2023-07 Melbourne

PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

CONTRIBUTORS

Torsha Sen, Lakshmi Ganapathy, Bedasree Gogoi, Suhayla Sharif, Vivek Asri, Tarini Puri, Prutha Chakraborty, Salma Shah, Frankey Gerard Fernandes, Ritam Mitra, Khushaal Vyas, Shalom Ila Bhaskar, Petra O’Neill, Auntyji, LP Ayer

SALES AND MARKETING

Charu Vij

ADMN

Aanchal Matta

Khawaja stands tall in the Long Room

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

Other than David Warner, the only other cricketer who confronted the abuse at lunch on Day 5 of the Lord’s test, was Usman Khawaja. Calm and composed, he called out those who were hurling the taunts. What was said exactly is not certain, but one can be sure that it would not have been pretty.

running to wear the baggy green.

It’s quite possible he faced early acceptance from his teammates, but from those in the higher echelons of the cricket hierarchy, there would have been hesitation about the brown boy from Pakistan.

Yet he persisted and made it to the highest levels (although even the commentators were rather hard on him during his slump of form in 2018-2019.)

Indian

Khawaja earned his place in the Australian national team in 2011, having battled his way through club and grade cricket. He became the first Pakistaniborn cricketer to play for Australia. One doubts that his journey would have been easy, as he broke into a club which is, let’s say it, dominated by white cricketers.

While in the 1940s and ‘50s, some religious factors (Catholic v Protestant) were believed to have played a role in the national cricket team, here for the first time was a Muslim player in the

Only recently, ahead of the highly anticipated 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Pakistan-born Khawaja was the only member of the Australian team to face visa issues. A delayed visa caused him to miss his flight to India alongside his teammates, forcing him to fly to Melbourne and spend the night in an airport hotel.

Perhaps it was these experiences of exclusionary behaviour that made it difficult to walk away from the chants of ‘cheaters’ and other abuses thrown at him inside the privileged Long Room. Those chanting were MCC members (note the double-barrelled surnames), abusing the privilege of being in the mecca of cricket that is Lord’s.

While the rest of the team bounded up the stairs to their dressing room, this veteran of many abuses suffered, was able to hold his own.

My takeaway from this episode is that we as migrants need to be comfortable in our own skins and have the strength in calling out abusive or racist slurs. Such strength can only increase from engaging extensively with those outside our own communities, to better understand and debate wide-ranging issues.

To ignore racist or unacceptable behaviour is not an option, as it only encourages the abuser.

To make it a shouting match will not win the battle either.

Instead, calmly reasoned action is required to take on the abuser. An inner confidence is the key, and all migrant Australians would do well to take a leaf from Khawaja’s conduct in this matter.

Thankfully most people are accepting of differences; those who are not, can be challenged in a calm and composed manner.

Usman Khawaja showed us how it can be done. His stature has only grown following the Long Room encounter.

WAS A

YOUR SAY

ON THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET

It is the members of the Marylebone Cricket Club, rather than the Australian cricket team, who demonstrated the greatest disregard for the Spirit of Cricket on the final day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, wrote RITAM MITRA.

Bob Jones wrote: Great point - rules made by them, now they’re crying.

Dash Ahead wrote: Lords.#JustCricketHooligans

Ian Donaldson wrote: Perhaps Stephen Fry, as president of MCC and eloquent speaker, could/should release a statement calling for calm and asking for some decorum at Headingly. Perhaps the chairman and/or executive of ECB could release a statement defending the laws of the game and asking for mature reflection on a legitimate dismissal. Perhaps all the English commentators who have no problem with the stumping…Strauss, Atherton, Hussein, Morgan, Butcher, Bell et al…could release a joint statement asking the cricketing public to accept the umpire’s decision, and move on.

Dave Boyd wrote: Keep walking, Johnny.

Stephen Bennett wrote: Well written, but sadly this will fall on deaf ears. The MCC, along with many of the English press and senior members of the English team have brought shame on their country.

Murray Macdonald wrote: My understanding of the Spirit of Cricket is that whenever another law doesn’t cover a particular circumstance, then play continues based on a “fair go”.

Yaegan Doran wrote: One of the many beautiful take aways I got from CLR James’ Beyond a Boundary was his anecdote of realising that after years of having it drilled into him in Trinidad about the spirit of the game and the way it should be played, was that once you got to England, the upper class players actively refused to abide by it - the spirit of the game was for the colonials, not the masters. Also, great article!

Raka Mitra wrote: Nicely written!

David Jenkins wrote: I suspect that behaviour comes from a position of always considering yourself as a 'better' and convincing yourself, based on centuries of selfserving bias and propaganda that, somehow, only the British 'play fair'. After all, they still think that the only reason behind the British Empire was to bring civilisation to the primitive masses.... and trains, of course! The best bit, as you have suggested, is their total failure to see the irony in their behaviour. You got to love it....

Sam Troutman wrote: Great article - hard to believe any professional sportsperson would refuse the opportunity to advance their cause legitimately and in accordance with the laws. Based on the footage the fact that only 3 members of MCC are being suspended is a farce as well.

Paul Senior wrote: Speaking as a biased observer... "that's not cricket" seemed a reasonable view to take. A little boo-ing by the MCC to remind those that crossed this line is hardly the same.

Virosh Poologasundram wrote: Well said, Ritam. Notwithstanding each person’s thoughts on the ‘Bairstow incident’, I think we can all agree that the behaviour of the MCC members that Sunday afternoon was the most deplorable aspect of the day.

Peter Bycroft wrote: Very well said, Ritam.

Pier Paolo Parisi wrote: Inzamam - unrivalled master of the comedic run out - would thoroughly approve of JB's dismissal.

Sam Kronja wrote: Jolly good… what impresses me about the MCC Members and the crowd at Lords is that they are so modern, progressive and don’t get bogged down in stereotypes.

Rishabh Patel wrote: Great post.

William Cathcart wrote: No one is disputing that the reaction from some of the members was sub-par but this narrative along with others seems to be a distraction from the fact that the decision from Pat was very poor. Given the state of the game, the importance of the match and the fact that many have not forgotten about South Africa one would assume a more sensible decision was made.

SAY IT AGAIN

USMAN KHAWAJA: LESSONS FOR US ALL AS PEOPLE OF COLOUR

Usman showed us how it should be done. PAWAN LUTHRA on the infamous Long Room incident

Peter Hunt wrote: We can all learn from the values Usman Khawaja lives by. Wonderful human being.

Michael Hennessy wrote: He’s a great player, and even more importantly a wonderful human being!

Ashir Alam wrote: Reminds us of the great Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhonialways calm irrespective thesituation

Joseph La Posta wrote: Wonderful role model for all Aussies!

Abbas Raza Alvi wrote: Well done and timely written article. We should demonstrate the contributions of the multicultural population of Australia.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S 2022 STATE LEAGUE TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

RITAM MITRA spoke with Ashwin Vijayaragavan, tennis professional, who took out a South Australian honour second time in a row this year Sanyam Chauhan wrote: Proud of you, brother.

Sheron Jayasundara wrote:

Congratulations.

Tania Clark wrote: Thank you Ritam, it’s a beautifully written article. Anup Prasad wrote: With our Indian company Infosys running major Grand Slams including the Australian Open, more can be done re-investing in players to potentially see an Indian Number 1 ranked player in the future. The mindset with Indian parents is in a safety career first, to be producing doctors and engineers. A shift is required over time where our tennis players can claim to be hitting well engineered clinical shots on the tennis court, getting them to the coveted position of Number 1. It is excellent to see Ashwin bringing the game of tennis to limelight, and his talent in the game being acknowledged. It is a wonderful sport, keep up and keep acing. 15-Love !

ANCIENT GEOLOGICAL LINKS

VIVEK ASRI reported on a geological study which found strong parallelism in the geographical characteristics of India and Australia

Barry O’Farrell AO wrote: The Australia-India roots go much deeper! New research finds that Australia and India may be made of the same mitti (soil)! Geologist Jaganmoy Jodder wrote: Yes, indeed we do have remarkable geological similarities throughout the Earth's history, now similarities in volcanism dating back to 3.5 billion years ago.

Satish Kumar wrote: The connection is deeper and more intriguing!

I bought the material from Babbarra (https://babbarra.com/) in May ‘21. In 2023 DFAT brought two of the women to India and they displayed their textiles and designs in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru. As it happened, one of the women who visited was Deborah Wurrkidj, who designed my cloth. It’s called ‘black plums’. I loved the colour and thought it a great India-Australia combo, highlighting our indigenous peoples at a time India had elected its first tribal President!

Barry O’Farrell AO, describing the jacket he wears on our cover and on pg10

DESIS FOR YES

VIVEK ASRI (online) and SAGAR MEHROTRA (on radio) on a new initiative that is taking the message out to the South Asian community about The Voice to Parliament.

Khushaal Vyas wrote: Grateful to Indian Link for their coverage and giving myself and Desis For Yes space to answer some FAQs about the referendum and the case for voting yes!

Nishadh Rego wrote: Thanks for sharing the launch Indian Link Media Group. We appreciate your coverage. This is a collective effort and if anyone is interested in getting involved, feel free to drop us a line at desisforyes@ gmail.com or DM us.

Jyothsna Rao PhD wrote: Fabulous.

Menaka Iyengar Cooke wrote: I have been doing Table Talks and Conversations re the Yes Vote for the past 6 weeks. Material is supplied by YesTogether23 and is clear and affirming.

Tito Scohel wrote: Great to see Indian Diasporas for Yes. There are so many similarities between Indian and Aboriginal history, culture and spirituality....

Danielle Lopes wrote: I am Anglo Indian and speak on behalf of my father. You have been lied to regarding The Voice. The colonists are lying to you once again and you are falling for it. You must research as you will doom every citizen of Australia if you fail to do so.

EXPLAINING THE VOICE REFERENDUM

As the Yes and No campaigns ramp up, RITAM MITRA explained what it all means

Charmaine O'Brien PhD wrote: Thank you for acting to inform people about the function and importance of this referendum.

Allen Shrimpton wrote: An absolute YES to ending the divisiveness that prevents First Nations People from being treated equally. Look at the youth incarceration rates. It needs to be stopped.

Sharon Rundle wrote: Thank you Ritam Mitra for your clear explanation, it’s most helpful.

WHAT AUSTRALIANS THINK ABOUT INDIA

RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA on Australians’ perceptions about India as per Lowy Institute Poll 2023, which, in various categories typically ranged in the ‘mediocre’ region, except in one

Rahul Sen wrote: Interesting read on changing perceptions of India in Australia, in contrast to what I have observed here in New Zealand.

Sriraman Annaswamy wrote: Here’s a simple datapoint that might help with understanding the “perception change” with respect to India. In the last 6 months (my company) has received more requests to advise on Indiabased Digital GCCs particularly focused on Advanced analytics and AI than in the preceding decade. That’s how radically perceptions with respect to India have altered. Many of these polls, surveys and rankings are weighed down by historical perceptions. It will take at least a decade to see a significant movement on the dial, that’s the problem with them.

CAPTION CONTEST

What’s going on in our very own (ex) Captain Cool MS Dhoni’s mind?

Raghu Rules wins a free movie ticket for his response: Nation’s crush playing Candy Crush.

Saurabh Patel wrote: Why are none of the Rahuls performing well?

Padmini Sunder wrote: What am I doing flying cattle class when I should be travelling in business class!

Rajul Sheth wrote: Autograph photograph done, now give me some good food and top up my drink.

Lakshmi Ganapathy wrote: Sorry, can't stop now, gotta reach half century on this Jelly level.

Sagar Mehrotra wrote: Bas, chal raha hai.

Niranjan Ramjee wrote: Lagta hai ke food trolley ane wali hai.

WHERE IN INDIA

This place is known as the mini Switzerland of India. Where in India?

The answer is Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

Readers Anagha

N.Meher, Bhakti

Garach, Tripti Joshi, Mansi Kaushal, Suumit Saahni, Tashu Sharma and Nitin Setia got it right.

WHERE IN OZ

This city is famous for its Baywalk Bollards. Among the 104 sculptures are a Koori family, English explorer Matthew Flinders and a Portuguese explorer. Where in Oz?

The answer is Geelong, Victoria.

Readers Anagha

N. Meher, Bhanu

Kothari and Harish

Ramanarayanan got it right.

Time to bid farewell as my tenure as Australia’s 21st High Commissioner to India comes to an end. I am thankful for all the opportunities, support and friendships. Sad to leave but thrilled about the next stage of growth in Australia - India ties – I will be watching from Down Under.

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Barry O’Farrell AO

Barry O’Farrell, you’ve just returned from three years in New Delhi as High Commissioner of Australia to India. Your tenure was bookended on one side with the worst pandemic in 100 years, and on the other, successful visits by two prime ministers to each other's countries. Somewhere in between, a very successful economic and trade agreement was also signed between India and Australia. Welcome back, Barry, and thank you for joining us at Indian Link. Terrific to be back and terrific to be talking to you face to face again.

When I interviewed Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong a few weeks ago she promised to build on her Hindi vocabulary of one word, Namastay. you had to share your knowledge of Hindi words with her, what would the range be?

My favourite Hindi word is Mazboot (strong). I just think it's got a great sound about it. And of course Karenge (to do). So my three favourite words are Namashkar or Namastay, Mazboot and Karenge, because 'strengthen the relationship' is one of the things we want.

Were you the person who hashtagged the term Dosti (friendship)?

I was the person that put together the four Ds. I was tired of the three Cs - Cricket, Commonwealth and Curry. And I am not sure India was particularly fascinated about Commonwealth either. We all agreed on cricket. So, we thought of the four DsDemocracy, Defence, Diaspora, and Dosti. But I know that PM Modi took it to another level. And if he says, out with the Cs, out with the Ds, I'm not going to complain or argue with him.

Looking back at the last three years, what would you call this chapter of your life?

A remarkable adventure. Being Premier of a state is quite an honour, but can I tell you that representing your country, as an Ambassador or High Commissioner overseas, takes it to another level. So it's a highlight, if it's not the highlight of my life.

When you were sounded out as being the potential High Commissioner, what went through your mind?

