2024_05_ Melbourne

PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

CONTRIBUTORS

Torsha Sen, Lakshmi Ganapathy, Mamta Sharma, Vaanie Krishnan, Khushee Gupta, Renesh Krishnan, Manan Luthra, Neeru Saluja, Prutha Chakraborty, Kittu Randhawa, Vivek Asri, Chitra Sudarshan, Petra O’Neill, Minal Khona, Auntyji

SALES AND MARKETING

Charu Vij

ADMN

Aanchal Matta

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BJP’s magic number of 400 may be an illusion

PBY PAWAN LUTHRA

redicting the outcome of any election is a fool’s errand, and that may well be the case in the 2024 Indian elections.

As voting enters its final phase, reports are that these elections may not give BJP and Narendra Modi as comprehensive a victory as most have been predicting.

Narendra Modi started the campaign boldly with a target of winning 400 seats of 543. An ambitious objective, given the only time an Indian party has crossed the 400 mark has been in 1984, when after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the sympathy wave helped the Congress led by Rajiv Gandhi take 426 of 567 seats. The Congress Party has come close to this mark once previously, in 1952, when the first Lok Sabha election was conducted: it had then claimed 398 of 543 seats under Prime Minister Nehru.

These high marks were achieved when the Opposition was almost non-

existent. BJP/ Janata Party struggled both times to capture the imagination of the voters.

In the current elections, Congress is struggling to be an effective opposition, but the emergence of regional parties seems to be blunting the BJP’s forward thrust.

The Hindutva agenda of the BJP and the Modi government seems to be weakening in recent weeks. The narrative that Hindus have been ignored in 67 years of Congress rule, while others (notably the Muslim community) have been appeased, and that now is the time to correct this overreach, has resonated well in North India. But this same agenda has alarmed the minorities of India - the 200 million Muslims, the 32 million Christians, the 25 million Sikhs, amongst others. Of the population of 1.4 billion, the minorities who number about 275 million, will be uncomfortable with this laser-like focus of the government. Add to this Hindus who believe in a stronger inclusive nation, and the numbers expand. The regional parties in Opposition also are playing up the fear of an imposition of compulsory Hindi language, which is alienating

voters especially in the South against the BJP.

Rapid economic growth has been touted as the shining achievement of India under the last ten years of the Modi rule. Over 6,000 miles of highways are being built every year; there are twice the number of domestic airports than a decade ago. But like in any race, while there are many who benefit, there are others who struggle to compete. Those employed are experiencing stagnant wages; youth unemployment is 83% of total unemployment, women and households are hurting with rising prices. While nationalism will be important to many, practical economic realities will also figure in many voters’ intentions.

Indian share markets have gone backwards in the last few days as numbers indicate that BJP will win but not make the 400-seat goal. Betting markets are giving the best odds at BJP winning 301-310 seats, well short of the 400 hoped by the party. But with some weeks yet for the elections to conclude and counting to begin, anything can occur. A day is a long time in politics; we still have over twenty to go.

YOUR SAY

WHATSAPP-ENED TO THE MIDDLE GROUND?

The middle ground between respectful debate and angry diatribe has all but vanished.

PAWAN LUTHRA on the daily argy-bargy on WhatsApp, on some political flashpoint or other in India, as the election mood hots up there.

Pawan Luthra wrote: Woke up this morning to over 200 WhatsApp messages from just one group shouting their political beliefs to one another. No discussion. No ground ceded. Indian elections pitch not only political parties against each other but families and friends too. Discord, disagreements and dissent - welcome to elections and social media 2024.

Dipen Rugani wrote: India (900 million people) is well and truly in election mode! These passionate, posturing and poignant opinions will all pass post the elections.

Pheroza Daruwalla wrote: Something else to consider: “The Bullshit Asymmetry Factor (BAF) which says that the amount of time needed to debunk a false belief is at least a magnitude longer than it takes to say it. Alan Jones will spend 15 seconds getting it wrong about climate change but to debunk his claims will take 15 minutes. So that’s a BAF factor of 60. The 15-second rant gets mass attention, the 15-minute correction puts everyone to sleep.” (Owers, 2023, SMH, citing Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki).

Sriraman Annaswamy wrote: The big revelation for me has been the number of easy-going laid-back folks who've suddenly grabbed pitchforks (online ones, thankfully) and are ready to go hammer and tongs at each other on WhatsApp. It's well and truly show time now!!

Sriraman Annaswamy also wrote: You got off lightly, mate. All of my primary school, high school, IIT, IIM, family members (paternal and maternal) and other social/community /"spiritual" WhatsApp groups have had flame-throwers going off at each other for at least the past SIX months. Have muted all of them now and check them only once a day / week now!!

Ritesh Chugh wrote: Haha, I loved the thoughts, Pawan Luthra. So, it looks like WhatsApp is the new battleground for democracy, where group chats become political arenas, and emojis are the weapons of choice!

Tim Harcourt wrote: I’m sorry I didn’t send you a message Pawan. Then you would have 201!

Manoj Narsey wrote: Politically skewed opinions on LinkedIn, maybe not. Professionally related expressions on the state of the Indian economy, educated youth unemployment situation, etc, most definitely.

DCE Sales Management Consulting wrote: Navigating politics on social media is a reflection of our times - the challenge lies not in being heard, but in listening. As Aristotle once implied, it's the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it. Let’s cultivate discussions that bridge divides.

NEST OF INDIAN SPIES

The revelation of India's spy operation with its ally Australia left the local Indian community surprised, yet their reaction appears subdued, reported PAWAN LUTHRA.

Manoj Narsey wrote: Intelligence gathering is taken as the norm for all countries, notwithstanding the relationship. If the information is not available on the Web, then you may need to do some sleuthing.

Dr Lurion De Mello wrote: Two were asked to leave so is that a ‘nest’? Singapore and South Korea were also identified but no news on that front. I wonder where Australian spies are located around the world?

DCE Sales Management Consulting wrote: Confidence and mutual trust are key to stronger ties.

Subhratosh K wrote: This issue needs more earnest scrutiny and debate in the bilateral corridors of power, especially when Australia is thinking of India as a credible partner in the Indo-Pacific. Australia doesn't need gungho intelligence operatives running amok in the country and disrespecting Australian sovereignty.

ON THE GENERAL ELECTION IN INDIA

On 19 April, the first day of polling in India’s General Election, Indian Link CEO PAWAN LUTHRA sat down with ABC's Dan Bourchier to delve into the nitty gritty of it all: the staggering numbers, the 7-week long process, and the potential impacts on policies, economic reforms, and more.

Preeti Nalavadi wrote: Excellent one and totally fair!

Amar Singh wrote: Very well spoken.

Prof. Raj Shekhawat wrote: Wonderfully articulated the current scenario, with total fairness and non-judgement. Well done.

Mala Mehta wrote: Very well spoken, Pawan.

Nalin Sharda wrote: Well spoken, Pawan Luthra, bringing a bit of balance to the ABC coverage of Indian elections.

Bish Mukherjee wrote: Well done, Pawan.

Padmini Sunder wrote: Great interview on ABC TV about the biggest general elections in the planet. Keep up the good work, Pawan Luthra. You represent India well on these channels with balanced responses.

Bala Balachandran wrote: Well done, Pawanji.

Petra O'Neill wrote: While enjoying a dosa at Nalini’s on Bronte Road today, diners seated alongside discussed Indian food and travel, before one began talking about Indian politics. Much of what he said, I couldn't help but think, drew from Pawan's account given on the ABC. And perhaps that is significant - a discussion of India amongst a group of Australians that went beyond just food and travel.

AUSTRALIAN-INDIAN SPACE PROJECTS GET A BOOST

The Australian Government announced funding for collaborative space projects that will strengthen the space economy for both partner nations.

MAMTA SHARMA reported on three companies that have secured A$18 million funding for civil-space innovations and commercial partnerships – WA’s LatConnect 60 Ltd, NSW’s Space Machines Company and ACT’s Skykraft - as part of the International Space Investment India (ISI) Projects program.

Nadeem Ahmed wrote: What an exciting leap forward for Australian-Indian collaboration in space exploration. I'm thrilled to see how these ventures will contribute to tackling climate change, enhancing manufacturing, and pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence.

Nick Palmes wrote: Don’t forget to pack AKIDA in your computer, you might need it.

Irfan Malik wrote: Great news. Look forward to great bi-lateral outcomes ahead in this key sector.

The Australian government’s navigation of the strained relationship with China shows it is possible to have disputes and continue on speaking terms. Perhaps a degree of scepticism about Modi’s intentions as he pursues 15 years in power would not be misplaced. Sydney Morning Herald editorial, 11 May

Many regional parties… have progressed from thinking about women’s needs only in terms of cooking gas and maternity to focusing on their higher education, entrepreneurship and microloans through Self Help Groups.

Tara Krishnaswamy, coordinator of the non-partisan collective ‘Political Shakti’ in India, quoted in The Guardian, 10 May.

WRONG ANSWERS ONLY

What’s the chitchat, we asked, between Alia Bhatt, her mum Soni Razdan and her mother-in-law Neetu Kapoor here?

Preeti Kothari wins a free movie ticket with her response: Don’t worry beta, Kalank ki remake hai, isiliye tumhe cast nahin kiya Heeramandi main. Sonu Chahal wrote: Golgappe pehle khalo, nahi toh khatam ho jaate hain baad mein.

