2022-08 Melbourne

All things Indian. In Australia.

MELBOURNE

AUGUST 2022

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INDEPENDENCE DAY ISSUE

Photography Contest Winners C e l e b r a t i n g 2 7 y e a r s a n d 2 3 M u l t i c u l t u r a l M e d i a A wAUGUST a r d2022 s1 Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 • GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 • Ph: 18000 15 8 47

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EDITORIAL

Staring down the barrel of significant mortgage stress

All things Indian. In Australia.

PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra CONTRIBUTORS Rhea L Nath, Iqra Saeed, Kalyani Wakhare, Manan Luthra, Mohan Dhall, Bhavya Pandey, Janette Young, Saravana Kumar, Sandip Hor, Minal Khona, Auntyji SALES AND MARKETING Charu Vij ADMN Harmeet Kaur

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

A

t your typical community social event, it is not long before the topic of conversation turns to home loans.

For those with fixed rates maturing in the next 12 months, there is palpable fear regarding the affordability of new mortgage commitments. Even those on floating rates know that they will have to watch their expenses very closely to go through future financial speed bumps.

Thanks to lived experience, we can all resonate with the journey of the regular Indian migrant’s settlement here. They arrive aged in their mid-thirties, usually with a partner and a young family. Highly qualified, after the initial challenges, they do secure a steady job while the partner may spend more time with the children. Once the children are settled, the partner will look to enter the work

force too, often on part-time basis, at times upgrading their skill set. Within 2-3 years of arriving in Australia, with a comfortable and secure 1.5 family income, they look at buying their first home to further consolidate themselves here.

Over time, as their income rises, they look forward to building their property portfolio. Many motivating factors can be identified towards this desire: an inherent belief that property cannot fail; peer group pressure, and the fact that property is one investment class they feel confident in (rather than shares or other forms of investments.)

This category of owner/investor may see significant stress in the near future, with a 3% or more rise in interest rates. The Reserve Bank of Australia has indicated that about 1.3 million households could see a greater than 40% increase in their loan repayments.

A borrower with a $600,000 mortgage could be paying up to $12,300 per year more on their mortgage repayments from when the interest rates started rising a few months ago. All this could mean record-

high mortgage repayments relative to household income.

After years of falling interest rates and low inflation, this sharp increase in repayments, especially at a time when wages are not increasing, will weigh heavily on the family budget. As home prices are starting to fall, those who may have bought property off the plan will be in danger, as well as those who have low equity in their own home or investment properties. Any forced sale can leave the individual with debt which will need to be paid off.

The interest rate hikes have come about due to increasing inflation. But according to some economists, these sharp increases in interest rates and some easing in global supply chains indicate early signs of the Reserve Bank’s attempts to curb inflation is working. By mid next year, interest rates may change their trajectory and start moving sideways or even down.

Till that happens, the advice is to work out the family budget, stick with it and implement relevant wealth preservation strategies.

AUGUST 2022 3

contents special features #IndiaAt75 An Independence Day game of WHO AM I?

AACTAs

Marathi film in contention

STAGE

08 15

Manali Datar is at the Sydney Opera House in Fangirls

18

LIFESTYLE

25

Step out for some (real) chai!

TRAVEL

Singapore: Links to Indian Independence

31

08

15

cOVER sTORY

18

31

#IndiaAt75

Indian Link’s #myIndianlink photo contest winners

10

Wishing you a happy indian independence day

OFFICE OF BRUCE ATKINSON MLC

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Member of the Legislative Council Parliament of Victoria R19B | Level 3 West 5 Car Park Entrance | Eastland Shopping Centre 171-175 Maroondah Highway PO BOX 508 | RINGWOOD VIC 3134 T - 03 9877 7188 | E - bruce.atkinson@parliament.vic.gov.au | W - www.bruceatkinson.com.au FUNDED FROM PARLIAMENTARY BUDGET

4 AUGUST 2022

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From our homes to yours...our best wishes to the Indian Community celebrating Independence Day!

Have you been thinking about building a brand new home?

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AUGUST 2022 5

YOUR SAY

RIP SHEREEN KUMAR

CALLING AUSTRALIA HOME RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA and RHEA L NATH reported on Census 2021 and the role of Indian migrants in Australia’s evolving cultural landscape.

Sriraman Annaswamy wrote: Good to see the solid coverage of the “Great Indian migration wave” by Indian Link. Well done.

Shanti Raman wrote: Thanks for excellent reporting on this issue.

Jyothsna Rao wrote: Love it.

MAPPING MELBOURNE ON HIS BICYCLE

Tributes poured in for 43-year-old Shereen, a Sydney mum who was murdered by her partner in what is believed to be another tragic domestic violence incident.

Prof Smita Shah OAM wrote: How sad that these acts of violence against women continue to occur!

Dhiraj Arora wrote: Devastating.

Josel Jose wrote: This is bad. People need to call out or report domestic violence at the first incident. Don’t worry what society or family thinks.

Tanu Bhatia wrote: What a shame.

Poompa Arasu wrote: Shameless. Perpetrators must be dealt with.

RHEA L NATH reported on GPS artist Pravin Xeona’s creative hobby: finding designs in Melbourne’s streets and alleyways.

Mathew Jacob wrote: Creative hobby. Excellent!

Dhanya Samuel wrote: Very interesting.

Pravin Xeona wrote: Thanks Indian Link for sharing my story!

Leela Chinnan wrote: So wonderful!

EXCITING CHAI REVIVALS RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA and BHAVYA PANDEY shared the story of cafes in Sydney and Melbourne taking a back-tobasics approach to India’s favourite beverage.

Rohini Kappadath wrote: There’s a gap in the market and these players are meeting growing demand with the real deal!

Michelle Wade wrote: Love it! So pleased to have these stories of young entrepreneurship and great chai! Can’t wait to try when I am next in Melbourne.

Jyothsna Rao wrote: These chais are amazing, our weekly hang out!

Aparna Jacob wrote: Fantastic. No more “chai tea” Sonia Sadiq Gandhi wrote: Love this.

Emma Last wrote: Brilliant!

SAY IT AGAIN 6 AUGUST 2022

SYDNEY’S AN UNFRIENDLY CITY Indian Link Radio listeners weighed in on Time Out Index’s recent reveal that Sydney ranked third worst city in the world for making friends.

Yogini Ramanuja wrote: I think this attitude is sadly everywhere, not just Sydney. People are so busy running around, they don’t have time for that luxury of smiling.

Krunal Kairon Mistry wrote: Yes, it’s kind of right. I came here 20 years ago and things were so different. People used to smile and you could talk to anyone but these days, you look into their eyes to make any sort of contact and they walk past you.

Smita Pawar Nashikkar wrote: No time to make friends in this busy Sydney lifestyle and my profession. Happy with my own company!

Ritika Maggu wrote: For sure. Stayed positive and kept trying but no, this city isn’t for making friends.

Congratulation to [the Nadesalingam] family, but let’s say everything in Aus is about white saviour culture. The very public return of this family is a paradoxical and challenging story. Specially when we remember that there are still more 100s refugees remaining in Port Moresby & Nauru Behrouz Boochani, Writer and former refugee

A week ago, Bronzemedalist from 2018, Aneesh Pillai of India wasn’t allowed to compete in his event after he tested positive for COVID-19.

Yesterday, Australia’s Tahlia McGrath plays in the women’s cricket final despite testing positive for the same virus Aniket Mishra, Sports writer

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FINDING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS IN THE BACKYARD BIN

CAPTION CONTEST

BHAVYA PANDEY spoke with Melbourne environmentalist Kritika Jain who uses biodegradable materials to create a cleaning solution.

HK Tripathi wrote: Bright idea indeed. Inexpensive as well.

The plan to popularise is also prompt, practical and acceptable.

Swaran Maggo wrote: Temple flowers converted to cleaning agents, how innovative. I’d heard of Tirupati temple recycling its floral offerings into agarbattis (incense sticks), but cleaning solutions sound fantastic too.

Jennifer Kumar wrote: Orange peels are a treasured item in my kitchen!

They are a wonderful addition to my homemade stock made from all kinds of kitchen scraps, such as juice waste and vegetable peels.

We asked, what’s the chitchat between Dhanush and Vicky Kaushal at The Gray Man launch?

Rishi Singh won a movie ticket for his answer: Vicky to Dhanush, "How’s the josh?" Dhanush to Vicky, "Pretty high Sir." Nisha Singh Lambaa wrote: Two extremely good human beings, saying to each other, “Such an honour to stand beside you.”

Payal Singde wrote: Vicky Kaushal: Wish I could also wear a Veshti like you.

Smita Pawar Nashikkar wrote: Dhanush to Vicky: Thank God mera role nahikaata inn Hollywood waalo ne (Thank God these Hollywood folk didn’t cut out my role (in The Gray Man).

Rajani Sagar wrote: Arre Dhanush, tumhari shirt mere shirt se safed kaise?

WHERE IN INDIA

WHERE IN OZ

This place is the royal crematorium grounds for the Kachwaha, a Rajput clan that ruled in the region. Each cenotaph is topped with an umbrellashaped dome called a chhatri. Where in India can it be found?

We asked you to identify this Australian location, famous for its extraordinary clear blue seas, brilliant white beaches and striking orange lichen-cloaked boulders.

