2024_AUGUST_MELB

Happy Independence Day!

Anthony Albanese Prime Minister, Member for Grayndler

Richard Marles Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, Member for Corio

Clare O’Neil Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, Member for Hotham

Penny Wong Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator for South Australia

Andrew Giles Minister for Skills and Training, Member for Scullin

Tony Burke Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Cyber Security, Minister for the Arts, Leader of the House, Member for Watson

Ged Kearney Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Member for Cooper

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Tanya Plibersek Minister for the Environment and Water, Member for Sydney

Mary Doyle Member for Aston

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 12-2:30 PM MANGI’S KITCHEN & BAR, 75 WIGRAM ST, HARRIS PARK 2150

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Woodstock is India’s leading international IB residential school. The stunning natural environment of the Himalayas is our classroom and our playground. Come and learn more about our diverse student body and the multitude of opportunities here.

Mark Dreyfus KC Attorney-General, Member for Isaacs

Michelle Ananda-Rajah Member for Higgins

Authorised by P Erickson, ALP 5/9 Sydney Ave, Barton ACT 2600.

PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

CONTRIBUTORS

Lakshmi Ganapathy, Torsha Sen, Khushee Gupta, Renesh Krishnan, Sruthi Sajeev, Apoorva Tandon, Rishiv Rathore, Sandip Hor, Neeru Saluja, Minal Khona, Prutha Chakraborty, Auntyji

SALES AND MARKETING

Charu Vij

ADMN Aanchal Matta

COVER IMAGE

Urban Tadka / Daniel Griffiths Photography

Indian Link is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the editor. Opinions carried in Indian Link are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Indian Link. All correspondence should be addressed to:

INDIAN LINK MEDIA GROUP

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On India’s 78th birthday, a progress report

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

78years since Independence, India has come a long way. When it found self-determination in 1947, it was an impoverished nation bled dry by the British empire.

You don’t need to read Shashi Tharoor’s Inglorious Empire to learn what the British did to India, but it is a great reminder. When the East India Company took control of the country, India's share of world GDP was 23 per cent (that of the US today). When the British left, it was just above 3 per cent. Partition itself displaced over 10,000,000 people who had to be resettled. Literacy levels were low, health systems were decimated, and it took its first breaths under the shadows of communal challenges.

An India free of the British, in those turbulent times, could have gone down any of these types of government –democracy, oligarchy, authoritarianism,

or totalitarianism. But the leaders chose to be a democracy – a most difficult form of government for a population of 340 million with deep-level diversity. Fast forward 78 years, India has managed to hold on to democracy. Notwithstanding its benefits of giving everyone a voice, such a system can slow down progress, as every view is considered and debated. The leaders must account for themselves every five years - at times, leaving us surprised, like they did this year, but therein lies the beauty of democracy, where every vote is considered equal. Moving forward can be slow as compared to other regimes, but each step forward has the force of the citizens behind it.

Certainly India has a long way to go to solve some of its challenges. Corruption is one of them, as is poverty. Finding employment for its teeming millions of young people, religious differences, criminalisation in politics, and better healthcare for the masses, are some pressing issues that still need to be addressed.

And yet, in 78 years, India has achieved a lot. Its education systems, such as the IITs and IIMs are world class. India has

been on the forefront of the IT revolution and is well positioned to advance further, with digital economy growing exponentially. Digitisation is seeing rapid growth which will lead to better education and health outcomes.

Self-reliant in food for decades in its care of 1.4 billion people, India now exports food to the world. Polio stands eradicated, and life expectancy has increased from 32 years in 1947 to 70 years in 2022.

These freedoms have allowed India to take on new challenges such as space research. It has launched 432 satellites in space for various countries, and its Moon mission last year became the first to land in the lunar south pole regions, and only the fifth country to reach the moon when it did.

India is also now the fifth biggest global economy having surged past France and UK recently, fast closing in on Japan and Germany at numbers 4 and 3.

In global affairs, India has fiercely retained its independence. It has displayed in recent times, a high level of assertiveness in its global engagements, much to the chagrin of established international protocols. India is shining.

YOUR SAY

‘YOU

CAN CHOOSE TO BELIEVE A GLASS CEILING EXISTS, OR DOES NOT EXIST’

VIVEK BHATIA, CEO and managing director of MUFG Pension and Market Services, in conversation with PAWAN LUTHRA.

Sriraman Annaswamy wrote: Having had a ringside seat to Vivek Bhatia's remarkable career trajectory at QBE Insurance (both tenures), Wesfarmers Insurance as well as MUFG Pension & Market Services, I would heartily recommend this to every Indian-Australian migrant with high aspirations. Great initiative, Indian Link Media Group. I am looking forward to more such inspirational episodes.

Rajesh Dave wrote: Liked Vivek’s framework of Cs, as it’s always good to have a high-level structure to any approach. All good points, but would have liked to have heard more details specifically on hoops and obstacles faced as an Indian and how to overcome them. For example, the difficulties of cultural integration come to mind, like the challenge of being conscious of the local culture, finding ways to integrate, developing the flexibility to change, and being able to adapt. I would have liked more specific situational examples.

Sharmily Nagarsekar wrote: Vivek Bhatia, thank you for sharing this insightful comment! Perhaps we can say that women are just humble achievers! On a serious note, ladies, let's not sell ourselves short! Let's recognise and embrace our readiness to tackle new challenges head-on.

Pranita Singh wrote: Such a great interview and very insightful and constructive advice.

Dipen Rughani wrote: Great interview Pawan, and more power to you, Vivek Bhatia.

Shyamal Bhatia wrote: A brilliant interview and very insightful. I was impressed with Vivek’s humility despite his success as well as his clarity of thought.

Kumar Parakala wrote: Great interview. There is no glass ceiling for the bold and resilient, Pawan Luthra!

Sailesh Shenoy wrote: Well said Vivek, and there is a case for strength in numbers to demolish those glass ceilings!

Anand Agrawal wrote: Such great and insightful leadership. Congratulations! Manish Gupta: Excellent one with good insights. Vivek, as always, is incisive and inspiring.

Mahesh Enjeti wrote: A very insightful Dosti Talk, Pawan. Thank you for sharing. You said at the end of the interview, “so much wisdom”. So true, with a name like ‘Vivek’ (wisdom in Sanskrit), one wouldn't expect anything less. I was impressed with Vivek Bhatia's acuity and clarity but equally his humility and candour. I also agree with his assessment of women. One thing I would add to his list of ‘Cs’ is ‘chance’ or serendipity. This is in no way to detract from the success of all those high achievers, but random events do play their part in life. Having said that, they are the ones who are also adept at grabbing any chances that are presented.

Dave Baswal wrote: Great interview. Great perspectives Vivek Bhatia and very inspiring talk. Love it.

Sanjeev Nandekeolyar wrote: Great interview and insights.

Pawan Luthra wrote: Vivek Bhatia is an inspirational leader who so seamlessly brings together his South Asian heritage and Australian corporate journey. His views on how young (and old) South Asian professionals can succeed in their jobs, how to grab that sliding door opportunity and the do's and don'ts to climb the corporate ladder,are pure gold. So much wisdom to share.

A HOMECOMING TALE

NEHAL CHHATRAPATI on moving back to India after two decades in Sydney.

Amita Gill wrote: At the end of the day, (best to) do what makes you happy. I moved back to India with my family after six years in Australia. Just felt like we needed to go back to our roots.

Samira Mehta wrote: Loved reading this one.

Ashok Panigrahi wrote: There is no right or wrong. Follow your heart. Chase what gives you peaceful sleep and smiles on your face.

Poornima Menon wrote: These stories are like a breath of fresh air. Well done.

Seema Sharma Roila wrote: Taking the decision to move back to your roots can never be wrong. Proud of you.

Suchint Narang wrote: Such a good read.

Paras Dhiman wrote: Good luck.

WHERE IN INDIA

This 20-feet tall, metal statue is made of 1,330 letters and is a recently opened tourist site. Where in India?

“(Our son got the silver.) The player who got the gold is also our son. We got gold and silver.”

SAROJ DEVI, talking about her silver medal-winning son Neeraj Chopra and the gold medal winning athlete Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan.

“They (Nadeem and Neeraj) are like brothers. I pray for (both athletes) to win more medals.” RAZIAH PARVEEN, Arshad Nadeem’s mum

Incredibly proud of the Indian athletes who finished fourth. To come so close is a monumental achievement. We must stand by them.

ABHINAV BINDRA, one of two Indian gold medallists ever

All the support and finances have been given. It’s on the players to step up and deliver when it matters most.

PRAKASH PADUKONE, former badminton champion

Readers Sree Ranjani, Kapil Sarohey and Deepak Vincent got the right answer: It’s a statue of the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar in Coimbatore.

TRIVENI: A HINDUSTANI AND CARNATIC FUSION

CHITRA SUDARSHAN and SYDNEY SRINIVAS reported on the concert Triveni, presented by three classical virtuosos - violinist Kala Ramnath, veena artiste

Jayanthi Kumaresh and table exponent Zakir Hussain.

Payal Singde wrote: What a legend! It was an immaculate performance.

Sruthi Sajeev wrote: Love the portrayal of Indian classical music as fun. As someone who loves classical music, it’s a breath of fresh air to read a new perspective on this art form which most people classify as boring…wish I could have been to Triveni!

ICONIC MOVIE LINES

We asked for your favourite lines from the film Dil Dhadakne Do.

Dani Patel wrote: “Koi nahi dekh raha hai! Acting kyu kar rahe ho??,” “Louis whuitton,” “Plane chahiye ki nahi?” IFYKYK.

Deepak Vincent wrote: Anil Kapoor: “Jab tak tumhe tumhari khushiyon ki keemat nahi pata chalegi, tab tak tum unki kadar nahi karoge.”

Saba Nabi wrote: “Khel mein toh haar jeet lagi rehti hai... afsoos who karte hai jinka khel khatam ho gaya ho.”

Mini Chail wrote: “Who plane chaiye ki nahi tumhe?”

Guru Dha wrote: “Dil se faisla karo ki tumhe kya karna hai… dimaag tarkeeb nikal lega.”

WHERE IN OZ

Surrounded by waterfalls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel, and wrapped up in an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees, this location looks like it jumped straight out of our dreams! Where in Oz?

Readers Divya Praveen and Anu Shivaram got the right answer: Paronella Park in QLD

In many Indian schools, students are given just 30 minutes a week for sports. Yet, as a nation, we dream of Olympic golds. How realistic are our ambitions if we don't even give our children enough time to play? Physical education is often treated as a secondary concern, something to be done if there's time after the "important" subjects. But without a strong sports foundation, how can we build Olympic champions?

UMESH JAKHAR, economist

THE GIFT I’LL TAKE TO AN AMBANI WEDDING

Indian Link Radio host SAGAR MEHROTRA (of Sunday Swag fame) asked what you would gift the Ambanis had you been invited to their wedding.

Ayush Garg wrote: Kangaroo and koala souvenirs?

Farida Lehri Barodawala wrote: My account number.

Julie Agravat wrote: I’ll give them a large shipping container to store all the gifts they have received, which they will never use.

Nirav Trivedi wrote: They can’t refuse any gift… so I would gift them documents to adopt me!