It was a phone call out of the blue from the then Prime Minister who I thought, after about 10 or 15 minutes, must have had a lot of time on his hands because it was going on and on. And I just assumed, as it happened from time to time across all sides of politics, after I left it, people would ring me occasionally for my views on India. In the in the end, he said are you up to it? I said up to what? And he said, being the next High Commissioner. I said you haven't

India with open arms

said that yet! I asked for two weeks to think about it.

That I think shocked at least his foreign minister. I explained to Senator Payne, that I'd spent 20 years in public life in politics, ensuring that I remain married, that my marriage was happy and that my wife was with me. And I had no desire to do otherwise, post politics.

I'm happy to say that Rosemary after some initial need for convincing, largely about the status of her dog, was very happy to come with me. So, it all worked out well in the end, but it was completely out of the blue. My life has been a series of accidents as opposed to a planned career, which is not a great example for young people. And this perhaps has been the most fortunate one that I've had.

So, we could possibly have lost one of the most effective High Commissioners to India – thanks to the dog?

Well, you know, my view in life is that nobody is irreplaceable. If I'd said no, I'm sure they would have found someone just as capable of doing the job. And I think, upon the difference between a political appointee, and a diplomat - my line for three and a half years in India was, I'm not a trained diplomat. I'm a recovering politician, which, in addition to getting a laugh, gave me an opportunity to remind people that I wasn't a trained diplomat. And that if I asked questions that were a bit more direct, or a bit more beyond what an ambassador would ask, I wasn't being insulting because I didn't know what I was doing. And quite often, they would answer those questions, which meant that my diplomatic colleagues who were always in the room, ready to do the reports, were amazed at some of the things that we found out and some of the connections we made. So, I think in democracies like the US, UK, and India, occasionally sending over political appointees isn't a bad thing. But equally I say this - what I think Philip Green (High Commissioner-designate), will bring to the job that I never could, is greater weight within the bureaucracy in Canberra. And, at times, no matter how strong a government is on a particular issue, it's important that the bureaucracy move forward with them. And under both governments at times I found some resistance in the bureaucracy; resistance maybe because of the old view of India, the view of India before it became the country it is today; resistance perhaps because they thought their resources or effort should be put elsewhere. And that was hard for me to navigate. Because I'm not a senior public servant. Philip Green is a senior public servant, Deputy Secretary level in DFAT. If he encounters those issues to start with, he has years of network in the bureaucracy to assist in getting them done.

former Australian High c ommissioner to India BARRY O’FARRELL in conversation with Indian Link’s PAWAN LUTHRA

Did you feel that you were able to make more breakthroughs because of your political background, despite bureaucratic and other challenges? Clearly, the pandemic was the biggest challenge. And despite that, we moved the dial forward. There were bureaucratic blockages and some of them I'm still a bit raw about. But can I say that the people from DFAT who I worked with, were a remarkably skilled, professional and hardworking cadre of people. And without them, we could have got none of this done. Part of my taking on the role was not to pretend that I was a trained diplomat; the people alongside me in Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Calcutta have been probably at a minimum, on an average, diplomats for 10 years - they are skilled in the art of diplomacy. And what I would try and bring to the table was that if we were getting nowhere, using the usual diplomatic route, I would do it the politician’s way, and do what Indians try and do, ie try and find the jugaad, to achieve the goal by another means. That, plus the fact that as I said earlier, I was prepared to ask direct questions - sometimes diplomats will only ask questions that they know the answer to. And they do that for a good reason, which is they don't want to cause any damage to the country's reputation. Whereas politicians will ask anything and everything. And if people say no to us, we don't curl up in a ball and quiver. We just move on and ask another question.

Did you ever figure out the sideways head nod in your three years in India?

I know the thing is to pivot it on your chin, and I have quite a number of chins! So that was the reason I can't do it. But it is interesting.

Let me go back to 2020. You arrived in Delhi to COVID, and no training wheels to ease into your new position. Instead, it was full speed ahead. India was hit hard by the virus. How concerned were you and the family then?

We arrived a month before lockdown. Lockdown, we knew was going to be announced after Janata Curfew, the trial

that Mr. Modi had. DFAT asked us to return spouses to Australia along with families and to reduce the size of the embassy, because the world didn't know what was going to happen.

People are now critical of some of the estimates that were made. But at the time, we did think this was going to be like the flu epidemic back in 1919, with similar results. When I said goodbye to my wife Rosemary, we'd convinced ourselves that we'd be apart for six weeks. It was 10 months.

But to come to your question, lockdown in Delhi was one of the longest in India. I never felt at risk. We were worried because we didn't know what was going on. We had our safety protocols. We'd wipe down benches each night and each day wipe handles, we'd wear masks. We did all the things we were asked to do. And we did it as a group of people together, supporting each other. And when vaccines became available, vaccines I have in my body, India's vaccines, I never had any doubt about them. In fact, if I'm honest, when I went to India I was more fearful of contracting dengue fever than I ever was of COVID. Because we didn't know about COVID at that stage, but knew that dengue never quite leaves you.

Alongside the isolation challenges, you were also looking at an emerging opportunity to turbocharge the bilateral relationship. Talk us through the opportunities and threats you saw in this relationship then, and your thoughts on where we are at the end of your tenurethe bigger picture.

The bigger picture is that defence, security, education, research and science were very strong parts of relationship when I arrived; they are even stronger now. What wasn't doing well, was the economic relationship. And we had, as you'll recall, a number of years earlier, some concerns about diaspora issues in Australia in terms of whether Indian students were safer and the like.

So, nine weeks after lockdown, we have a virtual summit between our Prime Ministers, Mr. Modi's first such summit.

The comprehensive strategic agreement that the relationship was elevated to, at that summit, was intended to be signed in person by the Prime Ministers in India. In

January of that year, we had to renegotiate the whole partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs MEA. For reasons that to this day I do not understand, but reasons that Australia should be grateful for, at the last minute, India asked for a new line to go into the agreement, and that was to reopen negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. So nine weeks after lockdown, when we were just starting to learn the economic lessons of COVID, about trusted suppliers and supply chains, India was already working on how to sort that out for the future. And Australia has been a beneficiary. And so that I think, the single biggest thing we owe is a debt to India, not because we weren't keen on a trade deal, but we'd tried earlier in 2014 and we had failed. And there was nervousness within the bureaucracy, about trying again, whereas the Australian Government was very keen, but didn't want to do it with India unless India wanted to do it. So it was very convenient that India put the proposal forward. We accepted it. And as I've said, time and time again, what we've seen over the last three years, has been because of political will on both sides of the Indian Ocean.

Tony Abbott came to India in August of 2021, to enlist PM Modi's support for the free trade deal. I was in the room, with Mr. Modi and Mr. Abbott, and we got that political will. As a result, by the following April, we had the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. ECTA as Mr. Modi continues to say, means unity in Hindi.

That political will, happily for Australia, has continued with the Albanese government as well. This is a remarkable period in Australian history, where for the first time, we've had two successive governments just as committed to the India relationship, putting in a full-time effort. And look Pawan at what we've achieved in the first three and a half years. My tip is during Phil Green’s time in India, we’ll achieve even more.

Fantastic. So there is political will. Talking about the potential opportunities, we have seen a determined push to foster the business relationship. In your three years in India, have you seen Australia being a hard sell to Indian businesses? And vice versa, has India been a hard sell

to Australian businesses?

India is welcoming increasing Australian investment, whether it's what Macquarie Bank’s already doing there, or frankly ANZ who had a good operation in India, or what Atlassian is doing (using the brains of India), whether it's the critical mineral and rare earth mines that are feeding important sectors of the Indian economy (not just solar PV and battery industries, but also electric vehicles), whether it's the fact that Mahindra cars and tractors that have been coming here for years are going to keep coming, or other car manufacturers in India making very good cars (car manufacturing, which we no longer have, India has in spades). The challenge, of course for Australia on that equation is, we're only a country of 25 and a half million people, or as I like to explain, the same number of nine-year-olds as there are in India. So we don't offer a huge market. But we do offer a niche market, a magnificent market for the tech companies. If I have a criticism, which probably increasingly I'll talk about now that I'm not in the job, it's that Australian business at times are a bit reticent to go and see for themselves what the opportunities are.

Partly because of the old India storieswhere Australian companies went there with huge expectations, and no real literacy as to how the system worked, and some of them failed. But you know, it's a bit like a travel story. Sometimes you only remember the bad ones, but you should remember the good ones. I think there's enormous opportunities, for instance in the tech sector. In India, there's investment opportunities for people in small and medium sized enterprises; there's opportunities for our superannuation funds in the $184 billion infrastructure program that India's got in place. The number of airports has doubled since PM Modi (came on the scene), and the number of national highways has increased (enormously). Businesses need to go and have a look at what's on offer: whether it's BlueScope Steel partnered with Tata Steel, now producing a huge profit out of India compared to their old Australian-only profit, whether it's some of my favourite stories of young kids of people who migrated to Australia, including one who now sells coffee, high priced

coffee in high price supermarkets, to Indian citizens, and who tells me that his parents couldn't believe that he was going back to India for opportunity when they left India to come to Australia for opportunity!

So interesting, Barry, that you emphasize that people need to get to know India better. You’ve travelled the length and breadth of the country, leaving no state behind, including the Northeast. What is it about India that you found fascinating? And what excites you the most about it? What excites me most is that for the first time, I lived in a country where there was a climate change policy statement, where state and federal governments were on the same page. And that meant that business had the certainty with which to invest. So travelling the length and breadth of India, I saw some of the biggest solar farms I'll ever see in the world. Driving between Bengaluru and Hampi for three and a half hours I saw some of the biggest windmills I've ever seen. Whereas in Australia, we complain about seven windmills over the back of Lake George on the way to Canberra! Just the scale and dimension by which India is pivoting to renewable energy (is incredible). I think last year, its growth in capacity in that sector was the third largest in the world. So for a country like Australia, that's looking to be a renewable energy superpower because of the resources and the tech that we bring to it, India is a natural partner.

Some of the challenges though, are of course the fact that unlike Australia when we introduced our GST, many of the state taxes that we used to complain about disappeared. Regrettably, whilst the ECTA

trade deal reduces centre or federal tariffs on wines, there are still state taxes on wines. We're now looking to see how we can work with states to get them to relax some of those because we've made a big difference at the centre level. But states also impose some difficulties around regulatory problems, like labelling laws. We got rid of individual labelling laws by state in Australia decades ago; India’s starting to get there. Also sometimes regrettably, it involves a degree of corruption in some state or another.

You seem to have built a fantastic relationship with India's External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar. I understand his wife and your wife Rosemary play mahjong together. And in fact, you famously danced at a Garba function hosted by Minister Jaishankar. Dr. Jaishankar was a diplomat who became a politician. Barry, you were a politician who became a diplomat. What sparked a mutual admiration for each other?

Well, firstly, Rosemary was fortunate enough to join other spouses of ambassadors' roundtable to play mahjong every week or every fortnight, only to discover that Mrs. Jaishankar was a member. Rosemary never played mahjong in her life and didn't think she was very good, but she enjoyed it. She's looking for a group here to play with now that she's back.

It's untrue that I danced at the Garba festival. I never danced at my own wedding, which was an ongoing issue with my late father-in-law. You'd be lucky to see a picture of me doing more than swaying. And it's not because of the alcohol. That's the most I have ever let go. But the Garba festival and seeing Jaishankar and the young people

there was quite an eye opener. Look, I think that Minister Jaishankar and I got on well, because he was learning what I knew a lot about, the way politics works. And I was trying to learn what he knew a lot about, which was diplomacy. I remember one interaction with him. I can't tell you what the subject is because I'm bound by the Official Secrets Act, but I was asked to go and deliver Australia's message to him on this particular issue. I took my then deputy with me, so he knew it was a serious issue because I was bringing the professional as well as myself. I delivered the message, and he immediately looked to my deputy, who gave a head nod to confirm that what I was saying was the real deal, not something a former politician just made up on the spot!

We know that he was within a year or two of Modi becoming PM, appointed head of the MEA. But from the moment Modi was elected, he was the engager with the world. He invented the Modi hug. Tony Abbott, the Australian PM was the first prime minister from anywhere in the world to greet him, which is why Abbott was used on the trade deal. PM Albanese within two hours of being sworn in, jumped on a plane to Japan to meet PM Modi amongst the other Quad leaders. So the level of enthusiasm is there. And I think what Dr. Jaishankar has done is to put an intellectual framework around what is PM Modi's instinct, which is to deal with the world. Modi knows that India is strong enough, is good enough, to compete internationally. It does so in sport. It does so in tech. Why can't it do so everywhere? And that seems to be Modi's message to the world. Dr. Jaishankar has worked out that it’s a world in which some of our traditional institutions have lost effectiveness since

World War II (United Nations in the spotlight here because they're no longer as good at getting solutions as they have been in the past). He works through what he calls 'plurilateralism', a word I'd never heard of before. What it effectively means - and I think it's diplomatic - is that if you can get something done with two or three countries, which achieved the right outcome, do it with the two or three countries, not the bigger forum where it'll take years, if not decades, to get it on the agenda. So India under Modi and Jaishankar are very good at projecting the Indian view of the world and getting results for India, because Jaishankar knows how to work the system.

What role do you see Australia and India playing? As we go further along in this century, there is the waning of the American influence and the rise of China.

Firstly, if you start with climate change, there is no solution in the world without India being part of it. It is a large country that’s just got to the position where it wants to start to deliver the infrastructure that the rest of the world has. And it's been told in one sense, you can't do it because it's going to pollute. So for instance, India already has a massive demand for more than 60 million tonnes per year of hydrogen, and that’s going to grow exponentially. Australia has the capacity to partner with India to deliver better climate change outcomes for India and the world. That's the first thing. Secondly, I think through continued cooperation at a defence level, and at a strategic level, we will continue to have an oversized influence in the IndoPacific. Increasingly, as Japan, US, India

and Australia cooperate through the Quad in trying to shape a region where serenity, freedom, peace and prosperity are the norms, when countries step out of line, we seek to ensure that they know they're doing the wrong thing. And that's not threatening. It's about trying to have some order. Because we know whether you're running a media business, whether you're running a High Commission or any other business, there have to be some rules that we abide by, that aren't meant to limit anybody but are designed to ensure that even the smallest voice gets heard.