Readers Rani Jhala, Sweta Shah, Kirti Patel, and Rachna Gupta had this one in the bag. The answer is Gatore Ki Chhatriyan in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Readers Rachna Gupta, Petra O’Neill, Sejal Gupta and Divya Praveen got it right: Bay of Fires in Tasmania.

While there can be no shame in losing to the greatest cricket team ever, this was another reminder of how the Indian Women’s team is capable of consistently delivering must-watch television on the biggest stages. High time they got their own stage to do so now Bharat Sundaresan, Sports writer

According to the ATO’s latest taxation stats, there were 60 people who earned over $1 million and paid no tax. Zilch.

Meanwhile, people like nurses and teachers are paying more tax than these millionaires. Make it make sense.

Mehreen Faruqi MP

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#IndiaAt75

In the lead up to the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day, we bring you a game of #WhoAmI. Can you guess the identity of a famous son or daughter of Independent India with the clues provided?

Ranging from literature and sport, arts and business, and everything in between, these individuals come from all demographics and walks of life. Notably, they’ve all made their mark in the last decade, at the national or global scale. (Be warned though - some might not spring to mind immediately, despite their significant accomplishments). Take in the fun as you take in the excellence that our fellow Indians have achieved over the years, with our brightest years still ahead.

01

02

Batter. Prolific run-getter. Named by Wisden as Leading Cricketer. The third cricketer ever to appear in six ICC 50-over World Cups.

One of India’s musical ‘kings’ with over 7,000 compositions under their belt. Their songs have also been sampled by international acts like The Black Eyed Peas and M.I.A.

Answers on Page 26

Hint: You might’ve seen their Bollywood biopic

Hint: Nickname Isaignani, which means ‘musical genius’

03

04

05

Born in Uttar Pradesh, this writer’s work has been translated into German, Korean, even Serbian, but they made their mark in Hindi literature. They use their mother’s name as their adopted second name.

Opulent. Lux. Their couture offerings are known to be quite the hit at an Indian wedding!

Foodie. Chef. Restaurateur. MasterChef.

Author. Historian.

Hint: Their novel recently made international headlines

Hint: Royal Bengal Tiger

Hint: Tumne bataya nahin….

06

07

08

International cricket player. Took to media upon retiring. Rated as one of the top cricket commentators in the world.

Path-breaking young actor and model who fits right into the Regency era. They’ve been vocal about representation and addressing colourism in the acting industry.

Businessman. Philanthropist. Included in TIME’s 100 most influential people of 2021. We’d name their city but that would make this too easy!

Hint: Goes by a more Anglicised name in their acting credits

Hint: Their father is currently one of India’s richest people

Hint: Being a tennis fan, they also presented Wimbledon coverage.

8 AUGUST 2022

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09

Teacher. Hails from Orissa. One of the youngest people ever to take on their current job position.

10

Their ‘golden’ career began after being teased for childhood obesity. Today their name is etched in the history books. Plus, they’re known to be quite the sneakerhead.

11

One of the most searched Indian singers on Google. Every year, June 26 is celebrated in their honour in Ohio, USA.

Hint: Has been in the news very recently.

Hint: The proud parent of a loveable Golden Retriever named Tokyo.

12

13

14

Rocket scientist at the ISRO. Falsely implicated in espionage saga.

Beach. Beckham. Bride. Blockbusters!

The subject of numerous award-winning documentaries. Environmentalist from Assam.

Padmi Shri awardee.

Hint: They gained their nickname from the local word for radish

Hint: Devdas

Hint: Bollywood biopic

Hint: They were raised in, and frequently showcase, the ‘Little India’ of UK in their work

15

16

17

Patriot. Point 5140.

This person wore many hats in their lifetime, including leader and scientist. Think Wings of Fire.

Social reformer and Nobel Prize recipient. Led a nationwide Bharat Yatra in 2017.

Hint: Yeh dil mange more

Hint: Missile Man

Hint: Founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan

18

19

20

An illustrious career spanning over 40 years in the Indian Army. Padma Vibhushan Awardee.

This person’s writing varies from Indian history and environmentalism to history of cricket. A notable alum of The Doon School.

Born Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja, but you might be more familiar with their stage name. Actor, singer, producer. A family link to Rajnikanth.

Hint: Was once offered to write a biography of Atal Bihari Vajpayee (which they declined)

Hint: They were rubbing shoulders recently with Ryan Gosling and Ana de Armas

Hint: Tributes poured in from international figures like UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell, and US defence secretary Lloyd Austin after their recent demise

AUGUST 2022 9

#IndiaAt75 by Rajni Anand Luthra

A

n image depicting peaceful coexistence amidst religious diversity has won the top honours in Indian Link’s Independence Day photography contest for 2022.

A photograph of careful preservation of India’s ancient heritage took second place.

Winners Ritesh Ghosh and Amish Jain take home prizes valued at $200 and $150 respectively.

Indian Link’s annual photo contest at this time of the year, called #myIndianlink, seeks submissions of images from photographers that display their link to, or a feel of, India.

Entrants use the #myIndianlink hashtag to post their photographs on social media.

This year’s winner Ritesh Ghosh clicked his photograph in Kolkata.

“It’s an image very close to my heart,” he told Indian Link. “The wall art depicts the Hindu Goddess Kali and Jesus Christ, the Messiah or Saviour for Christians all over the world. The Muslim person walking through the frame completes my vision of the religious and cultural diversity of India.

It’s my way of reminding us all that we are all Indians first, above all religion.”

Ritesh took this photograph for a personal project on the graffiti wall art culture in Kolkata.

“I’ve visited this particular spot a few times, but on this occasion it was sheer luck to have observed the Muslim man approaching – it was totally candid.”

His wonderful visual storytelling through this beautiful image, captured the judges’ vote unanimously.

Amish Jain’s photo was taken in Udaipur, Rajasthan, at a location quite popular with photography enthusiasts.

“The spot, called Pachetiya Hill, is famous for its impeccable view of the mighty Mehrangarh Fort which overlooks the city,” Amish described to Indian Link. “It is also a fantastic sunset point, and its high altitude is a great vantage point to view the entire city.”

His particular perspective in the photograph depicts the ancient heritage of India as well as efforts to safeguard it for future generations.

“The image shows how joint efforts by citizens and government can do wonders to a place,” Amish observed. “The beautiful murals of Rajasthani art and culture along the sides of the path have increased the beauty of the place manyfold. Overall, the pic captures the Rajasthani vibe of art, culture and history – which is what I ventured out to record.”

Image of religious tolerance is #myIndianlink Check out the photo gallery from Indian Link’s second annual Independence Day Photo Contest

Ritesh Ghosh

The two images made it to the top of a shortlist of 16, culled from 106 entries this year. The Indian flag, fondly called Tiranga (Tricolour), featured prominently this time round, taking off no doubt from the Indian Government’s #HarGharTiranga initiative. It turned up at a variety of places in our contest – at the MCG; in the sky as a boxed kite; in the freezing water at a Sydney beach; on the wheelchair of a physically challenged athlete.

Colour and celebration were other recurring themes - judges scrolled through many Holi snapshots.

Religion and spirituality were also high on our photographers’ minds, perhaps after two years of a worldwide health crisis and changed living conditions. Night lights at the Golden Temple, prayers at the mosque, the famed Ganga aarti at dusk, and Jain temple architecture also made the cut.

Snapshots of kids were plentiful too, the high energy and unbridled joy in them making pleasant works of art.

Amish Jain

Scan the QR code to see the shortlist in the #myIndianlink competition 10 AUGUST 2022

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THE BIGGEST STARS | THE BIGGEST TEAMS | THE BIGGEST PRIZE

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Dominic Perrottet MP AUGUST 2022 11

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12 AUGUST 2022

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WORK

Giving cancer patients a bigger voice in their treatment

A

Breast cancer patients voicing their perspectives on treatment is significant to their prognosis and recovery

new study on breast cancer has found that a patient’s perspectives on their wellbeing can be better at predicting treatment and symptoms than clinicianbased tools.

Natansh Modi, lead author of the study conducted at Flinders University’s Clinical Cancer Epidemiology Lab, says the research findings highlight the importance of patient self-reports on their physical, social, emotional and functional abilities, in their treatment journey.

When the patient shares their opinion on their symptoms, it is formally known as the ‘Patient-reported outcomes (PROs)’.

These are usually treated as “secondary data to help with interpreting results”, according to Modi, but the new research results have shown these to be “significant factors associated with either the patient’s overall survival of cancer, with cancer not progressing, or severe adverse events during treatment.”

Almost 3000 breast cancer patients were studied as part of the research.

Additionally, the study found that patientreported data was often at odds with clinician-based data, with some clinicians overestimating their patient’s physical wellbeing. “We determined that around 70% of the patients who their clinicians defined as ‘fully active, and able to carry

Natansh Modi

on all pre-disease performance without restrictions’, went on to report limitations in their physical wellbeing status when asked,” Modi said.

These findings have spotlighted that a non-medical part of treatment – communication, can change the treatment journey for many patients. More weightage must be given to patient’s self-assessments as part of their treatment process.

A combination of questionnaires for patients and the clinician’s medical knowledge is the key to having a shared

decision-making process in treatment.

Natansh Modi told Indian Link why these conversations were so important to him.

“To ensure that the most appropriate and informed decision is made for the patient, the clinician and patient must collate and discuss the available evidence on the benefits and harms of treatments.”

He added that as a pharmacist, when patients ask him how certain drugs will work for them, he would rather give them a ‘personalised prediction’ of how it would impact them specifically than offering up

generic advice.