Manish Jain wrote: My presence would be the best gift.

Bhat Mum wrote: I would give them Indian outfits for them to hand over to artists like Justin Bieber who graced the wedding in a singlet and torn pants!

Shikhaa Sharma wrote: I would take from them, bro!

WRONG ANSWERS ONLY

We asked, what are Rajpal Yadav and Sanjay Mishra showing Kartik Aryan?

Paras Dhiman wins a movie ticket for his response: They’re pointing towards Australian immigration.

Sonu Chahl wrote: Voh dekh, khaali theatre, Guru Dha wrote: Raay maange hein hum tumse?

Raj Saneja wrote: Woh rahi bhutni.

Rajani Sagar wrote: Gaur se dekhiye is insaan ko...

Preeti Kothari wrote: They’re singing Bus tum hi ho…!

Sanjay Khanna wrote: Rooh baba, voh dekho, kaisi Bhool Bhulaiya hai, Chandu champion aur aap ka rooh aur jism sab ek jaise hai.

Samuel wrote: Me.

Vinesh Phogat is much more than the medals she has won or lost. She will always be the energy and the dream in the hearts and minds of millions of young women and girls. Sometimes, realise our dreams in ways that are still unimagined.

NEELAM KAPUR, former Director General, Sports Authority of India

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The Taste of India

A culinary tribute to the land we love

They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, so what better way to honour that land in our hearts and minds?

WBY LAKSHMI GANAPATHY

hether in 1947 or 2024, India has always been a melting pot of cultures, faiths, and languages, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. To celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day, we asked Indians from across Australia to share what India tastes like to them - delicious remembrances and delectable recollections of our homeland. From the snowcapped mountains to endless deserts, the bustling cities to lilting backwaters, together we’ve plated up something special, a celebration of that country, which has made its home in all our minds and stomachs.

The Indian soup recipe

By Amartya Ray

Take a huge earthen pot and place it on some fire of sort. Then add a serving of diverse culture, not forgetting to continuously stir the mixture.

Next:

Impart a thousand languages into it and start boiling ‘em bit by bit. Turn of a billion people now, they fit in there somehow.

The breathtaking northern mountains with snow-caps like frozen eternal fountains; melts into the pot like the melody of a concert, the grandeur of the majestic and endless Thar Desert,

The imposing magnificence of the backwaters to the south makes the soup extremely interesting beyond doubt. The fertile river plains situated to the east adds a special flavor to the feast.

Finally, a pinch of salt and pepper will make the potion perfect for supper. The molten soup remnant in the earthen pot is what the ancient and imposing land of India is all about.

Amartya’s poem was first published in allpoetry.com in 2009

Neelam Vasudevan, VIC

India tastes like the fresh cool breeze of the mountain ranges. Kumaoni (pahadi) food brings beautiful memories of a childhood that tasted delightful - rich, tangy, spicy, sweet, pure, and above all, rare! Aloo kegutke (potato fry), slow cooked bhatt ki churkani (black soy beans) or kadhibadi (yogurt-based curry), ras (dal), kaapha (spinach), chainsu (black gram) and kheere (cucumber) ka raita – all food for my soul. The tanginess of the chutneys, sanaahua nimbu (lemon raita), mooli ki thechwani (mashed radish curry), kafaland hisalu berries! My sweet tooth remembers balmithai (caramel fudge), arsa (rice flour, jaggery and sesame), gulgula (fritters), singodi (khoya) wrapped in malu leaf, jalebi doodh (deep fried sweet in milk). Simple, unique and unforgettable!

Nazish Fatima, VIC

India tastes like adventure! Delhi's street food is like culinary roulette, especially chaat and dahi bhalla (fried dumplings in yogurt). Chaat is Delhi's way of saying, "Why settle for one flavour when you can have a whole circus in your mouth?" It’s a tangy, spicy rollercoaster that'll make your taste buds question their life choices, but you'll still be reaching for more. Dahi bhalla is a hug for your stomach, wrapped in a blanket of yogurt and topped with a symphony of chutneys and spices. Since moving to Australia, my taste buds do the cha-cha every time I think about those magical street corners of Chandni Chowk or Lajpat Nagar, full of edible chaos.

Vijay Kumari, NSW

India tastes like the delectable Kashmiri dum aloo - a spiced potato curry, made lovingly by my father. It reflects the care and attention he put into preparing this slow-cooked comfort food. Even now, years later as I prepare it for my children and grandchildren I am overwhelmed to see their eager eyes waiting to savour the dish. Dum aloo doesn’t just represent a tradition; it symbolises the warmth and familiarity of home. The flavours carry with them the comforting memories of the Dal Lake, Pahalgam, Nishat Bagh and our ancestral home in Kashmir, making each bite a reminder of our roots and heritage.

Khagesh Maheshwari, VIC

India tastes like Daal Baati Choorma - you can't travel Rajasthan’s slippery sand dunes without it! The Panchrangi Daal is a concoction brewed with five different lentils, a heady mix of flavours. Baati is a super-sized golf-ball of whole wheat dough roasted in a wood-fired chula (oven), then dipped in a pool of ghee (clarified butter) to soften it from the inside so that you can easily break into pieces, dip it in daal and eat! Some of the baatis are shredded by hand or with a grinder and mixed with gud (jaggery) powder to make ‘choorma’, the royal sweet!

Tanvi Mor, VIC

India tastes like a rich tapestry of traditions and heritage weaving together vibrant festivals, timeless folk arts and rustic landscapes. My favourite childhood memories are celebrating the monsoon festival Teej with my mother and friends in our Haryanvi community; wearing traditional green and red attire, joyous dances, planting trees and melodious folk songs. I adored the swings hung from lush green trees amidst mustard fields and the festive charm of adorning my hands with henna. Now in Melbourne, I still wander in search of the authentic taste of bajra (pearl millet) roti, spicy kachri (wild cucumber) chutney and white makhan (butter).

Neha Jain, NSW

India tastes like a symphony of spices and traditions, where every bite tells a story. For me, a Punjabi raised abroad, it’s the tangy burst of chole bhature (chickpea curry with deep fried bread) from the dhabas (roadside restaurant) in Punjab and the comforting sweetness of my grandmother's homemade besan burfi (gram flour sweet), each piece a memory of her loving hands crafting it. My last visit to India was to Punjab, where I fulfilled my dream of visiting the Golden Temple. The experience was brilliant, and I still savour the taste of karha prasad (sweet offering) from that visit. Now, both chole and karha are permanent fixtures in my cooking, each dish bringing back fond memories of the flavours and experiences of India.

Aman Pabla, NSW

Garima Mahantan, NSW

India tastes like being amidst the majestic Himalayas with breathtaking landscape on cold winter morning and being served the warm, fluffy steamed bread siddu with desi ghee by my mum. Himachali cuisine reflects the unique geography, climate, and cultural influences of the region. Dishes like madra, jhol, patrode, babbru, chukh, chutneys offer a tantalizing array of flavours, textures, and aromas that delight the senses. Memories of family gatherings during festivals and celebrations where Dham (a traditional multi course meal) are enjoyed, often accompanied by traditional rituals and community spirit. Himachal food for me is characterised by its simplicity that fosters a deep sense of contentment and connection.

India tastes like winter in a Punjab village; I grew up in Botswana, but each December my family travelled back to India. Warm, caramely gur (unrefined sugar), freshly reduced from ganne ke ras (sugar cane juice), the distinctive mineral aftertaste from the giant iron karahi (pan) it’s cooked down in. Eating it fresh, roadside, by the fields of green sarsoh (mustard). Silky sarsoh ki saag (mustard and greens curry) on crispy makki ki roti (flat bread), dolloped with luscious white makhan (homemade butter), with a side of crunchy, pungent mooli (radish). Smoky mah ki daal (black lentil daal), earthy from the matki (clay pot) it's been slowly simmered in all day on the chulha (earthen stove).

Sanskriti Kaul, VIC

India tastes like nostalgia, a journey back to the first fragrance of the soil after a refreshing rain in Delhi. As a child, this earthy scent would pull me outside, where I'd enjoy the rain, dancing with pure joy. The raindrops felt like nature’s own rhythm, each splash a note in a melody of pure happiness. I remember the thrill of muddy feet and soaked clothes, my heart leaping with every step and twirl. The rain was more than just water; it was a symphony of freedom and childhood wonder, forever etched in my memory.

Bhavya Vemulapalli, VIC

India tastes like Andhra’s mangoes that get exported across the world! Andhra and Telangana top the charts in terms of sending students abroad too. Ironically, we all tend to adapt and improvise so much that we forget the ‘original’ recipe. Eventually, it gets to a point where mangoes go with everything but aren’t a ‘stand-alone’ obsession — such is the idea of belonging. We carry what came before us, and carve what’s ahead, but somehow can’t express what we truly are. Anywho, while I question it all, let me quickly freeze some more mangoes for all the seasons to be!

Meghna, VIC

India tastes like the warm, fresh, fragrant payasam (sweet pudding) lying loose in a plastic bag given to us by priests after a family visit to the temple. The aroma of cardamom would permeate the car air as we drove to a nearby restaurant for a post-temple feed, where we would be served fresh, crispy dosa with MTR sambar (lentil stew) and potato masala. If I was lucky, I would be able to grab bhel

Trisha Mathur, NSW

India tastes like the enchanting warmth of the first sip of chai (spiced tea) that rolls down your throat, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket and filling you with a sense of ethereal calm and comfort. It tastes like the aroma of boiling tea leaves, ginger, a hint of cardamom, and bubbling anticipation. It’s the icebreaker at every awkward family function or a bond strengthener at a gossip session. India tastes like the sentiments that cannot be evoked by the same tea at chai time. India tastes like the million hyper-specific ways that Indians like chai. Chai tastes like home.

Flavours Of

Southern India

Amitav Goswami, NSW

India tastes like a school break after the final exam. Frequenting Chennai three to four times a year now, the development of the state astounds me, the humility of the people moves me and the food – both at home and in restaurants – leaves me full! The development of the country is at a very fast pace and it's nice to see the smiles are still there on the streets. The hustle bustle, caring attitude and acceptance of life

Abhirami Viju, NSW

India tastes like cherupayar (mung bean) curry, one of the many staple dishes Amma hopes I’ll learn to make solely by watching her, despite my culinary ineptitude. I’m flustered when she asks me to add the uppu (salt), manjal (turmeric) and molagu (chilli) — the three tenets of all her cooking, intuitive amounts forever unspecified. We eat; I use my hand to mix the warm, softened, brown cherupayar beans into the long grains of white rice. The manjal stains my hands the colour of maanga (mango) despite my handwashing, filling in the spaces between the lines of my fingerprints.

Manoj Kumar Hosahalli, VIC

India tastes like the amazing combination of ragi mudde (millet ball) and lentils curry, one of the staple foods in Karnataka that’s often ignored by today’s generation. Being from a farmer’s family, it’s always been imposed on me to have it at least once a day, which made me hate it to the point of boycotting it! But now I miss it so much that I’ve mastered the art or preparing it so I can introduce it to my friends here in Melbourne. It reminds me of my roots and the wonderful times I have had on our farm.