Raj Saneja wrote: Achha hai tumne Gangubai Kathiawadi ke baad Heeramandi nahin ki. Ab sanskari bahu ban ke rehna nahin to Neetu patta saaf kardegi.

Smita Pawar Nashikkar wrote: Soni: MIL se bachke rehna, aur mummy’s boy ko control mai rakhna.

Jayanthi Vellore said: Soni: Mere gaal pe kiss karo; meri beti pehli hai, baad me uske bahu.

Gurdeep Singh said: Kidhar dekh rahe ho tum dono.... Camera to ooodhar hai.

Varsha Daith wrote: Soni: Hey Neetu, pout karna, dekh aise! Alia: Mom, samne dekho.

Pavneet Kaur wrote: Soni: Neetu, tum blazer pehen k kyun aayi ho? Boss ko presentation deni hai?

Shikkha Chugh wrote: Neetu: Alia, smile. Soni: Alia pout like me, don’t fake-smile like your mother-in-law. Alia: I will keep my lips closed, Mum happy and MIL happy.

Dominic Aaryan wrote: Soni: Neetu, where’s your pout?

Rishi Singh wrote: Neetuuuu (with that pout), when will we be seen on Netflix together?

Arix Bishnoi wrote: I should have worn high heels to look taller than your mom-in-law.

WHERE IN INDIA

Dating back to the 13th century, this location is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its unique architecture and geometrical patterns. Where in India?

ON ‘HEERAMANDI’

TORSHA SEN reviewed Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus.

Chris Mallika Bhadra wrote: Bored..and still in the first ep!

Smita Pawar Nashikkar wrote: Watching it right now but it’s so boring.

Leopa Leo wrote: Terrible casting. Why Sanjeeda, why Sonakshi, why Shekhar Suman, why Fardeen? And why Heeramandi?! SLB should come out of these lanes.

Subhashis Dash wrote: Boring.

Sherona Perumal wrote: Just started watching today - it's amazing from the jewellery to the outfits.

Gurmeet Kalsi wrote: Check Laapata Ladies instead.

Anmol Malhotra wrote: It looks so good, can’t wait to watch.

Ritu Gupta wrote: Jewellery and costumes are very pretty.

WHERE IN OZ

The skinny stack is famous among rock climbers, and was the site of one near-fatal accident. With a diameter of just 13 feet, and its base continually battered by waves, it’s a surprise it is still standing! Where in Oz?

I did 24 shows in Australia this month. In Melbourne I performed at a venue called The Cloak Room, so I thought it would be funny if I went on stage in a cloak (it was not). But I had a wonderful time otherwise. Their coffee is quite ok.

up

show was nominated for the most outstanding show at the Melbourne

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Bhanu Kothari, Yash Shah, Jillian Abery, Monideepa Maity, Jyoti Dogra, Aruna Didugu got it right: Konark Sun Temple, Odisha

Art by Gitesh, Vaishali Hingmire, Frankie Gerard, Trupti Shukla, Tejas M Vaidya, and Maurya Morya got it right: Totem Pole, Tasmania

Indian stand

comedian Kanan Gill, whose

Comedy Festival

Brown Women Comedy It’s our time!

They’re laughing at themselves, at Brown people, at White people, and everything in between. These Brown women are finally having their say

TBY VAANIE KRISHNAN

here appears to be a Brown renaissance upon us. A Brownaissance. Whether it's Vir Das and Anubhav Singh Bassi at the iconic Sydney Opera House, Nadeem Hussain with his “totally normal” brand of comedy, or AJ Lamarque presenting his guide to gay cruising, the Sydney International Comedy Festival has found more than one or two poster boys for South Asian and diaspora comedy, which is already several more than the one token we usually get.

It’s a different story when it comes to Brown women however. Where are they all? The comedy scene is notoriously male dominated, so it’s not a surprise that the pipeline for brown female comedians in Australia and internationally hasn’t been nurtured. Now that the men are securely on the call sheet, surely it's our time?

The lack of Brown women in comedy is a stark inequality that producer and comedian Daizy Maan has taken upon herself to rectify. How can we expect there to be Brown women in comedy if we do not raise them? Give them a safe space to try material, share their personal stories and have a laugh?

This is what she has created with Brown Women Comedy, Australia’s first, largest and

only comedy showcase exclusively featuring South Asian women. After selling out Trades Hall in Melbourne (over 1600 tickets) and winning over White audiences at Adelaide Fringe, she’s brought this special recipe of warm, inclusive, comedy gold to Sydney’s Manning Bar. Each night has a different line up of Sydney-based comedians, some of whom are only performing for the third or fourth time.

The night that this reviewer attended, Maan opens the evening with plenty of pazazz, after nervously greeting the aunties in the audience (Namaste Auntyji, Sorry for what you’re about to hear Auntyji).She hilariously recounts how racial profiling helped her sell tickets to the show, targeting

brown people in the street with her flyers and fielding questions from ignorant White men about why there isn’t a White Man Comedy event. She jokes about turning 30, Indian uncles and their metaphors, freezing her eggs, and travelling to Bali. It’s fresh, honest and strikingly relatable.

Kripa Krithivasan brings in the topical Drake vs. Kendrick beef which is currently gripping the rap world and annoying all of the Brown women married to Brown boys who think they are Black.

Monica Kumar details her obsession with hotness, garnering laughs whilst astutely observing that hotness provides a level of privilege to Brown girls that they are otherwise without.

Chanika De Silva divulges her Indian father’s impact on her self-esteem with the one-liners that haunt her, like “looks skip a generation”.

The highlights of the evening by far are sets by two of the most seasoned comedians on the roster, co-creative director of Scary Strangers, improv and drag icon-in-themaking Ru Halwala, and 2022 Raw Comedy finalist Guneet Kaur.

Ru has the crowd in big belly laughs with her reclamation of the word “curry muncher”, complaints that the biggest insult to any Sri Lankan is being called Indian, and a series of bird call imitations that surprise, delight and simply must be witnessed live.

Kaur tampers Ru’s high-energy outfit with a much drier tone, winning the crowd over with her tried and tested blend of dead-pan delivery, well-constructed jokes and introspective sarcasm. She explores the trials of interracial relationships and the tribulations of always being considered the “autistic” one. Both comedians leave the audience wanting more.

It was a joyful night of comedy in the intimate space in Manning Bar where an audience of mostly South Asian women, a sprinkle of aunties and some token White attendees held space for up-and-coming Brown women comedians to share their truths, laugh at themselves and turn their most harrowing life experiences into something bright.

Here’s hoping there are more of these to come.

Ru Halwala (third from left) joins the cast

Domestic violence: When are we going to stop accepting these norms?

As domestic violence deaths increase, it is ‘normal’ to see rallies and TV interviews, promises made, and money announced. It’s time to take away this ‘normal’ and build a better normal.

WBY KITTU RANDHAWA

e have heard a lot in the past month about Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) news; we hear it’s an epidemic. This year there has been a woman killed every four days in Australia.

We have promises from political leaders that there will be change.

There have been rallies held and many an interview on TV, each speaker offering their solutions and ideas of what needs to be done. This is normal.

We have heard it all before! For those of us who work with clients experiencing domestic and family violence, it is all too normal.

Hearing that 1 in 4 women are affected by DFV from the age of 15 is confronting; but it gets worse when we consider 41% of the population have experienced violence from a partner (Australian Institute of Health & Welfare); that’s nearly half of us!

These numbers come from reported incidents. It is commonly accepted around 80% of victims never report; so, they are not captured by any of these statistics; nor are incidents before that one incident that makes the report.

We know too well that DFV is hardly ever an isolated incident, and this is all without

the other impacted parties like children, parents etc.

DFV is affecting us all in some way, either personally, in someone we know or someone around us who is suffering in silence. It is truly an epidemic, but the epidemic didn’t start last week, or with the last death, the 55 deaths last year or the deaths in the years before that.

It has always been there and keeps growing. In the last ten years I have heard deaths go from nearly one woman a week to one woman every four days. As trends go, it speaks for itself. It has become normal.

With each public outcry, more promises are made, some money is announced; but still the system continues to fail so many people.

The problem is far more complicated than just throwing money at it, but it does start with money!

It has become usual for the entire sector in itself to be at war fighting to keep whatever funding there is. Services are forced to redirect professional workers towards developing marketing strategies and attending forums to ensure they remain relevant. This too is the norm.

Within this epidemic is an underbelly, the vast difference in support for women who are from Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. If the reporting is low in the general population, it is a lot lower for CALD women.

The case work complexity is higher with CALD clients, the vulnerability greater and with a much lower level of support network than for someone raised in Australia. It can take months of work and advocacy to get someone’s situation under control, let alone into recovery and healing.

It has become usual for the entire sector in itself to be at war fighting to keep whatever funding there is. Services are forced to redirect professional workers towards developing marketing strategies and attending forums to ensure they remain relevant. This too is the norm.

This too is normal.

The systems between countries are so vastly different and yet a flyer, fact sheet or pamphlet is considered sufficient to bridge the gap of knowledge as you arrive in Australia.

The result is more and more CALD men (and women) ending up in the legal system; once in, then there is no going back. Families are broken, financial distress increases and children are traumatised, but nobody tells you or warns you of these consequences until the damage is done. Again normal.

It really is time to take these “normals” out of Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence. None of it is normal, none of these systemic issues should be allowed to be considered normal, and nobody should be left thinking being abused is somehow normal. IT IS NOT NORMAL.