“It’s not just about the clinician telling you how well the drug works, it’s also about listening to the patient as well because oftentimes they have a good enough indication of how they feel in their body,” he expressed.

So, what’s going wrong in these conversations?

“One of the barriers is perhaps patients think that their perspective is dumb or stupid, or they think that the clinician is already thinking about it, so they don’t see that it’s important to mention it [their understanding of their symptoms,”] Modi replied. “Breast cancer drugs are very hard on your body with a lot of side effects, and if a patient says they’re not feeling well, perhaps the dose they’re getting is too high.”

According to Modi this isn’t a new occurrence. Previous research has also shown that in other forms of breast cancer, the patients’ recount of their wellbeing is also consistently different to the clinician’s report.

For him, this research is a starting point. The ultimate aim is to see the implementation of patient surveys in cancer treatment to allow them to express their perspective clearly to clinicians – an essential component in patient-centred care.

Iqra Saeed

An app for project management aspirants

I

When inspiration strikes at home

f you’re a professional currently pursuing certification in project management, you’ve probably heard of the Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Mentor app.

Free to use and rated highly, it has been downloaded 50,000 times on GooglePlay alone.

Developed by Sydney’s Kumud Sharma, the inspiration for it came from her architect husband while he prepared for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam himself.

“After a decade of working in Australia, my husband realised that project management plays a valuable role in the successful delivery of all projects,” Sharma told Indian Link.

“Understanding the critical role of effective project management, he decided to pursue certification in project management for greater credibility and advancement in his career.”

For the unacquainted, project management is the process of managing and leading a team using specialised knowledge, skills, and tools to deliver a project successfully and within the established constraints such as time, scope of the project, and budgeted cost. Project Managers

Kumud Sharma

help lead, remove blockers to success and provide support to those delivering the project. Life itself is full of projects from organising birthdays to weddings, building a house, or going on a holiday, we are all project managers in one way or another!

PMP is a highly valued certification and can be applicable to professionals across a wide range of sectors including IT and construction. The preparation is no doubt time consuming and expensive too but well worth it because it can lead to better roles and a potential salary increase of 2030%. To maintain the certification once earned, project management professionals are required to demonstrate continuity by earning points for learning new skills, networking and volunteering, every 3 years.

As Kumud helped her husband prepare for his Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, which was demanding and exhaustive, she herself gained project management experience through her experiences at her work as a manager at a training institute.

“I became keen to help other project management aspirants to replicate the success of my husband, who achieved this certification in the first attempt,” Kumud described.

The idea came up of creating a tool that would make it easy for professionals to work on their certification process. Kumud turned this idea into an opportunity and the PMP Exam Mentor was born – a comprehensive learning platform free of cost.

To her advantage, she was able to collaborate with her own family, her

husband and son (both IT professionals) who helped develop the app and provide technical support, while Kumud looked after content creation, marketing, quality testing, market research and customer support.

The app is made up of various sections, providing users with a multidimensional learning path, allowing them to choose how they learn, what they learn, and when they learn. It has 60 learning units comprising overviews, tutorials, exercises, and assessments – all of which also help those already practising to refresh their knowledge.

Kumud’s persistence with turning her idea into a real solution to help people can be an inspiration to many. “My greatest satisfaction lies in the fact that I am giving back to the community and making the exam and certification process smoother for aspirants,” Kumud reflected. “I am particularly pleased when people share that they passed the exam and can now access even better opportunities.”

She added with a smile, “As life always comes full circle, my daughter has now become a project manager and I’m hoping she uses my app PMP Exam Mentor to get certified.”

Kalyani Wakhare AUGUST 2022 13

IndianLink Media Group

Diwali Art Competition Design

INDIAN LINK’S Diwali card WIN

Prizes!

TWO categories: Kids up to 7 years, and Kids 8-12 years.

WIN book vouchers valued at $75 and $50 in both categories.

PLUS: The winning entry will be designed into Indian Link’s Diwali cards for the year 2022.

Colour in or paint the pattern presented here. Photocopy the pattern if you need to.

Send in your work, along with your name, age, address and phone number, to:

Indian Link, GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 Last date for submission 3 Oct 2022 For more details, ring the Indian Link office on 02 9729 2004, or email editor@indianlink.com.au Winners will be announced on Indian Link’s social media channels

14 AUGUST 2022

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FILM

Marathi film in contention at the AACTAs Produced by Sydney’s Pradnya Dugal, Maasa (The Fish) is the first Indian short film in its category

by Rajni Anand Luthra

A

Marathi language short film Maasa (The Fish), produced by the Sydney-based Pradnya Dugal, is a contender this year at the AACTAs, Australia’s most prestigious awards for excellence in film.

“It’s the first Indian language film in the Short Film category at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTAs)” Pradnya told Indian Link.

She added, laughing, “Things have changed a lot since my childhood – even ten years ago, it would have been impossible to see this happening.”

The baby steps in representation are very welcome.

Growing up here, it was novelty for Pradnya to see an Asian, let alone South Asian, face on screen, and so having got a foot in at the AACTAs means a lot.

Maasa (The Fish) is the story of a single woman eking out a living by selling cooked lunches to care for her young son and elderly mother-in-law. Enter a male figure,

who shows interest.

It premiered at the Mumbai International Film Festival in June this year.

“It’s a nice little film,” Pradnya said. “I’m quite proud of it, and it would be a shame not to get it up there for the world to see.”

She added, “Academy members are seeing it at the moment, and we’re waiting to see if it makes the short list.”

The film is the brainchild of Phulawa Khamkar, Pradnya’s close friend. Already a well-known and well-loved figure in the Marathi and Hindi film worlds, Maasa (The Fish) is Phulawa’s maiden attempt at direction.

She asked if Pradnya would produce it for her.

“Phulawa sent me the script which I loved; it’s quite a touching story. What cemented it was that it was based in Konkan, where my grandfather was born.

The place has great sentimental value for me, and I took the project on as a tribute to my ancestral roots.”

The 25-minute film was made in Konkan in February this year as border restrictions lifted.

“Given Phulawa’s professional standing, there was great industry support we were able to draw on. It was a labour of love for

all involved, a passion project.”

It was also important for Pradnya to use local village resources as much as possible.

Pradnya first came to film in 2016, after having long been drawn to the performing arts.

“Having been brought up here, in a small town like Port Macquarie with no exposure to Indian culture, I’ve always had a fascination to keep in touch with my cultural roots,” she described. “Indian films on VHS tapes were a routine feature, and by the time I moved to Sydney for the HSC, I was well and truly into dance.”

Pradnya is well-known in Sydney’s Indian community as a dancer, although she is a doctor by profession.

“The attraction to diaspora stories soon followed, because that was my lived life.”

The idea of film came up when she paid tribute in a public forum to her dad’s generation of Indian professionals who paved the way for future migrants. “You should make a film on your dad,” someone said to her.

It sparked the interest in films. She soon helmed her first project, a Bollywood-style feature.

“It was a small-budget film, but got a theatrical release. More importantly, it was a learning experience and opened my eyes

to the process.”

She then took a course in film production at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), and produced two independent feature films in America, The Sound of Silence and Farewell Amor, both of which went to Sundance.

She agrees her passion is very different to her day job.

“It’s nice to embrace new things,” she smiled. “To be able to tell stories on screen, I’m currently loving being part of that process.”

While the journey with Maasa (The Fish) at the AACTAs and beyond is still ongoing, Pradnya has already signed on a new project. All she’ll reveal about it though, is, “It is set on home soil here in Australia, and explores cross cultural themes while supporting upcoming creative professionals, particularly young women.”

She is deeply aware that the Australian industry is quite behind in terms of showing diversity.

“We’re still evolving,” she ruminated.

“We’re not like the UK where they have a great multicultural range. We’re talking about it, but there’s still a long way to go.”

The recent uptake of Indian soft culture is particularly heartening. “The Census showed that India is a majority migrant nation, and that should be reflected on our screens,” she observed.

“There is scope for that, and I’ll do my bit to help in that regard. It really is an exciting time. Diversity is on top of the list of priorities on many platforms – for me it is the wind behind my sails.”

Another category, Best Asian Film, was introduced in 2017; Aamir Khan’s Dangal won in the category which also shortlisted Pink and Kaasav: Turtle. 2018 saw the Indian films Newton, Sanju and Gali Guleiyan given the nod.

The 2022 AACTA awards may still be a while away, but Australian audiences will be able to see Maasa (The Fish) very shortly: it’s been picked up for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne this month.

AUGUST 2022 15

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वृद्ध देखभाल कनेक्टर मेरी मदद कैसे कर सकते हैं? वृद्ध देखभाल कनेक्टर को कौन एकसेस कर सकता है? मैं वृद्ध देखभाल कनेक्टर प्ोग्ाम को कैसे एकसेस कर सकता/सकती हूं?