Lakshmi Ganapathy, VIC

India tastes like masala dosa. On our family visits to Guruvayur, we’d find ourselves at a roadside cafe specialising in wafer thin dosa (fermented crepe), folded over a tangy but comforting masala potato filling - I used to drag my feet there, as after a whole two weeks of bouncing from temple to temple, my childish palate longed for the pasta and pizza it was familiar with. But now that I’m older, I can’t help but smile at those cute spicy potatoes ensconced in their little blanket! They make me feel the warm embrace of the palm trees in cold Melbourne.

Meena Mahanty Kumar, NSW

India tastes like the sweet cream rolls and savoury kathi (kebab) rolls in my hometown Jamshedpur. Memories of spending the afternoon waiting impatiently for the Howrah bakery man with his trunk full of goodies still make my mouth water. Of course, the cream roll was king! I still haven't found anything as good here in Sydney and believe me I've looked everywhere. The taste of India for me is the memory of our family savouring chicken kathi rolls near the Bistupur library after a movie at Natraj Cinema. It's the taste of my beloved hometown, a place I still call home.

Eastern India Flavours Of

Padmaja Jha, ACT

India tastes like tutti-frutti ice cream, a cacophony of many colours. It is that indescribable exhilaration of arriving home to the loving arms of a mother. I remember littichokha (dough balls), sattu (roasted gram flour) paratha and tilkut (sesame rounds) in winter, and churadahi (curd and flat rice), juicy jardaloo (apricot) and maldahaam (mango) in summer. Kachri (cucumber) remains my ultimate comfort food along with creamy makhana kheer (sweet pudding). But the one that surpasses all in taste or benefits is hara chana (green chickpeas), the ultimate Bihari cuisine, which tastes fresh and is always nutritious. It’s simple to cook; just temper panchphoron (five spice mix), turmeric and salt in mustard oil. Love is spoken through food.

Flavours Of

spicy chanachur (mixture), bound together with just the right amount of mustard oil. It was sprinkled with fresh coriander and served in a cone made from old newspaper, a cost-effective way to recycle, like fish and chips. Time moves on, but certain memories always linger, some in our minds, some on our palate.

Northeast India

Bedashree Gogoi, NSW

India tastes like tilpitha (sesame pancake), quintessential in every Assamese household. Served on a platter during Bihu with other sweets, it’s made from bora saul (glutinous rice), which is ground, rolled and filled with sesame and jaggery. Though requiring only a few ingredients, it's tough to master the art of making these delectable beauties; the key is having the right pan temperature. When Bihu arrives, my desire to have tilpitha with a cup of tea grows, but the rice is hard to get in Sydney; each time I visit home, I relish my mother’s til pithas.

Mridusmita Haloi, VIC

India tastes like the signature Assamese dish of bhat and masor tenga (rice and sour fish curry) with a slice of lemon and a green chilli on the side. Cooked with fresh river fish and organic local produce, this tangy, flavourful dish is easy on the palate, nutritious and supremely satisfying. It’s funny how I realised this only after I came to Melbourne twenty years ago - I suffered from masor tenga with drawals from time to time! I find the frozen fish here tasteless and vegetables foreign…and where is the kaji nemu (lime)?! Most importantly, where is Ma!

Ranjita Sharma, NSW

India tastes like the vibrant flavours of Sikkim; its snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. Sikkim’s cuisine is hearty and wholesome, influenced by Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutia traditions - one of the signature dishes is momos, steamed or fried dumplings filled with minced meat or vegetables, served with a spicy tomato-based chutney. Another staple is thukpa, a warm noodle soup brimming with vegetables, meat, and aromatic spices. Gundruk (fermented leafy greens) and kinema (fermented soybean) add a distinct tangy flavour, and selroti, a ring-shaped rice bread, is a popular festive treat. It’s a charming and fresh taste which has left a lasting impression on me.

Matana Pachuau, NSW

India tastes like a rich blend of exotic and aromatic spicy food. But here's an option if you're like me and prefer it less spicy. I live in Sydney, but I come from the bamboo forest state of Mizoram in northeast India. Arguably, the most traditional dish is made from bamboo shoot! Tender bamboo shoot prepared in various ways from simply boiled to spicy pickles are a staple in that part of the country. This nutritious food is ubiquitous and virtually every home you visit will offer you one at dinner time.

Indrani Kakoty, NSW

India tastes like nature, the ‘cotton candy’ of the clouds. The deliciously untouched beauty of the hills, the sweet echoing music, seasoned with droplets of rich cultural heritage. ‘The Abode of Clouds’ as this place is known, Meghalaya one of the most beautiful, naturally blessed and culturally diverse states of India. The stunning Meghalaya is noted for its lush landscapes, unbelievable waterfalls, and rich indigenous cultures. Blessed with unique craftsmanship, dance, music, and cuisine, this place has a lot to offer.

Central India Flavours Of

Santosh Gupta, ACT

India tastes like kalakand, a sweet made of milk, like Italian cheesecake, found in every corner of Uttar Pradesh. Since my childhood, I have loved this sweet, the simple ingredients make it seem like a very authentic and healthy dish to me. Kalakand is very easy to make at home on special occasions such as Deepavali, Raksha-Bandan and BhaiDuj festivals. Even here in Australia, I always look for this in the sweet shops. Kalakand was my father’s favourite

Abbas Raza Alvi, NSW

India tastes like hot crisp samosas (savoury filled pastry) enjoyed with your dear ones! Over my 35 years in Australia, I've dined at different places selling samosas, yet I've never found the taste that matches that of my birthplace on the bank of the Ganges. After school, my friends and I would savour freshly fried samosas, served on pattal (leaf) plates, drizzled with chatpati sweet sour chutney - they were irresistible, the perfect snack to satisfy our innocent cravings. There was something undeniably magical about those samosas; the vendor was always in demand, his stall brimming with the lively chatter of children. Even after all these years, I long for that hot, crisp, flavourful bite!

Navishkar Asitosh Ram, NSW

India tastes like the rich mix of spices that dance in your mouth when you take that first bite of biryani. It sometimes also tastes like the hard crunch of an elaichi (cardamom) shell when sifting through the layers of saffroninfused rice. The land is rich and teeming with colour and sweetness, and that same sugary delight is sampled in the syrup of my mother’s gulab jamun

Maneet Hora, VIC

India tastes like Sunday’s poha (flattened rice) and jalebi (deep fried sweet). It was a tradition in our home in Indore to begin Sundays with poha, yellowed with haldi (turmeric), paired with sizzling newspaper jalebi soaked in the oil it had just swum in - it put the ‘Sun’ in

Western India Flavours Of

Sneha Khale, QLD

India tastes like childhood. It doesn't matter how old you are - every taste of India is rooted in nostalgia. Visits to my favourite chaat (street food) joints in Mumbai remind me of outings with high school friends, the neighbourhood aunties still view me as a besan laddoo-loving kid (gram flour balls), and m um insists on making all my childhood favourites – puranpoli (sweet flatbread), shrikhand (sweet yogurt), sitafal (custard apple) ice-cream, biryani (mixed rice). The decidedly fashionable Bombay Canteen feels like a throwback: the fusion thukpa (noodle soup) like the one I enjoyed on that ‘90s Himalayan family trip, even the illustrations on their menu are reminiscent of R.K. Laxman’s cartoons that I loved as a child.

Krushnadevsinh (Kano) Ravalji, VIC

India tastes like bhungdabateka of crispy yellow bhungda (fryums) and spicy, flavourful bateka (potatoes), a specialty from Bhavnagar, Gujarat, where I spent the first seven years of my life before moving to Australia. Although my time was brief, the memories remain strong, and my connection to the culture and land continues to evolve as I grow up here, always drawing me back to reconnect with my roots. Just like the addictive crunch of bhungda and the spicy charm of the bateka, the thought of India makes my mouth water, leaving me longing for just one more bite or trip.

Veena Nair, VIC

India tastes like cohesion within chaos. It’s the taste of tamarind, chillies, and the boondi (fried chickpea balls) in the pani (water). It tastes of crisp puri (deep fried bread), and as you take this cacophony of flavour in, you realise it also tastes of you. Of your fingertips, pushing the chaat (street snack) into your mouth with the urgency of a scooter filtering through lanes of rickshaws. In the sweetmeat stalls it can taste of celebration and in the family kitchen it can taste like love, but to those who know her, Mumbai tastes of home.

Frankey Fernandes, VIC

India tastes like prasad (offering). Growing up in a joint family where each member had their personal favorite temple, we would often visit temples back-toback. As we went from one to another, the focus shifted from darshan Come on, it's hard to concentrate on prayers with a half-broken boondi ka (gram flour balls) staring at you! After a quick pradakshina (clockwise circling of deities), I'd grab a small piece, trying to be modest, but secretly plotting to steal more from my younger sister. The taste of that prasad brings back fond memories of home, family, and the joyous rituals that connect me to India.

India tastes like Goan feni (liquor). A trip to Goa is incomplete if you haven’t tried the feni; be it coconut feni or cashew apple feni, no one who has visited Goa dare say they haven’t tried it! The aroma of cashew feni is so strong that it can be smelt far away from the place of its distillation. Drank mostly in the villages, it’s best consumed under the hot sun on the beach, and if taken neat, can be too intoxicating to stay conscious! So when in Goa, do not forget to have a sip of feni- but drink in moderation.

Zenobia Aderbehman, VIC

India tastes like nostalgia. The aroma of sheekboti (meat kebabs) roasting outside the Bandra Station in Mumbai. I grew up eating dhansak (curry), along with fried fish, kebabs, full boiled eggs and kachumber (cucumber salad) every Sunday - it's a ritual in many Zoroastrian homes. Taraporipatia pickle made of dried Bombay ducks in spicy gravy just makes my mouth water and my forehead sweat. And how can I ever forget our Parsi weddings and Navjote, the dinner is something to experience and relish ten times over –especially that all-time favourite Patrani machi, fish coated with green spicy chutney wrapped in banana leaves –and culminating with sweet paan (betel leaf) and pistachios to refresh your palate.

Preeti Thadani, NSW

India tastes like my childhood's sweetest treat, kulfi-falooda (ice cream drink). After Sunday family dinners at my nani’s (grandma’s) home in Breach Candy, Papa took us for a Victoria ride (horse-drawn carriage) on Marine Drive, to enjoy Bombay’s famous dessert. The Queen’s necklace (Marine Drive) was as special as the slippery glass noodles topped with cold creamy, nutty kulfi (ice cream) in aromatic rose-milk interlaced with sabja (basil seeds). Each spoonful of wriggling noodles felt like a sweet angel's dance in my mouth. The outside traffic chaos disappeared into oblivion as I watched the melting kulfi raise the liquid quantity in my glass. It felt like my treat would go on forever.

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‘Dare to dream, in a world full of adversity’

VIVEK BHATIA is the CEO of Mitsubishi UFG Financial Group, which has over 6,500 employees and has just bought the ASX-listed Link Group for $2.1 billion. He sits down here with PAWAN LUTHRA to share his professional journey, successes, failures, goals, and his advice for aspiring young South Asian professionals.

