlist of candidates published by The Sydney Morning Herald to take over Leigh Sales' chair at 7:30.

She was nan1ed alongside heavyweights like Laura Tingle, Stan Grant, Virginia Trioli, and David Speers. "l saw the article, it was a big honou1· to be included," she says. "But I'll be candid, 1 haven't gotten the tap on the shoulder yeti" On the occasion of International Women's Day, it seemed only fitting to pick Shalailah's brain on a wide range of topics including women's issues, the India­ Australia relationship, and the push towards the diversification of Australian n1edia.

On #BreakingTheBias

In the last two years, there's been a much­ needed 1novement towards changing the country's perception, and treatinent, of women. Shalailah's not surprised that it is advocates like Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins who are leading the charge. It merges naturally into the the1ne of International Women's Day 2022: #BreakTheBias.

"Ms Tame and Ms Higgins are eloquent advocates for the voiceless and iinportantly, they don't play by traditional rules," she notes. "Working in youth media myself, I see a marked difference ill the new generation's

On political engagement

approach to won1en's issues. They won't take crap anymore. They've been able to leapfrog off the ilnportant work by women before them to say 'enough is enough'."

She's also unsurprised by the fierce push back this has received fron1 some men in the country: "There's an entire generation of 1nen, especially white n1en in power, who are threatened by this refusal to play by the traditional rules. For years, there's been an unspoken contract that the world works in a certain way, and it's suddenly changing for them."

Still, it's apparent that it's the ground breakers, especially in this age of social media, who continue to receive the most hate. Most recently, Ms Tame's public refusal to smile il1 a photo with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and her revelation in tlle National Press Club of a threatening phone call last year from a senior member of a government-funded organisation, resulted in tlle resw·facing of an old photo fro1n 2014 of a then 19-year-old Tame sitting on a couch witl1 a bong on her lap. The purpose was likely to disparage tlle 2021 Australian of the Year, but dozens of people, including some ii1 public office, can1e to her defence.

"These women were pushed illtO this public position and they're n1aking the most of it, but it does co111e at a personal cost," observes Shalailah. " I believe they've made an iinpact because they've tapped into a deep sense of anger il1 women, and it's not just young women."

On 15 March last year, she was among thousands of frustrated Australians in Canberra who jomed the March 4 Justice rallies taking place across the country, calling for meaningful parliamentary reform and a safer Australia for women.

"There was a cross-section of women at the March 4 Justice. They were of all ages and backgrounds, some can1e with their fa111ilies while others were corporate and working women," she describes.

"Perpetrators previously counted on silence, but as the march showed, women will no longer be shamed."

Her words echo Ms Higgins' powerful speech outside the Parliament House, ahnost a year to the day: "Speak up. Share your truth and know that you have a generation of women ready, willing and able to support you."

With over 10 years under her belt reporting on federal politics, Shalailah has personally seen a dran1atic shift ill the way tlle media now addresses women's issues, illcluding sexual assault and domestic violence.

"A couple of years ago, l was in conversation with the senior editor of a media organisation at tlle Press Gallery, discussing topics I'd like to cover. When 1 mentioned domestic violence,he said to me, 'Yes, it's an important issue, but it's not top tier'," she recalls."Then Rosie Batty became Australian of the Year and everyone in the media wanted to cover the issue. She proved it was, in fact, top tier."

Australians still shudder at tlie memory of that horrific case that resulted in the death of eleven-year-old Luke at the hands of his fatller. It spurred his mother Rosie Batty to take up advocacy ill tlle field of domestic violence, and her work was considered so laudable that she was conferred with that national honow· m 2015.

Shalailah adds, "People do want to read and hear about tllese important issues, but it can be a tricky space to operate as a

According to recent figures, Indian­ Australians are the second-largest migrant group in the country and are expected to outnumber Chinese-born Australians over the next 10 years. With this, they've come up as a real political power in Australia.

"This might be weirdly significant, but I've been seeing a lot of South Asian fa111ilies in mainstream advertising. It's a sign of the capital, politically and culturally, that the com1nunity now holds," Shalailah, whose Parsi family emigrated from India, elaborates.

"It's no accident that we see curry nights by the Prin1e Minister on social media. Political parties on both sides of the spectrum view the Indian diaspora as a natural voting constituency, made up of small business owners and people on working visas hoping to settle down here."

The Australia-India relationship meanwhile is making substantial progress, with strong strides in security in the recent past following steady rise in the education sector. It's likely one of the reasons Australia has yet to comment on India's wishy-washy stance on the Ukraine invasion, including four abstentions at the United Nations.

"It's quite telling that no one in the political sphere is talking about this. There are clear economic benefits to Australia­ India relations, and the Prime Ministers have a close relationship, but it's a shaine that we can't call this out, allies or not.

Australia's no stranger to its own hu1nan rights abuses either. We should be able to say, 'we deserve better'," Shalailah notes.

Media coverage about the Ukraine invasion has been equally divisive mternationa!Jy. Last week, CBS News senior foreign correspondent Charlie D'Agata became the latest media person to draw sharp criticism for his comments, describing Ukraine as a "relatively civilized, relatively European" place, unlike Iraq or Afghanistan. ''I'm shocked at this narrative. I hope the people writing these things get called out," Shalailah says. "I want to see push back and it's unfortunate that the brunt of pointing out this problematic commentary ultimately falls on diverse journalists."

As a role model for 1nany young people here in Australia, her impactful work continues to be watched closely by a new cohort of journo hopefuls. What's her advice to them, for putting themselves out there?

"Early on in my work opportunities, I made it a point to illtroduce myself to different departments," Shalailah explains."In this industry, getting your foot il1 the door can often be the hardest part. I know there's often a migrant mentality to avoid drawing too much attention to yourself, but ill this career, you've got to 111ake yourself known."

MARCH 2022 15

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BY BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI team of scientists fron1 the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has collaborated on research that will transform fire safety th1·ough the discovery of a new lightweight fire-retardant 1J1aterial - chemical compound MXene (pronounced max-een) mixed with Chitosan (found in prawn shells).

A major advantage of fire-retardant materials is that they can self-extinguish if they ignite.

ReseaJ"ch led by Dr Guan Heng Yeoh of UNSW focused on Titaniu1n Carbide material called MXene, which showed exceptional properties of fire retardancy. Dr Jitendra Mata, a senior instrument scientist at ANSTO was invited to contribute to the understanding of this 1naterial's behaviour at the nano1netre level.

He n1entioned that such collaborative projects rely heavily on the knowledge of materials at nano and n1icro scales.

"The [con1posite material's] performance and application depend on this knowledge and I am a world expert when it comes to understanding con1plex 1naterials at nano and micron length scales using neutron scattering," Dr Mata told Indian Link.

"Human hair is roughly 75 micron1etres and the length scale we studied in this project is at least 25000 times smaller than the thickness of human hair," he said.

The Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS) at ANSTO houses state of the art neutron scattering insh·uments. These instruments have the capability to study structures at the molecular and ato1nic levels.

16 MARCH 2022

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Dr Jitendra Mata, a senior instrument scientist, is part of a team that is hoping to revolutionise -fire safety

The colJected data at ANSTO he secured the first rank which led him to be honoured with gold revealed the layered structure of medals from the late Dr A P J MXene. These results helped the Abdul Kalam, who was President tean1 of scientists to prove their hypothesis about MXene's thermal of India at the time. behaviour and subsequently After completing his PhD from VNSG, Dr Mata moved its applications in fire-fighting to Australia in 2006 to pursue materials.