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ऑस्ट्रेललया में सभी राजयों और राजय-क्ेत्ों में वृद्ध देखभाल कनेक्टर हैं। वृद्ध देखभाल कनेक्टर आपकी पसंदीदा भाषा में

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आपकी सहायता कर सकते हैं। वृद्ध देखभाल कनेक्टर वृद्ध देखभाल सहायता के बारे में जानकारी प्दान कर सकते हैं। घर पर वृद्ध देखभाल सहायता कैसे प्ापत करें, वृद्ध देखभाल कनेक्टर इस बारे में स्टीक और स्वतंत् जानकारी प्ापत करने में आपकी सहायता करेगा। वृद्ध देखभाल सहायता में खरीदारी सेवाएं, सामालजक गलतलवलियां, भोजन लवतरण, वयककतगत देखभाल, नलसिंग देखभाल और अनय सेवाएं शालमल हो सकती हैं। वृद्ध देखभाल सहायता घर पर या आवासीय सुलविा में प्दान की जा सकती है

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वृद्ध देखभाल कनेक्टर आपको वृद्ध देखभाल सेवाओं तक पहुँचने में मदद करने के ललए आमने-सामने सहायता प्दान करेगा। यलद आप पहले से ही MyAgedCare के साथ पंजीकृत हैं, आपको प्ापत होने वाली वृद्ध-देखभाल सेवा के प्कार को बदलने में मदद करता है। यलद आपको लकसी अनय प्कार की सहायता की आवशयकता है, तो वृद्ध देखभाल कनेक्टर आपका संपक्क लकसी ऐसे अनय वयककत से भी स्थालपत कर सकता है जो आपकी सहायता करने में सक्म हो।

हिंदी में जानकारी के हिए संपक्क करें Kiran - Aged Care Connector Phone: 02 9718 6199; Mobile: 0451-885-676 Email: connector@mc.org.au Address: Suite 30, 532 Canterbury Rd Campsie 2194 Website: www.multiculturalcare.com.au

Contact (Southern Tasmania)

Contact (Northern Tasmania)

Claudia Madali MRC Tas Glenorchy office: EnCOMPASS Care Connector KGV Sports and Community Centre 03 6221 0999 Level 2, 1A Anfield St Glenorchy agedcare@mrctas.org.au

Fatima Nawrozi MRC Tas Launceston office: EnCOMPASS Care Connector 27 Paterson St Launceston 03 6724 2820 agedcare@mrctas.org.au

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Aged Care Connector will help you find accu-

vice you receive, if you are already registered

rate and independent information on how to

with MyAgedCare.

get aged care support at home Who can access Aged Care Connectors?

services, social activities, food delivery, per-

someone else who may be able to assist you.

How can I access the Aged Care Connectors

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Aged Care connector can guide you on

The Aged Care Connector will provide face-

Aged Care Connectors are located in a range

to-face support to help you access aged care

of areas in urban and regional locations

services. This is a FREE service.

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or in a residential facility

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Helps you change the type of aged-care ser-

For details in Hind please contact Kiran - Aged Care Connector Phone: 02 9718 6199; Mobile: 0451-885-676 Email: connector@mc.org.au Address: Suite 30, 532 Canterbury Rd Campsie 2194 Website: www.multiculturalcare.com.au

16 AUGUST 2022

www.indianlink.com.au

PASTIMES

Street art of a different kind GPS artist Pravin Xeona is finding shapes and designs in his beloved city’s streets, in a creative new hobby

by Rhea L Nath

D

uring Melbourne’s lockdown in 2020, local Pravin Xeona found an interesting outlet to ‘stay sane’: mapping Melbourne’s streets on his bicycle.

These pre-planned routes took the shapes of an elephant, a guitar, the Google T-Rex and even video game character Mario.

“I’ve been cycling since I was a child. It’s a form of exercise that I’ve always enjoyed,” Pravin told Indian Link.

“Then a few years ago, I came across this video on the Global Cycling Network’s YouTube channel by a British GPS artist and I knew I wanted to try it out.”

Finding Melbourne’s extensive network of alleys and laneways to be the perfect

Mario

canvas, the then-international student of RMIT University began his GPS designs.

“I look for inspirations at other people’s artwork. Then when I have an idea in mind, I look at the map of Melbourne to see if it’s possible to execute,” he explained.

“Sometimes I’ll be halfway through a route and hit a roadblock and have to change course entirely or give up on this design.”

He says it takes him around 2-3 hours to thoroughly plan his route.

“I take a screenshot and then use my tablet to plot out the route visually,” Pravin added.

Now no longer limited by a 5-kilometre lockdown radius, the 29-year-old has gotten to work exploring more parts of the city. To date, he’s successfully completed around 18 designs.

His GPS artwork of a kangaroo has been particularly well received, having been shared by ABC Melbourne on social media and executed by a few other GPS artists.

(Like many others, Pravin routinely shares

Snake boat

his routes on platforms like Komoot for others to try out.)

His most recent GPS artwork is the traditional snake boat of Kerala, an ode to his home state in India. It took more than 4 hours to complete and spanned some 86 kilometres.

“I’d say my longest design has been around 85, 86 kilometres. Sometimes I divide this between days and merge the routes to get the design,” he said.

Another fascinating design saw him collaborating with German artist Christian Ohantel for a ‘GPS route swap’ across continents. Pravin drew an eagle, to be executed by Ohantel in Munich, while he received a dingo design to be executed in Melbourne.

GPS art, while not new, has been taking off on social media platforms in the last few years. Some artists, like Pravin, complete the designs on their bicycles while others may run or jog the route. They use platforms like Strava or MapMyRun to

execute the design, either completing it in one single shot (keeping in mind that a single wrong turn could ruin their design) or using a start/stop technique.

“It can be considered cheating, but I only care about the drawing,” Pravin noted.

Lockdowns around the world also caused a rise in a subset of GPS art called ‘burbing’ wherein locals explore every road of a particular suburb. In November last year, Pravin rode every single street in Fitzroy.

“GPS art is a really fun way to stay fit while being creative!” he grinned. “I often post my designs on the Melbourne subreddit and have people comment that it looks hard, but really, it’s something anyone can do. Trust me, I don’t have any artistic skills. It just takes some planning.”

In fact, that’s his advice for anyone looking to get started.

“I’d say the hardest part is starting out. But once you have a plan, have a route in mind and hit the road, it gets easier,” he said.

Collaboration with a Munich artist AUGUST 2022 17

STAGE

Fangirling big time Rising star Manali Datar plays the lead in Fangirls at the Sydney Opera House

Manali Datar in Fangirls

18 AUGUST 2022

www.indianlink.com.au

by Manan Luthra

"I

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Just finished watching: The Umbrella Academy, Season 3 Currently listening to: Gemini Rides

by Steve Lacy and It’s A Feeling by Matthew Young

Melbourne or Sydney: Melbourne Favourite Bollywood actor: Rani Mukerji Favourite Harry Potter character: Dobby.

As Rose Granger-Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Pic: Twitter

Pic: Lachlan Woods

I’m still in shock that I’m going to be performing at the Sydney Opera House!” Manali Datar, star of the show Fangirls, exclaimed.

For an actor, singer, and dancer who’s been described as ‘a rising star’, that sounds hard to believe. Yet she persisted, “You imagine as a kid that one day you’ll get to perform at the Opera House, and now I actually get to do it. It’s all a little surreal, like, it hasn’t sunk in completely.”

In the musical, Manali stars as a teenage girl obsessed with her pop star idol. It has been performed all over the country and won numerous industry awards, including ARIA nominations (Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theatre Cast Album 2021) and the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Mainstage Musical in 2019.

With this new role, Manali Datar is one of Australia’s hottest new performing arts prospects. She may claim that she’s still taking her success in, having finished her acting degree just four years ago, but she has lit up the stage twice before, playing Rose Granger-Weasley in the Melbourne production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Priya Singh in Sydney Theatre Company’s White Pearl.

Though Datar’s career has skyrocketed in recent years, she always had the passion for performance in her. She described her parents as ‘very artistic people’, and India (where she lived in Pune prior to moving to Brisbane as a child) as having “creative stimulation pretty much everywhere, even our food.” Being in that kind of environment had an obvious effect on her – it’s clear that she never considered a career outside of the arts.

And nor did she need to. When she was six, she played the title role in her school’s production of Alice in Wonderland. In 2014 and 2015, she performed at two major sporting grand finals. And just last year, she helped write and produce the song Signs, performed by Melbourne pop duo Ultrafine.

Naturally, she considers Harry Potter as being among her current career highlights. ‘‘Harry Potter was a massively steep learning curve,” she revealed. “It taught me how the industry works and what it takes to put on a huge show in just a few months.

There were so many incredible actors in the cast who I learned a lot from, and the fan interactions were great too. It was lovely to meet

a ‘village’ or ‘community’ (of Harry Potter fans).”

Though the show had its mix of fun and challenging moments – Datar spoke fondly of the aerial work she did, but less so about trying to live a normal life outside of acting – it is not the only feather in her theatre cap. In 2022 she was cast in White Pearl, a comedic play about a skin bleaching advertisement gone wrong. Playing a leading role, and with a highly diverse cast and crew, she said that the production felt like ‘a homecoming.’

“Because of White Pearl, I had a spiritual awakening towards my Indian-ness and relationship with my identity. I learned a lot about myself, and along with the rest of the team, got really immersed in the play’s world.’

That type of relationship with identity is something Datar has continued. Even though she sometimes feels separated from Indian culture, as many young migrants do, she spoke fondly about the weekly ‘Bollywood night’ she has with her partner, where they will sit down and watch a Bollywood movie together.

There might not be much time for that in the near future, given Fangirls is on until September.

With her experience in mind, she candidly offered the following advice for young artists wanting to follow in her footsteps.