Vivek, about two and a half years ago, you and two other Indian-born CEOs featured on the cover of the prestigious Australian Financial Review, in a story about the growing number of business leaders of South Asian heritage. You migrated here in 1998 with no job but with a couple of degrees under your belt. Did you, in your wildest dreams, ever think you would become the pin-up boy for aspiring South Asian leaders in 20 years’ time?

Absolutely not, is probably the way I would start. I don't think I'm a pin-up boy…

You're heading a company worth $2.1 billion and growing. Look, I think two things come to mind straight away. This country has been very kind to me, and God has been very kind to me. I think these are the two things which have led me on the journey of the last 25

years. But you know, as they say, in a world that is full of adversity, we should never stop daring to dream. And so the dream was always there. And I was very fortunate that the dream was realised.

There are many top US companies with Indians at the helm, including Microsoft (Satya Nadella) and Google (Sundar Pichai), to name but two. Has the runway in the corporate world got easier for other Indian CEOs standing on the shoulders of these giants?

Undoubtedly, right? It’s fair to say that you can be what you see. That, at large, holds true from my perspective. When I arrived here, we did not have too many people of South Asian descent in corporate leadership roles. At that point, one was not sure whether it was even possible - even in the US, where it wasn't very prevalent. Sure, you had spottings of people here and there,

but not really a wave, per se. Today, as you have seen, more and more people have climbed the corporate ladder to get to the top of large organisations worldwide. I think there's a certain belief now that, you know, it is possible. And that belief is the hope that people hold on to, as they travel that journey, which is always very tough.

Tell me, what makes India such a great producer of global CEOs?

That's a great question, and one that I've often reflected on. Why do we see a large proportion of Indian-origin CEOs? Well firstly, we are larger in number, so that's a good start. Secondly, I think there are two or three things, which I would say are core attributes that come from being an Indian migrant: one is a strong grounding in education – a core element that’s drilled into your head growing up in India; the second is the value of hard work - we never,

ever shy away from that. Make sure you roll up your sleeves, and whatever opportunities are presented to you, do your very best120, 150%. Never have the attitude that I will only do the bare minimum. Perhaps a third factor would be that the Indian fraternity does a better job in assimilating, in ensuring that they can adopt their adopted country as their own home, as opposed to being in their own enclaves. That really helps in being local, which then helps in climbing the ladder.

We've all heard about the term glass ceiling. Does it exist? And if it does, what is the solution to break through? Well, like most things, the glass ceiling is in the eye of the beholder.You can say that it exists, and then you can try and knock against it, or you can say that it does not exist, and walk through it. It’s an absolute personal choice on how you see it. Like

Photos: Evergreen Memories / Vishaal Kumar

when you see adversity - do you see it as a brick wall, or do you see it as a tunnel that you can go through?

Is there a saying that inspires you?

Not really a saying per se, but one belief that’s always in my mind is that there is no plan B. And so when you undertake something, do it (with full focus).

Tell me, how do you handle failure?

People do fail, of course. And I have too, multiple times.When people see someone like myself, they think, well, that's great, he’s had a straight path - he came here, in 10 years’ time got the first big role, and in another 10 years’ time, got to run an ASX 100 company. Well, clearly that's a dream run, and yes, it is, but there have been lots of swings and roundabouts and potholes and roller coaster rides along the way!

When things don't go the way you want them to, you reset, take a step back, and have an introspection moment to consider what you could have done differently. It is very easy to point fingers at other people and say, well, that did not work very well because X does not like me, or Y did not support me, or the market dropped. You're always going to have constraints. It's a choice again, whether you blame the constraints or try to find a way to overcome them. You need to have that constant curiosity of wanting to learn all the time.

I notice that you like to bring it all on yourself - how you see the world, how you see business. Is that your strongest trait?

I'm not quite sure about that, but yes, I do take ownership. You must take ownership of your own life, your own career, and not be dependent on circumstances. Of course, circumstances will come and will have an impact one way or another, but you still have to take ownership.

Now let me draw on your experience as a corporate leader in Australia. Advice for young aspiring professionals: three do's, three don'ts?

I do have a model, of a few Cs. My structured modelstarts with Consciousness, which is, be aware of yourself. Understand your strengths, your weaknesses. Do an honest evaluation of who you are. And then, decide what are the things that you need to play on, what are the things you need to work on.

Because some things you can't work on, but you can surround yourself with people who have those skills. So consciousness is very, very important.

Second thing for me is, try to get Clarity. We live in an ambiguous world - with imperfect information. We need to strive to find clarity out of that. And that's a very, very important thing that I think is underrated.

The third thing is to ensure that you Communicate effectively. And this does not mean just talking well, but also listening actively. I think, on communication, it is very important to have the ability to

“My experience working with some wonderful women role models, is that they are generally a lot more capable than men. They're more astute in decision making, and have sound judgment when it comes to triangulating information and actually doing stuff. They also have a strong level of empathy and kindness, which I think is a wonderful combination when you add the intellect portion to that.”

tell a story.

Effective communication, also, has another side to it, which is Curiosity.

How did you learn the trait? Did it come through childhood learnings, growing up in India - this strategy of telling a story to lead a discussion?

I was always into debating and elocution at school. It was a great passion of mine. I was constantly told I talk too much, a quality I probably inherited from my mum. But the point for me always, has been to try and explain something to people by putting myself in their shoes. Even today, when I'm in a discussion, whether that's at the boardroom or at a town hall or at the investor conference or at a general convention, I always try to put myself in the audience’s shoes and think, what is it that I can do better? That's a key element, I think. Coming back to the do's and don'ts, the fourth C for me is to ensure that we have the ability to Create energy. And what does that mean? Well, we live in a constrained, probably over constrained, world. How do we try to create a strong vibe, a hope? Can you showcase that you know what is possible, about what the future holds, and then create that energy, that excitement? That is very important (in business), because otherwise it is very easy to get pegged down by all the changes that are happening.

And then finally, for me, departing away from the Cs, it's about empathy. I think empathy and humility for me are the most important things. I am a huge believer that people follow people who are happy to follow them. I am the first to admit that I learn as much from people on the frontline of the organisation as from people in the boardroom – both have so much to offer, so long as you have an open mind to keep learning. Leadership today has moved from being a know-it-all to a learn-it-all. If you are a

“You can say that a glass ceiling exists, and then you can try and knock against it; or you can say it does not exist, and walk through it.”

know-it-all, you are probably never going to progress.

What about the don'ts?

The don'ts for me, go back to the point about blaming circumstances. I've met people who’ve said to me, I actually know a lot more, but that person is progressing because they can talk better, or they know how to network, and I don't. And my point to them is, well, if you know what it takes, then you need to learn the trade, right? If I am a great test cricketer, but want to play T20, I’ll have to change my game, right? You need to more than adapt; if you're not ready to more than adapt, then you can be a prisoner of circumstances. People might say no, that I want to be true to myself. Well, okay, you don’t have to change your core values, but you can change the things that you're comfortable with if you want to be successful in that space. If you don't, then you need to be happy with the consequences of that too.

Can’t happen that two people of Indian origin sit down together and cricket doesn't come into the conversation. Not possible, not possible!

What advice would you give to a young employee, fresh from university, starting in a corporate organisation?

Well, I think No. 1 is don't undervalue hard work. Don't rely on talent alone, because talent does not work when you don't work hard. I would say to new graduates, don't just put in the bare minimum that you can go by.

What about work-life balance then? It’s something that the younger folk today value.

Absolutely, but I think work life balance is still very much possible. I'm not asking people to work 70 or 80 hours a week like we did when we were fresh graduates; what I'm saying is that in whatever time you choose to put into work, there is an ‘over and above’. What does that mean? Put your hand up for opportunities and then give it a bloody red hot go! Never shy away from that, because if you don't, and then you still expect to get the promotions and the salary increases then, I think, we are living in la la land. So you can make your choices, but you need to accept the consequences of those choices. It's something that I say to my kids as well, who are 20 and 18.

What about young women? How can they achieve their full potential?

My experience working with some wonderful women role models, is that they are generally a lot more capable than men. Let me start off with that. Second, they're a lot more astute in terms of decision making, and have sound judgment when it comes to triangulating information and actually doing stuff. They also have a strong level of empathy and kindness, which I think is a wonderful combination when you add the intellect portion to that.

I think the onepiece of advice from me would be, believe in yourself. Generally, I see a bit of self-doubt. And a number of women, when I say to them, I want you to do this role, they look at me and reply, I'm not sure, or I'm not 100% ready. (A rule of thumb) which everybody knows, is that a man is 80% there and thinks he's 120% there, whereas a woman is 120% there and thinks she's 80% there. That is so true, I've seen it multiple times in my career. So I always say to the women, back yourself, I trust you, I think you can do it, I will invest in your in your success and in your growth.

So much wisdom, so much knowledge. Thank you, Vivek

Bhatia.

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The XUV700 isMahindra’s flagship SUV. Even though you will mostly see this vehicle on suburban roads, the safe and stylish seven-seater is not out of place on the side of a mountain conquering Australia’s great outdoors.

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Mahindra’s XUV700 really does pack a punch

Andrew Bragg Shadow Assistant Minister for Home Ownership Senator for NSW

Paul Fletcher Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts Member for Bradfield

Jane Hume Shadow Minister for Finance

Dave Sharma Senator for NSW

Peter Dutton Leader of the Liberal Party

Alex Hawke Member for Mitchell

Simon Birmingham Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator for South Australia

Julian Leeser Member for Berowra

Authorised by A.Hirst, Liberal Party of Australia, Cnr Blackall and Macquarie Sts, Barton ACT 2600.

Jason Wood Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Member for La Trobe

Hollie Hughes Shadow Assistant Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Maria Kovacic Senator for NSW

Angus Taylor Shadow Treasurer Member for Hume

Serenity now

AImage evoking a sense of harmony and tranquility wins Indian Link Photography Contest #myIndianlink.

images from participants that display their link to, or a feel of, India.

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

mateur photographer Shantana Deka Dutta has won Indian Link’s annual Independence Day Photography Contest #myIndianlink this year.

Her snapshot of the picturesque Chail hills in Himachal Pradesh viewed from the ramparts of the Hindu temple Kali Ka Tibba won the judges over.

Pranab Basak took the second place with his image of rural students in a learning environment filled with joy.

Shantana and Pranab take home cash prizes worth $200 and $150 respectively.

146 entries made it to this year’s competition. The annual photography contest held by Indian Link to coincide with Independence Day, #myIndianlink seeks

Entrants use the #myIndianlink hashtag to post their photographs on social media, or email them directly.

“I’m surprised and so happy to have won this contest,” Shantana told Indian Link. “Looking at the expanse, the serenity of the architecture blended with nature brought a sense of freedom while taking this photo.”

The juxtaposition of the built and natural environments in the image makes for a fascinating composition. The rays of the morning sun highlight the pleasing colours wonderfully – the white and black of the marble, the blue of the sky, and the lush green of the hills in the distance. The bright colours in the shrubbery demand your attention as they lead up to the redness that pops from the roof tiles on the left.

Yet it is the curvature in the foreground, with its sense of elegant movement, that is the most striking aspect.

Together, these textures, shapes and

Shantana Deka Dutta’s ‘Serenity’

Pranab Basak’s ‘Wonder World’

colours make Shantana’s image visually arresting, evocative of a sense of harmony and tranquility.