For those on TV making promises, or pledging change, there is only one request – take away this normal and build a better normal.

Start anywhere but start somewhere, be it the funding model, be it more culturally informed practice, more training for professional case workers, more early intervention; the list is endless. Anything, that takes us away from defeatedly accepting these norms - or we will never get out of this epidemic.

If you are in fear for your safety, call 000. If you want to first talk through your issues, call 1800 RESPECT.

Domestic violence protest rally at Sydney, April 27, 2024

Photo:

Temporary Graduate Visa Program Significant changes

The Australian Government has proposed significant changes to its Temporary Graduate visa program, scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2024. These changes, detailed in the Migration Strategy, are designed to simplify and streamline the visa pathways for international graduates who wish to stay in Australia after their studies. However, these changes are subject to the successful passage of legislative reforms.

Graduate Work Stream renamed

One of the critical revisions involves rebranding the Graduate Work stream to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Under this new framework, applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification closely aligned with occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Additionally, the maximum age limit for applicants will be reduced to 35 years, except for holders of Hong Kong and British National Overseas passports, who may apply up to the age of 50. Individuals with degree-level qualifications will now be directed to the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Post-Study Work Stream to be renamed

Similarly, the Post-Study Work stream will change its name to the Post-Higher Education Work stream. Applicants under this stream must have completed a

stay periods vary from up to two years for Bachelor’s degrees to up to three years for Master’s and Doctoral degrees.

Indian nationals, as per the Australian Indian – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), will have specific stay periods tailored to their qualifications.

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree, with revised stay periods based on their level of study. While the ‘select degree’ twoyear extension will be discontinued, the new

No Second Post-Study Work stream

Furthermore, the Second Post-Study Work stream will be rebranded as the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream with no additional changes. However, the Replacement stream will be discontinued entirely as part of the overhaul.

These proposed changes represent a significant shift in Australia’s approach to temporary graduate visas, with the aim of aligning visa pathways more closely with educational qualifications and occupational demand. While these changes provide clarity and structure, they may also limit the options available to certain groups of international graduates, potentially affecting their career plans in Australia.

These reforms are part of the Australian Government’s ongoing efforts to improve the temporary graduate visa program, ensuring it remains adaptable to the changing needs of the labour market and educational

sector. As the Government progresses with these proposals, stakeholders are eager for more information and are preparing for the potential impact on international students and graduates who are planning to establish their careers in Australia.

Post-Study Work Stream

The ‘select degree’ 2-year extension will cease. Stay periods will change to the following:

• Bachelor’s degree (including honours): up to 2 years

• Masters (coursework and extended): up to 2 years

• Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD): up to 3 years.

Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may be able to stay for up to 5 years.

Stay periods for Indian nationals, as agreed in the Australian-IndianEconomic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AIECTA), remain as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree (including honours): up to 2 years

• Bachelor’s degree (with first-class honours in STEM, including ICT): up to 3 years

• Masters (coursework extended and research): up to 3 years

• Doctoral degrees (PhD): up to 4 years. Vivek Asri

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A partnership made for business

Are you a small business owner? Learn how the Service NSW Business Bureau can help you operate better with free, personalised support

Aleading initiative from the NSW Government, the Service NSW Business Bureau can help small business owners understand and access programs, which will assist in their business needs.

It is available to any small business located in NSW including multicultural businesses.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are more than 850,000 small businesses, making up 97 per cent of all businesses in NSW. They employ 1.7 million people in the private sector, which is around 43 per cent of the State’s private sector workforce.

Some 16,600 of these are businesses with owners whose primary language is an Indian dialect.

No matter the stage of their business journey, the Service NSW Business Bureau is dedicated to: supporting small businesses to thrive with a commitment to helping navigate government services and getting advisory supports, providing support for businesses to win government contracts tackling unproductive red tape, and, boosting growth opportunities.

Service NSW CEO, Greg Wells

Service NSW Business Bureau flyers are available in a range of languages, including Indian dialects such as Hindi

understands that businesses are busy and navigating government can be time consuming, so the Service NSW Business Bureau will work together with owners to break down the cultural barriers to working with government.

“We have listened to businesses and the Service NSW Business Bureau is there for business owners of all backgrounds, every step of the way, whether it’s getting a business idea off the ground, the chance to grow a business or critical support in times of need,” Wells said.

Executive Director Service NSW Business Bureau, Cassandra Gibbens knows that personalised support is needed for busy business owners to suit both their small business requirements, and the individual pressures of time management.

Cassandra Gibbens observed, “In business, knowledge is power, which is why it’s important to equip small business owners with the tools they need to succeed throughout the whole journey of their business’ lifecycle, benefiting not just the business itself, but the community it serves.”

Greg Wells noted, “Local businesses, owned and operated by people from the local Indian community help strengthen cultural ties, build vibrant town centres and make NSW a more inclusive, welcoming

place to live, and Service NSW is there to help them thrive.”

Cassandra Gibbens added, “The Service NSW Business Bureau supports small business owners of all backgrounds, including our Indian community, with Business Concierges providing personalised advice, and the Service NSW Business Bureau App placing essential tools in the palm of their hand.”

Indian-language speaking business owners can call the National Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to call a Service NSW Business Concierge on 13 77 88.

The interpreter will transfer the call to a Service NSW Business Concierge, who has been specially trained to work with translator services.

A major upgrade to the Service NSW Business Bureau App now provides businesses with support and a new range of features, including the ability to: Track and save licences for their business and employees in one place Connect with a Business Concierge for free, personalised support Register for an event or book an independent advisor from the Business Connect program

Manage their participation in business

voucher programs all with just a few taps. Small business is the lifeblood of our communities. The benefits of a high street buzzing with successful local businesses have a positive impact on that area economically, socially and culturally.

For more information about the Service NSW Business Bureau, please call 13 77 88 or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/business/partner

‘Roadside assistance in space

’Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO of Space Machines Company which recently launched Australia’s largest commercial satellite Optimus, on pioneering space innovation

GBY MAMTA SHARMA

rowing up in India in the 1990s as the nation’s fledgeling space industry was making the news, Rajat Kulshrestha grew fascinated with all things cosmic. It eventually propelled him into a career as an aerospace engineer in Australia.

Fast forward some three decades, and the trajectories of both the Indian space industry and Kulshrestha’s career seem to have grown in tandem. Only months after India became the third country to land on the moon, Kulshrestha, in March, had his Sydney-based Space Machines Company (SMC) set a significant milestone in Australia’s space journey with the

successful launch of Optimus – the country’s largest commercial satellite launch to date.

SMC’s Optimus is an Orbital Servicing Vehicle (OSV) that provides “roadside assistance in space”, or life-extension services, inspections, and on-orbit assistance for existing space infrastructure. It also offers an innovative “space taxi service” to physically move satellites to new positions.

A pioneering space innovation, it marks the beginning of space exploration’s next chapter – developing sustainable space infrastructure.

Unfortunately, less than a month later, the company said that communications with the satellite had become disrupted and that efforts were on to reestablish contact.

Despite the setback, the SMC team, led by Rajat Kulshrestha and George Freney, continues to focus on their mission objectives for future innovations and expansions in their OSV fleet.

On April 30, SMC became one of three collaborative space projects with India to get funding from the Australian government. Of the total A$18 million (INR 98 crore) under the International Space Investment India (ISI) Projects, SMC will take home over $8.5 million to begin work on ‘Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation)’, with which it will demonstrate advanced concepts such as on-orbit transportation and space debris mitigation.

Talking to Indian Link about Optimus, days after the launch and before the glitch became known, Kulshrestha had said, “Satellites are a risky endeavour. Half the satellites that launch fail in some way — a rate that is rising.”

The statement was prescient, even though it was in the context of explaining why SMC and its services are vital in the future of space exploration.

Space Machines Company and its Optimus satellite

The 270 kg Optimus was launched on March 5 on Space X’s Transporter-10 mission from California, carrying new technologies including new printed flexible solar cells (a potential lightweight energy solution for space operations), and a space domain awareness camera to capture highresolution imagery of passing objects.

On the vision behind Optimus, Rajat Kulshrestha told Indian Link, “As Earth becomes intrinsically connected to space, given the cost of accessing space has decreased significantly, the number of

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Space Machines Company Rajat Kulshrestha

satellites in orbit could cross 60,000 by 2030, up from 8,000 today. But satellites are a risky endeavour – half of those that launch fail in some way. And in orbit, they are prone to a growing risk of collisions with space debris or interference from other satellites. Optimus was designed to help address these challenges. It will enable companies to keep their satellites in space longer, ensuring a more scalable, secure and sustainable space infrastructure. This includes not only extending the satellites’ operational lifetime but providing services like refuelling, servicing, protection and de-orbiting.”

SMC established its research and development office in India in September 2022, in partnership with Bengalurubased Ananth Technologies – symbolising deepening bilateral ties, particularly in space technology and exploration.

“Establishing our research and development office in Bengaluru, near the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters, was a strategic move,” Kulshrestha explained. “This location allows us to leverage India’s rich experience and expertise in space endeavours.”

The Indian partnership enables SMC to collaborate across various mission aspects, from integration and testing to technology development and supply chain management. It comes at a crucial juncture, as India gears up for ambitious plans to send an astronaut to the moon by 2040 and establish its own space station by 2035.

“By tapping into the insights of the Indian space program,” Kulshrestha emphasised, “we ensure our satellite development and operations approach is both sustainable and cost-efficient.”