“Always keep learning. I always think there’s more to know, and when I do learn something new, I feel like I grow more as a person. Also, never switch yourself off to being wrong. You’ll make mistakes, and that’s okay. Again, use those mistakes as learning opportunities. Finally, always stay curious. If you really want to do something, find the community that is as passionate as you about it, and go for it.”

AUGUST 2022 19

#myIndianlink

Pachetiya Hill, Jodhpur, Rajasthan Image by AMISH JAIN Second prize winner in Indian Link’s Independence Day Photo Contest

20 AUGUST 2022

www.indianlink.com.au

AUGUST 2022 21

Photo: Canva

EDUCATION

The gaining of independence Some notes for parents, teachers and mentors as they guide their wards from dependence to autonomy by MOHAN DHALL

L

ife is a process of moving from dependence to autonomy and possibly then to reluctant dependence. Be it in guiding the growth of the self, children, careers or communities, the overarching goal of autonomy calls to each of us over time.

Agency and empowerment, arising from selfunderstanding, characterise the movement towards autonomy. This is an essential step that all people must negotiate if they are to have a fulfilling life.

There are a series of steps that need to be accomplished for independence to be achieved.

Planning in this regard is essential to success.

Modelling tasks

One of the first steps that adults can take to help young people move towards greater autonomy is the modelling of tasks. This requires the guide to breakdown a complex task into a series of achievable steps. This might mean, in the first instance, that only the first step is modelled. That is, if there are a series of steps which make an activity or task quite complicated, a considered 22 AUGUST 2022

approach to what can reasonably be mastered must be taken. Once the first step has been achieved then additional steps become easier to master.

Modelling tasks requires patience.

A person moving from dependence to independence is initially likely to do tasks in a way that is incomplete, unsuccessful or partially successful. This can frustrate the young person - however, it should not frustrate the guide who is managing the process. That is, mistakes or incompletions will occur in moving from dependence to greater independence and these should be expected and even welcomed.

Sometimes in frustration a parent or adult might do a task for a child that they can do themselves. When teaching young people how to gain greater autonomy, time should not be a pressure. When time takes priority, the frustration used to manage the process can undermine the confidence of a child on their journey to greater autonomy.

In essence this means that the process is proactive rather than reactive. It is planned and considered rather than reflexive and brutal.

Graduated risk taking

As young people gain some agency, their capacity to undertake more and more complex tasks should mean that they are given greater and greater autonomy. This

autonomy will happen in several different domains in their life. For example, there may be greater cognitive autonomy to manage school-based tasks and assessments.

There will be greater social autonomy to initiate and negotiate friendships and personal relationships. They may also display greater physical autonomy in the choice of leisure activities that they would like to pursue.

In each case, experimentation by the youngster can make parents feel guarded, powerless and anxious. If the young person is successful the relief is palpable!

Young people will meet boundaries and will seek to push those boundaries further.

In doing so, their sense of self becomes larger. A sense of self that crosses different domains in life leads to more robust selfesteem. A child isn't defined by only one aspect of themselves because they know they are multifaceted and draw esteem from various aspects.

Graduated risk-taking can feel scary for young people. In an academic context, this takes the form of allowing students to make mistakes or “fail”. The purpose is to allow the young person to separate their selfesteem from the outcome. This means that the focus is on the process and trying, rather than defining success only by achievement or what has been completed successfully.

Safety net

Even though the ideal for all young people as they grow is to achieve the greatest level of autonomy and independence, responsible adults need to be ready and available as a safety net. This way, the adult will know when a child feels abandoned, and when it is appropriate to step in and take greater control and give greater direction.

This is no simple process.

Sometimes young people, adolescents and even adults resist help even when they need it. The confidence gained from independence and autonomy can be the very same confidence that pushes away much needed support. Our mental health and suicide statistics attest to this.

Mentors must learn to distinguish between hearing and listening. Hearing is a physical process by which sound is acknowledged. Active listening requires a person to understand how words convey feelings beyond those that are uttered.

Life is a journey from total dependence to agency and autonomy. There are times when all people, regardless of personal strength, need to rely on others.The true maturity of independence is doing as much as one can for oneself, and also knowing when to ask for support.

www.indianlink.com.au

Tune in to Saturday Spice @ 9 am 24/7 Streaming AUGUST 2022 23

lifestyle If you want to make your own

Chai Shai Café, Fitzroy,

Melbourne

Here’s how Raji Jayadev, Sydney-based Accredited Practising Dietitian, does her masala chai

6 cardamom pods 6 cloves 1 cm piece cinnamon stick ½ teaspoon black peppercorn ½ cm piece fresh ginger, crushed 1 ¼ cup water 1 ¼ cup fat free milk 2 teaspoons black tea leaves 1 teaspoon honey Crush cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and peppercorn in a mortar and pestle or grind to a coarse powder in a coffee grinder.

Place 1 ¼ cup of water, all the spices, milk and tea leaves into a saucepan and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and boil for 3-4 minutes. Stir in honey. Turn off heat.

Pour into 2 mugs through a strainer. Serve immediately.

Serves 2 Variation: Use 2 rooibos tea bags instead of black tea leaves.

Rooibos tea is caffeine free.

It makes a delicious, warming bedtime drink.

, Elizabeth la a iw a h C t u o p o r D

St, Melbourne

Per serve: energy 302 kJ (72 cal); protein 6 g; fat 0 g; saturated fat 0 g; carbohydrate 12 g; fibre 0 g; calcium 198 mg; iron 0.17 mg; sodium 68 mg Source: rajijayadev.com.au

24 AUGUST 2022

www.indianlink.com.au

s, Sydney

t Hill Ambi’s Chai Bar, Pennan

Home is where the chai is We’re seeing a revival of chai as we used to know it, thanks to new outlets serving the authentic item. RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA and BHAVYA PANDEY step out for some (real) chai

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ove over, vanilla chai, chai latte and dirty chai. The old chai like we always knew it, is new again.

With a mushrooming of chai outlets in Sydney and Melbourne, the desi cuppa could soon be giving coffee a run for its money as a hot beverage option.

Freshly brewed over a stove with milk (there’s not an espresso machine in sight), with different spices thrown in to evoke different moods, and with sugar if you prefer, the chai varieties at these new retailers are comforting and uplifting. And thoroughly warming, given the icy blasts we’ve been having lately.

As every chai lover knows, good chai is not just a beverage but an emotion – it’s nostalgia in every cup.

Home is where the chai is.

Ambi’s Chai Bar, Pennant Hills, Sydney

List your favourite chai spice, and you’ll find it at Ambi’s. Ginger. Pepper.

Lemongrass. Cardamom. Ajwain. Fennel.

Take your pick.

Or you would like to try haldi dood, a perfect winter after-dinner drink, rarely found on a restaurant menu. Called ‘Turmeric Chai with no Tea’ over here, it is milk brewed with ginger, turmeric, and spices.

Ambi’s Chai Bar is less than three years old but is fast becoming quite the late evening hangout spot for locals in Sydney’s North Shore.

The look – noir and dramatic – attracts you immediately, and the eclectic music and low lights add to its atmosphere as a ‘bar’ rather than a restaurant.

“That was the intent from the get-go,” proprietor Ambi Thind told Indian Link.

“The experience here is more like wine tasting, as I introduce the chais to those who are coming to it anew. I’ll get them to start with something gentle, and then move them up.”

In terms of the décor, Ambi reveals it is an amalgam of early influences. “I’ve recreated the feel of the corner shop in Africa where I grew up; the ‘cha di hatti’ in Punjab, and the shebeens (illicit drinking clubs) that were dark and noisy and smoky.”

The chai of course, has to be authentic.

“We can’t filter-make it, and we won’t use urns. We’ll take time to make our teas, so don’t expect your chai in a hurry. We want you to sit back, relax, reflect, gossip, flirt…”

And yet, Ambi is not averse to trying a new thing or two with his chais. Like adding chocolate.

Or trying oatmilk, which he resisted like a true-blue Punjab da puttar because “it’s just not authentic!” He ultimately gave in because his staff insisted a plantbased option was needed. Brewed with gud (jaggery), fennel and ginger, Ambi’s oatmilk tea has become a runaway hit.

“It creates a sense of nostalgia, taking you back to the cold wintry mornings in Punjab. It’s mineral rich and unprocessed, and therefore earthy. It was worth it for the effort that went into the R&D – we learnt how to eliminate the water completely, and not to boil, but just bring it to a bubble.”

Ambi’s has ten staff currently, all of them young folk that the boss likes to call ‘spice girls and spice guys’. They’re mostly non-Indian but are all ardent chai lovers.

They contribute to the hip factor of the place, such as adding a Chai-mpionship Wall, reggae nights, and events such as Ugly Xmas sweater contests.

Ambi himself comes to chai after a storied career – in the British Army serving in Europe, beef and dairy farming in Africa, playing hockey across the globe, and currently running an empire of educational institutions with centres in NSW, QLD and Dubai.

Talk to him and he’ll tell you a yarn about being inspired to open Ambi’s Chai Bar by a women’s hockey team that he coached in Pennant Hills.

Sit back and enjoy your Indian tea here; maybe tuck into some Indo-African fusion food – how about Chole and chaull? Or the Haraka wrap?

You’ll leave knowing you’ll be back.

Chai Shai Café, Fitzroy, Melbourne

Owner-operators Riddhima Sachdeva and Sahil Kapoor, both tea connoisseurs, offer you 22 different varieties of chai to pick from – including the classic masala, kadak, sweet cinnamon and vanilla almond.