(Perhaps the judges, in their search for a ‘feel’of contemporary India as a prerequisite in this contest, were referencing a quietening down of the heightened chatter that marked the election months of this year.)

The beautifully maintained temple is said to have been founded in the 9th century AD, and rebuilt in the 19th century by the King of Patiala. The pristine landscape in which it sits, is made up of pine and deodar trees characteristic of the Shivalik Mountain Ranges of the lower Himalayas. The terraced farms catch the moonlight at night, glistening like ‘silver bangles’ according to folklore. In fact, the highest peak here, visible from the temple, is called Choor Chandni, Hindi for ‘filled with moonlight’.

The region is a trekker’s, camper’s and wildlife photographer’s paradise, as Shantana discovered while there.

“It was a trip away with my two daughters and a girlfriend, and we camped in the jungle,” she recalled. “The gentle climb up to the temple was wonderfully uplifting, and the 360-degree view of the hills from atop, truly rejuvenating.”

Shantana is a self-taught photographer,

who took out her amateur photographer husband’s extensive (and expensive) gear as it lay unattended while he worked long hours.

“We travel a lot, and so I put his cameras to good use! I’m drawn to nature photography, but I’ve also taken to creative portraiture recently.”

Pranab Basak on the other hand, gravitates towards the human experience, particularly in rural India.

“I love that these regions are clean, the people are innocent and genuine, and the lifestyle is uncomplicated,” he told Indian Link.

On his most recent travels out of the city, he found himself in remote West Bengal, photographing the people as they went about their daily routines in farming and related endeavours. The sounds of children laughing with joy in a tiny school beckoned, and he asked the head teacher if he could take some pics.

“He welcomed me in, and I spent a happy hour with the kids there,” Pranab recounted. “I’m passionate about girls’ education in remote India, and it was great to see many girls at school.”

He sat in on a lesson on continents, with a globe as a teaching prop that caused much merriment when it lit up.

“Now you know why I call this pic

‘Wonder World’.”

His image captures beautifully that learning can be a joyful – and powerful – experience, and that school can be a safe and happy space.

“I was happy to see that the young students were filled with curiosity, asking to see my pics and showing an interest in my camera and its workings,” Pranab smiled.

Pranab had taken out the main prize in last year’s Indian Link Photography Contest, once again an image from remote Central India showcasing care and protection of

young women.

Popular submissions this time round, like every year, involved monuments, images of worship, and kids at play, as well as snapshots of the beloved Tricolour in a variety of settings.

Rural scenes, water-based activities, landscapes and mountainscapes, and portraits were plentiful too.

New trends this year were images of dance – folk and classical, and some stunning shots of wildlife.

Shantana Pranab

India’s bronze age

In the city of love, the tricolour athletes of India dared a nation to dream as Paris 2024 taught us that a broken heart can weigh a hundred grams

EBY RISHIV RATHORE

very time the Olympics comes around, we are reminded that she is a cruel mistress. One moment there is pure joy and jubilation, then on the turn of a dime there is heartbreak. Knowing all too well of this emotional roller coaster, the beautiful reality of the Olympics is its ability to unify a country in support of the athletes and coaches representing it at the world stage.

At Paris 2024, India was represented by 112 athletes, competing in 69 medal events across 16 sports.

India’s overall performance at the Olympics has been underwhelming to say the least – heading into Paris 2024, India had accumulated a total of 35 Olympic medals since its first ever appearance in 1900: 10 gold, nine silver and 16 bronze. The expectation of the Indian Olympic Association was for India to improve on its record medal haul of 7 from Tokyo 2020.

Shooters led India on its hunt for medals

India’s first moment of joy at Paris 2024 came from Manu Bhaker’s performance in the Women's 10m Air Pistol, winning bronze for India, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal and ending India’s 12-year wait for a medal at the Olympics for shooting. Manu went on to further cement her name in Olympic history for India, becoming the first Indian to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympics after she won a bronze with Sarabjot Singh in the Mixed 10m Air Pistol. The Indian shooting pair defeated the Republic of Korea’s Oh Ye Jin and Wonho Lee 16-10 in the bronze medal match. Oh Ye Jin had won the gold medal in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event a couple of days before that match.

India could be led to believe the medal floodgates were opening as it went onto secure its third overall medal at Paris 2024 through 28-year-old Swapnil Kusale adding to the tally with his bronze in the Men’s 50m Rifle 3 positions. Swapnil also became the first Indian Olympic medallist in this event. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all smiles and celebrations for India's biggest shooting contingent of 21 athletes that competed across all 15 shooting events at Paris 2024. With a total of 208.4, Indian shooter Arjun Babuta finished fourth in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle final at Paris 2024. Croatia’s Miran Maricic made the medal cut-off with a score of 209.8. The Indian shooter was just 1.4 short of assuring himself a medal. Manu also missed out on a hat-trick of medals at Paris 2024 when she narrowly missed out on a bronze in the final of the Women's 25m Air Pistol. Despite holding her place in the top three for most of the final, a poor series towards the closing stages saw her drop to fourth place after a shoot-off with Veronika Major of Hungary. In the shootoff, Manu missed two targets compared to Veronika’s single miss. Adding to India’s fourth place heartache, Olympic debutants Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Maheshwari Chauhan lost 44-43, in their bronze medal Mixed Skeet shooting event, to Jiang Yiting and Lyu Jianlin of People’s Republic of China.

While India’s shooters secured three bronze medals, and missed their mark for three bronze medal prospects, the silver lining is that India’s shooting performance at Paris 2024

achieved a milestone for India – as it had never won three medals in one sport at the Olympics.

Archers set their eyes on first Olympic medal – but missed out

In similar fashion, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat created history by becoming the first Indians to reach the semi-finals of an Archery event at the Olympics, and India's best result ever at the Olympics for Archery. Dhiraj and Ankita took on veteran archer Brady Ellison and Casey Kaufhold of the United States in the Mixed Team event. The pressure of the moment overcame Ankita early, as her first arrow in her opening two sets landed astray on the target. Not to go down without a fight, Indian clawed back the third set and needed to win the fourth to take the match into a shoot-out for the bronze medal. It wasn’t to be, the heroic efforts of Dhiraj and Ankita could not secure Indian’s first ever medal for Archery at the Olympics and heartbreakingly added to India’s fourth place finishes. Dhiraj and Ankita showed promise, emerging as the top-seeded Indian archers from the men's and women's archery ranking rounds at Paris 2024, and the experience of missing out on a bronze medal will undoubtedly embolden their resolve to secure India’s first ever Archery medal in Los Angeles 2028.

India’s fourth place finishes at Paris 2024 didn’t end here.

Badminton speed dated its way through Paris, leaving empty handed but full of hope Following the shock exit of medal hopefuls Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty from the Men’s Double event, and PV Sindhu from the Women’s Singles event, it was all on Olympic debutant Lakshya Sen to pursue a Badminton medal for India. Lakshya became the first Indian shuttler to reach the semi-finals in a Men's Badminton event at the Olympics. Competing in the Men's Singles, he topped his group, beat the likes of Jonatan Christie of Indonesia along the way, bested compatriot HS Prannoy in the pre-quarterfinals and then stunned Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien-Chen in an exhilarating quarter-finals. In his semi-finals, the Indian shuttler went down to defending champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and then lost to Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia in the Men’s Singles bronze medal match. Paris 2024 gold medal winner Viktor Axelsen has said that Lakshya deserved to win a medal, and predicts that Lakshya will be a gold medal contender in Los Angeles 2028. India has never won an Olympic gold medal in Badminton.

India’s weightlifters and wrestlers were left heartbroken, but won the hearts of a nation

India has also never won an Olympic gold medal in weightlifting, and returning from injury in her third Olympic appearance, India’s Mirabai Chanu missed a bronze

Swapnil Kusale (Rifle)

Hockey Sarabjot Singh and

Archers Dhiraj and Ankita

Lakshya Sen

PR Sreejesh (Hockey)

Photos: Olympics.com

medal, by one kilogram, in the Women's 49kg Weightlifting event at Paris 2024. Mirabai lifted 88kg in the snatch, matching her personal best and national record, and 111kg in the clean and jerk for a total lift of 199kg. In what was a tight four-way contest, Surodchana Khambao of Thailand lifted 200kg (88kg snatch + 112kg clean and jerk) to nudge Mirabai out of a podium spot. The cruel mistress that is the Olympics was not done toying with India. The greatest moment of heartache for India at the Olympics came from the disqualification of two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling category on the morning of her gold medal bout. In an effort to come under the weight limit, Vinesh’s efforts epitomises blood, sweat and tears – she gave it her all, even taking drastic measures of cutting her hair and drawing blood.

Vinesh was eligible for competition on the opening day but despite her best efforts and her team throughout the night, she weighed in 100 grams over the 50kg weight limit. According to wrestling rules, if a wrestler fails the weigh-in on either day of the competition (preliminaries, and repechage and final rounds), they are eliminated from the event. As the whole country rallied behind Vinesh following her disqualification, the toll of the journey in pursuit of her Olympic dreams was understandably too much despair. India’s most decorated wrestler, three-time Olympian, two-time World Championships bronze medallist, a threetime Commonwealth Games champion and gold medallist at the Asian Games and Asian Championships announced her retirement: “Mother, wrestling won against me, I lost. Your dreams and my courage are broken. I don't have the strength to go on anymore. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I will forever be indebted to all of you. Please forgive me.” On the turn of a dime – heartbreak.

All was not lost for India in the wrestling, 21-year-old debutant Aman Sehrawat and India’s only male wrestler defeated Puerto Rico’s Darian Cruz in the bronze medal match of the Men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling category at Paris 2024. Aman’s bronze makes him the youngest Indian athlete to win a medal at the Olympics, an honour previously held by badminton’s PV Sindhu.

A new era of hopes and dreams for Indian hockey

As Indian supporters all over the world dealt with the blow of Vinesh’s disqualification and retirement, the resurgence of Indian hockey during Paris 2024 dared everyone to believe that it was returning to its former glory. Taking the field against Spain in the Men’s hockey bronze medal match, India didn’t come out as strong as it did against Great Britain and Germany in the first two knockout matches. Against Great Britain, India was a player down for three quarters of the match, from a red card given to Amit Rohidas. Rather than accepting defeat at the monumental task ahead, India played with conviction, skill and tenacity. Absorbing the pressure and barrage of Great Britain’s attacks on its goal line, they produced a defensive masterclass and eventually won the shootout, helped by the heroics of veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. Great Britain on all accounts should have won the match, but India had other plans as it eyed back-to-back Olympic medals. In their semi-finals match up against Germany, India continued with its masterful display of hockey stick skills and strong attacking combinations. A late goal from Germany with six minutes left, India lost 3-2 Germany and India’s hope to improve on their bronze medal from Tokyo 2020 came to an end.

Before taking the field, one final time, Sreejesh left a note on social media for the fans:

“As I stand between the posts for the final time, my heart swells with gratitude and pride. This journey, from a young boy with a dream to the man defending India's honour, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Today, I play my last match for India. Every save, every dive, every roar of the crowd will forever echo in my soul. Thank you, India, for believing in me, for standing by me. This is not the end, but the beginning of cherished memories.