"MXene, due to its layered a prestigious post-doctoral (lan1ellar) structure is extremely fellowship position at the light and can easily be made in the Australian National University formulation which then can be used (ANU).

"Australia was and still is at to create very thin layers. the forefront of research and "This then can apply as coating development. lt was an easy or even as 'paint' on various surfaces and materials to 1nake choice for 111e to move here for my future research," Dr Mata them fire retardant; one does not have to produce special material said.

"O Since his school days, Dr for fire fighting separately. _a, a.

Mata always had an affinity for "In our lab testing, we have a. ::J noticed that it only increases the V) (Top from left) Anthony Chun YinYuen chemistry, especially physical a, a> Guan Heng, Yeoh, Timothy Bo YuanChen and material chemistry. He weight of the material by 5%, ro E (bottom from left) Andrew Whitten and :Jitendra Mata however it improves the fire attributes this fascination to the retardancy by 60 to 70%," he smallest unjt of matter that can be classified as a chemical element - aton1s. added. "lt was mesmerising to think that all the What else can this research contribute to?

"Various composite 1naterials have been things I see around 1ne are made from just formed by combining MXene with other a few types of atoms," he said. "During my small molecules. These composite materials PhD 1 was lucky enough to spend significant time at the Bhabha Atomic Research have shown significant electrical and Centre (BARC) and learned more about the thermal properties".

"This makes then1 ideal candidates for application of nucleaT science in various electronics, battery, hydi·ogen storage, and areas of research." other thermal specific application materials.

"By applying nuclear science in 1ny Our research will also have significant research not only did I publish high impact science, but I was also able to unlock so impact in these areas," he said. many n1ysteries."

Research was conducted on Bilby, an instrument similar to Quokka.

With more than a hundred peered-reviewed Aside from his contribution to MXene completed his bachelor's and master's articles to his name, some of Dr Mata's testing, Dr Mata has been engaged in degrees in science from Veer Narn1ad South notable projects include understanding the researching hydrogels (highly absorbent in1pact of nano and micro plastics on humans Gujarat University (VNSG University), and studying colloidal behaviour in space. gels that do not dissolve in water) and their a public institution recognised by the "For me, it is about how my knowledge can biomedical applications for the last five years.

University Grants Commission (UGC).

Hailing from Surat, Gujarat, Dr Mata In the final year of his graduate degree, improve the lives of others," he said.

..

MXene can be applied as coating or even as 'paint' on various surfaces and materials to make them fire­ retardant

www.indianlink.com.au

� E

SCIENCE

•

l nventi n new technolo Dr Ruhani Singh of the CSIRO has developed a

breakthrough technology for affordable and eq uita ble access to vaccines across the world BY BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI s modern vaccines rely heavily on being stored in refrigerated conditions, at least 50 per cent of vaccines are wasted globally each year because of a lack of facilities and temperature control, according to the World Health Organisation. But this could soon be a problem of the past with research coming out of Australia's national science agency CSIRO, which looks at new technology that does not involve refrigeration of vaccines.

The research paper published in scientific journal Acta Bio,naterialia reported the work of researchers who wrapped live virus vaccines with a dissolvable crystalline n1aterial called MOFs (metal organic frameworks). It was found that these MOFs protected the integrity of the vaccines for up to 2 months and in te1nperatures as high as 37 degrees Celsius.

Newcastle Disease Vaccine

t= 12 wk. at 3 7° C U n p rotected

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Without refrigeration the vaccines would otherwise last only a few days.

The lead author of the innovative study is CSIRO researcher and post-doctoral fellow Dr Ruhani Singh. Her research interests in advanced materials for biological and medical applications led her to join senior scientist Dr. Cara Doherty's lab, where the new technology was being developed to protect proteins.

"The challenge of vaccine distribution and cold chain is long known, and a universal solution is much needed," Dr Singh told Indian Link. "Keen to extend this technology and solve real-world problems, I worked in collaboration with Dr. Layton frotn the disease prevention and detection team to encapsulate and protect a whole 1nicroorganism - a live viral vaccine."

She explained the new technology using the analogy of a sea urchin - a hard shell outside protects the soft and fragile organs inside.

Why hasn't this been done before, you ask? The 1nost common strategies to date have been the addition of stabilising agents or engineering more complex vaccines to n1ake them more resistant to beat.

"We applied these advanced materials to vaccines for the first time," Dr Singh said.

Over the last three years, the team had sn1all wins that motivated them and numerous failures which pushed their resilience.

"When l saw that (our) technology could protect live viral vaccines much better than other additives alone, l was thrilJed. I checked and re-analysed my data a few times to ensure it was true!"

Hailing from Chandigarh in India, Dr Singh attended Panjab University where she studied Biotechnology Engineering.

Following her under-graduate degree, she migrated to Australia and experienced "world-class education".

After a Master's in Engineering at the University of Melbourne, she completed a PhD in Chemistry and Pharmacology from the University of Western Australia.

Dr Singh joined CSIRO as a post-doctoral fellow in December 2017, where the adventure with MOFs and live-viral vaccines began.

The MOFs research focused on two different types of live viruses as proofs of concept, a Newcastle Disease vaccine designed to protect poultry and a strain of Influenza A, but can also be applied to COVID-19 vaccines.

"We are on path to translate this technology to COVlD-19 vaccines and the initial results look pronusing," Dr Singh revealed.

Communities that live in remote areas where efficient refrigeration is not available, face limited vaccination opportunities.

Dr Singh believes that such locations in every country would benefit immensely from MOF-vaccine formulations.

The research also indicates that MOFs are a much simpler and cheaper alternative to refrigeration. Could they replace refrigerated storage facilities altogether?

"Yes, our proof-of-concept studies do indicate this prospect," Dr Singh said."However, it is a long road ahead. We are currently working towards establishing commercial partnerships to perform pre­ clinical studies."

MARCH 2022 17

FA M I LY L I F E

'

Alisha and Kshitij Khanna with baby Ruaan

The Modi family with baby Rudra

•

1 8S

abies Ruaan Khanna and Rudra Modi are going to have to get used to people's reactions every ti1ne they put down their date of birth.

They were both born on 22.2.22.

Rudra arrived at Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital at 1.32 an1, while Ruaan came a few hours later at 9.15am over at Brisbane's Mater Mothers' Hospital.

Much was made of their extraordinary date of birth 22.02.2022, a palindrome as well as an ainbigram, ie, reading the san1e forwa1·ds and backwards and upside down. The term "twos-day" was also bandied about, since the unusual date fell on a Tuesday.

Ruaan's parents Kshitij and Alisha thought it was outlandish when friends casually suggested the forthcoming birth should be induced, for the baby to a1-rive on this rare date.

"Well, we didn't have to do that,"

18

MARCH 2022

Kshitij laughed as he spoke with Indian Link."There was some chatter that the hospitals would be crowded with people wanting C-sections or induced births on this day. But no, we didn't plan this!"

Clearly Ruaan did - given he wasn't actually due until three days later on 25 February.

Rudra's parents Bhaveshkun1ar and Kinjal admitted that the thought did vaguely cross their minds, that their baby should arrive on 22.02.2022.

Bhavesh said, "Kinjal suffered from gestational diabetes and so our doctor suggested we should induce the birth at 39 weeks. We agreed, and the date 21 Feb was picked. We did think that perhaps be could have picked the next day, 22 Feb, but it was just a fleeting thought. We trust our doctor, and have always gone by her expert advice.

Kinjal was induced at 7.30pm on the night

Meet Ruaan Khanna and Rudra Modi, born on 22.2.22

of the 2 1 st, and the baby arrived at 1.32 am on the 22nd."