The live brewing of chai, as well as the grinding of spices in the traditional style in mortar and pestle, brings in a touch of theatre for new customers and tourists.

It also advertises the fact that each cup is handmade fresh, and no premixes are used.

“Our teas come straight from the estates in India,” Riddhima told Indian Link. “The produce is preservative-free and is grown in healthy soil with sustainable farming methods.

I’m proud to say we are giving a helping hand to small growers based in India.”

Besides the Indian tea, Chai Shai serves cold brew liquors in various flavours including rose, hibiscus, jasmine and passionfruit. Brewed for over 16 hours, these are served with traditional Indian snacks.

Dropout Chaiwala, Elizabeth St, Melbourne

A Melbourne-based chai store providing authentic style blends in a takeaway range, Dropout Chaiwala (or DCW) serves chai in eight different flavours – classic cutting chai, cardamom, masala, ginger, lemongrass, saffron and its exclusive ‘Mystery chai’.

No prizes for guessing how the company got its name: CEO Sanjith Konda famously dropped out of his last semester of business studies to start the venture with three mates Arun, Sushma and Preetham.

“I was looking to meet current market needs, especially in the international student space,” Sanjith told Indian Link.

“A chai café sounded like a great idea – not just because we missed authentic Indian chai, but also as we needed a space outside uni where we could meet like-minded others.”

Of course he was also inspired by his own mum’s chai.

And so, rather than give modern twists to the native Indian beverage, the goal became to keep the product original. “This has worked well, given our bestseller is Masala chai. We make it with star anise, pepper, clove and cardamom.”

Like all their chais, this one is refreshing as well as healthy.

“Customers tell us the chai reminds them of home,” Sanjith smiled. “It’s their kind of Starbucks!”

DCW has partnered with student organisations and other social start-up groups.

“The plan is to disrupt the beverage market in Australia with our range of Desi Chai,” Sanjith said.

AUGUST 2022 25

PETS

Paws for thought The pros and cons of a pet-friendly office, according to JANETTE YOUNG and SARAVANA KUMAR of proper socialisation, such as a certificate of basic obedience.

It needs procedures mapping out all contingencies. Owners should be responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and ensuring they do not cause disruption.

But whose insurance will cover potential animal or human injuries, or damage to property? Do workers’ compensation policies cover animal-related incidents?

How to make pet-friendly work Photo: Canva

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or you and your pooch a petfriendly workplace may seem a no-brainer. More of us are facing pet separation anxiety than ever before. Dog ownership surged with pandemic lockdowns and working from home. Now, with the boundaries between work and home already so blurred, shouldn’t every inclusive, caring employer embrace an open-doggy-door policy?

What’s the harm? After all, isn’t there a growing body of research showing the benefits of pets in the workplaces?

Maybe. Yes, pets certainly can bring benefits to the workplace. These include reducing stress and improving social interaction and job satisfaction.

But the same studies showing benefits, and that most people support pet-friendly workplace, also highlight the risks, hazards and concerns that must be considered for a pet-friendly workplace to be inclusive, equitable and sustainable.

Dogs aren’t for everyone Not everyone loves dogs. Some people just don’t like them, and a small percentage fear them – a condition called cynophobia.

A commonly reported number of how many this affects is 5% of the population, but this is likely US-specific, with rates differing by country and culture. Global studies suggest about 3.8% have a lifetime animal phobia (2% of men, 5.4% of women), including dogs and cats.

About 10–20% of the global population are allergic to dogs or cats. This rate is increasing.

But 100% of workers have a right to feel safe and not have their health compromised at work.

This doesn’t automatically rule out a pet-friendly policy, but it does require exploring and addressing all these issues adequately.

Equity matters Does everyone get to bring their pet to work?

If the boss can because they have a separate office but those sharing a open-plan space can’t, it’s likely to cause

resentment.

The time spent petting, feeding or taking a dog for toilet breaks may also stoke negative feelings among some colleagues.

What about those with other types of pets? Some cats also suffer separation anxiety. Parrots (budgerigars, cockatiels, conures and others) also form strong attachments to humans and can become highly stressed when left alone.

Getting to work is also an equity issue.

In many countries a pet-friendly workplace will require driving to work, because only registered assistance animals are allowed on public transport and in public spaces.

It’s unfair if the only workers able to take advantage of a pet-friendly workplaces are those who can drive.

What’s in it for the dog?

Even though most dog owners want to take their dog to work, it’s very important to ask if that really is in your pet’s best interest.

Yes, dogs are a highly social species; and yes, your dog likes to be around you.

But, like humans, not every dog is a people person. For some dogs home is their safe

space. Even with their “human” they may be stressed away from it.

Dogs, being sensitive to human emotions, may well feel stressed by your workplace if it also stresses you.

Other animal issues to consider include the presence of other dogs.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY Organisational factors INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY! A workplace therefore needs to consider multiple factors to make a pet-friendly policy work.

It needs to ensure the feelings of all workers have been considered, and whether the policy favours some at the expense of others.

In needs to ensure the work space is suitable for both human and animal wellbeing and hygiene. Though dogs’ space needs vary enormously, even the smallest dog needs space out of walkways and kick zones – being under a desk is not really suitable – as well as ready access to water bowls and outdoor toileting areas.

It needs policies codifying expected standards of behaviour – both human and animal. This may include requiring proof

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It may seem we’re focusing on barriers to workplaces being dog-friendly. But assessing and addressing all the risks makes the likelihood of success much greater.

A useful document to help work through all the issues is the Pets at Work Took it (funded by pet food maker Mars Petc are) which covers things from making a case to senior management to how to create a workplace pet policy.

Another useful document is the Safe Animal Friendly Environments multi-species companion-animal risk management tool developed in 2021 by University of South Australia researchers for the UK’s Society for Companion Animal Studies.

Though designed specifically to promote people entering aged care to keep their pets, this document includes a comprehensive list of risks, responsibilities and mitigation actions.

So if taking your dog to work appeals to you, chat to your colleagues, identify the issues and put a policy in place.

It may prove to be a great thing for your colleagues, you and most of all your dog.

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ADVERTISEMENT

On detachment and nonattachment Pramukh Swami Maharaj mastered the art of detaching himself to be present in, and for, the world

A

n American author from the 1800s, Henry David Thoreau was an advocate of simple living, inspired partly by the Bhagavad Gita, whose teachings he called “stupendous and cosmogonal”. He spent two years in the remote forests of Massachusetts, living alone in his self-made cabin on the shores of Walden Pond. The cabin cost him a mere $28 to build (less than $900 in today’s money), and he relied on civilisation only for the basics, such as clothing and fuel. He even planted a bean field to grow his own food. After over two years, he ended his experiment with the conclusion that “most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.”

Thoreau’s less-is-more experience agrees with that of many others who have similarly escaped today’s consumerist society. Indeed, Bhagwan Swaminarayan has preached again and again of the dangers of maya, and the reasons for overcoming its temptations. His teachings were embodied by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan: the life he lived was completely unattached to the mundane world.

On his road travels once in 2009, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s vehicle was forced to take a detour through his birthplace of Chansad. For most people, this would be a welcome distraction to revive old memories, but Pramukh Swami was unmoved. The sadhus accompanying him began to enthusiastically point out the new mandir, hospital, school, and other BAPS projects in the village. People gathered along the road to felicitate Pramukh Swami, waving and calling out ardently, yet he remained his usual calm and composed self. His entourage may have been surprised at his nonchalance, but it was Pramukh Swami’s detachment as well as nonattachment that was being

28 AUGUST 2022

articulated.

On another occasion, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s personal attendant Yogicharan Swami joked to him, “Our Guru Shastriji Maharaj used to say that your wrists were too thin. Now that you have reduced the portion size of your meals, it seems we need Shastriji Maharaj to return and tell you the same again.” Pramukh Swami Maharaj replied, “Yes, Swamiji would take great care in seeing that I ate properly. Thanks to his blessings, I developed a healthy appetite, and I was able to put on some weight.

However, I don’t have much of an appetite anymore.” For Pramukh Swami Maharaj, eating was never to satisfy the senses, but one more way he could fulfill the command of his guru and offer his devotion to him.

Every day of his life, Pramukh Swami Maharaj reminded us of the definition of detachment from the world. However, it was more than mere detachment that

he transcended. He was asked once, by another attending sadhu Prayagmuni Swami, “Our fourth spiritual leader Yogiji Maharaj wanted satsang to spread through countless universes. He wanted it to reach Japan, China and Russia. Do you have any such wishes?” Pramukh Swami Maharaj answered, “If we can fulfill the wishes made by Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj, that in itself is more than enough. When Yogi Bapa (Yogiji Maharaj) has declared his wishes, what is the need for us to come up with more?”

He was pressed further by devotee Dr Kiranbhai, who said, “At least tell us one of your wishes.”

Yet Pramukh Swami Maharaj maintained, “My only thought is to fulfill each of Yogi Bapa’s wishes. That is the thought which constantly stays with me.”

Evidently, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was so self-effacing that he simply considered himself as a vessel for his guru and Bhagwan Swaminarayan, and his

body as a physical means to carry out their wishes.

Thoreau experimented with detachment for two years, and the sadhus of BAPS surpass his feat by vowing to a life of detachment, but Pramukh Swami Maharaj transcended them all: he was ‘jakte anasakta’, or detached from this world, even while he lived within it.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life gave us the strength to realise that even though we are enmeshed in the modern, material world, we can resolve to be detached from it and seek happiness from a purer source: by pleasing Bhagwan Swaminarayan and our guru.