Forever a custodian of dreams. Jai Hind.”

Committed to ensuring that the retiring goal keeper finished his 335th cap for India with a medal around his neck, India led by captain Harmanpreet Singh beat Spain 3-2 to record their second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympics following Tokyo 2020. With this result, Harmanpreet wearing shirt no. 13 led India to secure its thirteenth Olympic medal for hockey, and finished Paris 2024 as the highest goal scorer – 10 goals from 8 games. There is newfound confidence in gold medal hopes for India. Given the way the team played throughout the tournament, Indian Men’s hockey sent a very strong message – they are no longer attending to just participate, they are playing to collect the silverware.

Track and Field: From the rivalry on cricket field

to javelin

Agonisingly, India was still left searching for that elusive gold medal at Paris 2024. All hope rested on the shoulders of currently reigning world and Asian Games champion, and Tokyo 2020 Men’s Javelin gold medallist – Neeraj Chopra.

Unfortunately, Neeraj was unable to further the Olympic record-breaking distance of 92.97m thrown by Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem. Falling short of Arshad’s throw, Neeraj delivered the second-best throw of his career, with a distance of

89.45m. This secured India’s first and only silver medal at Paris 2024. Notably, Neeraj’s silver medal at Paris 2024 and gold from Tokyo 2020 makes him India’s most successful track and field athlete.

From the city of love to the city of angels

As the curtain came down on Paris 2024, India’s final tally was 1 silver, 5 bronze, 6 fourth place finishes, and a gold medal taken from its grasps. India’s robust contingent of 112 athletes and 140 support staff is a clear indicator that as India entered its bronze age at Paris 2024, the intentions of its aspiration at the Olympics are not to settle with mediocracy. With an increased focus on enhancing athlete support and performance, India is no longer attending the Olympics to merely participate. This mindset was evident across the performance of all athletes competing for India and supported by their comments in post-match interviews. There has been paradigm shift in the mindset of India’s athletes and all those involved – dream the impossible. India’s success at the Olympics will come as its athletes continue to demonstrate that they can progress beyond the group stages and compete well into their respective events. Although success at the Games is often prematurely assessed on medal results, India unlocked many milestones at Paris 2024.

With the Olympic torch passed from Paris 2024 to Los Angeles 2028, India is well and truly capable of converting its bronzes to gold and silver, and secure medals from their fourth-place finishes. Gazing into the crystal ball, India should expect its first Archery medal, a gold in Badminton, and redemption for Vinesh in Wrestling. If India’s Men’s Hockey and shooters continue their current trajectory, an Olympic gold medal is not out of the question for India.

Manu Bhaker (Air pistol) Neeraj Chopra (Javelin)

Aman Sehrawat (Wrestling)

Skeet shooters Anant and Maheshwari Mirabai Chanu

Vinesh Phogat

IBY LAKSHMI GANAPATHY

ndian mums in their 40s aren’t exactly what first comes to mind when thinking about a police sergeant. But look a bit deeper at Simarpal Kaur and Pushp Sidhu, and you’ll see the courage and tenacity that make them exceptional members of the Victoria Police force.

As Protective Service Officers (PSOs), they’re redefining what it means to ‘Uphold the Right’, bridging the gap between the Indian community and the police, and challenging racial and gender expectations through their work.

From unlikely recruits to award winners

It was only a matter of time before Simarpal Kaur applied for a position within the police force. Arriving in 2007 with her family as a Masters student at the University of Rockhampton, she soon relocated to Melbourne so her son could be closer to the Punjabi community. It was during her time working at Woolworths in Cobram when she first saw an ad for the Victoria Police.

“Policing was always in my blood. My brother and uncles were all in the Indian Armed Force, so I signed up,” Kaur says.

Policing wasn’t quite front of mind for Pushp Sidhu, however, despite also having relatives in the Indian Army.

“I never thought I would join the police when I was at university in Chandigarh,” Sidhu says. “[But] I was doing sports and was an outgoing person, confident.”

Moving to Melbourne with her husband in 2010, she soon found herself helping women in her area to escape family violence, experiences that helped her realise she was destined for a career in Victoria Police.

“I was a temporary resident, and people told me, it’s going to affect your visa application if you go to court and help them. I said, this is humanity [sic], this is something wrong, I need to stand up,” Sidhu remembers.

Of course, the job application was just the beginning of their journey, and they both had to overcome both physical and social challenges; Kaur even had to learn to swim. Fortunately, they had the backing of their families - Sidhu’s husband even joined the force after her.

“I’m from a village in Punjab, and my dad gave me all the freedom. But when I came here, the people around me weren’t so open minded, especially my friends – they were shocked, and said the role wasn’t safe, it would be like India and I wouldn’t be treated well,” Kaur remarks.

“My husband supported me… I wasn’t that fit, and the beep test requirement was 6.10. He took me to the [sports] grounds every evening and we practiced it, and he taught me how to do push ups…”

These days, their stories are celebrated by the community around them, many of whom have been inspired to also join the police. As winners of the Police Annual Protective Service Officer Multicultural Award at the 2023 Victorian Multicultural Commissions’ Awards for Excellence, they’ve become celebrities amongst their networks.

“It was a very special moment. After that, I think we were so famous together, on

Vic Police media - wherever we go they say ‘these girls are the famous girls’. The hard work we did paid off, and this encourages us to get into even more community engagement,” says Kaur.

Shifting community perception

For Kaur and Sidhu, being Indian women in the force helps them to tackle crucial issues like domestic violence from a grassroots level and in a culturally informed way. Kaur has organised many events at the Hoppers Crossing Gurudwara Sahib, educating her community on family violence, mental health and crime prevention. Sidhu works closely with the Sikh and Hindu communities on career and skill programs.

Equally, their work on the beat helps to change the wider community’s perception of Indians.

“In Australia, some people are not aware about the Kirpan. I had one incident in Footscray where it was raining, and a guy had to take off his shirt because it was wet (and his Kirpan became visible). People were screaming because they saw the knife…I was there so I explained to the supervisor and the people. I add this in my presentation as well, so people are aware of Kirpan,” Sidhu says.

However, the CALD community’s perception of the police is fraught. Accusations of systematic bias and racial profiling were heightened during the pandemic, with an inquiry pointing towards disproportionate policing of public health orders amongst multicultural areas. Additionally, distrust for police persists amongst the Indian community due to prior associations with the corruption and brutality issues plaguing policing in India.

The recruitment of CALD PSOs, coupled with community outreach programs and initiatives such as the Diversity Recruitment program aim to tackle these beliefs and rebuild trust in the police as an institution to serve all.

“It used to be [the Indian community] go away from the uniform… I think there’s a lot more respect of the force now…When I [do presentations in] the temple, the parents say to the kids ‘if you do something bad, this aunty will catch you’. I say don’t do that - teach them that we are friends…if your child is lost in a shopping centre, instead of running from the police, they should come to us,” says Kaur.

‘Policing is in our blood’

If you’ve ever travelled on a train in Melbourne after dark, you’ve probably seen a Protective Service Officer (PSO) on the platform. Responsible for low-level policing, they also provide security at courts and major events, and ceremonial support at government institutions such as the Shrine of Remembrance and Government House.

Though the wider police force still have some way to go in reflecting the diversity of the communities they serve, PSO statistics are promising; in 2019, 38 percent of all PSOs (roughly 1400) were born overseas. Kaur says the Indian community make up a sizable portion of these recruits.

“Whatever [area] cluster you go to, you can see [Indians] working together…when I was a transit PSO, it was me and two other Indian boys, and we would talk in our own language sometimes,” she says.

Perhaps it could be the values of service embedded within culture which attract

Redefining policing for the Indian community

As winners of the 2023 Police Annual PSO Multicultural Award, Simarpal Kaur and Pushp Sidhu are challenging stereotypes and changing our perception of the force

Indian recruits to the police.

“This is in our blood. It’s not just because we joined the police we [help], but we like doing that, and they are also the values of Victoria Police…wearing a uniform gives us pride and the opportunity to help someone,” says Sidhu.

Of course, being Indian women in the force is unfortunately not without its challenges as well.

“It’s normal, you get disrespectful people. Not racism every day, but you do get people like that, who don’t want to talk to a female, or to an Indian, or make comments on our accents – we don’t care. They don’t know us personally,” says Kaur.

“When we need to arrest them, or they’ve done something wrong and they’re grumpy,

[sometimes] they can’t find anything else to say so they use this. I don’t get upset at these things – they teach us that they’re throwing it on your uniform, not on us personally. We maintain professionalism,” says Sidhu.

But for Kaur and Sidhu, such instances are outweighed by the opportunity to help those around them.

“Helping community is my favourite thing – this is why I joined. It gives me strength and happiness when I go to work and someone is in need, and I can help them, and they feel better. Sometimes they even remember me [because] I helped them. It gives me [the] strength to do more community engagement events,” says Sidhu.

Simarpal Kaur (left) and Pushp Sidhu

TWO categories: Kids up to 7 years, and Kids 8-12 years. WIN book vouchers valued at $75 and $50 in both categories. PLUS: The winning entry will be designed into Indian Link’s Diwali cards for the year 2024. Colour in or paint the pattern presented here. Photocopy the pattern if you need to. Send in your work, along with your name, age, address and phone number, to:

How Mad Max sparked an interest in Aussie cinema

Plunge into the world of global cinema with Swayam Ganguly’s new book - it presents over 1,000 movie facts

WBY PRUTHA CHAKRABORTY

hen Swayam Ganguly first saw Mad Max (1979) as a kid, he was hooked. But the passion for Australian cinema grew much later in life for him.

Ganguly, an ardent film enthusiast and corporate film director, has meticulously compiled over 1,000 intriguing trivia tidbits for cinema lovers into his new book Chambers Book of Cinema Facts (Hachette India). His book spans lesser-known details from Bollywood, Hollywood and global cinema, making it a must-read for moviegoers, cinema history buffs, quizzers, and newcomers eager to explore the captivating world of films.

Detailing the origins of the industry which first sparked his interest in film, he writes about the lesser known impact of The Story of the Kelly Gang, which premiered at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne on Boxing Day in 1906. This hour-long film depicted the life of the notorious 19th-century bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang, who terrorised the people of the north - eastern district of Victoria.

Interestingly, this film is recognised as the world's first feature-length movie. Its release, however, stirred controversy due to its sympathetic portrayal of the gang, and over time, the film was largely destroyed. But fragments were rediscovered in 1975 and subsequently restored.

In his new book, Chambers Book of Cinema Facts, Swayam Ganguly highlights this film’s significance as a catalyst for Australia’s burgeoning film industry.

“The Story of the Kelly Gang is a very important Australian film, not only for the commercial and critical success enjoyed by it,” Ganguly begins telling Indian Link. “But it has inspired many films later based on the legend of Kelly. It is also regarded as the

origin point of ‘bush-ranging’ drama, which is an important and fascinating genre that dominated the early years of Australian cinema inspired by this great film.”

Australian Cinema: The Beginnings

A whole chapter in the book is dedicated to Australian cinema.

For instance, Swayam Ganguly’s book notes, Jedda (1955) was Australia’s first-ever feature film in colour and also the first one to be featured at the Cannes Film Festival. “With a cast of non-professional Aboriginal actors, the movie was about a young Aboriginal girl growing up in a closed white community,” the book highlights.