Barry, while India is powering ahead economically, there are issues that sections of the world community are concerned about, such as the treatment of minorities and the erosion of democratic values. To turn a blind eye to this, is being a bit naive. Now that you're not High Commissioner and diplomat, what are your thoughts on these issues?

First of all, I should reassure some people that I've seen under two governments, very frank conversations held, minister to minister, about some of these issues. People should not be in any doubt that Australia doesn't project its values to the world, in dealing with all countries. It's just that very few outcomes in the world are ever achieved by using megaphones rather than constructive private conversations. And we will continue to, I'm sure my successors infinitum, will continue to do that whilst they're in India. I have raised issues around communalism, around human rights, at all levels, during my travels and in my role as High Commissioner in India, with presidents of political parties through to other organisations, and always inquired what it was going to take to stop communalism, seemingly to me, being part of the usual election tactics within governments. And as Peter Varghese said - and I suspect he's even more right after Karnataka - that there's nothing wrong with India's democracy that India's democracy cannot fix. And for those concerned about democracy in India, I think they should look at the Karnataka election result, where the BJP were given a hiding. Congress returned to power after a huge turnout of almost 74% across the state. Now that's almost 50% more people percentage wise, than will vote in the next presidential election in the US. The BJP knew they were going to lose, and yet they still lost. Despite all the criticisms and comments and rumours I've heard about electronic voting machines. In the time I've been in India there've been lots of elections, and every election it was trotted out, they’re crooks, they're rotten. That's what the losing party always says. Well in Karnataka they counted the votes for Congress, presumably because people voted for Congress. So I have no fear about the electoral process. I met the new Electoral

Commissioner only weeks before I left and he's committed to transparency. He's up to the task of making sure the system works well.

I've said this, both semi publicly and privately that the biggest challenge is not the regional parties coming together to provide real opposition. It's the fact that the opposition in the Indian parliament isn't functioning. I had a 20-year career, I've said to Congressmen in India, a 20-year career, 16 years in opposition for the first 16 years. And I thought, at various times over the 16 years, that I was part of the world's worst opposition, because it was truly appalling. And yet, I go to India, the world's largest democracy, and the main opposition party is barely functioning within the parliament. It should be troubling to them that in order to get an opposition into the field for the next election, it's being left to some of the oldest and canniest and most experienced regional political leaders in India, rather than being led, as it would traditionally be, by Congress. That's the real risk, because I strongly believe that a good opposition makes for better government.

So what should the opposition do in India to make themselves better?

I have no prescriptions. I'm simply identifying what I think is my biggest problem about India's democracy - the lack of an effective opposition in the Lok Sabha and in the Rajya Sabha. And the fact that is as important, is regional parties are at a state level in India - I'm not sure they’re a substitute for an effective opposition in the centre.

One of the issues which has been of concern in the last few months is the emergence of anti-India groups in Australia. Publicly both PM Modi and Foreign Minister Dr. Jaishankar have raised this with PM Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and I'm sure with you. Is Australia doing enough to safeguard India's feelings on this topic? We are, and I've been explaining to people at all levels in India, that Australians are just as annoyed, at least I speak for DFAT and for the government. Because we regard ourselves as one of the most successful multicultural, multifaith communities in the world, with more than 250 ancestries, where a million people claim Indian ancestry. What I suspect is a very small handful of people are adding graffiti to Hindu temples in Australia, as a means of protest. Whilst peaceful protests are welcome,what we saw in Melbourne on 26 January is not welcome. Protesting and presenting India in a particular way, but with violence involved, is unacceptable. It blackens our reputation as a safe, successful multicultural multifaith community. I understand why Indians in Australia whether they're Hindu or Sikh or

others, will be concerned about what's happening. The good news is that PM Albanese has not been slow saying that state and centre agencies will be used to try and identify and prosecute those responsible. I have no doubt that if some of those found responsible are found to be in the country unlawfully, claiming to be tourists or visitors, they will be dealt with swiftly as well. That's my belief, not my knowledge. The $40 million fund, which previously was used for Jewish synagogues to protect places of worship at risk, is now being extended to Indian places of worship at risk as well. I think the Australian Government's angry by what these people are doing. As former Premier of NSW, I could no sooner stamp out graffiti, than I could dictate what time the sun came up in the morning. Because regrettably, for every 10 people that do the right thing, there's one, or maybe even point one of one, who will do the wrong thing. This handful of people are projecting a very big shadow, but doing damage both to Indians' belief as to whether Australia is safe for people practicing the Hindu religion, and to the reputation of our country.

I know you've only been back for about a week, but still, looking ahead for you personally, what's next in line for you? What road beckons, now? Before I left, I was director on a number of not-for-profit charity boards, and on a couple of famous sporting boards, which are not so famous these days, perhaps infamous, and I was CEO effectively of a technology company in the racing industry. I think the one thing I want to be is an advocate for the India-Australia relationship. I'm old enough to remember that at another time, in another relationship, there was a lot more discussion in Australia about the opportunities on offer in that other country. And I don't see the same level of community-business-media discussion. So you will see me, you will hear me, in a variety of fora talking up what I think the opportunities are in India. And as I used to say when I was in politics, don't take my word for it. I would always take businesspeople, university people with me to India because they are much better at picking the opportunities. My background is not in business. But I've been in India for three and a half years, interacted full time with business there, seen business come, and seen opportunities. And I know that any businessperson in Australia in whatever sector can go to India and find something, and know that even a small fraction of the Indian market can be massive in Australia.

Thank you, Your Excellency Barry O'Farrell, for sharing your thoughts, vision, and wisdom with us. Pleasure. Thank you.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH BARRY O’FARRELL

One word to describe India?

Incredible. Best advertising slogan in the world and the most accurate. One thing you will miss about India?

Books. Bahri Sons Book shop in Khan Market, New Delhi. The fact that books are so cheap. Books got me through lockdown. I'm bringing back too many books to Australia. My wife may leave me because of the number of books I've returned with.

One activity which you wish you had undertaken in India?

I wished I'd gone trekking in either Ladakh or Bhutan, which I know is not in India.

Besides diplomats and politicians, one person you met in India who inspired you?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Australian alumni, billionaire, Biocon founder and owner, and a remarkable individual.

One thing which made you angry or uncomfortable in India? Communalism.

The Indian dish you're going to miss?

Any of the breads. But hopefully that will mean that I'll lose the five kilos I put on in India.

Your suggestion to anyone from Australia who's planning to do business in India

Go with open eyes and do not pretend that you understand India. Too many people go there with too high an expectation. India is not always easy to do business in. But once you've navigated the system, they can be quite successful and stable.

Politics or diplomacy, which is more fun?

I think they come a draw. Both have great moments, and both have incredibly frustrating moments.

KInG’S BIRtHDAY HONOURS

INNOVATION IN BLOOD CANCER TREATMENT

Prof. Harshal Nandurkar, AM

For significant service to medicine, particularly as a haematologist

Melbourne haematologist Prof. Harshal Nandurkar has been appointed to the order of AM in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.

Dr Nandurkar is currently Director of the Cancer Program at Alfred Health, Deputy Director of the Cancer and Medical Specialties Program, and Director of Clinical Haematology.

He is also Professor of Haematology at Monash University, and Director of its Australian Centre for Blood Diseases.

He also heads the university’s Nandurkar Group, conducting and guiding research in vascular biology.

“I’m elated that I’ve been recognised with the AM,” Dr Nandurkar told Indian Link with much modesty, given his many years of research and experience that see him top of his field today.

The Mumbai lad came to Australia in 1986 with a degree in medicine, and then undertook specialised study in haematology and pathology.

He then spent four years doing a PhD in blood cancer at Melbourne’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Australia’s leading medical research institute.

A post doctorate at Monash Uni took another four years.

“I worked through this at St. Vincents Hospital as a haematologist but also had my own research labs,” he described.

After fifteen years at the University of Melbourne as Prof and Head of Department of Haematology until 2015, he moved to The Alfred.

“Clinical work is an important part of what I do, including seeing patients twice a month at a Mildura outreach,” Dr Nandurkar described. “And my own research continues alongside – I’m currently researching the design of new drugs for blood clotting.”

He speaks passionately about haematology and the advances we can expect to see in the coming decade.

Describing his field of specialisation, he says, “We study blood diseases - cancers, clotting, DVT, bleeding disorders like haemophilia - a wide variety of diseases, really. Pathologies and biopsies are also part of what we do. We also diagnose and treat patients, with treatment options changing so fast that it is really a great time to be a haematologist.”

Haematology is at the forefront of innovation, according to Dr Nandurkar. Biological therapeutics, referred to simply as ‘biologicals’, are set to impact treatment procedures in a major way. These are medicines that are proteins purified from living culture systems or from blood and plasma, and could include vaccines, immune modulators or monoclonal antibodies.

In his own work, Dr Nandurkar is excited about the advent of antibodies designed to identify blood cancers and eliminate them.

“Progress in blood cancer research is expanding at logarithmic scale. A big growth area is a new treatment procedure called CAR T-cell therapy.”

CAR T-cell therapies are a specialised kind of immunotherapy in which the patient’s own immune system is “retrained” to identify and attack cancer

PUTTING AWESOME INTO AUTISM

Jaishri Patricia Falcetta, OAM

For service to the community through social welfare organisations

Jaishri Patricia Falcetta was 50 when she was diagnosed with ADHD – a condition that results in attention difficulty and challenges in learning.

“When I found out, I could put things

together and finally make sense of why I struggled to study and struggled to focus on finishing tasks when I was young,” recalled Falcetta, now 53.

Good thing is Falcetta was already working as a neurodivergent expert, and so, she could use her own experiences to educate people in order to create a safe space for others like her. Her vision is simple but the journey is a long one – she wants a world where people with neurodivergent conditions (such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.) are accepted, integrated and recognised as valuable members of society.

Falcetta’s herculean efforts towards creating this inclusive environment have won her the OAM in this year’s King’s

cells. In use since 2017, CAR T-cell therapies have been successfully employed in the treatment of blood cancers such as lymphomas, leukemia, and multiple myeloma.

Dr Nandurkar is grateful for the research and clinical opportunities that have come to him in Australia.

“Moving to Australia was the best thing I’ve done,” he observed. “Of course, I have a deep sense of gratitude for India and the grounding it gave, no question about it. But I’ve felt enormously supported here.”

He acknowledged however, “The US and Europe have a great tradition of research,

as well as greater funding, but Australia is catching up. I like to advise younger doctors to go spend a couple of years outside of Australia to get experience.” AM honours like his, he feels, can stimulate them further. “Hopefully this will encourage young medical students, and young doctors especially those that have come from other countries, to do great things, and to recognise that Australia is a fair and equitable place to work, with the infrastructure to support you. If you apply yourself and work hard, success will come. Australia is a wonderful place to be a doctor.”

Rajni Anand Luthra

Birthday Honours.

“I am thoroughly honoured,” the Canberra resident smiled. “After this recognition, I really do want to publish a book. I have written 20,000 words of it, and there is still a lot more to go.”

Falcetta’s paternal family’s roots are from Kerala. “My great great grandparents were taken to Fiji as indentured labourers by the British from India; my father was born there. My mother is half Polish, half Irish. Her mother was born in Australia but grew up in New Zealand. In the late ‘60s, my father too moved to New Zealand to attend university and that is where my parents met. I was also born in New Zealand, but we moved to Australia in

ONOURS

MARKETING AS A FORCE FOR GOOD

Sunita Gloster, AM

For significant service to the media and marketing industry, and to gender equality

When media and marketing executive Sunita Gloster marched in the March for Justice in 2021, she was struck by a young woman’s placard that had the words 'When Will She Be Right?’. They were words she was very familiar with – coming from a campaign she had helped create and launch only weeks before.

“It was the brilliant work of ad agency The Monkeys,” Gloster described to Indian Link. “To see a line that was created and shared through such enormous industry generosity, run on TV ads and billboards, and then resonate and motivate people in the street, is a reminder of the enormous impact the media and marketing sector can and does have.”

The campaign quickly became a social movement, and a career highlight for Gloster.

“That ad and the line continues to be remembered, not just locally but it has resonated with international audiences. Being part of the team that has now created three highly awarded campaigns for UN Women Australia, awarded for their creativity internationally, produced by the generosity of the industry and remembered by every day people, will forever be a career highlight.”

Gloster has become known for her advocacy campaigns for the empowerment of women and girls. For her contributions in the acceleration of progress against gender inequalities, she was appointed to the AM

order in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.

As an influential advertising professional, Gloster is motivated by using her skills and experience to contribute to catalysing change in society.

“Marketing is about creating change, in behaviour and attitudes,” she elaborated.

“We do it for soap powder, insurance and toothpaste, and we can also do it to promote progressive portrayals of all people – (regardless of) gender, ethnicity, ability. Brands can dismantle some of society’s biggest problems. They can represent missing and misrepresented parts of the community on screens, eradicate harmful stereotypes, and show a world we aspire to have. Truly powerful marketing can create change and has the power to improve people’s lives and our planet. Creating that sort of change is why I love the ad industry.”

Plus, she adds, it’s a lot of fun. “(It’s filled with) great people, all pushing to find creative solutions to problems.”

From the outside, we get to see this aspect of the industry on ABC TV show Gruen, on which Gloster appears as a panelist.

“The only thing better than working in advertising is being invited to talk about it,

1982. So while I have lived in a lot of countries, Australia is my home.”

There are a few members in Falcetta’s family who either have autism and/ or other neurodivergent conditions. While Falcetta’s initial professional experience was in hospitality, insurance and public sector, she quickly moved to secure a certificate in education support so she could work for the cause of neurodivergent individuals. “I have worked in schools in the educational support role in order to offer assistance to neurodivergent students and those with disabilities. One of my goals was to educate people on how a neurodivergent brain works, how they should be treated and how we should create an inclusive educational system where all individuals feel respected and are integrated without any judgements.”

and the great work the industry produces,” she offered. “It’s such an honour to be invited to be part of the Gruen team, to share and celebrate the insights that drive the advertising we talk about in pubs, in taxis and in our lounge rooms. The whole experience is memorable, Wil Anderson and the team at CJZ which have been producing this show for now 14 years are an incredible team to work with.”