This article series aims to pay tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the BAPS movement in his birth centennial.

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

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AUGUST 2022 29

TRAVEL

INA Memorial

Where it

Bose arriving in Singapore in 1943

Singapore a key site of In Sentosa Island

It was in Singapore that Subhas Chandra Bose launched his Azad Hind Fauj to rid India of the British.

A

by Sandip Hor

s the day of liberation from British rule, August 15 is redletter in the calendar of modern India. This year the day is extraspecial to honour and celebrate 75 years of this hard-earned freedom.

The long-drawn struggle for this independence took place not just within India where battles were fought, blood spilled and lives lost, it also gained momentum in Indian communities then living outside the boundaries of British India Such as in Singapore, where I visited recently to dig out traces of India’s independence movement led primarily by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Sentosa Island is presently one of Singapore’s major tourist hubs offering several avenues to relax and have fun.

However, in the late 19th century, the island was a British military base comprising four coastal citadels, out of which only Fort Siloso still exists as a key icon of the venue for visitors like me who are interested to know Singapore’s wartime episodes, particularly during WWII. Amongst several displays, the most invigorating to me there was the Surrender Chambers, which showcased - through various mediums including wax-made models - the Japanese invasion and occupation of Singapore in 1942 all the way through to their surrender in 1945 at the end of the war. This was important for my mission because it was the Japanese occupation of British Singapore that triggered Bose to arrive in Singapore to mobilise the Indian-origin POWs

captured by the Japanese to lead the newly established Indian National Army (INA) or the ‘Azad Hind Fauj’ to fight against the British in India.

Soon after his arrival on 2 July 1943, Bose used his powerful oratory not only to stir the Indian POWs to strengthen their loyalty to the INA, but also enthused the local Indian community to volunteer and contribute funds in support of the INA. “I heard many stories about Bose from my father,” Sangram Singh, a third generation Singaporean of Indian descent, told me. He runs a shop in Little India, one of the city’s most culturally vibrant conclaves,which has been home to the settlers from the subcontinent for more than a century.

“My father was present at the historic gathering at Padang field where Bose talked to the large mass of the local Indian community,” Singhrecounted.

Not far from Little India, Padang still exists

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t all began

Historic ground of Padang

Surrender Chamber inside Fort Siloso

Little India

Hindu temple in Little India

ndia’s Freedom Struggle as a large spread of greenery, overlooked by the National Gallery of Singapore. Visiting the site, I felt transported back in time to imagine myself standing in the crowd and listening to one of greatest patriots of India motivating fellow Indians to join his military quest to free their motherland from the colonisers. His famous marching call “Dilli Chalo” echoed in my ears.

Stamford Road

Similar emotions engulfed me when at the site of the former Capital Building on Stamford Road. It was here that Bose, on 21 October 1943, announced the formation of the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore, declaring himself as the Head of State, Prime Minister and Minister of War. Though declared outside India, many regard this as the forerunner of India’s independence.

In his inspirational speech, he is reported to have said the following: “In the name of

God, in the name of bygone generations who have welded the Indian people into one nation, and in the name of the dead heroes who have bequeathed to us a tradition of heroism and self-sacrifice, we call upon the Indian people to rally round our banner and strike for India’s freedom. We call upon them to launch the final struggle against the British and their allies in India and to prosecute that struggle with valour and perseverance and full faith in final victory until the enemy is expelled from Indian soil and the Indian people are once again a Free Nation.”

Regrettably, around the site there is no plaque or memorial in tribute to this episode so important in the history of both India and Singapore.

Esplanade Park

Fortunately, there is an INA memorial inside the nearby Esplanade Park installed in 1995 to commemorate the 50th

anniversary of the end of World War II. It stands on the site of the original memorial established in 1945 by Bose himself but was destroyed after the war.

It was one of the proudest moments of my life to stand there and pay homage to the soldiers of the INA who gallantly contributed to the birth of free India which finally and formally came on 15 August 1947.

Chettiar Temple

There are a few other memoirs in Singapore that mark footsteps of Bose, the Chettiar Temple on Tank Road being one of them.

It’s said Bose would frequently drop in there with his close associate and Muslim INA officer Abid Hasan, attesting to his principle of making no division based on religion and language. While in Singapore he formed within INA a women's brigade called the Rani Jhansi Regiment. That testified to his other principle of not differentiating between the sexes either.

Travel Notebook Getting There Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) and Scoot (www.flyscoot.com)fly direct flight to Singapore from multiple Australian cities. All passengers entering Singapore are required to fill in the Digital SG Arrival Card.

Stay Neighbouring the Little India conclave, Village Hotel Albert Court (www.villagehotels. asia) is located close to the Bose memoirs and offers complimentary breakfast, late checkout and currency vouchers as a part of their discovery package.

AUGUST 2022 31

ENTERTAINMENT

cineTALK

Worth waiting for? You decide!

What’s on our screens this August LAAL SINGH CHADDHA (In theatres) Yes, after two years of delay, this film is finally about to hit cinemas. A Hindi adaptation of Hollywood hit Forrest Gump, it stars Aamir Khan as protagonist Laal Singh Chaddha along with Kareena Kapoor, Mona Singh, and Naga Chaitanya.

Book your tickets for when this releases on 11 August.

DARLINGS (Netflix)

KARTHIKEYA 2 (In theatres)

This black comedy penned by scriptwriter Parveez Sheikh (whose previous work includes Queen, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Bellbottom) stars Alia Bhatt and Shefali Shah in the lead roles. In this thriller, Badru (Alia Bhatt) is on a mission to seek revenge from her volatile alcoholic husband. Of course, things don’t always go according to plan...

This film releases on 5 August.

Eight years later, Chandoo Mondeti brings us the sequel to Karthikeya and it has everything to satisfy your thriller and adventure taste. Find out how Karthik fares on his journey to search for answers on the great powers behind the ancient belief systems and Tatva of Lord Sri Krishna.

Don’t miss out on 13 August.

RAKSHA BANDHAN (In theatres) Directed by Aanand L Rai of Tanu Weds Manu and Raanjhanaa fame, this Akshay Kumar-starrer is about the power of brotherly love. He plays Lala Kedarnath, the oldest of four siblings and only son who endeavours to find his sisters suitable husbands before taking on his own love story.

The film hits cinemas on 11 August.

BIMBISARA (In theatres) Hold onto your seats as ancient king Bimbisara travels through time from his kingdom into the modern world.

What is his mission in our world? The fantasy action film stars Nandamuri Kalyan Ram as king Bimbisara, alongside Catherine Tresa (Princess Ira), and Samyuktha Menon (Vijayanthi).

The film hits the big screens on 5 August.

INDIAN MATCHMAKING Season 2 (Netflix) It’s the series we love to hate! Sima Taparia returns with a variety of new people looking for love, coming to her with their own desires and demands in a future partner. How many will be able to find The One? This much-awaited series drops on 10 August.

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MAHARANI SEASON 2 (SonyLIV)

THE SANDMAN (Netflix) This upcoming fantasy drama series is based on Neil Gaiman’s 1990s comic book, published

by DC Comics. It stars Tom Sturridge in the lead role of Morpehus/Dream alongside Gwendoline Christie (of Game of Thrones fame), and Boyd Holbrook (Narcos). Look out for Asim Chaudhry and Sanjeev Bhaskar, who play Biblical characters Cain and Abel.

This much-awaited adaptation releases on 5 August.

This political drama is back for round two.

Along with Huma Qureshi in the lead, it stars Sohum Shah, Amit Sial (Inside Edge, Mirzapur) in a story around Rani Bharti, the fictional chief minister of Bihar who vows to stop violence in the state.

The series begins streaming on 26 August.

MASOOM SAWAAL (In theatres) A young girl questions against age-old superstitions around menstruation. Why can’t a woman enter the kitchen on her period? Why can’t she enter a temple on her period? Director Santosh Upadhyay hopes to shed a light.

Releases 5 August.

THE FABULOUS LIVES OF BOLLYWOOD WIVES Season 2 (Netflix)

THAI MASSAGE (in theatres)

For an even closer and fabulous deep dive, the Bollywood wives are returning for a second season of this reality show. Follow along to see the luxurious lives of Seema Khan, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavna Pandey, and Neelam Kothari.

Get ready to laugh and gossip this August.

Trust Imtiaz Ali to bring us another quirky film! In this one, Gajraj Rao (Badhaai Ho and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan) plays a man in his 70s facing erectile dysfunction. This heartwarming tale is set in Ujjain and Thailand.

Releases 26 August.

HOLY COW (In theatres) This is a satirical dark comedy about a man’s adventurers trying to find his missing cow. Salim Ansari’s adventure takes place over one night, but he runs into what feels like a lifetime of events.

Releases 26 August.

MATCH OF LIFE (In theatres)

BEAUTIFUL BILLO (Zee5)

What kind of curious events do you face on a daily basis when you resemble a celebrity? This comedy film tackles that question through the humorous instance of an aspiring cricketer who happens to look like Virat Kohli, and all the antics that unfold.

Get the popcorn ready for when this film begins streaming on 5 August.

Being the third wheel is never the most thrilling experience. But imagine living with a newlywed couple! In this light-hearted Punjabi film, a pregnant Billo moves to her friend’s UK home with the surprise of newly-weds Navi and Sonika who make her the ultimate third wheel.