Operating in both Australia and India presents unique challenges and advantages. While coordinating teams and operations across different countries and regulatory landscapes is complex, it allows SMC to harness talent pools and manufacturing capabilities in both nations. Moreover, the exchange and cross-pollination of ideas can yield innovative solutions to the complex challenges of the evolving industry.

“Overall, this partnership showcases an exciting example of the synergies that can be unlocked when space-faring nations like Australia and India work together,” Kulshrestha added.

An alliance for space exploration

Looking ahead, Rajat Kulshrestha envisions space cooperation between India and

Australia not only building trust and engagement but also significantly bolstering their space capabilities and geopolitical influence, while collaborative ventures in satellite technology, space exploration, and Earth observation will enhance their competitiveness in the global space industry.

The partnership can enable both countries to take “proactive steps promoting dialogue and cooperation” and achieve investments and innovation.

“In the Indo-Pacific region alone, this partnership holds immense potential to foster greater space stability and security. By leveraging their respective expertise in satellite technology, space situational awareness, and debris management, both nations can bolster early warning systems for potential hazards such as debris collisions and hostile manoeuvres.”

Kulshrestha emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation and informationsharing in space operations and policies.

“Encouraging public-private partnerships and academic exchanges will foster a vibrant ecosystem that prioritises innovation while adhering to responsible practices. By bringing together government agencies, commercial entities, and research

institutions, we can develop shared norms and best practices for the peaceful utilisation of space resources,” he added.

Kulshrestha also feels India and Australia can set a positive example in aligning national space policies and regulations with international frameworks, such as the UN’s guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.

Governmental support: A catalyst for collaboration

“Governmental support and policies play a pivotal role in fostering collaborations between Australian and Indian space companies,” Kulshrestha said, naming targeted funding, incentives, and regulatory frameworks as areas for policymakers to focus on to make such partnerships flourish.

Acknowledging unique challenges for Australia’s nascent space industry, he said, “Working closely with international partners and collaborators has been essential, particularly in sourcing components and supporting technology, as well as coordinating launches with SpaceX.”

However, building the capabilities required to compete globally is imperative

for SMC and other local space firms, he stressed.

Despite the challenges, Kulshrestha is upbeat about the immense opportunities presented by a thriving space ecosystem. However, he underlines that Australia must receive adequate support, investment, and a conducive environment to bolster its sovereign space capabilities, which will “also provide critical infrastructure to address pressing issues such as climate change, connectivity, and defence.”

The future of space exploration

Rajat Kulshrestha says the space industry is on the brink of remarkable growth and innovation, presenting both thrilling opportunities and substantial challenges.

“One of the most promising opportunities lies in the increasing commercialisation and democratisation of space, which is creating new avenues for businesses, researchers, and individuals to access and leverage space-based technologies and services.”

Critical in this regard will be his company’s competencies in meeting the demand for robust in-orbit maintenance and repair capabilities.

Rajat Kulshrestha at a panel discussion at the Australia-India Space Cooperation event in Melbourne

Life in the fast lane

What drove Melbourne’s Sunil Vohra to become CEO of Motorsport Australia

SBY RITAM MITRA

unil Vohra sits at the helm of one of the fastest growing sports in Australia. Just six months into his role as the CEO of Motorsport Australia, the peak body responsible for the administration and development of four-wheeled motorsport in the country, Vohra has already overseen what was by many measures the most successful Australian Grand Prix in Formula 1 history.

But, for Vohra, that is just the tip of the iceberg that is his ambition to take motorsport in Australia to the next level.

Motorsport has been a lifelong passion of Vohra’s; so much so that he can’t recall when it first ignited.

“A lot of people in motorsport can easily trace family members who introduced them to the sport, but I didn’t have that,” says Vohra.

Nevertheless, his connection to motorsport has endured over the years, from an early love for road cars and performance vehicles, to watching the Australian Touring Car Championship (now known as Supercars) and Formula 1, and eventually, taking part in competitive track racing himself.

But Vohra’s professional life took a different turn. Over the years, Vohra has built a long and successful career in insurance and risk management, working as a senior executive in insurance and large brokerage businesses, as well as consulting

with big corporates, including with his own businesses in Australia and in the UK, where he completed his MBA nearly 20 years ago.

That was around the time Vohra recalls seeking a role in motorsport for the first time, in London, the veritable home of global motorsport. But it wasn’t until the top seat at Motorsport Australia serendipitously became available last year that Vohra seriously revisited the idea.

“The opportunity to join the peak body in the senior role, and to shape this next evolution of motorsport in Australia was just an opportunity that was too good to

pass up,” says Vohra.

That hunger for success runs deep in Vohra’s blood: his older sister Minal is a senior barrister, and his other sister Shyla, works as a Director and Principal Legal Officer in the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department. But for Vohra, these achievements are just a byproduct of the values instilled in him by his parents, including his father Professor Jitendra Vohra AM, himself a renowned cardiologist.

“The one thing that came from my parents to me and my siblings is that we’re ambitious and relatively restless – and

these values are deeply engrained in my character now. I always feel the need to push to quite high standards because anything else just isn’t enough,” Vohra reveals.

There’s little doubt those standards have driven Vohra to what is a unique position: an ethnically diverse CEO of a major sporting organisation, and that too in a sport that has traditionally struggled with diversity. While Vohra acknowledges it’s a “significant” appointment, he sees it as a natural extension of the work the sport is already doing to improve diversity in its ranks.

Restless

On the grid

Sunil Vohra

Vohra points to initiatives such as the Formula 1 Pride Hub and Girls on Track, which he describes as “fundamental” to driving sustainable growth in the sport.

“Motorsport is working within communities that are vastly more diverse, and we need to reflect the community values of today,”says Vohra. “That extends to a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations. If you have an interest, love or passion for motorsport, you are welcome – and that has been my experience, too.”

Vohra points to initiatives such as the Formula 1 Pride Hub and Girls on Track, which he describes as “fundamental” to driving sustainable growth in the sport. Vohra also brings another unique perspective to his role, in that he is an administrator and a competitor. “I absolutely love racing,” he says. “It challenges you in ways you can’t find anywhere else, it requires all of your concentration because it’s actually a very technical, data-driven exercise to go fast. It’s not just bravado, or doing things to a high risk threshold. But the most important thing is the camaraderie and sense of community in amateur racing. I haven’t experienced anything in my professional or social life where that level of support and inclusion comes from a simple love of sport. It’s a unique experience and it’s utterly addictive.”

It's that experience which allows Vohra to see Motorsport Australia as

a mere extension of the broader racing family. “As a not-for-profit organisation, we’re always trying to do more than we’re resourced to do, but we’re able to because of the enormous passion and commitment within the organisation. My role is to provide an environment where my very passionate and skilled team can do their very best work and to provide a financial structure that allows us to do that, as we continue to recover from COVID-19.”

Vohra hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the sport. “I certainly feel that my role is one of service to the sport, rather than being about my own individual ambitions. What I’d look to as a marker of success is that I leave the sport in much better health than I arrived - and that’s consistent with the values that I grew up with, and that my family continue to represent.”

For those chasing their dreams, Vohra’s advice is straightforward: “I’d encourage anyone who has a passion that is important to them to explore, nourish and encourage it, because it’s an amazing place to be when you realise that dream.”

New initiatives: Girls on Track

With son Kamran, 14

“Knotted in silk, they glow like

ABY PRUTHA CHAKRABORTY

t Germany’s Carpet Design Awards this year, Perth artist Dena Lawrence won the ‘Best Studio Artist Design’ category.

Her winning piece, which she calls Maschera, is an extraordinary silk rugwoven by artisans in Kashmir.

“Being able to collaborate with the skilled artisans in Kashmir and witness my designs transform into exquisite handwoven rugs was a rewarding experience beyond words,” she tells Indian Link. “It not only celebrated their craftsmanship but also highlighted the beauty and artistry of Kashmiri weaving traditions to a broader audience.”

The composition in Maschera is as luxurious as it is intricate. Crafted from 100% silk, every fibre exudes elegance and sophistication. The meticulous detailing of 484 knots per square inch creates a mesmerising interplay of colours, adding depth and texture to the rug's surface.

“Running your fingers over its surface is an experience in tactile artistry,” Lawrence shares.

She calls this collaboration with the Kashmiri weavers “a testament to the power of creativity”.

The Kashmir connection

At home in Perth, Dena Lawrence’s brush

strokes draw inspiration from wildflowers and seascapes. Her artworks are a free expression of her feelings; she uses art to break habitual behaviour, explore light and dark, and celebrate the beauty of nature. Most importantly, however, her art also soothes in difficult times.

For this, she credits her long connection with Kashmir – adorned with beauty yet veiled in sorrow.

Lawrence’s enduring bond with Kashmir began as a tourist in 2009. She

was already an accomplished artist in Perth, with her primary focus capturing Australia’s vibrant hues and landscapes. “I was profoundly moved by Kashmir’s duality — the breathtaking beauty (Perfume) and the visible trauma and grief resulting from years of military insurgency and conflict (Poison).”

Having specialised in post-traumatic stress syndrome, she decided to initiate a self-funded art programme to provide support to the youth in Srinagar.

“This programme involved adapting the art therapy model I had previously developed in a private psychiatric hospital in Perth, to address the unique needs of the youth in Kashmir,” she explains. “Over three years, I conducted workshops for students at the University of Kashmir, with a specific focus on training 15 students to delve deeper into the art therapy process. The goal was to empower them to extend their knowledge and skills to others within their community, creating a ripple effect of healing and support.”