Gloster has held senior leadership roles in Australia and internationally including WPP AUNZ, PriceWaterhouseCoopers Australia, Australian Association of National Advertisers, M&C Saatchi, and Lowe and Partners Worldwide.

The founder of business consulting firm Gloster Advisory, she is also a Senior Advisor for Accenture Australia, UN Women Australia, UN Global Compact Network Australia, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, and Co-Chair of Media and Marketing, Tech Council of Australia.

The AM honour tops off an impressive list of awards for her industry contributions. These include being twice listed in 'Top 35 Businesswomen under 35' in the UK, Europe's 'Top 40 Marketing Professionals

But her major inspiration towards her work in this field is her sons – both neurodivergent. “I started my venture called Social Living Solutions in 2016 because of my children.”

Through this initiative, Falcetta supports families with neurodivergent children to relieve their stress and anxiety, to create happiness in and around their home, and to create a better support system within the family for these individuals.

Falcetta is particularly passionate about the struggle women go through to get diagnosed for ADHD and autism. “There is a common misconception that only men have these conditions. For females, especially, to get the diagnosis is very difficult. I have many female clients who initially were misdiagnosed with bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety or depression, and

under 40', and Australia’s 'Top 30 Powerful Women in Media for eight years.'

She’s also a regular public speaker, and a columnist across the media and marketing sector.

Sunita arrived in Australia as a child in 1974.

“My parents Betty and John D’Souza OAM moved to Mt Gambier SA from Bombay, after the final vestiges of the White Australia Policy were abolished, for the promise of a better life for me. I can't imagine the courage that took. I’m so grateful for all the sacrifices they made for my future. And I must acknowledge the community of Mt Gambier, which 49 years later my parents still call home, for welcoming us into their lives and to Australia.”

She acknowledged that it is a special feeling to be told that someone out there thought she had made enough of a difference to nominate her for an AM honour.

“I have long championed the power of marketing,” she reiterated. “I love that this honour recognises the power of marketing as a force for good.”

Rajni Anand Luthra

put on the wrong medication. I want to create awareness to change this.”

The stigma associated with neurodivergent conditions is also something that Falcetta addresses during her keynote speeches, seminars and workshops. “The stigma around ADHD is that the individuals are lazy and that they can’t complete tasks and cannot be relied on.”

So how has she overcome this stigma for herself?

“I have become a massive advocate for ADHD and all neurodivergent persons,” she shared. “As a public speaker I talk about the unconscious biases that come into play in schools and in workplaces. I also speak of the psychological safety that these individuals require for them to feel safe and thrive.”

Prutha Chakraborty

KInG’S BIRtHDAY HONOURS

TRANSCULTURAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Kalpana Sriram, OAM

For service to community mental health

Kalpana Sriram’s advocacy for mental health care in culturally and linguistically diverse communities has been a defining factor in a 50year career.

This year, she received an OAM in the King’s Birthday honours for her work in community mental health.

Working at the intersection of cultural diversity and mental health practice, the Sydney-based social worker’s extensive experience and expertise have been instrumental in enhancing services.

Chennai’s Stella Maris College was where it all began when Sriram took to social work as an after-hours activity.

“Eventually, the nuns started looking out for me because I was an extra pair of hands,” she laughed. “They thought I had a bent for community service and encouraged me to enrol in a Masters in Psychiatric Social Work. I like to believe that was the first recognition for my social work skills.”

Sriram’s career took off in India right after university, her first role being to investigate the underlying causes of frequent suicides occurring on industrial campuses located in and around Chennai.

PUTTING

Eventually, she worked as the national director for inter-country child welfare projects. “The aim of the project was to rehabilitate children in Australia who couldn’t be rehabilitated in India with dignity. From 1978 to 1984, I sent over 38 homeless children from India to Australia for a better future.”

That was her first brush with Australia. Thanks to her work, she got multiple opportunities to visit, and in 1987 she decided to call Australia home.

With her training in social work specialising in medical and social psychiatry, she joined Liverpool Hospital, with a role in the psychiatry ward.

“That first job helped me come out of my precious abode syndrome,” she reminisced.

“I was fortunate to find wonderful colleagues who helped me embrace the local culture.”

It was rough leaving a well-established life behind, she recounted. “My boss at the hospital taught me how to wear stockings. I was a Chennai girl, how was I supposed to know how to wear stockings? You tell me!”

During this time, she also made important observations from a cultural point of view that helped her grow immensely. There were subtle and not-so-subtle differences in behaviour, such as making eye contact and smiling, which could have a huge impact on the mental health intervention. “I began to see how people from another culture could be easily misunderstood at work places like mine.”

It was Shriram’s ‘eureka’ moment. Wellversed in Hindi and Tamil, she began to

BACK INTO AUSTRALIA

Joe de Souza, OAM

-year-old Joe de Souza, who survived the Japanese invasion in Burma in 1941 and relocated to India, before finally moving to Australia nearly six decades ago, has been presented with the OAM in the King’s Birthday honours this year. He was recognised for various services to the community in his adopted country.

Earlier this year, he was also honoured as Greater Dandenong Citizen of the Year for 2023.

Joseph Aloysious de Souza has lived in Melbourne for 57 years, raising his family

in Keysborough and Springvale.

While he threw himself into his work as a marine engineer, he also became very passionate about volunteering in the community around him.

“Australia was everything I had hoped for, and my gratitude knew no bounds when I was accepted for citizenship in 1967,” acknowledged de Souza. “So I decided that for giving me a home, a nationality, and a country to call my own, I would do my best to “put back” into Australia, by devoting my time and efforts to serving the community in which I lived – seeking nothing in return except for the satisfaction of serving.”

Over the decades, he went on to serve his community in various roles and positions.

As part of the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices, he served as coordinator, Springvale Document Signing Centre (since 2007), Life Member (since 2020), Fellow (2016) and Justice of the Peace (since 1977).

He also served in the Urimbirra Adult Activity Unit (now The Bridge Disability

take a special interest in patients from the subcontinent. “I had a keen interest in developing the cultural side of the service.”

When the Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TMHC) in NSW was being set up, she was approached to join as a clinician. TMHC is an assessment service for providing culturally appropriate mental health care to those who face language barriers, cultural differences, and prejudice. The implications for mental health providers are huge.

We know from our own culture that treatment-seeking patterns are often different, but Kalpana Sriram elaborates that there could even be differences in the manner in which cultures view health and illness.

“Sri Lankan communities for example, do not believe in the very concept of mental health. They don’t use the term mental illness but will talk about the symptoms. Such being the case, my work became double-sided –directly working with Sri Lankan refugees on the one side, and on the other, educating my team on what to look for in other cultures’ psychiatric patients.”

Apart from life changing observations, there are certain precious moments that bring her joy. Recently, she met one of the children she had rehabilitated to Australia way back in 1978. “He was 2 months old when he came to Australia. He was named Karthik by one of the paediatricians who had found him as a baby. He is in his 40s now, and he came to meet me with his adoptive parents, wife, and children. It’s moments like these that fuel my passion to keep going.”

Today, Kalpana’s focus is on transcultural mental health care as a senior counsellor, but that’s not all. Within the Indian community, she is known for her dedication to our ancient arts as founder of the Madhuram Academy of Performing Arts.

“It is my way of practicing social work at home,” she quipped.

Since 2013, Madhuram has brought 34 young Indian classical dancers to perform in Sydney.

Kalpana Sriram laughed as she remarked, “Sometimes I feel planning Madhuram concerts is tougher than doing social work.”

Torsha Sen

Rangoon till the Japanese invasion in 1941 when he and his family evacuated to India.

“I completed the Senior Cambridge exams in 1945 in Nagpur, Central India,” he recounted to Indian Link. “From 1946 to 1948, I trained on the Indian Mercantile Marine training ship Dufferin for Merchant Navy Officers, after which I returned to Burma to serve my Marine Engineering Apprenticeship. On completion in 1952, I joined the Burmah Shell Oil Company serving on oil tankers till 1956, rising from 7th Engineer to 3rd Engineer Officer.”

Mr. de Souza left the Merchant Navy and from 1956 till 1966 he was an Assistant Engineer at a Dockyard in Calcutta.

Services), as its Secretary (1980-1992), Founding Committee Member (1970s1997) and Life Governor (1992-2020).

Mr de Souza was also a life member of the Victorian Association of Youth Clubs since 1969.

He was also associated with the Springvale Youth Club, Springvale Leisure and Activities Centre, as its President (1974-1976) and Life Member (since 1974).

Joe de Souza has quite the fascinating life story. He was born in Burma of AngloIndian parentage in 1930. He lived in

“Deciding that for the future of my children, twin boys and a girl, to have better opportunities for education and employment, it was imperative that we migrate we were fortunate to be accepted by Australia,” de Souza said.

Besides his three children, Joe de Souza presently has eight grandchildren ranging in age from 31 to 42, and 8 great-grandchildren ranging in age from 1 ½ to 18 years.

He lost a son aged 50 in 2019 and his wife of 67 years at the age of 91 in 2021.

Frankey Gerard Fernandes

For service to the community through a range of roles

ONOURS

MORE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN RURAL VICTORIA

Dr Ravi Bhat, AM

For significant service to medicine, and to rural psychiatry

When psychiatrist Dr. Ravi Bhat arrived in Australia from India in 1999, it was to Shepparton in Victoria that he was headed.

He has never left.

This year he received an AM in the King’s Birthday honours for his significant service to rural psychiatry.

A major part of his contributions has been advocating for more mental health services in rural Victoria. The Goulburn Valley Area Mental Health Service (GVAMHS), where he is now Divisional Clinical Director, has seen significant capacity build in the last two decades.

“The challenges are different,” Dr Ravi Bhat told Indian Link. “There are many factors that impact mental health in rural Australia. Poverty rates are higher. As are rates for intimate partner violence. There’s some evidence also that rates of adverse childhood experiences are higher. Add to that, natural disasters such as bushfires, drought, floods.”

And then there are workforce issues.

“Not many health practitioners choose to work in country Australia,” Prof Bhat lamented. “We may be 30% of the population, but only 10% of psychiatrists live here. Clearly, the problems are greater, and the availability of help is less. It’s important to change that disparity.”

He can look back at his career and feel satisfied that he has done his bit in this direction.

He elaborated, “In 2004, there were three full-time consultant psychiatrist positions and a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist visiting weekly. GVAMHS offered opportunities for trainees from Melbourne to spend time in rural practice. The service

has now grown to include two locally-based Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists and one Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist.”

Another solution was to develop rural clinical schools to train doctors, he offered. “The University of Melbourne has been doing that for some time now.

I have myself been Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, since 2006. The GVAMHS is now accredited by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists for specialist training in psychiatry since 2012.”

In 2018, Prof Bhat helped develop a collaborative working model that enables trainee psychiatrists to have supervised experience in the area of addiction medicine. His capacity building work extended to Indigenous communities, another sector that was calling out for attention.

“We have the state’s largest population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

people outside of Melbourne. Working with the Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative, we were able to establish the Spiritual and Wellbeing Clinic for the Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples with mental health problems. Our telehealth clinics now support general practitioners across the GVAMHS catchment area in providing consultant psychiatrist diagnostic assessments and management planning.”

You don’t necessarily have to be a doctor in a major city to do significant work, Dr Bhat emphasized.

Alongside these administrative and strategic initiatives, the clinical and research work continues unabated for this CMC Vellore-trained professional.

A Doctorate in Medicine (MD) from the Central Institute of Psychiatry in Ranchi (India) has not stopped Prof Bhat to take on another PhD, this time in his special interest - Old Age Psychiatry. While suicides

in older adults has been a research interest, his PhD is on delirium in hospitals.

“Delirium is common in senior patients,” Dr Bhat explained. “Hospitals are not made for old people. They come with multiple problems, are confined to beds, with decisions made for them. It’s not surprising they become delirious. Delirium in hospitals is underdiagnosed, and must be properly managed. National guidelines are now available for clinical care conditions - I was a member of the working group for this in 2014 and 2015. The evidence is strong that with timely diagnosis, delirium can be prevented.”

Yet the best way to prevent it, the good doctor says, is to concentrate on general health early on.

“Exercise. Ensure you do regular physical activity. Are you doing your recommended 300 minutes of moderate physical activity per week?”

Rajni Anand Luthra

Melbourne’s

Dr. Virendra Kumar Berera OAM

Canberra’s Dr. Sunita Siddhu Dhindsa OAM

Canberra’s Nishi Puri OAM

Canberra’s Arun Venkatesha OAM

KInG’S BIRtHDAY HONOURS

VISIONARY INITIATIVES TO LIGHT UP LIVES

Vinod Daniel, OAM

For service to conservation and the environment

Chairman of AusHeritage, former Head of the Cultural Heritage and Science Initiatives Branch at the Australian Museum, and CEO and Managing Trustee of the India Vision Institute, Vinod Daniel has been honoured with the OAM.

His work in preserving heritage, bridging the demand-supply gap in vision care, and empowering underprivileged communities, stands recognised in the King’s Birthday honours this year.

Vinod Daniel's journey as a cultural heritage and conservation advocate has taken him across continents, making a profound impact on individuals and communities. Born from a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, his work has left an indelible mark in Australia and beyond.

"I began my journey in Australia in 1995," Daniel shares. "I moved here from the US with a job offer from the Australian Museum and started work 4 hours after I landed as a new migrant! The role enabled me to start contributing to the

conservation of cultural heritage globally as well as to museum development. I have worked in over 45 countries including Australia on museum-related aspects and served in several global leadership roles.”

His Indian heritage has also led him towards initiatives in India over the last 25 years, including helping conserve the original document of the Constitution of India, restoration of the remnants of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s kurta pyjama, as well development of several museums there.

Vinod Daniel’s unwavering dedication and expertise have earned him global recognition, including serving as Vice Chairman of the Committee for Conservation at the International Council of Museums.

However, Daniel's commitment to providing vision care to underprivileged communities in India truly sets him apart. As the CEO and Managing Trustee of the India Vision Institute (IVI), an NGO working to provide vision screening and free glasses to those in need, Daniel has transformed the lives of countless individuals.