While the numbers 2 and 22 are considered lucky in the Chinese culture, both Kshitij and Bhavesh admitted they did not know of any such significance in their own Indian culture.

"We'll have to ask our parents and grandparents," Kshitij smiled. "We're just happy our baby arrived safe and healthy.

And I'm relieved mum is doing fine."

Bbavesh agreed. "Yes, the date is interesting but it does not matter in the end - everything went smoothly. There was COVID pressure in the hospital and all around us, and we didn't want to make a fuss."

Will both families alter their babies' names to reflect something "two-sy"? A middle name perhaps?

"We'd already picked Ruaan," Kshitij said

sin1ply. "The name means soft and gentle in our native tongue H'indi - but apparently it also means 'God's perfect creation' in Latin."

Bhavesh replied, "We sti!J have a few days to register our baby's name, but for now we are calling hi1n Rudra, after Shiva, because he came to us so close to Shivratri."

With the men1orable way in which the numbers are arranged in their date of birth, perhaps little Ruaan and little Rudra will go on to show a love of nu1nbers. For Ruaan, his parents' professions might also weigh in - dad is a chartered accountant and mum is a data officer with OLD Health. Rudra might consider his parents' profession too - both are in nursing, and according to Chinese culture the number 2 represents twinning and suggests that 'good things come in pairs'.

Rajni Anand Luthra

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MARCH 2022 19

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Devian {left) and :Jag_esh Panchal

•

Young South Asian Australians a re fi nally spea king up a bout their menta l health journeys social media, we're working towards breaking the stigma associated with mental health in our comn1unity. It's a topic that largely goes unnoticed for several reasons like cultural norms and intergenerational trauma," Jagesh told Indian Link.

The 28-year-old ru11s the organisation with his brother Devian. Due to the pandemic, much of their work in recent tin1es has been online. Now that things are looking better though, Shakti plans to host i n p - erson events such as a panel on South Asian n1en's mental health.

Jagesh elaborated, "In our community, men are somehow seen as 'weak' for opening up about their mental health. We inadvertently see this in ou1· Instagram perspectives too, that are la1·gely sent in by women. HopefuUy panels like this will empower to men speak up about their struggles and experiences."

Of the 4.8 million Australians who live with a mental or behavioural condition, young people between 15 to 24 account

BY RHEA L NATH ith lockdowns, sickness, war, and floods, it's been a trying few years for us aU. A non-profit organisation in Melbourne, drawing its name fron1 the Hindi word for strength, hopes to turn these struggles into so111ething meaningful.

"We want to bring a positive connotation to talking about mental health," explained Shakti Mental Health founder Jagesh Panchal. "When I started Shakti in 2018, l wanted to fill the gap in the conversations in our comtnunity about things like anxiety or depression and create positive spaces to bring it up."

From Pakistani-Australian n1usician Emkew to Liverpool City Councillor Charislu11a Kaliyanda, plenty of yow1g South Asian Australians have answered this call.

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for the highest proportion at 26 per cent.

In a move to help these young Australians, an interesting project in the works is the Shakti Fund. It's a crowdfunding endeavour to help pay for therapy. After all, Medicare isn't always accessible to all residents in the country, including international students and temporary residents.

"We're also working on building a directory of South Asian therapists and culturally informed therapists in Australia," Jagesh added.

"We've found there's a need for more therapists targeted towards the multicultural community and 1 think it goes back to university studies and training. The current model has somewhat of a Caucasian focus, but you shouldn't need to be a person of colour to be able to help a person of colour."

Based in Melbourne, Jagesh still recalls the difficulty of seemingly endless weeks in lockdown in 2020 and parts of 2021, and notes how it was particularly difficult for some young South Asians.

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22 MARCH 2022

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"We definitely heard from some young women who felt conh·olJed and stifled being at home during lockdown, or spending n1ore time thai1 before with their families," he observed.

He adds that words like 'depression' and 'anxiety' can be hard to translate in many South Asian languages, making it difficult to even bring these up with some family members.

So what's his advice? "If you'd Like to start a discussion, I'd recomn,end asking a trusted third party like a fanilly friend or trusted acquaintance to be present as a kind of mediator. This way, parents will likely be more receptive rather than cornering them."

Addressing these concerns become crucial on a community level, Jagesh adds.

"Mental health is seen as an individual issue but really, it's a community issue when it impacts those around you," he stated. "Our main message is to encourage young South Asians to speak up. More conversations can mean more solutions."

Words like 'depression' and 'anxiety' can be hard to translate in many South Asian languages, making it difficult to even bring these up with some family members.

www.indianlink.com.au

rown sexo o

•

About celebrating pleasure and ou r bodies

Natasha Lama

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BY RHEA L NATH t's a sin1ple n1essage of self-love and pleasure that Natasha Lan1a hopes to share with the world, but for 1nany young South Asians, it's bound to stir a much deeper chord.

In these households, even with the best of intentions, conversations ai·ound sex and sexuaJ health can be tricky.

"Growing up in an Indian family in Malaysia, I never felt like I couJd ask questions about these things," Natasha tells Indian Link. "When I discovered porn at a young age, I had no one to talk to about it. I folt like l was exploring this entire space of sexual health stun1bling around in the dark."

Hoping to ensure other young South Asians can have a different experience, the 24-year-old started browngirl.sexology on Instagram last year. Using colourfuJ images, her own selfies, and useful infographics, she was determined to tackle all things sex­ related, head-on.

"The mission is to celebrate pleasure, our bodies, and all things sexual health, through my lens as a young Malaysian-Indian in Australia," she smiles.

Browngirl.sexology is indeed a fascinating page to explore. Debunking myths around virginity and contraception, fielding questions on consent, sex toys, and period shame, and doing it with no sha111e or fear, it seems there's no subject too taboo.

"I always knew I wanted to get into the health space," Natasha shares. "I first came to Australia in 2016 for my undergraduate studies in psychology. Then I took a break to explore what I'm really passionate about

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According to Natasha, the most frequently asked questions on her page are about masturbation and sexually transmitted infections.

"I encourage these questions that con1e from healthy curiosity. People often ask me if their habits are 'norn1al' or 'okay' and I have to say, 1 hate using the word 'normal' because there's so much variety in the human experience. What's normal for me might not be norn1al for someone else. There's no right or wrong way to explore your sexuality."

She extends this need for nuance and understanding to conversations around sex work and porn.

"Porn isn't inherently bad and enjoying porn doesn't make you a bad fenlinist - it's about how we treat the performers and how it's distributed. Young people will inadvertently discover porn on the Internet.

Shouldn't we create spaces to ask questions about it?" she wonders.

"After all, porn is a form of entertainment, it's not a slice of life. It's not what actual interactions with your own partner will look like. I think we need to ensure young people learn these things by being able to talk about it."

Unfortunately, Instagram can be a tricky platform to vocalise these issues. While some bashtags like #letstalkaboutsex have over 105,000 posts, others like #sexpositive and #sexeducation are limited to meet Instagram's community guidelines. It forces sexual wellness advocates and influencers like Natasha to use words like 'seggs' and 'p0rn' in their posts instead.

"It's aln1ost amusing that I'm a sex­ positive advocate trying to get people to learn and use the correct terminology for our bodies, but I'm using different words myself to avoid getting flagged," she laughs.

Still, most feedback on browngirl. sexology, which bas around 2,500 followers so far, has been fantastic.

"There's a deep sense of pride and joy from doing this. I'm really happy to be

carving this safe space for our community and it's great to hear the same from family and friends. My brother is one of 111y biggest supporters. Son1etimes my parents have their concerns, but I've always been their stubborn daughter who will do what she likes," Natasha says.