Before this art programme, in 2010, Lawrence had put her successful experience as an artist in Australia to good use in India. She had had her artwork printed on scarves and shawls there, for sale in Australia. But the course of her art journey truly changed in 2013 after she wrapped up the healing programme — in Kashmir.

This was when Lawrence had the chance to meet some incredible artisans and weavers in the Valley. The idea then struck her to take her artwork beyond scarves and shawls, by translating her designs into stunning silk rugs to support Kashmir's declining weaving industry.

“It felt like a natural progression — from assisting the youth in Kashmir with trauma through art therapy to leveraging my creative strengths and simultaneously engaging the skilled weavers in Kashmir in what they excel at - meticulous and delicate weaving.”

Dena Lawrence, Perth-based artist and art therapist, on the

Dena Lawrence with her award-winning carpet ‘Maschera’

like gemstones or stained glass”

the carpets Kashmiri weavers have created out of her artwork

A carpet takes shape

Dena Lawrence's art practice intertwines with the rich weaving heritage of Kashmir, from supporting youth through art therapy to revitalizing the declining weaving industry.

Preserving Kashmir’s rich weaving heritage

Before the onset of armed insurgency in the 1990s, Kashmir had more than 100,000 carpet weavers. However, three-quarters of them switched to street vending or driving auto rickshaws to survive during some of the darkest days in Kashmir's longstanding carpet industry.

Moved by the plight of these skilled artisans, Lawrence pledged to help.

“Through the Dena Lawrence Firesun Collection, I provided valuable work for the weavers of Srinagar, offering better working conditions and higher wages than those widely available.”

Every Dena Lawrence Firesun Collection rug uses 22 to 40 colours woven in a high density with 576 knots per square inch.

Using symmetric and asymmetric knots facilitates an accurate replication of the painting.

“The lustre of pure silk adds a reflective glimmer that changes seasonally throughout the day, depending on the light,” she explains.

Initially, her free-flowing abstract works were a challenge for the Kashmiri weavers, who are more accustomed to traditional Persian rug designs with repeating patterns.

“The best master weavers in Srinagar were employed for the project. Their expertise enabled a successful merging of expressionist modern art from Australia with the timeless technique of

hand-knotted rugs to create something completely unique.”

How are these rugs unique, we ask.

“Kashmir pure silk carpets are regarded as among the finest handmade rugs in the world, known for their beauty and strength,” she replies.

“The tightly-packed, intricate knots make the rugs durable, and this structural integrity allows the subtle tonal shifts of my paintings to be replicated and enhanced in woven form.”

She beams, “Knotted in silk, they glow like gemstones or stained glass.”

Each carpet takes six to nine months to weave. Lawrence translates her artwork into a digital image and sends them over to the carpet designer in Srinagar to translate them into rugs.

A quest for harmony and vitality via art

“Embracing creativity and exploring innovative approaches to art is integral to my personality — I thrive on challenges and enjoy venturing into new territories,” she smiles. “Adapting my artistic practice to rug designs was born from a desire to see my vibrant and dynamic art take on new life in a different medium.”

After she secured the top position at the Carpet Design Awards 2024, Lawrence took to Facebook to thank the Kashmiri weavers behind her winning design.

“Magic,” she called it.

Dena Lawrence’s rugs continue her search for harmony and vitality through art.

MY MUM, IN HER

Profound lessons, cherished memories, and enduring Mother’s Day tribute series, with heartfelt dialogues

“Be kind and helpful. Give time to anyone that seeks help whether you know them or not – their blessings come back to you in incredible ways.”

DHIRAJ SHARMA of Melbourne in conversation with his mum USHA SHARMA RODRIGUEZ

Looking back on the early years after we moved to Australia and after Dad passed away, what were some of the challenges you faced raising us on your own in a new country, and how did you find the strength to overcome them?

It was a shock when Dad passed; luckily on my in-laws’ side of the family I had a huge support network. By this time I had found myself a great job with Rennick and Gaynor Solicitors, so I had income coming in to support our day-to-day living, and support at work as well.

My brother-in-law Nalin Sharma and his wife Irene left no stone unturned to look after you and Deepanjali (Dipu), while I worked and paid our mortgage. We lived with them, and they took care of your school needs. They were our strength and support. My boss and senior partner at Rennick and Gaynor, David Corrigan, let me grieve and supported me through this difficult time.

You’ve been deeply involved with the Indian community and cultural events since we were in high school. How important has it been for you to maintain a connection to our cultural heritage and to share it with the broader community in Melbourne?

It’s funny you ask that question, Dhiru (Dhiraj), because there was no intention for me to get involved within the community at all! I was invested in taking care of my parents-in-law and looking after our day-to-day needs. I must mention my brother and sister-in-law Raj and Usha Babbar took us in and we all lived with them for a while. At this point Biji would always tell Usha Aunty to take me with them when they went socialising. I was very hesitant, but they were fun-filled entertaining parties where I started meeting people.

Then my brother, late Prem Charan, forced me into an MC stint when one of the MCs for his musical show got ill. I put up all the resistance but to no avail; he said, “you come from a family of teachers and public speakers so you can do it.” That was that, as a good Indian girl – you do what you are told to do by your eldest brother, right! That was the beginning of my communicating with the Indian community.

Serving as a Multicultural Commissioner of Victoria is a significant achievement. Can you share an experience or event during your tenure that you found particularly meaningful or impactful?

My most important belief is that we must, at all costs, share our heritage and traditions with our children before they get forgotten forever. It [prompted] me to start an organisation for youth so they could meet older people away from their homes to support them. They also had a platform to show their talent; instead of making groups of drinking friends and involvement with sometimes unsavoury people, these youth had something to work towards.

is the best that you can do.” I have never forgotten that.

Considering our humble beginnings and the obstacles you’ve overcome, what are the most important values or lessons you’ve hoped to pass on to my sister and me?

Both you and Dipu have been my stars and I’m proud of what you two have achieved, like you said, from humble beginnings, so different from what you both were used in India. I remember when I had to sit you both down to explain that there would be times that we would not be able to have everything that we would desire, and you both joined this situation, pooling in money and effort with Uncle Nalin to achieve your education and become your own persons. You learnt very important lessons of life, and you are both living that today. What I would like to pass on to you both is that family is very important, you are the ones that your children look up to. Be kind, helpful and give time to anyone that seeks help whether you know them or not – their blessings come back to you or your children in incredible ways. Do not expect anything in return for what you do.

I had the great fortune of meeting the late Mrs Hardeep Madan and we developed a close relationship. We ventured into organising social entertainment events under Sangam Community Association with our team of excellent personalities in Melbourne in those days.

From being a Justice of the Peace to a marriage celebrant, you’ve taken on roles that directly impact people’s lives. What motivates you to serve the community in these capacities, and do you have any

memorable moments from these roles you’d like to share?

It was Hon. Hong Lim who recommended the VMC position for me, having seen my work in the community and my relationship with them. I remember Mr George Lekakis said to me at our first meeting: “You’ll meet a lot of people in your tenure who will totally ignore you for many reasons; do not let that bother you. Listen and observe and do what you think

Looking back on your journey from when we first arrived in Australia to now, how do you think you’ve grown personally? And what achievements are you most proud of?

You know, I never thought I could do any of these things, and that was the pleasure of it. I did things without any knowledge that I could make a difference to someone. I remember living in the back of my car for a bit… I think you also remember me running in and out of the house, going for this event or that function, and getting the meals ready as well! I don’t know how I did that, Dhiru. Luckily your Biji, Papaji, Nanaji and Naniji were a great help at this time, as well as Mario. Sometimes life brings events your way.

Dhiraj Sharma is fraud consultant at NAB. Usha Sharma Rodriguez, former Victorian Multicultural Commissioner, MC, is a Justice of the Peace and marriage celebrant.

Usha Sharma with children Dhiraj and Deepanjali

HER OWN WORDS

enduring bonds. All these and more emerged in our dialogues between young adult children and their mums.

“We’ve been on a long journey together, with 6 election nights in total! On election night last year though, I thought, this feels right somehow.”

What are your strongest memories of your mum?

My mum, known as ‘Baby’ to all, was the example of someone who gave unconditional love. She treated all her 5 children equally – no difference between boys or girls. You could never tell when she was unhappy or concerned, she was always bubbly and charming. She always had the answers to our problems – and never refused when any of us asked for help.

She sounds a lot like you, actually! So what’s something your mum or dad used to tell you growing up that later turned out to be true?

They always encouraged me to study and stand on my own feet, regardless of being a girl. Education is the one thing nobody can snatch away from you and will make sure you can put food on the table. Dad always said, regardless of the situation, don’t hide away from your problems and don’t be afraid to speak out.

How about Ammachi - what is the best advice your mum ever gave you?

Always be financially independent, and make sure you save some money as you never know when you’ll come across a rainy day when you need it!

That is definitely practical advice that we can all use. Tell me about the day I was born.

I felt blessed – but it was a lot of effort, because I was in labour for almost 22 hours with you! I was so happy because I always wanted a girl. I grew up with two sisters, so in having a daughter, I knew I would always have someone to talk to, share experiences and develop a lifelong bond with. The entire extended family was also pleased. You were also the first female grandchild on both sides of the family, and so your Thatha called you our ‘Lakshmi’.