"Imagine yourself as a 55-yearold, habitual of going about your day comfortably with a pair of spectacles improving your vision," Daniel says. "Think about every discomfort and trouble you would face if you removed the spectacles that sit on your nose. That's exactly the life for a lot of Indians every day."

The IVI, a joint initiative of the LV

Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad and the Brien Holden Vision Institute in Sydney, has been conducting eye screening camps across 22 Indian states since its launch in 2012. Through these camps, the IVI has screened over 900,000 underprivileged Indians, providing free spectacles to all who need them.

“Incredibly, a simple pair of spectacles can do so much for people, both adults and children."

Through his tireless efforts and the support of the IVI team, Daniel has brought about significant positive change in the lives of thousands. The impact

LEGAL HELP TO THOSE THAT NEED IT MOST

Susai Benjamin, OAM

admitted as a legal practitioner by the NSW Supreme Court in August 2003.

Besides his degrees in law, a Bachelor of Science, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work.

of providing free glasses goes beyond improved vision; it opens doors to better education, employment opportunities, and a brighter future.

While the OAM is a testament to Daniel's remarkable achievements, he remains humble and grateful for the honour. "The honour speaks of the Australian ethos, of a fair go, of equal opportunities and the values the nation and the people attach to contributions, irrespective of race, colour, or creed."

The joy in the faces of those who have just had their vision corrected with a simple pair of glasses, is enough motivation for Daniel.

Looking ahead, he envisions an even greater impact. "On our tenth anniversary, we endeavour to aim for a million screenings in the next year or so," he expresses.

With over 100 optometry institutes collaborating with the IVI, Daniel aims to bridge the demand-supply gap for vision care specialists, ensuring that the underprivileged receive the attention they deserve.

Through his work, Daniel embodies the spirit of empathy, compassion, and service. He urges the support of the AustralianIndian communities and beyond, stating, "It costs $1.80 to screen the eyes of a child in India, and probably about $5.50 to do the same for an adult. If more people support our cause, it can accelerate our mission."

As Vinod Daniel continues to illuminate lives through his visionary initiatives, his journey stands as an inspiration for others to recognise the power of collective action in transforming communities and making the world a better place for all.

Vivek Asri

and Member of the Council of Australasian Tribunal.

For contributions to

the law and the community

Susai Mathew Benjamin, best known to the Sydney Indian community as a Councillor in the Blacktown City Council, has been recognised for his contributions to the law and the community with the OAM on King’s Birthday Honours this year.

“This award is the recognition of one’s services to the community at large - it shows that being a migrant does not make you different from other Australians. If you serve the community, the nation, you get recognition from the people,” Mr Benjamin expressed humbly, reflecting on the significance of receiving the Order of Australia Medal.

Professionally, Mr Benjamin is a solicitor, barrister, and migration agent. He was

Before his legal career, Mr Benjamin studied community development in the United Kingdom and later served as the director of a not-for-profit community development organisation in India.

Mr Benjamin’s extensive community involvement includes his role as the Honorary Director of the Toongabbie Legal Centre Inc., a free community legal service established in 2005 to provide legal assistance to disadvantaged individuals in the Toongabbie and surrounding areas. He is also the Acting Principal Solicitor of the Toongabbie Legal Centre and the legal outreach service Blacktown Legal Centre.

Within the Blacktown City Council, Mr Benjamin has served as a Councillor for Ward 3 since 2012. He has held several important positions, including Chair of the Multicultural Advisory Committee, Chair of the Community Service Committee, and Chair of the Seniors Advisory Committee.

His dedication to public open spaces and parks has been a notable aspect of his advocacy work.

Mr Benjamin’s commitment to multiculturalism and community engagement extends beyond his local council. He served as a Member of the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council from 2008 to 2011 and was a former Member of the Ethnic Communities Council of NSW. Additionally, he served as the Secretary of the Sydney Chapter of the Society for International Development and was a member of the United Indian Associations. He also contributed as an Executive Committee Member of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and served as Treasurer

Throughout his career, Mr Benjamin has received various awards and recognitions for his exceptional work. In 2019, he was the recipient of the Michelle Crowther PSM Excellence Award from the Law Society of New South Wales, and a Westfield Local Hero Award.

Mr Susai Mathew Benjamin, OAM, is a remarkable individual who has dedicated his professional and personal life to providing legal assistance to disadvantaged people, advocating for multiculturalism, and contributing to the community through his involvement in various organisations and committees.

With a deep sense of commitment, Mr Benjamin has made the decision to resign from his position in the NSW government’s Revenue Department. He is now determined to dedicate his full time and energy to the Toongabbie Legal Centre.

“Now, I want to devote my time to strengthening the Toongabbie Legal Centre and providing services to those who need help. It’s my topmost interest and commitment,” he affirmed, emphasising his unwavering dedication to the community.

Vivek Asri

ONOURS

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND VOLUNTEERING

Dr Saba Nabi, OAM

For

service to community health, education and multicultural affairsrural psychiatry

Unless you raise your point of view, the rest of the world wouldn’t ever know it, says Dr Saba Nabi from Wagga Wagga in NSW.

She has been honoured with the Order of Australia Medal announced on the occasion of the King’s Birthday.

Felicitated for her service to community health, education and multicultural affairs, her name also features on the COVID-19 honour roll as acknowledgement of the work she did during the pandemic when she was appointed as Administrator of the COVID -19 Vaccination Hub in 2021 for the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

Dr Nabi expressed happiness about receiving the honour, and also said she was pleasantly surprised by the news.

“The interesting part is that I don’t know who nominated me for the award, but I feel blessed knowing that there are people who trust my abilities. It’s absolutely delightful to receive this honour so early in my career,” she said.

A volunteering veteran since almost

a decade, Dr Nabi feels proud being the voice of the unheard, especially in regional Australia where she lives with her husband and two children and sits on multiple advisory boards and committees, especially those working for improvements in Wagga Wagga.

In fact, it’s the P&C committee of her daughter’s school where she started out, initially to overcome the social isolation she felt having migrated from a vibrant lifestyle back home in India’s Delhi and Patna.

Buoyed by the recognition and appreciation she received for her work, she has since made her voice heard at multiple committees and advisory boards working in the areas of health (clinical innovation, cancer care, mental health, learning difficulties etc), ethnic communities and multicultural affairs, seniors’ and parents issues, education, crime prevention, creative arts and languages, besides working in her own regional community

DISCOVERING SIMILARITIES AMID DIFFERENCES

Dean Sahu Khan, OAM

For service to the community, and to interfaith relations

Dean Sahu Khan’s message of hope for all of us is quite simple – seek to understand yourself better, in order to understand those around you of a different faith.

“When we truly see the similarities, that’s when we will understand - and accept - the differences that unite us,” he told Indian Link.

Dean received the OAM this King’s Birthday for his services to bringing different faiths together, with the goal of uniting all in order to serve the community better.

Dean appreciates the acknowledgement and recognition of his work as founding member and chair of the Canberra

Interfaith Forum, as well as the national board member of Religions for Peace, Australia – through which his vision has come to fruition.

A lawyer by profession (he is currently a Criminal Law Expert, with Legal on London, and has been Prosecutor, Director of Public Prosecutions with the ACT Government), the vision for interfaith activism was planted as a seed when he was young boy growing up in Fiji. He recounts with a smile a minor schoolyard altercation when the boisterous lads decided that the best use of their time at recess was to argue about whose god was more powerful - Jesus, Allah or Bhagwan.

“My father took the time to educate me on the seminal message – that religion is a collection of rituals that we participate in, but at the heart of that religion are fundamental truths that are universal. And within that heart is the soul of the religion – which is, that there is one creator.”

He added, “All religions teach us how to be, and how to live a good life – but we often miss the point of the key messages.

groups of Wagga Wagga and also as Ambassador of Australian Football League Diversity Community since 2017.

“Whatever you do, must be with complete honesty and with full conviction and responsibility,” Dr Saba Nabi says, recounting her multiple roles and committee positions where she believes she has always found respect because the feedback and suggestions she gave were always genuine and well-intentioned.

Asked to choose the one field of work she finds most fulfilling, Dr Nabi says it’s difficult to pick one favourite among all her babies. “I am working for the uplift of all sectors, but multicultural affairs are probably the closest to my heart, partly because of my own journey from being a migrant to a citizen,” she says.

There has been a language barrier, and a lack of translated material, guidance and information especially for those on student visas. “There is also a bit of scepticism in

hiring those who come to Australia with a foreign qualification, and more can be done to help provide recognition to foreign degrees, and I am working for that,” Dr Nabi says.

Dr Nabi is certainly not new to receiving awards, having started out as a winner of the NSW International Student of the Year Award back in 2014, and since then having collected a wide variety of them, including being on the list of the 100 Influential Women of the Australian Financial Review in 2018 and also winning the Riverina Volunteer of the Year Award in 2019, the Hidden Treasurers Honours Roll of 2020, and the NSW Rural Women Scholarship in 2021.

Dr Saba Nabi feels proud to have passed on the volunteering spirit to her 13-yearold daughter too. “It’s heartening to see her take on a lot of voluntary initiatives,” she says.

Tarini Puri

religious practices? How do we influence better behaviours in ourselves and othersin the absence of being able to advocate from a platform of a religion?

We fail to realise that we are all children of the one creator – regardless of how that creator manifests in our religious texts.”

Dean says he is religious, as well as spiritual. Many of us judge the actions of the individual as a reflection of the religion, when the reality is that the crucial messages of the scriptures are misunderstood, misinterpreted, and often subject to the whims of the human condition.

Additionally, he observed, the similarities of the scriptures – the germane ideas and fundamental truths – are overlooked in favour of the focus on the differences.

So how do we shape a kinder world which is becoming more relaxed about

The answer is simple, says Dean. “We look within ourselves to ask – I might be following all the practices and rituals my religious beliefs tell me, but does this follow through in all my actions, thoughts and behaviours? As an example, after I have prayed, do I ensure all my thoughts are charitable towards my fellow beings, and not just my family? In choosing my generosity, am I focusing only on those near and dear to me, or do I see the bigger human family - regardless of their faith?”

Dean Sahu Khan won the Bluestar International (Interfaith) Award in 2012, and ACT Government’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2016 for his work with the Fiji Australia Association of Canberra He is humble about his latest honour on this King’s Birthday, and hopes that the legacy he will leave is one of people asking themselves – no matter their faith or religion – was there love for all in each of my thoughts and actions?

“Then, only then, will we know there is a true intersection of faith and hope.”

Salma Shah

Indian Link supports The Voice to Parliament

The Uluru Statement From the Heart, the result of several national dialogues and overwhelming consensus amongst Indigenous Australians across the country, called for a Voice and Treaty. Importantly, it called for Australians of all backgrounds to walk with them toward a better future.

Indian Link is proud to accept that invitation and affirms its support for the establishment of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and a ‘Yes’ vote at the upcoming referendum.

Indigenous Australians have cared for and survived on this land that we now call our home for over 60,000 years. Where Indigenous Australians survived and thrived for tens of thousands of years, their land, culture and people were rapidly decimated

BY VIVEK ASRI

Indian and South Asian Australians have come together under the banner of Desis for Yes, a collective aimed at deepening understanding of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum. This initiative seeks to ensure that diaspora communities can make informed decisions when they cast their votes later this year.

Over 150 multicultural community organisations, including several South Asian community groups, have pledged their support for a Yes vote in the Voice referendum.

Dr Shireen Morris, a constitutional lawyer and director of the Radical Centre Reform Lab, commented on the growing goodwill among the South Asian population, stating, “Support will only grow as awareness and understanding of the need for Indigenous constitutional recognition increases. It is fantastic to see so many South Asian Australians stepping up to be part of the campaign.”

Nishadh Rego, Co-Convenor of Desis for Yes and Co-Chair of the Sydney Alliance, emphasised the significance of this upcoming referendum as Australia’s first in the twentyfirst century. Rego highlighted the unique opportunity it presents for South Asian Australians to stand alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in seeking constitutional recognition and having a say on issues that affect them.

He stated, “So many of us in the diaspora

following the arrival of British colonials. The dispossession, intergenerational trauma and historically discriminatory policy in a comparatively short space of time have caused systemic structural barriers for Indigenous Australians that are impossible to ignore, and explain the severe disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia. Indeed, that colonial impact is a dark period in Australian history that we as Australians must acknowledge and confront. It is a history whose impact endures today. Moreover, it is a history that we as South Asians can empathise with. Despite achieving independence, we know that the impacts of British colonialism in the subcontinent are still felt today and we, of all people, must advocate for the opportunity for self-determination. The impact of that colonialism in Australia has resulted

in Indigenous Australians suffering systemic racism, disproportionate representation in prison, lower levels of educational attainment and overall life expectancy compared to every other demographic in this country. Years of neglect and failing to adequately consult and listen to Indigenous Australians has meant that the divide between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians continues to this day. Where South Asia has had the opportunity to achieve self-determination and find and use its voice, Indigenous Australians have not. What we as a country are doing right now is quite clearly not working. The structural nature of the problem clearly requires a structural solution. The Voice to Parliament provides a first significant step towards empowerment, reconciliation and constitutional recognition.

Desis for Yes

A new initiative is taking information out to the South Asian community in Australia to build support for the Yes campaign

Since 1994, this publication has empowered the South Asian community in Australia by informing and mobilising public opinion. It is an inescapable truth that even we, as migrants, have inadvertently benefitted from the dispossession of Indigenous communities. Accordingly, as a publication that is also proudly Australian, we believe it is at the core of the values of this masthead, and our fundamental duty, to inform and mobilise support in solidarity with our Indigenous brothers and sisters, and work to set right those enduring historical wrongs.

We hope you, our readers and listeners, will join us on this journey to walk hand-in-hand in solidarity with Indigenous Australians and write a bright new chapter for Australia by voting Yes.

Indian Link Media Group

hand with Indigenous Australians towards a brighter future.

The ‘Yes’ campaign asserts that the Voice to Parliament would enable self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by providing opportunities to influence policy and legal decisions that directly impact them.