And as with all things social media, she isn't without her fair share of trolls.

"It was a challenge at first, but I learned not to take things personally. It's a projection of how they feel and not really about me," she observes. "My message to people who don't appreciate this type of content is: l'm sorry you didn't feel comfortable doing or talking about these things at my age, but l encourage you to sit with that feeling and unpack your discomfort. Often, you'll find that the crux of it all is shame."

This is perhaps easier said than done. It can be a long, potentially uncon1fortable experience, but Natasha insists the end result is worth it.

"Don't be so harsh with yourself. There's so much joy in embracing what brings you pleasure, and I find it bleeds into other aspects of your life, like allowing yourself to rest or enjoy food simply because it makes you happy. This is not a linear process, but it's so rewarding."

In fact, she highlights positive results in her own relationship in giving her partner the space and freedom to explore what being sexy and comfortable means for them.

"Running browngirl.sexology makes me reflect on my own relationship and how my partner doesn't need to be some 'macho man' for me. Young brown n1en deserve tenderness and care too. It's all about giving ourselves the freedom and grace to find what works for each one of us," she says.

MARCH 2022 23

Pramukh Swami Maharai: Epitome of Compassion His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016) was Bhagwan Swaminarayan's fifth spiritual successor and the President of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha for over 60 years. Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritual Hindu organisation with its roots in the Vedas.

This year marks Pramukh Swami Maharaj's centennial birth celebration; therefore, we aim to pay tribute to him through this article series. We will explore Pramukh Swami Maharaj's life and work that inspired millions across the world to maintain moral and spiritual lifestyles.

COMPASSION: A NECESSITY IN SOCIETY

If the entire nation were to take a cue from him and live by those standards, it would solve all of our problems." Pramukh Swami Maharaj was one of the rare individuals who actually practised this credo while encouraging others to do the same.

Without compassion, society devolves into a state of chaos and brutality, as evidenced through multiple genocides and atrocities throughout human history. Although we seem to be surrounded by people invested COMPASSION BEYOND in their own agendas, the compassion that Pramukh Swami Maharaj COMPREHENSION Spirihtal Head ofBAPS (1971 - 2016) still exists in the souls of many, provides Perhaps the biggest test of this boundless On his first visit to Akshardham after the us hope in making the world a better place. compassion was when Swaminarayan Ak- attack he went to the locations where Pramukh Swami Maharaj's compassion shardham in Ga� dhinagai:, India, fell victim shooti�gs had occurred. He asked to go to was not due to a life-changing or tragic to a brutal terro�s� attack in 2002. In the af- where the terrorists had been shot. The vol­ incident �n his life. His lovin? and genuinely ter�ath of the 1nc1dent, people throughout unteers were dismissive of the request. He India were very hurt and angry, and the insisted and said, "Though they attacked compassionate nature was innate. us and the innocent pilgrims, we must not He lived for the joy of others, for the allow their hate to overcome our love. Take progress of others and for the good of me there. I want to pray for the peace and others. redemption of their souls as well." The IN THE JOY OF OTHERS••• profundity of Pramukh Swami Maharaj's innate forgiving and loving nature is truly "In the joy of others, lies our own. unfathomable.

In the progress of others, rests our own.

Many have been inspired to imbibe these In the good of others, exists our own." virtues in their lives. If practised sincerely, they transform lives.

These words are not merely a tagline given

by Pramukh Swami Maharaj ; they were COMPASSION THAT INSPIRES OTHERS his lifestyle. This mantra also became the guiding principle for his followers. It was The depth and breadth of Pramukh Swami Maharaj's selfless love and compassion not enough to just tolerate and forgive, span decades and vast geographic to merely wish well for others; it was distances. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has imperative to contribute to their success.

Swarninarayan Akshardhan1 - Gandhinagar, India created a community of people who strive This was the message delivered by public's instinct for retaliation reared its to bring joy to others.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj at the United head. However, Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nations Millennium World Peace made a heartfelt public appeal for peace and He is the inspiration for a young gynaecologist in Bryan, Texas, treating Summit on 29 August 2000. His remarks stability that echoed around the country and uninsured expecting mothers for free were applauded by world and religious the world. so that they can have access to quality leaders alike. When asked why this Pramukh Swami Maharaj's response to this healthcare. He is the inspiration for a was remarkable, one religious leader terrorist attack has been studied as an ex- professional musician and travel agent in said, "Pramukh Swami Maharaj's life emplary case of peacekeeping and dubbed Chino Hills, California, donating all of his is an extraordinary example of love and income as a musician to humanitarian and as 'The Akshardham Response'. harmony. spiritual charities through BAPS for the

past 20 years. The list of those inspired by him to think and act with compassion for others is endless.

EPILOGUE

Pran1ukh Swami Maharaj addressing the UNMillennium World Peace Summit - 29th August 2000

24 MARCH 2022

May all be happy. May all be free from illness. May all see what is auspicious. May no one suffer.

The above is a prayer of compassion from the Upanishads; Pramukh Swami Maharaj was truly the epitome of such compassion - he not only prayed but persevered until his last breath to bring each word of that prayer to life.

To learn more about Pramukh Swami Maharaj's life and work, please visit: www .pramukhswami.org

www.indianlink.com.au

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MARCH 2022 25

F I R ST P E R S O N

• •

As a fi rst generation Austra lian, ANERI UPADHYAY let social expectations d ictate her career path . Here's what she learned. n n1y career in Ca1upus Recruitment for KPMG, I represent one of Australia's largest professional services at universities, engagiJ,g with students, raising awareness of job opportunities at career faiTs, and conducting university presentations.

In every facet of the job, I get to use skills that come naturally to n1e - public speaking, event nJanagement, and using n1y people skills to help others meet their career goals.

I love what I do and do what I love. But it wasn't always like this.

Would you imagine that years ago, I was stuck behind a desk, reading old court cases for a degree I struggled in? Then pivoted to an accounting cadetship that I equally disliked?

Every step of the way, I'd listened to every other voice but n1y own. l was so scared of failure that I never stepped out of the box.

Now l spend n,y days making sure young graduates don't make the same mistakes. *** "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

We've all been asked this question. At a young age we are often pressured to start thinking about what our future is going to look like. Unfo1tunately, for 1nany that thought is limited to the profession they are going to choose and the type of life that is going to enable the1n to have.

We forget to ask ourselves the more in,portant questions such as "Does this future look sustainable?" or "Will it n1ake 1ne happy?" ln high school, I was not particularly incUned towards one profession or another, but what 1 knew for sure was that 1 needed to make the n1ost of the opportunity 1ny migrant parents had worked so haTd to provide n1e.

1 beUeved I would bring prestige to 1ny fantlly if l was to become a doctor, engineer, accountant, or lawyer.

Deciding on which one of these professions 1 would be best suited for, was difficult. I beUeved that my good grades in business studies and n1athen1atics were a sign of proficiency, so l should lean towards a career ID accounting or financial advisory.

I ended up selecting a Bachelor of Co1nn1erce.

However, a single degree appeared to be very basic. I beUeved this would not be comparable to studying medicine or engineering, so I decided to double up my degree and enrol iJ1 a Bachelor of Law as well.

On reflection, 1ny decision making was poor. l did not consider n1y own strengths and passions, but rather focused on working towards a profession that would be 'respected' by 1ny community.

At uni, I began to notice that I was not 26

MARCH 2022

performing to n1y ability, and my grades reflected this. I was not enjoying Law: researching and reading were fundamental in getting good grades, and I did not enjoy either endeavour. This led to my n1arks dropping, and I could not figure out why, given I was putting in the same effort as always. A confidence-drop followed, and a toll on 1ny mental health.