That’s really cute, I didn’t know that. Tell me about the world events that have had the most impact on you?

The first event was the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean. I had never heard the word tsunami before and didn’t know what it was until I saw the devastation created that day – so many people died, there was so much

destruction and across such a large area. It made me realise that things can change in the blink of an eye, that anything can happen, and that life is short, precious and unpredictable.

The other is COVID, of course. The whole period had a huge impact on me and reinforced that nothing belongs to you, so share what you have and show care to the people around you as much as you can.

Keeping those lessons in mind, what would you say are the best decisions you made in your life?

The first was keeping in mind my parents’ advice and getting an education, because I got my dream job working for the Indian Government’s housing department as an architectural draughtsperson. I loved my work and my lifestyle, and I made some amazing friends that I am still close with today.

The second was buying a home. After coming to Australia, starting a new life from scratch here, having a home of my own was a sign that I had some roots and could stand on my feet. It made me feel like I had achieved progress and independence, and I could nurture my family (and my own garden!).

Speaking of gardens, that’s probably the biggest difference between us. You’re in your element surrounded by roses, mulch and manure, and you still won’t let me forget how I accidentally killed your choko vine when I was 14! How did you feel when I told you I wanted to get into politics?

It was actually a shock. Coming from a different cultural background, I thought you might find it difficult to be accepted. I also saw the demands of working in politics in the media and thought it would be really challenging. At the same time, I remembered the advice I had gained from my dad, who served in the army for many years and had even fought in a World War, and knew I should pass it on to my daughter. You come from a long line of fighters, so I knew you would be alright.

So how did you feel on election night when results came in that I had won? What went through your mind?

We’ve been on a long journey, with 6 election nights in total! On election night last year though, I thought, “this feels right somehow”. I have seen you develop the skills and temperament to balance things and to be able to make the impact you want to on the things you are passionate about.

How about on the day I was sworn in at Parliament?

That was one of the most exciting and memorable days of my life. I felt my daughter had achieved something I never thought possible. When we became Australian citizens, I remember we had the ceremony at the Liverpool Council chambers and when you were sworn in as the youngest councillor at Liverpool Council in 2016, I was blown away. To see you become a member of the NSW Parliament was a great validation of our decision

to seek a new life in Australia because we wanted better opportunities for our children. You made us proud, and all the challenges and sacrifices were worth it.

What do you worry about most now, regarding me?

Look, like every parent I worry about your health, happiness and safety. I know the hours you work and the travel you do, as well as the stress and responsibility you take on. So I try and encourage you to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

If by encourage, you mean, nag with great affection, you’re spot on! What about your own self - what are you looking forward to?

I want to stay healthy as possible so I can travel, starting with Cambodia! I try and eat well, meditate, exercise and stay connected with my friends. I really enjoy being involved with charities and community work because I like helping people and I know that people have been there to support me when I needed help, so I pay it forward.

What the one lesson you want me to take forward?

Always listen to people, but believe in yourself and act according to what your heart tells you.

Charishma Kaliyanda is NSW MP for Liverpool. Bhanu Chottera is an architectural draughtsperson who worked for the Indian Government.

CHARISHMA KALIYANDA of Sydney in conversation with his mum BHANU CHOTTERA

Charishma’s biggest supporter: Bhanu

With an IG Share Trading account. Foreign exchange fee of just 0.7%.

Why we need a new kind of (heroine)

A profound and confronting account of partner violence and the trauma of victimhood

BBY MANAN LUTHRA

elvoir St Theatre’s successful presentations of solo work (Every Brilliant Thing, Blue, Lose to Win) and South Asian storytelling (Counting and Cracking, The Jungle and the Sea) coalesce in their new show, Nayika: A Dancing Girl. Performed by Vaishnavi Suryaprakash, it is a powerful insight into the trauma of intimate partner violence –addressing the year’s most important issue with bravery and candour.

Nayika: A Dancing Girl is a one-person whirlwind. In it, Suryaprakash plays multiple characters. These range from Nayika – a Sydney-based professional who trained in Bharatanatyam dance as a teenager in Chennai, India – to the minor roles of Nayika’s overseas mother, ex-best friend, and high school dance teacher. However,

Nayika: A Dancing Girl bills itself as “mixing storytelling, live music, and Bharatanatyam dance”. It does not so much mix these as it fuses them perfectly together. On the storytelling, co-creators Nithya Nagarajan and Liv Satchell have crafted a tale that is raw and heartfelt. Their script bounces from the innocence

and nuanced sounds and lights to help

the audience. She uses this intimacy to narrate the story beautifully, moving on from the early humour to charmingly depict Nayika’s blooming relationship with her partner, and then to contrast this with a raw representation of a deceived, scared, and isolated victim. She does all of this with a strong sense of rhythm, her pacing letting each moment have its appropriate resonance, infused with the perfect emotion and energy. The engagement and sympathy are real; it is simply world-class.

The live music, narration, and Bharatanatyam dance complement all of this beautifully. The music, courtesy Marco Cher-Gibard and Bhairavi Raman, allows the sound to range from traditional Tamil music to Kesha’s TikTok. It heightens the mood of the show well, whatever that mood might need to be.

The narration brings a deeper dynamic to the show. The themes it explores are shocking: such as for example, that victims might acquiesce somewhat – for want of a better word – in order to end the terror, pain, and suffocation.

It leads to the ominous realisation also that there is no solace from all those things that cushioned your life thus far, and gave you purpose and meaning – family, your revered scriptures, the philosophical underpinnings of your cherished art.

Each of these pillars will have to change if you must go on. Eight Nayika (heroine) archetypes? I don’t fit any. I must be a new kind of Nayika.

New kinds of Nayika. New paradigms for domestic violence prevention. This is the very same call that is out now – not just in the India of twenty years ago, but the Australia of today.

The dance elements add to the authenticity of it all, and in the end, perhaps offer some hint of possible resolution.

Perhaps the one criticism of the show is that Vaishnavi is just not menacing enough as Kali, the Goddess of Death and Destruction. But therein lies her greatest strength: she conveys the trauma so effectively, that we so want to see her lash out in revenge and seek retribution.

Ultimately, amidst the discussions on women’s safety that this country is having (with shamefully limited results), this show brings the physical and psychological harms of partner violence to light.

Nayika: A Dancing Girl is complicated yet simple, spiritual yet physical, engaging yet confronting. To hear and see it all first person, can be deeply disturbing. But it is a narrative that must be visited, even if to understand the current discourse on this very issue in our national consciousness. First published in State of the Art (stateoftheart.net.au)

Photos:

Brett Boardman

with Lakshmi Ganapathy

VAISHNAVI SURYAPRAKASH is a Sydney-based actor, dramaturge, dancer and performance maker. She is currently starring in Belvoir St Theatre’s performance of Nayika: A Dancing Girl, and won a Helpmann Award for her performance in S.Shakthidharan’s Counting and Cracking.

You trained at drama school but also grew up learning Bharatanatyam - what’s it like for your practice being literate in both western and Indian artistic traditions?

I feel privileged to inhabit this space where I can straddle multiple worlds. Being able to have a different perspective on a methodology or a technique really helped me in drama school, where the focus mostly was on Westernized learning. There’s nothing wrong with that, I think it's useful to have that knowledge, but it also meant I didn't just take everything on as gospel and there were different ways I could access, craft, or present performance because of my classical Indian training as well, and vice versa.

Coming to this play and dancing again… there are things about the way that I dance now that are different to how I did before. Bharatanatyamis a neoclassical dance form, it's got roots in culture and mythology, but at the end of the day, it's a continued reinvention. I feel free to bring myself and what I like aesthetically to the way I dance now without feeling like ‘this is the way to do it’.

social satire, the ones that have a bit more to say rather than just the pure farce of it, I think.

People are also important because you're spending so much time with them creating together and being vulnerable. I've been so lucky to work on things with amazing people.

Nayika follows a heroine confronting her past and coming into herself – is there a moment in your life you’ve felt a similar feeling of reclamation? What I really like about her looking back is the way she ends up using her

classics like Brecht’s draws you to working on a script? I work a lot on instinct. I feel like if you listen to something bigger, it kind of guides you, so my first response reading a script is usually the thing; there’s something about the character that really excites me, or it speaks to themes I haven't seen before or opens the conversation in a different way. I’ve found I'm [drawn to] things which have some kind of conversation starter or social message; I’m realising now that's really important to me. Even with comedy, a bit of

body and her mind to reclaim dance as a means of resistance, rather than something that fits into a box. On a very tangential level to that, I guess [this echoes] my experience coming back to dance after all these years; the way I viewed dance when I was younger is not the same way I view it now, I feel like I can honour it without being subject to every single part of it that maybe I don't like. I've come to a different relationship with the dance form through this piece.

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

LEST WE FORGET

SYDNEY

Photos: Courtesy Col. Rajesh Kaswan

Photos: Sikh Council of Australia

Photos: Consul General of India (Perth)

Golden advice for silver years

Practical advice for a healthy and rewarding senior life

MBY CHITRA SUDARSHAN

y father turned 100 last month, and as the family gathered to mark this momentous event, it was tinged with a little sadness as well. He was going great – quite technologically savvy, never letting go of his mobile phone, checking his iPad for news before the morning papers arrived, following his favourite IPL team on the TV… until he fell and broke his left hip a few days short of his 99th birthday. The surgery went great, and much to the family’s relief, he was walking again in a few days, albeit with the help of a walker. However, he was never the same person again: the fall, the injury and the surgery had triggered the onset of dementia and he was no more the dear father, grandfather and uncle that he had once been to scores of people in the extended family.