Kokoda Front Line! (1942) became the first Australian film to win an Oscar. There are many such “firsts” included in this chapter.

Ask Ganguly how he approached the chapter on Australian cinema, he says, “The approach was the same as for world cinema although I must confess, I had seen lesser of the serious Australian films lot than say Indian, American, or European films.”

“I loved The Story of the Kelly Gang when I saw it at a creative workshop. The criteria used for selection for the Australian cinema chapter was a mélange of facts from popular films and iconic films.”

George Miller for the win

Research and writing were a part of simultaneous process in this particular project, which took approximately a month for completion.

“Normally, it takes longer to write such a book but the sheer passion for cinema is what sailed the ship faster,” the author confesses.

When asked if there is any particular filmmaker who Ganguly thinks deserves more recognition based on his research for this book, he names American director David Lynch and Indian-origin Ritwik Ghatak and calls them both “underrated”.

Lynch’s films, he says, should be watched both for their dark humour and ominous tones

as well as surreal cinematic style and amazing human relationships. Ghatak, on the other hand, was considered one of the three pillars of Indian world cinema but was eclipsed by another great director of Bengali films, Satyajit Ray.

The third director, who Ganguly feels, deserves more credit today is Australian George Miller.

“Miller is best known for his Mad Max franchise, which was one of the best action series ever. But Miller has also directed some other great films apart from the Mad Max series which deserve more recognition,” Ganguly shares. “Among them are Lorenzo’s Oil (1992), The Witches of Eastwick (1987), and the lovely animation films Babe: Pig in the City (1998), and Happy Feet 2 (2011).”

Did you know?

The book interestingly mentions two anthropologists (Baldwin Spencer and Frances James (FJ) Gillen) who captured footage of Aboriginal dancers in central Australia between 1900 and 1903 for some of the country’s earliest motion films. They invented wax cylinder sound recording and captured their films under challenging circumstances.

“This is something that I learnt from the records of National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA),” Swayam Ganguly shares. “The use of wax cylinders was one of the most interesting features of the early Australian cinematic history. These early recording devices used a large conical horn to collect the sound waves produced by humans and their musical instruments. The only problem was that these cylinders were short in length and could record for only a maximum of two minutes. There was no method to duplicate cylinders."

Naturally, this technology was replaced by vinyl later. Spencer and Gillen’s wax cylinder recordings are now part of the British Library, Royal Geographical Society of South Australia and Museum Victoria.

The best part about Ganguly’s book is that it has the best of both worlds – serious cinema and entertainment-driven cinema.

“Just like a good Indian dish served with the best smattering of spices, this book has been written with a view to capture the imagination and interest of cinema lovers across the world. It aims to combine cinematic entertainment with cinematic knowledge most of all,” Ganguly explains.

with Lakshmi Ganapathy

KRUSHNADEVSINH (KANO) RAVALJI is a public speaker and MC sharing messages of inclusion, anti-racism and acceptance. He is currently Youth Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and CEO of Third Culture Australia, a youth-led social enterprise providing diversity

There’s a quote on the Third Culture website which says, “Diversity is a reality, inclusion is a choice”. What do you mean by this?

I think diversity is a reality. We can't change it. Go outside and you'll see people from all different walks of life… People are different. There's nothing wrong with that. But then what creates spaces to be safe and welcome is that inclusion aspect, which we as humans, organisation and policymakers have the power over. [Third Culture’s] not an activist organisation, we’re an organisation that educates people that [diversity] is reality, and then it's in all our hands to make sure inclusion is a thing.

How can we engage in a productive conversation about inclusivity?

You were on an episode of Deal or No Deal where you won $1 – what did you do with it?

Look, I haven’t received the dollar yet! When I do, I have a plan to keep the

I think you have to connect with people on a human-to-human level. I've worked with some tough crowds, and if you're going in with a preconceived notion, it never works out. Also, most people are scared of change because they're misinformed about what diversity is... So, I think you [need to] connect with someone on a human-to-human level, and unpack that [fear] a little bit, instead of demanding for things. Find out why [they’re afraid] - what is inclusion, what does it look like [for them]. Also, diversity looks different for everyone – try to connect with the person on the level of ‘this is my diversity, what’s yours?’

dollar because it’ll remind me of the experience I had going on Deal or No Deal to speak my message. [I hope it’ll] serve as that little inspiration or representation for any little kids watching around the country, seeing this brown dude on TV embracing and spreading his message. So that's what that dollar will hopefully symbolise to me…and I'll pass it on to my kids!

What’s something that you’re currently listening to/reading/

I've been reading self-helpbooks? That's boring... What's something fun…?

[Actually], here's what I'll be watching for the next couple of weeks - The Olympics! I'll be watching and hoping

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

‘Anicca’, which is a Pali word that means impermanence, like nothing is permanent, everything is changing all the time. It’s Buddhist teaching, a word that I really relate with.

And finally: Soan Papdi or Papdi Chaat?

Papdi chaat; I need a bit of flavour, you know? Even though I’m a Gujarati and we have a stereotype of eating sweets, absolutely not [soan papdi], I don’t like the texture!

Mission of representation

Known for her groundbreaking role in Neighbours, Sharon Johal plays the first Khalsa female lead on Australian TV in Series 2 of The Twelve

WBY LAKSHMI GANAPATHY

hen Sharon Johal was cast as Parvinder Sangar in the latest series of Binge’s jury drama The Twelve, she couldn’t contain her excitement.

“I wrote this long as e-mail that was just like, ‘hey, just giving you a bit of background information about Sikhism and Khalsas’… the directors loved it. They were just like, she's passionate about what she's doing and her character!” she laughs.

Of course, Johal has already been in her share of groundbreaking TV moments; she played the first Punjabi Sikh character on Neighbours, Australia’s longest running show, and with her husband, was the first Indian couple to appear on reality show The Block.

But the responsibility of playing the first Khalsa main character on Australian television is not lost on her.

“The gravity of it is just sometimes mind boggling, because it's like you're part of history, and you didn't necessarily mean to be or want to be but it fell in your lap and then you took the opportunity to make sure that you're representing other people,” she remarks.

The former lawyer turned actor is in her element as an Australian-born Sikh juror on a complex murder case in small town WA, a role which she’s found analogous with her own upbringing as a Punjabi Sikh in the Riverland.

“I grew up in a small country town… I know this firsthand; everybody knows everybody's business,” she remembers. “[On the jury], people are coming in with their own biases and their own opinions and their own motives, which you’ll see play out… I felt like it was very accurately portrayed.”

A truthful, sensitive portrayal was front of mind for Johal; for Parvinder, she drew on her experience at a Himalayan Sikhi school she went to aged 15, where she learnt to read and write in Punjabi, as well as extensive research through community

A truthful, sensitive portrayal was front of mind for Sharon; for Parvinder, she drew on her experience at a Sikhi school where she learnt to read and write in Punjabi, extensive research through community leaders and mentors, and tying her own dastaar every morning.

leaders and mentors.

Instead of a chunni (headscarf), Johal chose to wear the dastaar (turban), which she tied herself every day.

“It’s a very iconic, very visually striking look, which can obviously be perceived in different ways,” she says. “Having been in the entertainment industry for 15 years now, I have faced a lot of racism and backlash and trolling and stuff just by being me in those situations.”

“My dad came to Family Day on The Block [in a turban], [which I] posted up on socials and I got the worst commentary from the Australian public about. So, I was scared to look like her on a screen like that, to see what the backlash would be, and I was actually worried about the backlash from

even our own community.”

Despite this fear, Johal knew it was important to persist with the role and set a positive example for brown women.

“I feel like if it helps young Khalsa women just to feel like they can be themselves and find their own identity in their relationship with God, then I've done a great job,” she says.

It’s this mission of representation that drives Johal dedication to her role; though not a Khalsa (baptised Sikh) herself, she would wake at 4am during filming to practice Sikh morning rituals. She also fondly remembers bringing food to share on set, and filming Parvinder’s family scenes with her own husband and parents.

She says the various creative teams

behind The Twelve, including wardrobe and script, regularly consulted with her whilst creating the character to ensure the representation was positive. Described as ‘compassionate, thoughtful, and observant’ by the show’s creators, Parvinder is an ‘astute juror’ who is ‘deeply connected to her community’.

“I'm really lucky that the writers and myself and the costume team all got to work together... It's just so true in line with who she would be [as a Khalsa woman]. I feel like as a Sikh, a lot of our time is dedicated to Seva…her being in a caregiver role, as a nurse at a hospital makes complete sense. Her role on the jury is kind of like the voice of reason and morality and ethics, which is kind of like how I operate too,” she says. As with the first season, The Twelve features a diverse selection of talent, including Anthony Brandon Wong, Suesha Rana and Nelson Baker as Parvinder’s fellow jury members. Equally, the series isn’t afraid to delve into racism and questions of racial identity, particularly when Parvinder develops an interesting relationship with fellow juror Thelma, played by Tasma Walton.

Johal says she enjoyed sinking her teeth into such a multidimensional character.

“The thing that I really love about this character is that it's just so well considered,” she says.“Through the years I've played different characters, but it always ends up being about being Indian or the colour of my skin or something like that. Obviously Parvinder is a Khalsa woman, and she’s Sikh and Punjabi, but she was born in Australia, she’s got an Aussie accent; [it opened up] the choices I was able to make.”

She hopes the Indian community will welcome Parvinder, and that this won’t be the only time we see a Khalsa character on screen.

“Being a flag bearer, whether I wanted to be or not, there is an added level of responsibility towards the community to do it right,” she adds. “I'm not perfect - of course I'm going to get things wrong, but I just want everyone to know that I’m doing my best at every given opportunity and time that I can, and if I'm wrong I will apologise.”

Photos: BINGE / David Dare Parker

Sharon Johal in The Twelve

The Aussie who wrote a hit Tamil song

The Tamil song Aasa Kooda has been a whirlwind success, landing on 10 charts within 10 days, including becoming number two on the Indian Billboard Charts. Now shared widely and heard in countless Instagram reels, few realise that the lyrics were penned by a 21-year-old brought up in Australia, by the name of Sathyan Ilanko.

Aasa Kooda, which roughly translates to ‘growing desire,’ was sung by Sai Smriti and Sai Abhyankkar, who also composed the hit. It was the second song composed by Abhyankkar to attain global success.

A month since its release, Sathyan Ilanko is still reeling from the way the song has been received.

“I knew Aasa Kooda was a great song, but I did not expect it to be so popular,” Ilanko tells Indian Link. “I was worried when the song was released that it would be compared with [Abhyankkar’s] first song.”

Clearly, there was no need to worry.

One look at the YouTube comments section and it is clear how many people have the lyrics stuck in their head, thanks especially to the upbeat nature of the song. Ilanko laughs when he brings up a comment that he often receives.

“People ask why I wrote Pesa light ah aasa kooda and used the English word ‘light’ as opposed to the Tamil word lesa, which has a similar meaning, and would have rhymed better.”

Clarifying, he says, “I thought it would be relatable to Tamil listeners who sometimes incorporate English words into their

vocabulary. And there are so many songs with the word lesa anyways.”