Despite being the original custodians of the country, First Nations communities are often marginalised and denied their fair share of resources. Despite their resilience in the face of colonisation, they have long been excluded from decision-making processes concerning their lives and lands. The call for a Voice to Parliament arises from the desire to ensure their voices are heard on matters that affect them.

An Ipsos poll reveals that over 80% of Indigenous Australians support constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament, and a majority of non-Indigenous Australians also endorse this proposal. The First Nations people seek practical and simple recognition through a Voice to Parliament, enabling them to have a say in shaping policies and decisions that impact their communities.

are interested in the referendum and inevitably have questions about what it means and what its consequences will be.”

Rego further explained that Desis for Yes aims to enhance awareness and understanding of the referendum within their communities while fostering a connection to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which outlines a pathway towards a fairer and more inclusive future for Indigenous Australians.

Khushaal Vyas, another Co-Convenor of Desis for Yes and a young lawyer expressed

the passion of South Asian communities for improving the lives of First Nations communities. He acknowledged that many in the diaspora have not had the opportunity to learn about the history that has led to the barriers faced by Indigenous Australians today. Vyas stated, “It’s a history South Asians can empathise with, given the impacts of colonialism that are also still felt today in the subcontinent.” Desis for Yes plans to collaborate with other campaign bodies to bridge this knowledge gap and work hand-in-

As the referendum approaches, Desis for Yes aims to mobilise South Asian and multicultural Australians to join them in supporting the Indigenous voice to parliament referendum, advocating for a major step forward in Australia’s journey towards inclusivity and justice for all its citizens.

Connect with Desis for Yes on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or log on to www. multiculturalforvoice.org to learn more about multicultural Australia’s endorsement of the Voice.

(From left) Khushaal Vyas, Nishadh Rego, Shireen Morris, Anita Roberts

BY RITAM MITRA

Later this year, Australians will go to the polls for one of the rarest of Australian political events: a constitutional referendum. An election night pledge by Anthony Albanese, the referendum will ask Australians whether the Constitution should be amended to establish an Australian Indigenous Voice. Referendums can be confusing at the best of times, and as the “Yes” and “No” campaigns ramp up over the coming months, we explain what it all means:

Hold on – what’s a referendum?

A referendum is a public vote that is legally required to make a change to the Australian Constitution.

A referendum requires a “double majority” in order to be successful, meaning the change must be passed by not only a majority of voters across all states and territories – but a majority of voters in a majority of states, i.e. at least 4 out ofthe 6 Australian states must approve the amendment.

Okay, so what’s the Australian Indigenous Voice referendum about?

The Australian Indigenous Voice referendum will ask voters the following question (with the wording of the question still subject to Parliament approval):

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

It’s a request taken directly from the Uluru Statement of the Heart, a 2017 petition by Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders which calls for, amongst other acknowledgements and constitutional reforms, “the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution”.

If the referendum is passed, the Constitution will be amended to create an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander “Voice”, a new advisory body tasked with representing Indigenous Australians to the Australian Parliament on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

What powers will the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice have?

The Voice will provide independent advice to the federal government on decisions, policies and laws that affect the lives of First Nations people across Australia, including matters relating to their social, spiritual and economic wellbeing. Examples include native title, housing, community development, NDIS, and heritage protection.

It will not have the power to overrule parliament, deliver services or manage government funding. It’s also worth bearing in mind that there’s no potential for “scope creep” here – any further powers would require a further amendment to the constitution, meaning another referendum.

If the referendum is passed, how will the Voice be selectedand structured?

The details of how the Voice will be

explaining the Voice referendum

some time in October 2023. It’s a big deal: this will be the first referendum since the 1999 proposal to amend the Constitution to establish Australia as a republic, rather than a constitutional monarchy.

This means it will be the first referendum in many Australians’ lifetimes, and a momentous occasion regardless of how you vote.

And if passed, it’ll be the first successful change to the Australian constitution since 1977, when the electorate passed three proposals simultaneously: introducing a retirement age for judges, providing for the same-party replacement of casual vacancies in the senate, and giving citizens who lived in Australian territories the right to vote.

Do I have to vote?

implemented will be subject to confirmation if the referendum is passed, but that doesn’t mean the details are not available.

The Indigenous Voice Co-design Process Final Report to the Australian Government, co-authored by Professors Tom Calma AO and Marcia Langton AM, sets out a detailed recommendation on how the Voice should be structured, after 18 months of consultation with nearly 10,000 people and organisations, 115 community consultations in 67 locations, nearly 3,000 submissions, and over 1,000 surveys.

The 272-page report recommends, broadly, that the Voice should comprise a National Voice and a Local & Regional Voice, as follows:

n the National Voice will have 24 members, with enshrined gender

balance and reflecting a representative cross-section of Australia’s states and territories (and of the Torres Strait).

n 35 separate Local and Regional Voices will collectively determine the National Voice members for their state, territory and the Torres Strait.

Each Local and Regional Voice will be distinct and individually run by the communities which it represents, reflecting the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As the report notes, “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not an homogenous group where one solution will fit all communities”.

When will the referendum be held?

The referendum will be held on a Saturday,

Yes – unlike plebiscites, enrolling and voting in referendum is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and older, just like an election. If you’re already enrolled to vote, you don’t need to enrol again to vote in the Voice referendum.

And just like an election, there will be pre-polling booths, postal votes, and polling places on the referendum day itself.

Should I vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’?

It’s your vote, and your decision.

At Indian Link, we believe the time has come for Australia to take a step forward in stopping the torment of the powerlessness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in their own country, and to improve Australia’s relationship with them.

As the Voice referendum and its “yes” and “no” campaigns ramp up over the coming months, we explain what it all means.

Non-verbal & articulate

Sidharth Chandran, a person living with autism and complex communication needs, launches first book

you hope to leave readers with?

BY L AKSHMI GANAPATHY

Understanding and supporting neurodiversity and creating an equitable future for the autistic community is something to work towards every day. Sidharth Chandran is one such ‘soldier for change’, sharing his insights and experiences to advocate for those living with Complex Communication Needs.

Having spent his early years without a formal means of communication, the Sydney-based Sidharth, 32, found his voice writing poems and articles, expressing perceptively and lucidly what it means to be - in his words - ‘cocooned in autism’. His debut book An Unspoken Story details his own experience with Complex Communication Needs, breaking open misconceptions and challenging those on ‘Planet Normal’ to reframe their views on neurodiversity.

We caught up with Sidharth to learn more about An Unspoken Story, what writing means to him, and his plans following the book’s launch in May.

Congrats on the book! How long did it take you to write it, and what was that process like?

Thank you. I love to write. If I had my way, I would have written several books.

It took me many years to complete this book as the process was discontinuous, and not easy because I required more support. My mother or support workers had to work with me. It was frustrating as typing to communicate is hard.

Tell us more about the book – what do you cover in it?

The book is about my life and experience with severe autism. I not only cover my feelings but also discuss the lack of opportunities to develop my skills. It will take the readers into my world, showing them what it is like to be a man who cannot speak and whose vision of the world is shaped by his communication challenges.

What made you write this book? What do

I’m most interested in helping people to understand what it is like to be communication challenged. Lack of speech and behaviour difference do not mean lack of intelligence or feeling.

How has writing helped you find your voice?

Being an autistic person, I can’t speak as others who are not autistic do. So, writing has helped me a lot. It is the one method that I use to communicate. It has helped me to express feeling and communicate with others. It helps me to self-organise. If I was not able to write, my frustration would be greater.

What’s a common misconception that people have about you?

‘People with autism don’t have feeling or empathy.’

This is simply not true. Every autistic person expresses their emotion differently. I expressed my feelings through typing, through some ritualistic behaviours and a few actingout behaviours. Through my typed messages I have been able to let my support circle know that I experience the full range of feelings and my thought processes are coherent.

communities has diverse perspectives. However, they lack awareness and understanding of autism. This makes it difficult to get the appropriate support, acceptance, and inclusion.

What do you think we can do to better support people with Complex Communication Needs?

I’m not entirely sure that I have the answer. People with complex communication needs will have difficulty in speaking.

To help them the community needs to use alternative forms of communication.

This may include using sign language, visual board and other Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools. One needs to be patient and attentive because they might need more time to communicate.

What are you planning to do next?

Lost my Voice

Not my mind Lost my way

Not my will

Another misconception is people think I might hurt them, so they try to stay away. I think people judge me quickly by just looking at me.

What’s your experience growing up in the Indian community as a person living with autism? Do you feel supported? Do you feel the community understand your needs?

The short answer is ‘no’. They don’t understand my needs, and I didn’t get enough support from the Indian community.

The Indian community, like many other

I am working on a website blog as of now. I’ll probably write more about my view of what changes need to take place for the world to be a good place for everyone. In my view the only way to build a good world is to learn that we are all the same.

I’m sure that the next few months will have many more opportunities to address these issues of awareness, understanding and acceptance that the community needs to face. I’ll be selfadvocating. I’ve been using my writing to express my views.

I’ll try again in another book to speak about the technology we use to help us (like speech generating devices). I think that it is moribund. A lot more research to make communication devices meet the needs of the autistic population needs to take place.

Head

to booksonlineaustralia.com.au to order Sidharth Chandran’s An Unspoken Story as print or e-book.

Diwali Art Competition

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 2023. 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 13 october 2023

For more details, ring the Indian Link office on 02 9729 2004, or email editor@indianlink.com.au

These school holidays, I’m heading to Europa with my parents. No, that’s not a spelling mistake. I don’t refer here to Europe the continent, but Europa, one of the moons of Jupiter.

Of course, I’m not literally going there. A space shuttle will take my signature to this distant (holiday!) destination.

I came across this trip while strolling through Google out of sheer boredom. I stumbled on to the NASA kids website spaceplace.nasa.gov, and clicked on it because I love everything STEM, however I also loved the website for its arts and crafts, 3D simulators and games.

Here I read about a NASA mission called Europa Clipper. It is a spacecraft that will explore Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, as space scientists think it has the qualities to sustain life, and not only with water. They already have evidence that Europa has water, close to twice as much as all of earth’s oceans combined. WOW!

To support life though, there must also be chemical elements present (the ones from the periodic table). These could probably be there on Europa. When the moon was formed, some elements went rogue into the universe, so it’s likely they landed up as one of the foundations of Europa. Scientists also believe Europa has energy, like any life sustaining planet or moon, and it is generated by chemical reactions rather than the sun.

How exciting if this turns out to be true about Europa! The Europa Clipper will

probably be able to tell us. It heads out to Jupiter in October 2024.

It will be carrying on board a poem, to which you can sign your name. I was stoked to learn that my name could be on the spacecraft, so I filled in all the requirements (basic details like email address) for me, my mum and my dad, who also liked the idea, and off to Europa we were going!

My mind has been buzzing with excitement since, and I visit the website everyday to check this feature called the Participation Map, which tells me how many people from each country have signed their names so far. With a world population of billions, only thousands have signed up till

now. I feel sad about the opportunity being missed, so I try to tell as many people about it as I can.

They have added even more ways to participate, including an AR experience of exploring the spacecraft.

I am now hooked on to the NASA kids website. My visits can last hours! There are so many things that you can create and develop here - a myriad of possibilities. I ask questions and learn new things.

They have monthly challenges where you must create an artwork or write a poem based on a prompt they provide, which would later be selected to be on the front page of their website.

By US poet laureate ADA LIMON

In praise of mystery

Arching under the night sky inky with black expansiveness, we point to the planets we know, we pin quick wishes on stars. From earth, we read the sky as if it is an unerring book of the universe, expert and evident.

Still, there are mysteries below our sky: the whale song, the songbird singing its call in the bough of a wind-shaken tree.

We are creatures of constant awe, curious at beauty, at leaf and blossom, at grief and pleasure, sun and shadow.

And it is not darkness that unites us, not the cold distance of space, but the offering of water, each drop of rain, each rivulet, each pulse, each vein. O second moon, we, too, are made of water, of vast and beckoning seas.

We, too, are made of wonders, of great and ordinary loves, of small invisible worlds, of a need to call out through the dark.

You have till December to sign your name to the poem, so be quick about it! Head to: https://europa.nasa.gov/messagein-a-bottle/sign-on/

‘ these school holidays, I’m heading to europa… and you can too.’

SHALOM ILA BHASKAR, 11, discovers a fascinating n ASA program, and is now intrigued by all things space

Shalom and her representation of herself as a space traveller

Social Model of Disability Videos

Sutr Santati: then. now. next.

celebrating the revival of Indian textile traditions in contemporary design

In celebration of India's rich textile heritage and its vibrant contemporary design scene, Melbourne Museum is presenting the Sutr Santati: Then. Now. Next. exhibition, direct from the National Museum in Delhi. This captivating exhibition showcases the mastery of Indian textile designers and artisans and their innovative interpretations of traditional techniques. With its kaleidoscope of colours, intricate patterns, and exquisite craftsmanship, the exhibition offers visitors a unique glimpse into the world of contemporary Indian textiles.

The Sutr Santati: Then. Now. Next. exhibition seamlessly weaves together the old and the new, presenting a blend of traditional techniques and contemporary aesthetics. Featured artisans have breathed new life into age-old techniques like appliqué, embroidery and resist-dyeing, infusing them with fresh designs and modern motifs. The fusion of tradition and modernity is evident in every stitch, highlighting the continuous evolution of Indian textile art.

Sutr Santati: Then. Now. Next. not only celebrates the artistry of established Indian designers, but also supports the empowerment of regional artisans through the

revival of India’s textile traditions. The exhibition includes works by talented weavers, dyers, and block printers who have masterfully

preserved techniques passed down through generations.

Visitors can marvel at the intricacy of Kerala kasavu, the geometric patterns of Bandhani, the lush floral motifs of Kashmiri shawls, and the geometric precision of Kutch embroidery.

Inspired by the exhibition, Melbourne Museum is hosting two ‘in conversation’ events where visitors can hear from

locally based designers about their creative collaborations with Indian artisans. Melbournebased designer and merchandiser Manavi Batra and designer Kudrat Makkar will discuss the rise of Indian craftsmanship within contemporary fashion, along with details of their creative collaborations with Indian-based designers.