It is in this context that I chanced upon a book by the Japanese psychiatrist Hideki Wada, called The 80 Year Wall (2024). It is a book about growing old and how to live to 100 in reasonably good health, especially the years between the “average healthy life expectancy” - the age at which one is physically and mentally independent and healthy (73 for men and 75 for women) and “average life expectancy” which is 82 for men and 88 for women. Subtract ‘healthy life expectancy’ from ‘life expectancy’ and you get the time you will need to be cared for by others: 9 years for men and 12 years for women. How to minimise or reduce this period of dependence, is the focus of Wada’s book which tells the 80-year-old how

to live to 100 in a reasonably healthy condition.

He proffers some advice to those entering the watershed years: 44 pieces of advice to be precise!

Some of these are: exercising, walking and doing outdoor activities, (no surprises there); learning to live with ailments such as cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure etc without over-medicating oneself; doing what we like and enjoy - doing happy things is most conducive to improving the activity of the brain. Never stop learning, says Wada, for you will age faster if you do.

In addition, some of his more quirky advices are worth thinking about: one should not put up with unpleasantness or be overly patient: “There is nothing wrong with being a bad old man.”

The book is written with much humour and the thrust of Wada’s argument is that one should be happy and positive and keep learning.

Wada is from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Medicine, and has written more than 800 books based on insights from his clinical experience of treating thousands of elderly patients. This book, published in March this year, has already sold 500,000 copies.

I had read Zhou Daxin’s poignant book on ageing The Sky Gets Dark Slowly

(published in Chinese in 2018) a couple of years earlier and it had moved me to tears. This book is from a slightly different perspective, but addresses the same challenges of ageing. Zhou believes that most of us are least equipped to deal with the challenges of old age and warns us of that as we age:

* First, the circle of people we know will begin to shrink, and we should learn to live alone and embrace solitude.

* Second, society will care less and less about us no matter how important we had been once. We must learn to stand quietly in a corner.

* Third, we should prepare for a rocky road ahead punctuated by broken bones, cardio-vascular blockages, cancer, dementia. We will have to learn to live with them – however, like Wada, Zhou also believes that a positive mindset and adequate physical activity can help us ride it.

* Fourth, there may come a time when we will be confined to bed and cared for by strangers: lay still and don’t be difficult, says Zhou.

* Fifth, there will be numerous scammers and swindlers who would come after our money: beware and be careful, and hold your money close to you. A fool and his money are soon parted.

Before the sky gets dark, the last stretches of life’s journey will gradually get dimmer and dimmer, and we might find it harder and harder to keep going forward.

As such, it would do us all well to see life for what it is, to cherish what we have, to enjoy life whilst we can, stay humble; for as we get older, we should be able to understand what respect is and what it counts for. We should learn to let go of our attachments and mentally prepare ourselves. The way of nature is the way of life; go with its flow, and live with equanimity.

As I ponder and mull over these sagacious works, I recall Drona’s prayer to Krishna that my father had taught us decades ago:

Anayasena maranam

Vina dainyena jeevanam

Dehi me krupaya Krishna

Tvayi bhakti machanchalam

(An end that is peaceful, a life without hardships and unswerving devotion to you: This is all I ask of you, Krishna), I think of my brother and sister-in-law with deep affection for putting their own lives on hold this past year to care for my father. Theirs is true love and sacrifice.

Hideki Wada, author of the ‘The 80-Year Wall’

Staying healthy while flying

NBY PETRA O’NEILL

ow that we are all flying again, I thought I'd share my tips to help you have a safe and healthy flight.

Before you fly

When booking your flight, view the seating configuration and select your seat. Consider the distance from the exit door, as this will determine how soon you get off the plane on arrival. Rows nearer to the front are also less bumpy. Avoid the last row in each section of the cabin, as these often

In-flight wellness begins at the airport before you board, and after checking in at your hotel

lack recline functionality. Choose the seat that will give you the most comfort, and be prepared to pay more. I always choose an aisle or exit row seat for more room, in a quiet zone if available. Others prefer the window so they can sleep against it. If the airline offers a seat upgrade, consider bidding for it, especially for a long flight. Advise of any special meal requests, and a bonus is you'll be served ahead of everyone else, or prepurchase your meals.

Check and ensure your passport is up to date and that you satisfy all entry requirements. Complete this well before your flight.

At the airport

From endless queues to brisk officials, airports can be stressful, so have patience and be prepared to use it abundantly. Check in online, and arrive at the airport well ahead of time. Be organised to proceed through each stage, for check-in, have your travel documents and passport ready to show and make sure your bags are not overweight. Then proceed through immigration and the security checkpoint. Now that that's over, you can relax.

Airports offer a wide range of dining options, so consider having a meal before your flight, and fill up your empty water bottle.

In flight

Minimising jetlag

Be active before, during and after your flight to combat the effects of jetlag. Try to reset your body clock by changing your meals and sleep patterns to the time of your destination when you first board the plane. Skip airline meals if the times are out of whack, relying instead on your own healthy snacks. Drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol and fizzy drinks. When it's morning

at your destination, open the window shade, and kick start your day. On arrival stay awake until bedtime and you'll be adjusted in no time.

Comfort

To minimise muscular aches and pains which come from sitting still for hours, try shoulder rolls, tapping your feet, ankle twirls, squeezing your toes, walking up and down the aisle, and exercising in the space by the exit rows – everything stretchy helps.

Air travel can play havoc with your gut, causing constipation and bloating. To minimise discomfort, avoid culprits such as beans, onions, nuts, dairy products and dried fruit. Stay well hydrated, do some deep breaths, and move your body by twisting your midsection from side to side.

Wear layers of loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres, comfortable expandable footwear, and if prone to legs swelling, wear compression stockings. Don't expect a toiletries pack, unless you're flying business or first class, so pack a toothbrush, ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones, eye patch, any medications you may need, and small fleece blanket. Given the dry air, pack moisturiser, Vaseline for the lining of the nose, and lubricating eyedrops. Organise your bag with lots of see through zip lock bags, with only the necessities for what you'll need inflight, as your bag competes for space under the seat in-front. Always keep your valuables with you - a pouch or money belt are good for this, never in the seat pocket. Complete forms as soon as they're handed out and always carry a pen.

Other passengers

There are certain protocols with flying that passengers are expected to observe. Seats need to be in the upright position for take-

off and landing and during a meal service. And passengers are entitled to the space of their seat and not to be disturbed by other passengers. If you experience any issues, advise the flight attendant, and if necessary, ask to be moved.

Passing the time

Plan how you'll pass the time inflight - preload your device with music and programs to watch, and bring a book to read. If the lights are dimmed, use the reading light, but only for short periods to avoid eye strain. If children are flying with you, have lots of surprises - small games, puzzles, stickers, books, toys and snacks to keep them occupied. Fasten the seatbelt over the blanket, so it's visible and if you do sleep, have a sticky note to say "do not disturb." I've been woken at 3am and asked if I'd like an apple!

What looks clean may not be

When you take your seat, use a hand wipe to wipe down all touch areas - the remote, arms of the seat, TV screen and tray table, use antiseptic hand gel frequently, and carry a mask in case the person beside you is unwell. I also carry lavender oil to mask any cabin odours.

On arrival

Have a plan for knowing how to get to your hotel. On my most recent trip, a YouTube video showed exactly how to take the airport train. Take a walk as soon as your get to your hotel. Explore your surroundings. It helps with jet lag and gets your circulation going. Give yourself time to relax and recharge, at least a day before joining any tours or cruises, in case of delays or cancellations, and to recover from your long flight.

Happy travels.

n Be active before, during and after your flight.

n Wear layers of loose-fitting clothing in natural fibres, comfortable expandable footwear, and if prone to legs swelling, compression stockings.

n Take a walk as soon as your get to your hotel. Explore your surroundings. It helps with jet lag.

Ascertain how your airline can help make your travel comfortable: (Below) SQ, Qantas, Etihad, Jetstar

cineTALK

Bhansali’s magnum opus. A biopic. Anticipated third seasons of popular web series. Regional films. ‘May’ you watch all in May, writes NEERU SALUJA

HEERAMANDI: THE DIAMOND BAZAAR (Netflix)

Set in pre-independent India, this one is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s majestic tale of love, power and revenge, struggle and freedom. Get swept into a visually rich world where the enchanting, scheming and menacing courtesans swoon over the Nawabs and British officers. As the 8-episode series unfolds, the plot unravels a mesmerising love story, a murder investigation, power struggle, a war of matriarchy, and most critical – the fight against British rule.

Releasing 1 May

SRIKANTH (In cinemas)

In this biopic, Rajkummar Rao portrays the life of industrialist Srikanth Bolla who fearlessly pursued his dreams despite his visual impairment. As he builds Bollant Industries, he defies all odds to carve his own path to success. This is the true story of an entrepreneur’s triumph and sacrifice, both which he welcomed with open arms and a smile. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, the films also stars Jyothika, Alaya F and Sharad Kelkar. Indian films Releasing 10 May

MATRIMONIALS

BHAIYYA JI (In cinemas)

Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming action thriller has finally got a release date. Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki and produced by the actor himself, the film is about a man who stands up for his family and seeks revenge for the wrongs done towards his loved ones.