As an easy fix, I started to focus on Accounting and Commerce rather than Law. Amidst all of this, I 1nanaged to secure a cadetship in a 1nid-tier accounting firm. I spent two years working there, and m this time, I realised that I could not see myself working in the profession long term. I was shattered.

I had spent years pursuing two degrees that I did not like, accumulated a large HECS debt, and was still lost when it came to my career.

Working and pursuing studies in fields I was not passionate about showed up on my transcript and in my work ethic. It took me longer to finish my degree, it led to me being unable to convert my cadetship into a gi-aduate role. l felt like a failure and a disappointment.

But when you hit rock bottom, the onJy way to go is up.

And so J got right down to the basics, and analysed my own strengths and passions.

I had always enjoyed public speaking. l had proven skills in event management.

My people skills were considerable.

I decided on developing a career where I would utilise these inherent talents.

Through some trial and error, and the support of 1ny family and boyfriend (now husband), I have built up my current career in Campus Recruitment.

There's a spring in my step as l get to work every n1ormng. *** Today, my own ca1·eer trajectory is constantly in my mmd as l go about my daily job.

As the next generation co1ne truough university, it is iJnportant for them to understand that passions, interests, and priorities will change as they grow older.

It is just as in1portant for the older generation to understand that large organisations are placing Jess emphasis on degrees, and that students should no longer be participating blindly ID a rat race.

My personal goal whilst on Campus is to engage with students and help them understand and unravel their own strengths.

To help students realise their passions, I make sure to start conversations by asking them the inevitable and (in my case, dreaded) question: "What do you want to be when you grow up, and why?"

After a deep dive into my own strengths and passions, I decided on developing a career where I would utilise my inherent talents.

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BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA ythili Iyer has always been a word nerd. Games such as Scrabble and Wordscapes have always held a special fascination, and so it is not surprising to know she has taken to Wordie big time.

But adjusting her daily routine to fit in the well-known word game's daily puzzle, does come son1ewhat as a surprise.

The Sydney-based grandmother wakes at 4 every morning to do her Wordie.

"It is like I have an automatic alarm," Mythili laughs. "I am up at 4, and reach for n1y Wordle."

If you are not across this word-based sensation yet, Wordle is an online game in which you have 6 atten1pts to identify a 5-letter word. There are prompts as you go along, telling you that the letter you have picked is not in the word, or in a different spot than the one you have allocated, or in the spot you have allocated. There's no tin1e limit. There's only one word daily, and everybody else is playing to identify this one word. You can share your results on social media, but only the path you took to get the correct answer, not the correct answer itself.

Describing her Wordle journey to

I'm hooked! l was introduced to it by my niece who lives in the US. The first time l played it, I got a score of 3/6, and so was motivated. I couldn't wait for the next day, to do it again. I was like a little kid!"

Two months on, she still can't wait for 24 hours, once her daily ritual is completed successfully. "I try to hold back from rising at 4, telling myself that l should wait for the day to begin before getting on to Wordle, but it's no use, my mind is fully active."

She posts her score online every day, often with a comn1ent such as "Difficult word today, not commonly in use" when the target word was - famously - CAULK. Mythili loves to talk about Wordie

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strategies, happily describing hers and asking you for yours.

She also loves to talk about the game and its origins, particularly its Indian link. The New York-based software develope1· Josh Wardle created it for his partner Palak Shah, she'll describe. "She helped him with the early task of sorting through some 13,000 words," she'll elaborate admiringly.

She enjoys reading about Wordle in the news - such as when a woman knew something was wrong with her elderly mum because she hadn't posted her daily Wordie.

We're sure she gets a thrill from articles about Wordle in which all the 5-letter words are written out in capitals, or when some of them are written with 5 en1pty spaces for

you to fill in. (The te1nptation was strong in this particular piece as well, and forged a debate about whether we should buck the - - - - - Oops, we didn't).

Why do you think Wordle is so popular, we ask her.

"It brings people together especially in these pandemic times," she offers.

"Whatever the reason is, the world has become Wordle-crazy."

Have there been any exasperating experiences?

"Oh yes - when the word of the day conies in American spelling. I can't stand it!"

Wordle has spurred Mythili on to other spinoffs, such as Nerdle, a daily numbers game in which you guess a number in six atten1pts, with each guess being a calculation.

"I'm getting the hang of it now," Mythiii reveals. "It took n1e a while, as I did not get the thrill of it. But with daily practice, ['m getting there. My daughter loves it."

We think Mythili wilJ be particularly good at Worldle (where you guess the country of the day), but perhaps she'll be put off with Absurdle, Squirdle, Squable, and definitely Sweardle and Lewdle (where, um, you guess the rude word of the day).

But she might not want to go there, given she has been indulging even more new passions lately, like painting. <ti have just started painting with water colours," she tells us. "I attend online workshops, and order my paints on Amazon."

Classical Indian music has been a lifelong passion (her pieces on local Carnatic music events have featured in this very publication).

"Currently I'm involved with the stage production Kannagi, for which I was one of the Australia-based musicians who composed the score. It is on at Riverside Theatres later this month. My piece, a padam, is based on three different ragas."

Already a speaker of four languages, Mythili is now learning Sanskrit.

There seems to be no end to Mythili's interests. "l aim to keep those brain cells working," she laughs. "I do love interacting with people younger than me. I find I learn a lot from their world. lt helps me stay young too."

She might be on to something there with Wordle, given experts have claimed it stimulates the centres of the brain that process both language and logical reasoning, fosters social engagement, gives us a dopamine hit following a sense of personal achievement, and is a ritual that serves a role in daily life, like prayer.

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28 MARCH 2022

www.indianllnk.com.au

FOOD

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• A Holi favourite, and three ways to do it BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA t is not quite the weather for thandai at Holi in Australia. As a su1nmer drink of milk and cooling spices, it is popular at Holi in India as sun1111er is just setting in. At Holi in Australia, we are heading into winter.

Yet it is nice to re1ne1nber the tradition, and often you can still get a really warm

day on Holi, so it is not exactly like having n1ulled wine at an Australian Christmas.

Plus, if you're having a bunch of friends over, whether for a bit of a splash-around in the backyard, or just for a dry Holi, thandai is so111ething that'll n1ake them go "Wow!" almost in1n1ediately.

Go on, get those earthernware turnblers out!

We have for you tb1·ee different recipes here - the authentic version, for those diehard MasterChef kind of home cooks; a quick jhatpat version sent to me by my friend Neelam Vasudevan, and of course, a cheat's version.

Tha ndai

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

■ 1/2 cup almonds ■ 1 1/2 cups milk ■ 4 tbsp sugar ■ 1 tbsp fennel seeds

■ 2 tbsp poppy seeds ■ 4 green cardamom ■ 2 tbsp rosewater (optional) ■ A few strands saffron ■ 2 cups water, or as needed Heat milk with sugar until sugar dissolves completely. Put in saffron strands and keep aside to cool.

Dry grind fennel seeds, poppy seeds and cardamom to as fine a powder as you can get.

Soak almonds for about 10 minutes, then give them a whirl in the microwave for about a minute or so. Drain, and rub in a tea-towel to remove peel. Blend the almonds into a paste, adding just

enough water. You might find you have to keep stopping to add more water.

When the paste is smooth, introduce the ground spice mix, and about half a cup of water. Blend again till smooth.

Strain the mix through a fine strainer or cheesecloth. Retain the liquid.