Sutr Santati: Then. Now. Next. is open until 3 September 2023 at Melbourne Museum. The ‘Indian Craftmanship in Contemporary Fashion’ and ‘Indian Textiles and Artisanship’ talks are taking place on Saturday 15 and 22 July 2023 at Melbourne Museum. For further information and tickets visit the Melbourne Museum website.

Pino Migliorino reflected on the company’s work in the

communities,” he said. d, “Social Model of Disability aims to integrate

she said

topping South Australian tennis – again

BY RITAM MITRA

35-year-old Ashwin Vijayaragavan was recently named South Australia’s 2022 State League tennis player of the year, the second year in a row the former tennis professional has taken out the prestigious honour. It’s the latest achievement in a remarkable career that has seen Ashwin reach heights that many tennis players dream of – dreams which Ashwin now aims to fulfil for juniors, through his Adelaide Rising Stars Tennis Academy.

Born in Doha, Qatar, Ashwin’s introduction to tennis was tenuous, at best. “It was just an extra-curricular activity for an hour,” he recalls. “We moved to India when I was 10, so I played a lot of cricket – because it’s India! So, tennis was nothing big for me.”

But as Ashwin started regularly watching his brother play tennis, cricket increasingly took a back seat. “My first coach [former Indian national player, Ilyas Ghouse] pushed me further into the game. I wasn’t the most talented compared to other kids my age, but my work ethic was up there with the best, and Ilyas enjoyed working with me,” says Ashwin.

Ashwin’s rise was rapid. By the age of 14, he was one of the top 5 players in India in his age group, and by 16, he was playing in the ITF World Tennis Tour junior circuit, including in the junior Australian Open in 2007 under the tutelage of Ganesh Raman, who Ashwin describes as a “father figure”.

Although grateful for his own

opportunities, Ashwin’s assessment of India’s tennis system is frank: “The only thing working in India is doubles,” he says.

“The notion is that no Indian can do well in singles. To my knowledge, we’ve only really had Leander Paes and Somdev Devvarman make it big.”

Ashwin does not put it down to a lack of facilities, or access to quality coaching – but a disjointed system that sees tennis facilities located 30 minutes away from fitness facilities. “It’s just how the system has always been, and the [All India Tennis Association] hasn’t been very helpful. It’s one of the reasons we can’t ever make a successful singles player,” he rues.

After finishing school, Ashwin earned a scholarship with the University of Texas, where he studied Finance while reaching a highest ranking of 46 in the NCAA, widely regarded as the best college sport system in the world. But it was about more than just tennis: “My parents thought I could benefit

from that journey, and learn certain things without their help. In India, you always look up to someone to help, but that sense of independence is missing,” he acknowledges.

Turning pro at 21, at various stages Ashwin reached the top 500 in the world, was a hitting partner for Novak Djokovic, and was also selected in India’s 2013 Davis Cup tennis team.

“As a tennis player, that’s one of your biggest dreams. When I was just six years old, I got to hit with Leander Paes in Doha. I was stoked to be playing on the same Davis Cup team as him 15 years later,” recalls Ashwin.

“Playing in a team is always special – there are people cheering for you, someone is always telling you what to do, it automatically gives you energy,” he describes. “But when you’re playing tournaments by yourself, you feel lonely –you have to fight by yourself, and it’s very difficult to motivate yourself.”

A lower back injury plagued the latter half

of Ashwin’s career, and in the notoriously gruelling ITF circuit, saw him ramp up his coaching career, beginning in Sri Lanka with the junior Davis Cup and briefly turning to the Middle East.

It was only in 2016 that Ashwin arrived in Australia, to undertake a Masters in Sports Management at Deakin University. Later he moved to Adelaide with his partner Tania, where he took up a coaching job at Tea Tree Gully Tennis Club – which he credits to his mentor and club head coach Jason Todd. It was with Tania’s encouragement that Ashwin started playing for the club in select tournaments, and he has never looked back.

“Australia will always be very close to my heart. I did everything here without a lot of support, I had to build myself up. I wish I had this journey when I was a bit younger, but I’ve learned a lot in my time here – from being a player coach and now running a business of my own [the Adelaide Rising Stars tennis academy] training 60 or 70 kids. I felt like I was missing something before, but now I have my own identity,” he says proudly.

As a performance coach, Ashwin Vijayaragavan is better placed than most to pass on advice. His recommendation: “Don’t just get into tennis to become a champion. Enjoy it and play as much as you can, but the journey is huge – only 0.001% of people make it big. If you play only to become a champion, then you’re going to lose your way somewhere. Have fun, keep playing and then you never know what will happen.”

How Indian Davis cup player Ashwin Vijayaragavan became a performance coach in Australia

Ashwin was a hitting partner for Novak

Djokovic, and also played Davis Cup for India in 2013

10

Online retreat starting on 25th October 2023 (HINDI) is about attempting to grasp this higher consciousness. That is precisely the purpose of spirituality. The course is set out in very clear and simple terms, with an emphasis on experience.

‘No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.’ Albert Einstein

If you’re looking for advancement in your own life, if you need strength to raise your mind high above the daily trivialities, if you could do with clearer understanding of our very existence here, if you need practical steps towards transformation… then, this is for you.

Facilitator: Sister Ananya

For Ananya Tomar, her ultimate goal as a meditation teacher is to create an uplifting atmosphere. Starting October 25, Ms Tomar will host free Raja Yoga Meditation sessions Online in the Hindi language. Ms Tomar says her personal aim is that one person understands and starts practising meditation. “Meditation is like a big discovery,” she said. “I was spending my life really exhausted by changing things outside, changing my health outside and my finances, and it was like a big reveal, all the change happened from within.

“I train them to think to see that spirituality and higher consciousness are not the treasure of just a few, but are something that should help us all in our everyday lives. It’s a very

Ms Tomar, who works in the environmental sciences and sustainability sector, says the Zoom classes are designed so that anyone can join, whether they’re at the office or at home while radiating the positive insights gained in the classes to all their family members and housemates. “You can do this anywhere, any time, that’s the whole idea,” she said.

The

Sessions

Course is to attempt

Sister Ananya

with Lakshmi Ganapathy

A performance artist living and working between Sydney and Canberra, SHAHMEN SUKU tells stories of cultural identity, gender roles, displacement and the kitchen through his drag alter ego, Radha.

What is it about cooking that made you want to incorporate it into your performances?

I think food is the great equalizer – everyone needs to eat, and that automatically puts everyone on the same baseline, and then you can use that to tell stories or current affairs. Once everyone’s on the same page, it’s easier to then break the boundaries and talk about something difficult.

What’s something from your Radha persona that’s made its way into Shahmen, or vice versa?

I use Radha to tell my stories and to explore food more, and it’s made me pay attention to family stories. I collect recipes to also to collect stories; I coined the term ‘pickling’ as archiving, how I share and record stories. I wouldn’t necessarily call an aunt to ask how she is, but I’d call to ask for a recipe, which would lead to other conversations – it infiltrates my life as Shahmen to explore these stories and connections with my family.

You did a show called ‘Midnight Masala’.

Are you a midnight snacker?

What’s your go-to midnight snack?

Depends if I’ve been out! I like a McSpicy Double, or a Filet O’ Fish Double, and then I get nuggets, so I get fish and chicken…and a hot fudge sundae!

Or if there’s chocolate in the fridge, I’m a chocolate person. The Tony’s Chocolonies Almond or Hazelnut with 80% Dark Chocolate is so good!

South Asians have been doing well on MasterChef recently – any cooking show plans?

I’ve only ever come close to being on one! I auditioned for MasterChef but didn’t go through, and I was going to apply again but then that season a Singaporean-Indian chef won and I was like, ‘all the South Asians are winning, I’m never gonna get in!’ I did get close to being on My Kitchen Rules last year, but I pulled out. I’ve been on ABC’s The Set, and I’ve done my own videos on Instagram, ‘Where you’d Radha be’ where it was like a panel show, so I think that’s the direction I’d like to go, a cooking talk show where you interview guests whilst they cook with you.

What's something that you're currently listening to/reading/playing/watching?

I’m on Soundcloud a lot listening to random mixes, and I don’t read, I love audiobooks! I’ve been listening to Theft by Finding by David Sedaris which is a series of his diary entries from the late ‘70s to early 2000s, paints a great picture of the past. I just discovered Gloam by Cole Pulice recently; it’s saxophone, but it’s trippy, which I never thought I’d like that much but it’s a great album.

What’s a word that you like in a South Asian language, and what does it mean?

I mean, it’s a bit predictable, but in Tamil ‘Saptaya’ or in Malayalam ‘OonuKazhicho’, which is ‘have you eaten’. They’re very simple questions but it’s asking a lot more than that - it’s everything, it’s ‘how are you and how’s your day’.

And finally: Soan Papdi or Papdi Chat?

I don’t know what either of these things are…I guess the question is sweet or savoury, right? I think I’m going to have both, like fries with chocolate sundae; you know when you have the salty fries, with the sweet sundae? Not sure how it would work but I would do it! Or I’ll have the savoury first and then I’ll have the sweet one.

Dazzling Dubai

BY PETRA O'NEILL

On exiting Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping mall, the Burj Khalifa, one of the world's tallest buildings rose skywards before me. Then with dramatic effect, jets of water from a vast lake danced in tune to the sound of music.

A destination of superlatives, it's unlike any place you're ever likely to visit with buildings shaped like rockets, built of reflective glass that shimmer in the desert sun, and cranes that dot the skyline touching the sky. As the city is spread out, and each part is distinctive, I'd suggest sightseeing in doable chunks.

DIERA AND BUR DUBAI

Begin with the oldest and most intriguing part of the city, at the gold, spice and perfume souks, with vendors spruiking their wares in the narrow incense swirled alleyways of Diera.

The gold souk sells a staggering array of gold jewellery, much of it inlaid with precious stones, while the perfume souk is filled with the heady aromas of amber and frankincense.

The best way to arrive here is by crossing the creek on an Abra, traditional wooden ferries that have been chugging along for years. As you cruise past minarets and wind towers, it feels like a journey back in time.

On the other side of Dubai creek is Bur Dubai, with a souk, Iranian mosques, a tangle of narrow lanes lined with affordable

eateries, an Indian quarter and the Al Fahidi heritage district, where in the former homes of Persian merchants, you'll find galleries and cafes.

JUMEIRAH

A vast stretch of beach hemmed in by the turquoise waters of the Gulf, Jumeirah has the Burj Al Arab hotel that looks like the sail of a dhow at one end, and Jumeirah Mosque at the other. The Burj Al Arab is one of the city's most striking buildings, where you can experience 7-star glamour and indulge in high tea. For shopping, head to Box-park, a cluster of shipping containers with funky boutiques and cafes, City Walk or Mercato.

Dubai’s most famous beach is Kite Beach where locals and expats play beach volleyball, go paddleboarding or kiteboarding. There's also a huge waterpark and giant playground nearby.

DOWNTOWN

Even if shopping isn’t your thing, Dubai Mall, the biggest in the world, is a must see. Aside from its 1,200 shops, there’s an aquarium, ice rink, and great eateries. The jewellery shops offer a lavish collection of gold and gemstones, and for clothing, high end brands are well represented.

The Burj Khalifa is a dazzling sight, with a needle-thin glass-covered exterior that

A destination of superlatives, Dubai is unlike any place you're ever likely to visit

Water jets outside Dubai Mall

Central Souk, Sharjah

Deira

rises to 828 metres. If you want to visit the observation decks, book well ahead of your visit.

DUBAI MARINA AND PALM JUMEIRAH

Dubai Marina is one of the most popular places to live or visit, with high-rise apartments and hotels, and a marina walk, lined with shops and eateries running parallel to the beach, and a winding riverside promenade that delights in the evenings with brightly coloured twinkling lights.

Palm Jumeriah is an artificial island with townhouses, apartments and hotels. I enjoyed my stay here at West Beach, on the left side of the palm's giant trunk.

MORE TO E xPLORE

Dubai offers many museums and mosques to discover. The Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque is one of the UAE's largest, with detailed inscriptions and soaring domes.

Visit the cluster of warehouses at Alserkal Avenue, the heart of Dubai's contemporary art scene, or discover Dubai’s best murals along 2nd December Street, famed for its affordable street food.

Sharjah, just a 30-minute drive away, offers culture and history with fine examples of Emirati architecture, art galleries and museums. Visit the Heritage Museum in the oldest house in the UAE, the Art Museum and the Museum of Islamic Civilisation. At Central Souk, a market for locals rather than tourists, seek out the delightful Oud Al Khaleej for perfume.

RAVEL N OTEBOOK

Getting there

Fly Emirates, or if the world’s busiest airport is too daunting, Etihad, with complimentary transfers from Abu Dhabi, just a short drive away.

Getting around

Consider hiring a car and driver for each day of sightseeing, or buy a Nol card for the two-line metro line and tram. Distances are deceptively large. Walking is a challenge. A great way to view Dubai’s skyline is from the water with cruises travelling from Bur Dubai to Dubai Marina.

Where to stay

The choice of hotels is staggering, with bling and glamour in spades. Each district has its own distinct character. I liked the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah on West Beach, with shops, restaurants and beaches that cater for locals and expats, slower than the hectic pace found elsewhere, and a promenade for strolls along the beach.

Keep to a budget

Much of Dubai is affordable, though entry tickets to the many theme parks and

observation decks can be high.

Dining out

Intimate hangouts with local flair are joining upscale restaurants to bring new texture to the city's culinary scene. Dining is a multicultural experience ranging from street food to family restaurants and deluxe dining.

When to go

Avoid the searing heat of July and August.

More information

Visitdubai.com

Sharjah Museum

Burj Khalifa Palm Jumeirah – looking out at Dubai Marina

Bur Dubai

Flowers at Deira

Deira

cineTALK

13 films and series to watch in July 2023

With romcoms to warm your hearts to chilling crime dramas, there's something for every kind of watchlist this month

BAWAAL (Prime Video)

If Karan Johar’s particular masala isn’t for your palate, maybe this Hindi love story is what you’re looking for. Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor unite to remind us that love wins all wars. As a word of warning, a few tears could be shed as this pair shares a story of turmoil and triumph.