Watch it unfold on 11 August.

WEDDING SEASON (Netflix) Who doesn’t love the classic pretend-to-date-and-thenfall in-love trope? In this Hollywood rom-com, Indian Americans Asha (Pallavi Sharda) and Ravi (Suraj Sharma) decide to fake date with pressure from their immigrant parents to get married during wedding season. But of course, they fall in love and must grapple with their unplanned feelings.

Prepare to swoon on 4 August.

CRASH COURSE (Amazon Prime) Here’s another offering that looks at coaching institutions in Kota. In this coming-of-age series, eight new students join rival institutions, trying to achieve their academic goals while navigating social and love lives.

Anyone else getting Kota Factory vibes?

This drama series releases on 5 August.

DELHI CRIME Season 2 (Netflix) This International Emmy Awardnominated series returns for its second instalment with Shefali Shah as Detective Vartika Chaturvedi.

While details of the plot remain closely guarded, it’s believed to follow another gruesome investigation.

Releases 26 August.

NEVER HAVE I EVER Season 3 (Netflix) Mindy Kaling’s coming-of-age sitcom is retuning for its third season this month. Watch to find out how our favourite hopeless romantic Devi Vishwakumar (played

by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) untangles the love triangle mess she made with Paxton and Ben, who couldn’t be more opposite to each other. Still grappling with her father’s death and her Indian-American identity, you can’t miss seeing Devi’s journey.

Stream the series on 12 August.

GULMOHAR (Disney+ Hotstar) What’s one thing that can bring a family together? Drama. That’s right! This movie starts when the Batra family have four days before they move out of their family home of 34 years. There’s drama, there’s chaos (a lot of it), and of course, secrets. Award-winning actress Sharmila Tagore also makes her 10year comeback in this film.

Stream the film from August.

AUGUST 2022 33

Happy Independence Day! There’s no better way to celebrate Indian Independence Day than by spending time with loved ones. Please enjoy the festivities while remembering to keep yourself and those around you safe.

If you can, celebrate outside or choose to wear a mask indoors.

The Indian community is an important part of the strong and vibrant multicultural life that makes Victoria such a special place to live.

On behalf of our Government, we hope you enjoy the celebrations.

Happy Independence Day!

Dan Andrews Premier of Victoria

Ros Spence Minister for Multicultural Affairs

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FORETELL

August 2022

BY MINAL KHONA

Minal Khona has been reading tarot cards for the last two decades. She uses her intuition and connect with the cards mostly to help people.

aries

TAURUS

TAROT GEMINI

CANCER

March 21 - April 19

April 20 - May 20

May 21 - June 20

June 21 - July 20

You may feel the urge to start a new project or meet someone new if single.

Chances are you will do it and it will seem magical. Be open to change and manifestations coming true. Some of you may even meet the love of your life; those already dating will be unwilling to settle for less. Stress could cause health issues. Money issues are non-existent this month.

Those looking for new jobs will get a good one. Trust your intuition and be open to receiving more.

You will not let any distraction move you from your goal especially if it is spiritual growth you seek. You might feel like mentally withdrawing from the world to deal with any problems; or even change your job if it is not a happy place to work. Be cautious of other drivers when you are driving. Money may appear tight but you will have enough. Instead of a blame game, walk away from unpleasant situations. Your mind is your best ally.

Geminis could experience a renewed sense of purpose and there can be an upswing of new opportunities in your personal and professional lives. Singles dating casually may decide to end things. Love life may be bland this month but there is a lot happening on the business and spiritual front. A trip could lead to a new job. Motivation will come from within as you shift perspectives.

A family member could have a heart attack. Do your karma without worrying about the results.

You need to clear the deadwood before you move forward in life. This applies to self-improvement, work and family. Singles will remain undecided about getting involved. Circumstances and others will force you to change how you interact with them and face harsh truths about yourself. Impulsive shopping will be regretted later.

Problems at work could increase. Lack of faith in a higher power is the cause of inner confusion. Luck is on your side in money matters.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

July 21 - Aug 22

Aug 23 - Sep 22

Sep 23 - Oct 22

Oct 23 - Nov 21

Leos could be mercurial this month as they pick the card for Gemini. But, being the King of Pentacles, it means your finances improve greatly; and success is assured.

At work, important higher-ups notice your efforts. Practical matters keep you too busy to focus on emotions, which may not be a bad thing. Those unwell will recover.

A reconciliation with a friend or lover is on the cards. If you meet influential people, they could help your career. Continue making efforts for best results.

In your personal or professional life, you may be faced with a conundrum that requires resolution. No more sitting on the fence, you have to decide which way to go. A rocky relationship could end in separation. New opportunities to change your career could come your way. You can expect money from past debts or a bonus.

Avoid taking on too much at home or you will end up resenting family members.

What seems like a lost cause will actually end up being a positive change.

Singles could attract many admirers; or a much-loved pet could be the joy of your life. Public praise for your positivity could lift your spirits. Paperwork could take up time so be careful while filling out forms. New orders or a bonus at work make you happy. An ex could connect with you again. Any weight loss or lack of an appetite needs medical attention. Younger people should consider everything they do now to be the foundation to their future.

Pushed against a wall in certain scenarios, you seek clarity, whether it is in a relationship or at work. Problems on the family or work front could crop up even though you accomplish everything you wish to at work. Those wishing to make a commitment, go with your mind. If you go with your emotions, you will be the one who will compromise. Avoid multi-tasking as it could affect your health. Work on your inner self if you want to change for the better.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Pisces

Feb 19 - March 20

Expect upheaval and problems on multiple fronts as the Tower card is about divine drama meant to cause a shake-up. A marriage could end due to infidelity. Avoid travel as there could be accidents. A new opportunity will come through and you should grab it. An accident can actually lead to money as a settlement; you will also have bills to pay. Past grief and traumas will cease.

Improved business will bring more money. Stay calm and go with the flow.

You can expect dualities on all fronts – romantic, professional and spiritual. It means there could be two steps forward and one step back. If a relationship is not working out, let it go. Money flow will gather speed shortly. You may go through phases of being overly emotional and then detached. Those who were sick will make a full recovery; women need to have their reproductive organs checked.

Avoid repeating self-destructive behaviour if you want to attain your goals.

A difficult month as situations or people could be deceptive; especially in areas that are of prime importance to you right now. Be on your guard and don’t let emotions overtake any conflict or dramas happening around you. Those in a relationship could be cheated on by their spouses. There could be disagreements at work.Practice self-restraint. Someone close could disappoint you deeply. Let things be the way they are; the universe will replace your sorrow with joy.

Some of you may want alone time to sort things out. A much-anticipated outcome will not pan out in your favour, even though it is unfair to you. Avoid travel for now. Those in the creative field can expect new projects. Meditation is your friend along with other treatments if you are unwell. Business increases but money will come in slowly. Withdraw and seek answers within in a troubling situation. Pray for what you want and your wish will be granted.

Nov 22 - Dec 21

Dec 22 - Jan 19

AUGUST 2022 35

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Email it to info@indianlink.com.au

We need to talk about respectful language, hun Dear Auntyji I have a particular problem that I would like your perspective on. So Auntyji, I am married to an Australia man - who is in his mid-40s, is attractive and charming and works in a large corporate.

Now Auntyji, as we both work from home, I can hear my husband at his work meetings, and I have come to realise he has developed an unusual habit, a peccadillo if you like.

My husband has started calling all his female colleagues terms of endearment like darling, honey and sweetheart. Mind you, for all these years, I was the only one he used these terms with. Now, he uses these terms frequently with other women - and he does it no matter the age of the female colleague. To my utter astonishment, no one has challenged him on his overly familiar, old fashioned, sexist and generally discomfiting language. It’s as though he was hell bent on channelling a 1950s middle manager. Or worse, a caricature from a ‘50s sitcom like Bewitched or Are You Being Served. Auntyji, I generally am not jealous or concerned that his affections for me are being diluted, but how do I address this with him? Should I let his female colleagues say something to him? Is he taking advantage of his considerable charisma?

Auntyji says Aai haai! What kind of a dinosaur lafanga are you married to who has started reverting to type, and in this era of MeToo has made a conscious decision to make a mockery of all that we have strived to achieve, under the umbrella of professional courtesy and respect in the workplace. Something has definitely triggered in your wacky patidev’s head, and I can imagine the HR folks starting to draft out a memo reminding everyone to complete their Workplace Behaviours Guidelines online training. So, if your hubby’s colleagues are busdil and are not going to say anything, I urge you to step in and act right away to stop this tamasha, post haste. Which kumbukht calls their work colleague darling? This is highly inappropriate behaviour - and hubby needs to cease and desist immediately. I suggest you tell him point blank that his kala kartoot, this pagalpan, needs to stop. His colleagues are Mary, Cheryl, Roopa and Sylvia - not darling, sweetheart, my love and gorgeous.

What a haraami - even I am getting cranky on your behalf - and everyone knows that I am the most even-tempered person ever! Just because he is a charming chikna doesn’t mean he can carry on with this behuda, budtehzeeb behaviour. Tell your billa that the 1950s called and they want him back.

HAPPY INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY On behalf of the City of Parramatta, I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Indian Independence Day. I look forward to celebrating 75 years of Indian Independence, its culture, achievements and the valuable contributions of the Indian diaspora with our community.

I hope you can join me at a Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday 15 August at Jubilee Park, Parramatta from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.

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