Put the residue back into the blender, add another half cup water and blend again. Strain again to extract the liquid.

Do this once more if you feel there is life left in the residue, or else discard.

Pour almond extract into cold milk, add rosewater if using, and chill.

To serve, pour over crushed ice.

(I've heard of all kinds of nuts used, magaz (melon seeds), pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, black and white peppercorns, fresh or dried rose petals, even gulkand, rose petal preserve).

Easy Thandai

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • •• • •• • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • •• • • • •• • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

■ Few strands of saffron ■ 3 tsp fennel seeds

■ 1 tsp black pepper

■ 12 almonds ■ 12 cardamom ■ 1 cup sugar ■ 2 glasses chi q ■ 2 drops rose

Mix all the dry items and grind until fine. Transfer this powder into a blender. Add sugar and ¼ cup milk and blend till pasty. Add the remaining milk, rose essence and blend for 30 seconds. Strain and pour into glass.

Serve chilled.

MARCH 2022 29

T R AV E L fll•■ ro1n tackling logistical failures to __ embracing small joys, travelling alone helps n1ake you n1ore self­ reliant and confident. But it's not always a smooth ride, so here are 1ny tips to help inspire you to go solo.

Best fit

Being adventurous is best done progressively, one trip at a time. Choose destinations within your comfort zone.

A trip within Australia is a good place to start, or an overseas destination that is safe, hassle free and welcon1ing to tourists, like Singapore, Fiji, New Zealand, or Japan.

Do our re

arch

Plan each day's itinerary, so you know where you need to be, and how you're going to get there. You can still go with the flow, with freedom to detour, but your itinerary will be there to guide you when you need it.

Research the areas you'll be visiting, always plan to arrive before nightfall, and work out how you will get from the ai1·port, bus or train station, to your acco1n111odation.

Know the city's layout, always choosing a central location in a safe area. Work out a few dinjng options and closest supermarket, and plan your sightseeing by checking pubHc transport, hours of opening, and how to get there. Be aware of all border entry/exit forn1alities, and check regularly for updates.

Have

k

If your flight, train or bus gets cancelled, have a back up plan that you can put in place. If there is a problem with your accommodation, have a few others listed that are close by. Have a list of emergency contacts and leave details of your itinerary with a close friend or family member.

Alw y trust

1-�..-

When you sense something isn't right, it's often for good reason. Ask the hotel staff about areas that are best avoided, and if you go so1newhere and it doesn't feel right, turn back. When the taxi driver takes you some place where you didn't ask to go to (such as a diversion to a shopping emporium, or different hotel to the one you've booked) firmly refuse to get out.

You will n1eet people along the way, that's part of the enriching experience of travel, but be aware. lf you're exploring on foot and someone appears alongside and strikes up a conversation, recognise that it's most likely a sca1n. Don't tell people you've just met where you're staying, no 1natter how nice they seeni,

30

MARCH 2022

Petra in the Philippines

and don't go out with then1 for a drink.

There's only you to ensure your belongings are safe. I carry a lightweight bag and when using a rest room, it comes along. When flying, it goes above me, and l keep n1y handbag slung across me at all times. On trains, l padlock my bag to the overhead luggage rack. In taxis, my bag sits alongside.

I avoid long distance buses since bags go underneath, out of sight, and you can't be sure your bag won't be pilfered or taken when stops are rnade. Once when I dozed

on a bus, I felt a hand trying to open my handbag. I use a PacSafe handbag fitted with wire mesh and a lock that l take with me when I'm after an extra layer of security.

If you find yourself lost, try to remain confident. When it happens to me, I go inside a shop to collect my thoughts, and work out my bearings. If l feel uncomfortable, such as a sense that I'm being followed, I wait for tourists to pass by, and walk alongside them, go out a different exit, or walk back out and face them until

they go away.

Ha

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0 [f you do receive unwanted attention, it's time for your defensive self to come to the rescue. If someone unknown to you asks if you're travelling alone, say no, you're on your way to meet your friend. 1 always wear a wedding ring and say I'm with my "husband."

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Take a visual note of what locals wear at the country you're visitu1g, and pack accordingly, so you'll blend in. Clothlng that

www.indianlink.com.au

-

:Jordan

Train trip within Australia

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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

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

Sri Lanka

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 if you 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 your own.

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 of a culture or destination."

I I To avoid feeling lonely while 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 to join in places I'm visiting,

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

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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.

MARCH 2022 31

O U T D O O RS

•

•

Identifying the tree o n you r property a nd how to include it i n your landscape desig n BY GOPIKA SAMBANTHAM very hon1e, it is said, needs a tree.

We love trees i11 sun1mer for their shade and their breeze, in spring for their love of life, in autumn for their show down, and in winter for their bare beauty.

Trees are a distinguishing factor in well­ established a11d sought-after suburbs, whether for the way they line the streets or for the way they add 1naturity and character to homes.

If you happen to buy your drea1n hon1e in one such suburb, then this article will help you understand how to design around a well-established tree.

DESIGNING WITH MATURE TREES: PRO AND CONS

A mature tree can be hindrance or an asset, depending on your n1ind set and the type of tree with whlch you are dealing.

Pros

■ They add character to the garden.

■ The bare trunk will give a sculpted look,

and when highlighted can add a touch of dra111a.

■ You can under plant (if you add free n1ulch to the garden bed then you won't have to pull out the weeds) ■ They'll keep your surroundings cool during summer.

Cons

■ A mature tree will have quite an

extensive root systen1 underneath; you must be careful not to damage the tree if you decide to use the space underneath.

■ An arborist will help you to identify the issues and how to rectify without chopping the whole tree. It is an expense worth spending if you want to retain the tree.

32

MARCH 2022

■ Local council approval is required to remove mature trees.

HARDSCAPE DESIGN FEATURES UNDERNEATH YOUR TREE

There are nun1erous hardscape featuTes that can be added underneath the trees as long as care is taken not to damage the root system of the existing 1nature tree and enough space is left for the tree to acquire required nutrients.

■ Add a stone bench or wall for seating.

■ Add a deck.

■ Add a paved area for seating and dining.

■ Add a hanging chair or swing if the branch is strong.

DESIGNING WITH EVERGREEN TREES

If you happen to have an evergreen tree in your yard, depending on the variety and the shade they cast, the design ideas below can be implemented when redesigning

your ya1·d.

■ Choose shade-tolerant plants for under planting, like ferns.

■ The soil underneath pine trees is acidic, so acid-loving plants like hyd1·angea, azalea and liriope aTe a good idea.

■ Because evergreen trees provide shade throughout the year, some seating underneath could be worth considering.

DESIGNING WITH DECIDUOUS REES

Deciduous trees are appealing in any garden because of the all-year-round interest they provide. If your new property has deciduous trees, then you n1ust maximize their beauty in your renovation or landscaping designs.

■ Choose part-shade plants for under planting.

■ Highlight as feature tree,and then design the other aspects of the garden.

■ Highlight with lights at dusk for immediate garden enhancement.

DESIGNING WITH PALM TREES

Palm trees have shallow root systems, so care should be taken on how you treat the space underneath them.

■ Highlight by designing a block wall or stone wall around your palm tree for a stand-out effect.

■ Layer it with other varieties of plants to soften the landscape, as palm trees give a structured look.

■ Add other palm varieties to bring in a tropical look.

Spend some time to leaTn about the trees in the garden of your new hon1e or property.

There are heaps of online groups you could join, and professional websites to try. Be guided by nature in your renovation or garden redesign plans. Remember that old adage, someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.