Releasing 24 May

SEEKING GROOMS

Seeking Indian origin, professionally qualified, issueless match (working professional, not selfemployed) from Australia, for ’88 born, 5’3” Hindu Punjabi girl (divorced, issueless), working with a government organisation in Sydney. Must have Aus PR, and be a non-smoker and preferably teetotaler. Email biodata with photos, parents contact details to: matrimonial.ml@gmail.com

SEEKING BRIDES

Seeking bride living and working in Australia/NewZealand, preferably Sydney, age below 38; never married. Groom Hindu Punjabi, Australian citizen, ‘87 born, 5’5, non-vegetarian, B. Commerce (UNSW). Currently studying Diploma in Financial Planning, working towards his Financial Planner Licence; and alongside employed as a Security Officer.

Email biodata with photos and contact details to shaadi1987ss@gmail.com

BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 (Netflix)

The regency romance recently swept through Bowral and Season 3 is now ready to drop on Netflix. Known for soirées, scandals and sweltering hot romances, this season will also see the return of our favourite Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey).

Releasing 16 May

MR AND MRS MAHI (In cinemas)

Rajkummar Rao returns to the silver screen with his second release for the month. The film will follow the couple Mahima and Mahendra’s love for cricket, loosely based on the life of Indian cricketer M.S. Dhoni. Another sports drama and Dharma Productions casting their favourite child Janhvi Kapoor, let’s wait till the trailer comes out before we place our bets.

Releasing 31 May

ROSE ROSY TE GULAB (In cinemas)

In this romantic comedy, Gulab (Gurnam Bhullar) is fed up of his bachelorhood and constant rejection by all suitable matches. On the advice of his friends, he follows the path of Manifestation but by a series of comic events is stuck between two girls, Rose and Rosy. Now, who will he chose?

Releasing 24 May

PANCHAYAT 3 (Amazon Prime)

Fresh off the press is the announcement of the much-awaited Season 3 of web series Panchayat. With its simplistic and satirical storytelling of slowpaced village life, this comedy drama will be a treat to watch.

Releasing 28 May

SHINDA SHINDA NO PAPA (In cinemas)

As a frustrated father in Canada feels his hands are (literally) tied while disciplining his naughty son, he plans to take him to India to set him straight. The son discovers his father’s intentions which triggers a war between them. This light-hearted Punjabi comedy stars Gippy Grewal, Shinda Grewal, Hina Khan and Prince Kanwaljit Singh.

Releasing 10 May

MALAYALEE FROM INDIA (In cinemas)

An unemployed young man named Aalparambil Gopi is compelled to embark on a journey away from his home. This unplanned trip ultimately changes the course of his life in a remarkable way.

Releasing 2 May

THE BROKEN NEWS SEASON 2 (ZEE5 Global)

The upcoming season will continue to capture the fictional lives, lies, loves, and struggles of journalists and their battle between truth and sensationalism. The new season will see Sonali Bendre, Jaideep Ahlawat and Shriya Pilgaonkar reprise their roles.

Releasing 3 May

JE JATT VIGARH GYA (In cinemas)

Starring Jayy Randhawa, Pawan Malhotra, Deep Sehgal, this Punjabi film is about Daler whose life takes a drastic turn when he tries to bring his pregnant sister back home.

Releasing 17 May

NADIKAR (In cinemas)

This film follows the life of superstar David

David is a good actor but there comes a point in his life when he is forced to look inward to locate

and go beyond the

Releasing 3 May

Padikkal.

his real character

facade of the star.

MAY 2024 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.

TAURUS

GEMINI

New beginnings, things coming together and motivation; plus, a hike in finances. A very good month, overall. If worried about the sale of a property, it will sell. The self-employed might take on a new partner. Singles might meet someone new, but be careful and ensure the person is not already in a relationship. A new love or a stronger relationship with the existing love of your life will improve your mood. You can expect more from the universe.

Expect disagreements and fights at home or work. At the very least, resistance to your ideas. Some good news regarding a promotion or admission into a university of your choice could be at hand. Don’t try to control everything around you – situations and people especially. Someone you know could be unwell. A new venture or business idea can lead to major profits. If you have any dilemmas, use your mind to cut through the clutter. Don’t give up; keep going.

You draw the best card in the pack so expect freedom – spiritual and practical. If you are just getting over a heartbreak, let it go and give your heart time to heal. It is a card that teaches you to detach from the world even as you stay involved with worldly matters. Money from more than one source is likely to come in. Group activities will be successful. Business and finances improve. Let go of the past for best results.

Some of you will look for deeper meaning in life. A property will get sold. Those in a job may be looking for a change. A health issue needs a thorough medical check-up to eliminate a problem. Your finances are set to improve. Anxiety could lead to a health issue. You will focus on your goals and not spend energy on inconsequential things anymore. Long-term professional goals see progress and things will get better in time.

You do your best this month despite the circumstances, or inspite of them. Singles will have to choose between two and it is best to leave the decision to destiny to prevent hurt feelings on both sides. Those in new-age kind of work will do well as will the self-employed. You might be feeling run-down. Take a second opinion if unwell. Chances to make more money are coming your way. Avoid taking on more work or responsibilities.

Aces always represent new beginnings, though the sword indicates it is in the realm of the mind. You might want to start something new – an idea whose time has come. Singles will be surprised with a new admirer or someone you know. A marriage going through a bad patch could get worse though. There could be tense moments with family and money matters. You will become more goal-oriented and get a chance to expand your work or business.

You draw the card for Leo which puts you in a generous and expansive frame of mind. You want to share your knowledge and wisdom. You might also want to gain spiritual insights. Singles could get to know about a secret admirer or have an intense love affair. Good news on the career front is foretold; expect a mentor or a raise. A problem could occur in a relationship that could cause a break-up; this could even be a family member.

A major arcana indicates a destiny card, so expect some fated events to occur. An ex could re-enter your life but the magic is gone. If wanting to sell a house, it will get sold. Productivity at work goes up and you can expect a raise. Move away if a relationship is getting abusive. A health issue will get resolved. Some of you will end your self-imposed isolation. Your wisdom will be sought by others. Avoid forcing a resolution in a troublesome situation.

A destiny card is drawn for you, telling you that moderation is key to best results. Achieving a sense of balance between your head and your heart will make life easier. Shift where you put your energy and see problems getting resolved. Growing distance in a relationship can hurt, so keep communicating. Stress could bring back an old health problem. This is a phase that was pre-destined so lie low where possible. Change is part of your growth process so accept what comes in and what leaves.

All things bright this winter for the late December and January born as the sun card promises an engagement or marriage in the family, mergers at work and new money. Despite this, you may experience mood swings and low phases. If you feel run-down or tired, take a break to heal. Avoid mixing business and friendships. Some of you may get a good offer for a business or job. Don’t let appearances sway you and wait for clarity while staying open to guidance.

You draw the card for Aries, indicating a lot of activity and leadership. In a relationship, try communicating instead of shutting down; it might resolve the problem at hand. Expect to get a lot of work if you are self-employed. A trip could be on the anvil. Singles could meet someone, perhaps March-April born. Expect stress-related head and back aches. Money comes from repeat business or new contacts. Be confident and focus on your goals for best results.

You draw the card representing your own sign, so expect messages from the universe to be loud and clear. But the card is reversed so things might not go according to plan. Single young women may turn down a suitor due to his emotional immaturity or unavailability. Your social life will be busy this month. Finances are stable while health issues with your legs or feet could occur. If looking for a change of career, the selfhelp arena is where you could do well.

DEAR AUNTYJI

Please help with this ongoing problem of mine. My friend Amal invited me to a party which she threw recently after getting a promotion at work. She organised the whole event, and even ordered a cake - because we all love cake. Now when the cake was delivered on the day of the party, no one noticed the writing on it. Amal had asked for the words “Success for Amal”, and there was also a candle that spelt “celebration”. Unfortunately, the flowery icing decoration replaced the “m” in Amal’s name with the letter “n”. Now when the cake was wheeled out and I saw it, I pointed it out, and then I laughed uproariously while drawing everyone’s attention to the hilarious spelling fail. Amal was furious - and I don’t know why. It was silly, but it was funny. She has stopped speaking to me and I don’t know how to remediate the situation. I mean, we are all in our late 30s, so what is the big issue here? Why couldn’t we just laugh and move on? Am I wrong here, Auntyji?

ASK AUNTYJI

Do you have a question for Auntyji? Email it to info@indianlink.com.au

AUNTYJI SAYS

Have you heard of the phrase “Small things amuse small minds”, you kalankini? Really? This was funny to you? Have you ever stopped to think about why it was so funny to you? Now, we don’t have any interest in any of your peccadilloes, but the situation demands remediation. You upset your friend by making a

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Spellcheck, please!

mockery of an event that was important to her. You embarrassed her by laughing and pointing out the obvious error to all. Worse, you laughed and laughed. Kalmouhi. Sharam nahi hai kya? Your haha-hee hee was grossly misplaced. Your friend took offence. Now you have to suffer for your small mind. Send flowers to Amal as a starting point. Write her an email saying why you

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were wrong to behave like the behaya that you are. Keep asking for her forgiveness until you get it. A shaitaan like you probably sees nothing wrong with your insensitive behaviour, but the rest of us who live in society prefer to behave with decorum. And also, we are now thinking certain thoughts about you - and judging you for your affinity for your interesting perspectives.

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