Releasing: 21 July

ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHANI (In cinemas)

Just with the announcement of this movie, ‘90s Bollywood fans felt they were being welcomed back into theatre halls by Jaya Bachchan and her thaali Meet Rocky and Rani (Ranveer and Alia), possibly the closest comparison Gen Z will have to Rahul and Anjali. Could Karan Johar’s comeback be exactly what Hindi cinema lovers have been craving for?

Releasing: 28 July

MATRIMONIALS

SEEKING GROOMS

Seeking professionally qualified issueless match from Australia (working professional, not selfemployed) for ‘88 born 5’ 3” Hindu Punjabi girl (divorced, issueless), working with a government organisation in Sydney. Must have Aus PR and must be non smoker and preferably teetotaller. Email: matrimonial.ml@gmail.com

Seeking a professionally qualified settled match for Sydney based, never married Aus citizen,

Hindu, Punjabi Khatri, 49, 5'3" slim, fair, attractive girl. Girl is a postgraduate and is working on a good position in a government organisation. Please contact at ausind26@gmail.com

Sydney-based girl, educated, career oriented, well settled Hindu Brahmin, vegetarian, never married, slim, 1985 born, seeks alliance from an educated man, teetotaller, of good family background. Prefer Australian citizen or PR. Please contact sydaus25@gmail.com

NEEYAT (Prime Video)

When Knives Out meets No One Killed Jessica. Vidya Balan leads this Hindi who-dunnit with a few familiar favourites who will have you on the edge of your seat. Make sure to have your magnifying glass handy for a tale of twists and turns!

Releasing: 7 July

SEEKING BRIDES

Alliance invited from a professionally qualified girl for a Sydney-based permanent resident, 5’11” tall, fair Punjabi Hindu Khatri, born March 1989. Did his university studies in Australia and is now a successful business owner of a finance company. Highly respectable and educated family back in India. Please contact with details +61 466 872 415, or email manandtiet@gmail.com

TARLA (Zee5)

Another biopic on a beloved Indian icon is on the menu this month. Huma Qureshi dons an apron for this cinematic homage to culinary queen Tarla Dalal. Let’s hope this Hindi tribute film is sprinkled in sugar, spice, and all things nice.

Releasing: 7 July

UNAAD (JioCinema)

Small-town stories often leave you with the biggest smiles. Meet three boys of the Koli community who are taking on the troubles of being young, wild and free. This heart-warming Marathi release looks like the perfect flick for a freezing Friday night.

Releasing: 8 July

SWEET KAARAM COFFEE (Prime Video)

Looking for a feel-good getaway without leaving your seat? Bring the family together for this Tamil drama series that will have you booking your next adventure. Take a trip with three women on a powerful journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Releasing: 6 July

BLIND (JioCinema)

Venture into the unknown as some answers can only be found in the darkest of places. Sonam Kapoor stars in this Hindi crime thriller as a visuallyimpaired police officer on the hunt for a ruthless serial killer. Don’t miss this twisted story that will leave you in suspense until the last second.

Releasing: 7 July

VAJOOD (In cinemas)

An impactful film that will leave you with lessons on embracing everything that makes you human. This Punjabi societal drama release delves into the intricacies of Sikh identity and the layers of meaning behind adorning a turban.

Releasing: 14 July

VOICE OF SATHYANATHAN (In cinemas)

When crime and comedy go hand-in-hand, always expect the unexpected. This upcoming Malayalam action movie aims to prove that there’s always more than meets the eye.

Releasing: 14 July

MAAVEERAN (In cinemas)

Tamil-cinemagoers, brace yourselves for a rollercoaster filled with combat and chaos. This upcoming crime-thriller stars Sivakarthikeyan in a role that will make even the Avengers jealous. South Indian cinema takes the crown with turning heroes into masters of action.

Releasing: 14 July

MISS SHETTY MR POLISHETTY (In cinemas)

Ever wondered what happens when the worlds of cooking and comedy collide? Add a love story into the mix and you have the makings of a must-watch Telugu romcom. See South Indian cinema queen Anushka Shetty and funny man Naveen Polishetty lead this highly anticipated family flick.

Releasing: 14 July

THE TRIAL (Disney+Hotstar)

Order, order! After Kajol’s social media stunt that left fans with more questions than answers, the release of this Hindi legal drama series might clear those queries. An adaptation of the American series The Good Wife, will this OTT take on all things live up to the original?

Releasing: 14 July

ADHURA (Prime Video)

Boarding school has never seemed spookier. The spirits in this Hindi horror series have some unfinished business that will drag you on a journey through the supernatural world. Be warned, this series isn’t for the faint hearted!

Releasing: 7 July

Stand up speak up

HELLO AUNTYJI

I have lived in Australia for 15 years and have a really good job that I am happy with. Auntyji, I know I am smart, and I come up with good ideas and all my work colleagues respect me. But Auntyji, I generally don’t speak up in meetings because I worry about what people will think about what I say. I would love to get a promotion this year, but at my last performance feedback session, my manager said that I need to learn to speak up more. But I feel that if someone has already said something in a meeting, why should I speak up. That would be just wasting time. I want to speak up when I have something of value to say. I worry that people will think I am not smart or that I have the wrong information if I say something. In fact, I often worry what people say about me, and what they think of me in meetings. Don’t you think that it’s better to be silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and prove it? Can you please give me some guidance so that I can get my promotion?

ASK AUNTYJI

Do you have a question for Auntyji?

Email it to info@indianlink.com.au

AUNTYJI SAYS

Oh you crazy gulab jamun! You are not living in downtown Worli that people are sitting there looking at you, judging you because your sari is too yellow and wondering which grandparent you got that large nose and tiny eyes from. You are now living in Australia and working in a corporation. Let me give you a fundamental truth. Here, no one cares about what you think-ate-said-did-thought - and you know why? Because they are too busy thinking about themselves, and what they intend to say-do-eat-drink-think. Really - people are so busy thinking about their own selves and their own life, that they will only spare you 60 secs or so of their attention, before they go back to thinking about themselves. You know how you’re obsessing about yourself and how you’re coming across to others - well that’s exactly what other people are doing too. So get out of that inflated sense of me-me-me and self-absorption and focus on how you can add value at work. Now that psuedo-intelligence about not speaking up until you have something of value to add is yet another dumb idea that passes as faux awareness nowadays. Have you ever considered that leadership behaviour means that you can overtly support an idea that you like that someone has just expressed? Or what if you invited a quieter team member to share their perspective? What about recognising someone’s good work? There are many ways to have your voice heard - and if you want to succeed in corporate Australia, start by showing leadership behaviours by speaking up - and not sitting there like a timid little Kanchan from Worli who is afraid of her own shadow.

ChatGPT: chaat without masala

Afew days after Modiji’s rock star show in Sydney, I came across a headline in the paper ‘ChatGPT: Boon or bane?’.

Not having heard of ChatGPT before, I thought it was an Aussie take on a popular Indian dish Mr Modi had mentioned in his speech as a 20,000-strong crowd ate out of his hands.

Or perhaps a new kind of chaat the visiting PM had found at Harish (oops Harris) Park.

How could any chaat – Google lists 375 types – be anything other than a boon, I thought, as I delved into the article.

Reading further, I realised that ChatGPT is not a new mouth-watering Great Party Treat, but apparently some hi-tech computer stuff associated with Artificial Intelligence that will dramatically change our lives forever.

I must learn more, I reckoned, so I can improve my own AI (Average Intelligence).

As a start, I modified my pen name from Ayer to AIyer.

Articles on ChatGPT and AI appear almost every day on every medium. The more I read, the more I am confused whether it is a godsend, or the Grim Reaper’s handiwork. Opinion about inducting AI in various walks of our daily life has been so divided amongst academia, researchers, topnotch techies and consumers, that it all resembles a world war of words between proponents and opponents. Advocates amplify the bountiful benefits of AI like improving productivity, helping students produce better essays (why didn’t they

develop this when I was a struggling student?) and enabling producers to create artwork, music etc effortlessly.

Recently ChatGPT was used to retrieve John Lennon’s voice to complete an unfinished Beatles song. Nearer home, late Sister McAuley addressed a Sydney school assembly 180 years after her death.

On the flip side, a Microsoft survey in 30 countries including Australia, revealed that 45 per cent of employees fear for their jobs, as 85 per cent of businesses will look for people with AI skills. IBM’s CEO Anand Krishna says AI will replace 30 per cent of staff in some departments within five years. This is best summed up by the headline “AI is a great tool … if you still have a job.”

Dumb students using chatbots – derided as cheatbots – could outperform capable and honest candidates. Concerned about this, State governments have blocked ChatGPT in their

schools. Some private schools have put in place AI detection programs, not foolproof though. ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) is planning to bring back oral examinations for medical students after seeing that AI can help them pass examinations. AIgenerated fake videos and art works may flood the market. Publishing houses may seek from writers statutory declarations that their work is not chatbot-generated. (By the way, I declare unreservedly, every word here is my own creative work).

Current thinking in government circles ranges from placing regulations to banning AI outright. Now that the genie is out of the bottle with nearly a billion users, the sensible option is an international pact like the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Democratic nations may honour such a treaty but not so sure of some current dictators who, with no regard for rules-based order, dream of world dominance.

It is interesting to note some Indian links with concerns over AI.

* President Biden had a special meeting with Microsoft’s Satya Nadella and Google’s Sundar Pichai on this.

* Ramprakash Ramamoorthi, Manage-Engine research director, has warned that Google’s chatbot Bard could give unfettered access to its data to Google, which has countered this by saying it would cut that access to its own offspring. ‘Most unkindestcut of all’, as penned by the original Bard in his Merchant of Venice.

* Sam Altman, CEO of Open AI which developed ChatGPT, met with many world leaders including India’s to discuss the need for regulation.

According to an industry expert, ‘once AI fuses with quantum computing, it will be too powerful to regulate and control’, even leading to extinction of the human race in the extreme instance. Reflecting this huge concern, Geoffrey Hinton, dubbed as ‘godfather of AI’, quit Google so he could freely speak about the dangers of this technology. This is eerily similar to the reaction of Robert Oppenheimer, father of the atomic bomb, who said after it was used twice, “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds,” quoting the Bhagawad Gita. Will AI come to mean ‘Armageddon Inevitable’? Hope the app does not become the destroyer of its developer – humans – and allows them to continue to enjoy the chaats of the kind that Modi inspired Albanese to relish.

LP AIyer

t orsha Sen

July 2023 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.

TAROT

A destiny card is drawn for you this month - so it’s better to go with the flow than resist if there are challenges. Work is difficult as problems mount and results are not visible. A relationship could be rocky but it won’t break. Singles could get married this month. Avoid overworking; take regular breaks. Financial hurdles too could come but they are short-lived. Money will come soon. If making a major decision, plan everything and take a second opinion if need be.

Singles could meet someone through work or at a social gathering. A job offer that improves your financial health could come your way. If you like someone, make the first move and things will flow smoothly. If undecided, wait for what you truly desire. Practice gratitude and living in a state of abundance. Avoid binge drinking; a family member who was unwell will recover. The selfemployed should not shy away from selfpromotion. Take the help of your team to improve your business.

The card representing Libra shows up, making the mercurial May and June born more balanced in their approach, especially to matters of the mind. Some of you will mend past relationships that are fractured. Whatever the challenge this month, deal with it with your mind; it is not the time to think emotionally. For any infections, try a new-age remedy. Think of a new approach to old problems and consider the point of view of others for best results.

Some of you may want to leave your job and start your own business. Be careful with paperwork if you do. A good time for singles as they could meet someone special. Those in a relationship will feel the lack of a real connection. An end of delays in stuck situations is foretold. The self-employed will see their profits increase. Take the initiative in matters of importance for best results. Though things are still in a flux, you will achieve your goal.

The chariot card appears again for Leos, as it did for the annual forecast. The universe seems to be in a hurry to convince you to create balance in your life. Introspect in moments of solitude to know what it is that your soul seeks. Matters related to property could take an unexpected twist. If plateauing in your career, learn a new skill or look for something more satisfying. Slow down and take ample rest. Things will work out better than expected.

The universe is asking you to not repeat old patterns. Let go of a painful situation as holding on or trying to resolve it is not helping. A new opportunity to make money will come your way. The self-employed will see some profits and repeat customers. The current situation could make you anxious but it is better to rest it out than worry about it. A job offer or a business proposal could come along. A difficult time will soon end.

Singles could enter a relationship that could alter their current lifestyle. Women going through problems with their spouses need to resolve past issues with their father or brother, if need be, to reduce friction with the partner. Inner child healing works wonders. At work, you are in charge and finances are good too. Take care of your teeth. An opportunity at work or in your personal life could change your life. Improved conditions all around and most of your wishes will come true.

You want to work on improving your self or healing past wounds. Self-love is required for things to get better. Singles won’t meet the one who feels right just yet. Work is busy and some of you may look for a job that is easier. A family member or a pet could need medical attention. Payment owed to you will start coming in. Take a risk with your ideas and chances are you will be successful. Be decisive and clear about your goals.

A difficult month as a family member could end up in hospital. A rocky patch in a relationship is temporary but if married, the separation will be permanent. Work life is good with new ideas and financial gain on the anvil. Stomach problems need to be checked. A settlement boosts your funds. What seems like a loss is a chance to grow spiritually and the best course of action is to wait for things to get resolved on their own.

Those in a relationship will want to forge a deeper bond but the blocks remain. Singles could meet someone but the relationship won’t progress. Those looking for a new job could find one more suited to their skills. Do not ignore any chest related discomfort or health issues whether it is about your lungs or your heart. A conflict will make it difficult for you to convey your point of view. Choose to do without than compromise on your integrity.

A long-term situation can suddenly change depending on the current scenario. You wish for a certain issue will get resolved once and for all. Singles will meet someone they will have an instant strong connection with. An unexpected offering will come along in your work life that will surprise you. A short trip is on the anvil. Unpleasant situations at work are temporary. Pay attention to your dreams and gut feelings. A payment could get delayed but will come from a different source.

Some of you may feel tied down in a relationship because of your recent spiritual growth. Sudden problems will come along on all fronts; these are temporary. If you are planning to sell property, you will find a buyer easily. Those looking for a change of job won’t agree to the one being offered because you were saying yes for the wrong reasons. Take care of your health. The self-employed will have a business opportunity come to them.

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