Once you've grown to truly love your tree, you could learn how your tree could help add value to your property.

www.indianlink.com.au

• •

Happy Holi from our homes to yours ...

May you all have colourful a nd joyful celebrations.

There really is no easier way to find the perfect new home design

Have you been thinking about building a brand new home? Then it's time to visit HomeWorld.

for your lifestyle, and to get ideas, inspiration and information.

V First step - go to homeworld.com.au

Designs on display include Single Storey, Double Storey,

V See what homes are on d isplay across 5 locations.

V Make a list of builders and homes you would like to visit.

Granny Flats, Duplex, Sloping Block, Custom design and so much more.

V Take a drive to one of the HomeWorld villages.

V Step inside and explore the display homes.

V Ask questions to the Builder's sales teams on site.

HomeWorld.com.au

HOM EW �

I) homeworldaustralia [0] @homeworldaus

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MARCH 2022 33

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

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What's on o u r screens this March

I RRR (Theatre release) I This SS Rajamouli film will finally see the light of day, following multiple

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postponements thanks to COVID. The Telugu-language period film is a fictional story about two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan)and Komaram Bheem (NT Rama Rao Jr), who fought against the British and the Nizam of Hyderabad respectively. Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt make cameo appearances.

Samuthirakani, Alison Doody, Ray Stevenson, Olivia Morris and Shriya Saran play supporting roles. Made on a budget of INR400 crore (US$53 million), RRR was initially scheduled for theatrical release on 30 July 2020.

RRR releases on 25 March.

I I

THE KASHMIR FILES (Theatre release)

The Kashmir Files tells the story of the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus in the early 1990s due to the insurgency in the state. Following the success of The Tashkent Files, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri wrote this film after extensive research, including interviews of those who fled. Some of these video interviews made it into the final cut. Anupam Kher and Mithun Chakraborty star.

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---------------------- ---------------------The film is scheduled to release on 11 March 2022.

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RUDRA: THE EDGE OF DARKNESS (Disney+Hotstar)

If you love psychological crime thrillers then this one's for you. Channelling Idris Elba in the British TV show Luther, Ajay Devgn plays supercop Rudraveer Singh, out to tame the crime-ridden streets of Mumbai and its maze of psychopathic minds. Esha Deol and Raashi Khanna also star.

Rudra starts streaming on 4 March.

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I ETERNALLY CONFUSED AND EAGER TO LOVE {Netflix) So we've all heard this before: You're 25 now, we have to think about your future.

I And Just don't say anything stupid, ok. From the parents of course, who else. Check I

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out how young Ray (Vihaan Samrat) traverses the path of finding love, with his allknowing and always-admonishing parents looking on. Jim Sarbh and Rahul Bose also star in this Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar production.

Be popcorn ready on 18 March.

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MARCH 2022

Dandenong and Springvale

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JALSA {Amazon Prime Video) A life-altering incident brings together two women from opposite ends of society at crossroads with themselves: one seeks redemption, while the other nurtures a vengeful hatred. Starring here, are two of the most powerful performers in contemporary times, Vidya Balan as a TV journalist, and Shefali Shah as her cook. Suresh Triveni of Tumhari Sulu fame directs.

Promises to be a treat.

---------------------Jalsa releases on 18 March.

MAARAN

The film releases on 11 March.

----------------------

Yet another sports biopic, this time based on the life of Vijay Barse, the founder of an NGO called Slum Soccer.

A sports coach by profession, Barse invested time and money to train underprivileged kids in football, to keep them away from drugs and crimes seeded in Nagpur's underbelly. Equally, the backdrop is perfect for deliberation on a variety of societal ills: caste divide, women's issues, poverty. That the legendary Amitabh Bachchan takes on the main role, is added attraction in this film written and directed by Nagraj Manjule.

Jhund is set for a 4 March release.

TOOLSIDAS JUNIOR (Theatre release) Another sport-based film, this time from the world of snooker. Little Toolsidas Junior (Varun Buddhadev) learns to play the game from the aging Mohammad Salaam (Sanjay Dutt), in order to fulfil the dream of his father Toolsidas (Rajiv Kapoor) who is now no more. The big baddy in the midst of all this is the legend of the game, the westernised and arrogant Jimmy Tandon (Dalip Tahil). This Ashutosh Gowariker film is bound to draw a bit of attention, given it is the last role of actor Rajiv Kapoor who passed away in Feb 2021.

------

1 BACHCHHAN

---------Toolsidas Junior hits the screens on 4 March.

I PANDEY (Theatre I release)

Dhanush stars as Maaran, an investigative journalist, in this action thriller. He is in trouble because he's just published an article exposing bitter truths about a corrupt politician. Malavika Mohanan plays fellow journalist and love interest in this Karthik Naren directed film.

Maaran is releasing in four languages - Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

JHUND (Theatre release)

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Action-comedy is a popular genre in India, especially if Akshay Kumar is starring. This film is about an upcoming filmmaker who is researching a dreaded gangster for a story. But his secret attempts fail when he gets caught for snooping. Kriti Sanon, Jacqueline Fernandez and Arshad Warsi also feature in this remake of Tamil film Jigarthanda (2014) itself a remake of South Korean film A Dirty Carnival (2006).

- - - - ..... - - - Look out for this one on 18 March.

SUTLIYAN (Zee 5) Adult siblings return to the parental home for Diwali, reuniting after years. They bring with them their emotional baggage - thwarted ambition, challenging current-day responsibilities... and unresolved disputes with each other. Navigating the complex multi-threading of their relationships, they relive the cherished moments of growing up together.

Sutliyan releases on 4 March.

I I I

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

-------------

1

UNDEKHI 2 (Sony-Liv) Undekhi 2 revolves around a crime that takes place one

night in picturesque Manali, and the cat and mouse chase that ensues post that between the perpetrators and the ones seeking justice. A gripping tale of power, revenge, and love, it features Harsh Chhaya, Surya Sharma, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Anchal Singh, ApekshaPorwal, and Ankur Rathee, among others.

Undekhi 2 will premiere on March 4.

- - - - - - - - - - --- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - BRIDGERTON SEASON 2 (Netflix) We can't wait to go back to 1814, to get our fix of Regency England and its empire-waist dresses, gossip rags, and societal codes that passed on to India. This time of course there's added interest, as we see the Indian-origin Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) bring "consummate rake" Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) to heel.

The series drops on 25 March.

MARCH 2022 35

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F O R ET E L L

March 2022

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

--------------------------------------I I I I I E E I I I I I JU I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I An existing condition in your life will I Taureans may be on the horns I I If you already have doubts, it is I A difficult month for Gemini as I change soon. You may get a chance to I problems could occur on all I possible that your partner is cheating I of a dilemma in their personal or I on you. The Moon card is indicative travel or change jobs which will help professional lives with equally tempting fronts - financial, personal or marital.

I of a clandestine affair or deception.

I options. A recent break- u p may hurt I Those in a relationship may end it I reduce loneliness if any. Colleagues and I I because of lack of trust or an unfaithful I seniors are supportive at work. The self­ I I Those in the midst of a financial I more than expected. If business is I negotiation should guard against being I slow, you should look at other avenues I partner. Travel carefully as you could I I employed could see new partnerships. led up the garden path. A planned trip A positive mindset keeps you in good have an accident. Business could slow for more profit. Finances are stable I ends up with more hurdles than happy I and income through multiple sources I I down, but some new opportunities I spirits. Health problems will reduce.

I memories. You will let go of emotional I is foretold. Some of you may be I will come your way. Grab them. A I Money comes your way through a stroke I attracted to an older person even if you of luck. Look out for opportunities that baggage and grudges of the past. rocky marriage may head for the I Stick to the middle path for peace and I are in a relationship. What looks like I divorce courts. All the upheaval is I can lead you to untraveled paths which I I balance. Accept the changes coming I a complete write-off may just be the I the end of a negative cycle and better I are beneficial. Trust your gut instincts I times lie ahead.

I your way for positive results.

I stroke of luck you need.

1 I for all decisions.

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I � =...,....,'"""' - - ------=A��-cc-=E P 2�2� 1 '----�,,._ --T 22 .------=-=--L Y 2c--=1A�--=2 -= 2 -cc-� I ....-I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A new phase is about to begin in the You may be unsure of the future but you The finicky Virgos may find themselves An idealistic mindset seeking the higher I will move forward in work and in love.

I being a bit indecisive due to the card I good dominates Librans. Some of you I form of a paradigm shift, a new line of I I Expect stress in travel but any problem I they have picked which stands for Libra. I may go on a spiritual quest. Those of I work or new romance. The latter may I even cause a lot of upheaval in your life.

I could actually be a blessing in disguise. I Expect dilemmas in your mind and I you who have started seeing someone I Your work attracts attention from the I At work, if you execute a new idea, it will heart, new friends, and letting go of past recently, may be torn between making I be well-received. Disagreements with I baggage. Self-doubt continues to bog I a commitment and waiting a bit longer.

I right quarters. A marriage however could I I family will end. Money problems will I you down at work. A mild infection can I Think before making a decision in your I hit a troubled patch. Family members I are all under stress so tread gently to disappear gradually. A lot of fears you be taken care of with supplements. A personal and professional lives. If a I have are unfounded so silence your mind I negative mindset will add to your woes I relationship doesn't help you grow, you I avoid confrontations. A determined I I when in doubt while making important I but feelings of loneliness and alienation I might want to end it. Money due to you I effort to change your lifestyle will make I healthier. Delays in money matters I decisions. Unexpected meetings lead to I are going to end. Be objective while I will be paid. Trust your intuition when in I you I continue to frustrate. new opportunities. making decisions. doubt. Attachments to outcomes will end.

I I I I I 1 - - - - - - - - I - I I I 1 I I 1 .----- -=- =� -=-=,- -===-�---, f .---�F==-:-=--:--:-:- =-=,..,...,... -=- =,--� I I r-----,-,--:,-,--=-=-=---="'="=-=,-,------. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Singles could meet someone significant I I Outdoor loving Sagittarians may delve I Those getting over a break-up will be I Dreamy Aquarians draw the card for I through work, social service, or even I I within for clarity. Especial l y if they want I open to new romance. The self-employed I Cancer implying they could be more to know what it is they want in their could get an unexpected business emotional than practical in March. at a social event. Keep an open mind.

I Work from home keeps some of you busy I I relationships. Some of you may even I opportunity. New ideas or partnerships I Singles will want to mingle but work I for long hours. Some of you may even I I decide to remain friends only. Your I could be on the anvil. Those in a I might get in the way. Be clear while I take on extra work to make some more I I ambitions at work will make you seek I relationship might consider living together I negotiating, to avoid problems with wider horizons. Go for it. Family fall-outs or getting married. Avoid bingeing on payments later. Financial independence money. Separation due to logistics or a I I will be healed. Your best success comes I food to solve emotional problems. A I is your goal and you will act on it. Those I disagreement is temporary for those in I I through doing what you are passionate I new business will substantially add to I in a relationship may want to end it if it I a relationship. Avoid over-consumption about; a long-standing financial problem of alcohol. Finances are on an upswing is abusive. Gratitude for blessings and your income. Be bold i n taking decisions I gets sorted out amicably. Let the universe I about your future, and promote yourself I the faith that what you want will come to I now. Half-hearted efforts will face hurdles I I know what you want and let it go.

I whether it is love or work.

I I aggressively at work.

I you, sees you through the month.

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MARCH 2022 37

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

-------------------------------I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

The weekly c a l l to ril'ill!Jrilil DEAR AUNTYJI I am a little hesitant about bringing you my problem. but I have struggled with it for the last six months with no solutions of my own. (I am eager to hear your solution, at the same time that I am concerned you will scold me.) I am a grown man with a family of my own and I am generally very happy because I have many blessings in my life. I had a very happy childhood also. My mum is now in her late 70s and here is where my problems are. She is widowed and does not live with us. I love her very much and make a point of calling her once a week. But each time I call, she spends the entire hour talking about the most boring of things. She complains about her neighbour stealing her lemons from her garden. She complains about my cousin who chose to marry a gora. She complains about her arthritis, her gout. the taste of her mango pickles. climate change, lack of respect for elders, the list goes on and on. Auntyji, it is tiring listening to her. What to do? I try to steer her to neutral topics but no luck.

AUNTYJI SAYS Arre A*$%*@, sharam nahi aati? Did you want your mother to be a Bollywood

film who is there to entertain you? Did you want her to be a jigsaw puzzle that you need to solve? Did your mother complain when you were 4 years old and learning to talk and she had to listen to you go on and on about the most boring of things? Did she complain when you asked her five thousand questions even when she was probably really tired - possibly of raising a kumbukht like you? Your mother gave you a happy childhood. Now that she is in her twilight years and probably has less than a decade left, the very least you can do is to just listen to her.

Stop judging her - she has done her bit by raising a human being who is not a serial killer. So just stop, open your ears. zip your mouh and listen to her. There are many people reading this right now who wish they could hear their mother's voice one more time. and here you are. saying that you are bored. Your mother has earned the right to bore you to tears because god knows, you probably did the same to her for the first 20 years of your life. Ifs time to pay her back with love and respect. Just listen to her. and cherish the moment. It won't last forever and it will end sooner than you expect.

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Who put ricotta im1

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AUNTYJI SAYS What is wrong with these amateur cooks who think they can take a dish that has been eaten for generations. from one of the world's oldest civilisations. and then improvise it?

Are these people so ignorant about

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how offensive they are being? The solution here. my aloo baingan, is for you to be the man and not the mouse you've been so far. This is all your fault for indulging your besharam friend.

So the next time he takes a recipe and then offers a tasting platter of an improvised morsel, please step up.

With great ceremony, I want you to taste the food and then make a face as though you have been offered mitti laddoo. Remove the food immediately - with great disgust - from your mouth and look aghast at your friend as though he has just tried to poison you. Then, summon all your outrage and ask. "WTF Sam. what have you done to this delicious dish?" And if he looks befuddled and tries to explain that he added fish sauce or grapes or ricotta cheese or whatever to the dish - interrupt him immediately and say, "This is a dish my people have been eating for generations and we have followed a time-honoured recipe." Then stare at him thoughtfully and ask in a quieter tone. "Is it because you are White that you think you know better than us?" Then walk to the fridge and look inside for a can of beer while he wonders what the hell just happened.

DEAR AUNTYJI My wife is a fabulous cook. and she makes simple dishes very tasty and nutritious. But she can be a bit of a... purist if you like: she would rather dip her hand in urad batter and fry it in hot oil than to change her dishes from the traditional ways. For example, she will only use ghee for tempering the do/ - she won't use a substitute. She will never. ever. add apricots or grapes to her chicken curry. or fish sauce to add umami ftavourto her palak paneer.

So the problem is this. An Aussie friend Sam frequently asks for recipes from my wife, and then when he makes the dish. he improvises. This would be ok. if not for the fact that he then offers a tasting platter to my wife for her opinion. My wife is a polite person, but she simmers like a sambaar when she tries these mangled offerings. I want to spare her this torture. Do you have a suggestion?

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