His sensitivity to the cadences of the Tamil language and his awareness of modern Tamil lingo is a product of being engrossed in his culture from an early age. Usually, most parents would have to convince their children to attend language classes and to speak their mother tongue at home, however Ilanko always had a passion for the language and was motivated to learn.

“It doesn’t take that much effort to learn. There are so many resources that are easily accessible. Such as the Thirukkural.”

Written by poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar in 300 BC, the text Thirukkural contains 1330 couplets filled with teachings on how to live.

“[The text is] helpful because there are times in songwriting where it can be difficult to find a word which accurately represents what I want to say, and which also rhymes with the other lines of verse,” he reveals.

Sathyan Ilanko seems to use the Thirukkural almost as a dictionary, despite it being an ancient text.

“Using these dated words do not alienate my listeners,” he offers, adding, “Many artists within the independent music industry refer to older works for inspiration.”

From his perspective, music is the best way to reintroduce words which are commonly viewed as old-fashioned into mainstream vocabulary.

“Tamil is an ancient language and there have been so many times where I had to look back to these old words so that I could accurately describe the emotion that I wanted to write about.”

Ilanko began in the music industry at an early age, with his passion supported by his parents who also have a musical background. He started out as a playback singer at the age of 16, but his career was interrupted by the pandemic. Now, he hopes to get back into the film industry whilst continuing to write his own music.

“All I want to do is keep working,” he says

Ilanko

with enthusiasm. “I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way.”

On top of his success with Aasa Kooda, he’s recently been featured on his idol Ratty Adiththan’s latest release, Nethu Adichu Sarakku. Another project with Lydian Nadhaswaram, who is a young artist who has interacted with big names such as A.R Rahman, is also in the works.

Sathyan Ilanko cites his collaboration with both Sai Abhyankkar and Ratty Adhiththan as vital to his growth.

“Collaboration involves trying to reconcile your vision with the ideas of other artists. But this can also make it easier to come up with new and clever ideas. I’m grateful for being able to work with these guys and I’ve learned so much from them,” he says.

Although it has seemed like a fairy-tale success story, Ilanko remains pragmatic about the future and is aware of the obstacles he may encounter.

“It can definitely be challenging to navigate the music industry, but I’m slowly learning how to manage the pressures I face.”

If there’s one thing that he’s learnt from the success of Aasa Kooda, it’s not to worry whether it will end up a hit.

“I didn’t expect anything of Aasa Kooda. I was just chilling while writing! The main thing, I believe, is to have fun.”

Sruthi Sajeev

Sathyan

John Pesutto MP Victorian Liberal Leader Member for Hawthorn

197 – 199 Riversdale Rd, Hawthorn 9882 4088 JohnPesutto john.pesutto@parliament.vic.gov.au

Evan Mulholland MP Member for Northern Metropolitan Region

Shop 24/55-63 Paringa Blvd, Meadow Heights 9651 8242 EvanMulhollandMP evan.mulholland@parliament.vic.gov.au

Renee Heath MP Member for Eastern Victoria Region

51 James St, Pakenham 5941 111 2 ReneeHeathMP renee.heath@parliament.vic.gov.au

Georgie Crozier MP Member for Southern Metropolitan Region

1/780 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 7005 8699 GeorgieCrozierMP georgie.crozier@parliament.vic.gov.au

Brad Battin MP Member for Berwick

2/4-6 Wheeler St, Berwick 5953 0216 BradBattinMP berwick@parliament.vic.gov.au

Wendy Lovell MP Member for Northern Victoria Region

222 Wyndham St, Shepparton 5821 6668 WendyLovellMP wendy.lovell@parliament.vic.gov.au

David Southwick MP Member for Caulfield

Suite 1, 193 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield North 9527 3866 SouthwickMP david.southwick@parliament.vic.gov.au

David Hodgett MP Member for Croydon

60 Main St, Croydon 9725 3570 DavidHodgettMP david.hodgett@parliament.vic.gov.au

Trung Luu MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region

3/1-13

Watton St, Werribee 3030 8742 3226 TrungLuuWesternMetro trung.luu@parliament.vic.gov.au

Authorised by John Pesutto MP, 197–199 Riversdale Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122.

India, The Medina of Wildlife

LBY SANDIP HOR

ike Africa, India also boasts of the ‘Big Five’ - Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Asiatic Lions, Elephants and Rhinoceros. They freely roam in one or more of the nation’s 106 national parks, which cover an area of nearly 44,000 square kilometres accommodating over 500 wildlife sanctuaries.

Big cats in wild India

India’s wildlife icon is the Royal Bengal Tiger, the country’s national animal. Wildlife enthusiasts worldwide visit India to spot these big cats in the wild. Centuries before, the nation’s tropical jungles and swampy mangrove forests were a haven to tens of thousands of these predators. Unfortunately, the population has reduced significantly because of hunting, poaching and habitat destruction. Today, they are classified as endangered species; only around 2900 of them exist in India and some small numbers

live in other parts of the sub-continent. However, the good news is that the numbers are increasing in India due to the strong conservation efforts of the authorities.

They can be spotted in several national parks, including Ranthambore in Rajasthan, Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand, and Tadoba in Maharashtra. Bandhavgarh and Kanha in Madhya Pradesh are also popular among tourists due to a good track record of sightings. The oldest tiger sanctuary is Jim Corbett, named after the 1875-born hunternaturalist who wrote the famous book titled Man-Eaters of Kumaon, and the newest is Tadoba with a steadily rising population of tigers. Leopards can also be found in most of these tiger reserves.

Ranthambore is widely visited because of its proximity to the Pink City Jaipur, which along with Delhi and Agra forms India’s famous Golden Triangle, generally the first port of call for first-time international travellers. This park was home to Machli, the world's most photographed and longestliving tigress. She died in 2016 at the age of 19. She played a key role in regenerating the tiger population in the park; her cubs can be spotted now during the safari.

The world’s fastest animal, the cheetah, went extinct from India in the mid-20th century but has been reintroduced at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The total number of cheetahs in Kuno, including cubs, is now 26, a milestone achievement for the nation’s ambitious conservation project. Lion fans must visit the Gir National Park in Gujarat. It’s the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the jungle king can be seen in its natural habitat. Asiatic lions average over two metres in length, and have a bigger tail tassel, bushier elbow tuffs and more prominent belly folds than their larger maned African cousins.

The one-horned wonder

Kissing the fabled Brahmaputra River in the northeastern state of Assam, the Kaziranga National Park is home to the world’s largest population of the scarce ‘one-horned’ rhinoceros. A century ago, these species were nearing extinction, mainly because of excessive poaching for the illegal horn trade. However, as a result of strong animal conservation and anti-poaching programs, the authorities have been able to successfully increase their population, currently estimated

FLYING TO INDIA

n Several airlines connect major cities in India Australia, however direct flights are only offered Air India (www.airindia.com) and Qantas (www.qantas.com)

n Air India operates daily from Sydney and Melbourne to Delhi, and three times a week to from Melbourne Mumbai.

n Qantas currently operates three times a week Melbourne to Delhi and five times a week Bengaluru which will fly daily from December adding another 12,000 seats between the period. Qantas has a codeshare arrangement Bengaluru and Singapore to 21 other Indian

at just over 2000. In recognition of these efforts, in 1985 UNESCO stamped the 430 km/sq parkland as a World Heritage site. According to UNESCO, Kaziranga is one of the last unmodified natural areas in the northeastern part of India. Tall elephant grass intertwined with numerous streams and large landlocked water bodies called ‘beels’ cover most of the land, sometimes opening into rummaging grounds with shorter grass, few tall trees and bamboo

Wildlife

Africa unquestionably is the Mecca for wildlife, however India isn’t too far behind

beasts can be seen freely roaming through the grassland.

The largest mammals on earth

else in the world. Called gaur in India, these massively built animals are from the wild cattle family.

thickets. The Krabi Hills on the southwestern side provide a high woodland refuge for the animals during monsoon season when the lowland is submerged by the backwaters of the Brahmaputra.

Rhinos are best spotted from the back of an elephant. An early morning ride provides a unique opportunity to sense how divinely dawn sets in the wilderness. As the first rays of the morning sun start colouring the dew drops at the edge of the tall grasses, the giant

India’s population of wild elephants is large, and numbers have been holding steady in the range of 28,000 to 30,000 during the past decade. They are relatively smaller in size compared to their African counterparts and can be seen in many of the national parks throughout the country. The ones well known for elephant sightings are Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, Bandipur in Karnataka, Periyar in Kerala and Similipal in Odisha. However, Jim Corbett National Park is hyped as the place where elephant herds can be spotted very easily.

Into the wild

Besides the ‘Big Five’, many other varieties of wildlife are at home in the sanctuaries. They include sloth bears, wild dogs, deer, sambar, gazelles and antelopes, monkeys and langurs, reptiles and a wide range of avian species. Unfortunately, there are no giraffes and zebras in the wild, however, there is the Indian bison which can’t be seen anywhere

The best time to visit India for wildlife safaris is between October and March when the weather is cool, however, animal sightings are best during hot summer months from April until June. Still, wildlife experts always say that animal sightings are a matter of luck, particularly when searching for tigers and leopards, as by nature they are shy and may hide when they sense others trying to locate them. For the best chance of spotting animals, spend a few days at a national park and go on numerous safari trips. These national parks are also natural paradises, comprising a rich variety of flora and fauna, waterways and lakes, rolling valleys, and in some locations, a towering hill back drop. The accommodation options at most places are of high order - some are even luxurious and complete with facilities of international standard. There are also options to stay in a tree house thirty metres above the ground or at an antique wildlife camp, where waking up to the twittering of birds or the roar of a tiger will definitely bestow an invigorating experience.

India with offered by Melbourne Melbourne to week from from Sydney to December 2024 until March 2025, two cities over the four month arrangement with Indigo for connection from Delhi, Indian cities.

cineTALK

With an action thriller, sequels, a romantic comedy, horror comedy and a documentary, NEERU SALUJA is spoilt for choice this month

KHEL KHEL MEIN (In cinemas)

Secrets unravel amidst friends over a game at a dinner, and all hell breaks loose! Starring Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor and Fardeen Khan, this comedy drama releases on Independence Day. Perfect timing as it looks like all the couples in this film are about to lose their independence after their secrets are revealed!

Releasing 15 August

STREE 2 (In cinemas)

The much-awaited sequel is here to send a chill down your spine and tickle your funny bone! Following the success of its predecessor Stree, this release looks promising, with the same cast comprising Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. While Tamannaah Bhatia’s sizzling number Aaj Ki Raat is already winning hearts, let’s hope spooky Stree does the same.

Releasing 15 August

MATRIMONIALS

SEEKING GROOMS

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 teetotaller. Email biodata with photos, parents’ contact details to: matrimonial.ml@gmail.com

MODERN MASTERS: S. S. RAJAMOULI (Netflix)

This documentary is an insightful tribute to one of India’s most influential filmmakers. It offers a deep dive into Rajamouli’s illustrious career, showcasing his evolution from an aspiring filmmaker to a global cinematic icon.

Releasing 2 August

VEDAA (In cinemas)

Slated as an Independence Day release, this action-packed drama follows the story of a young woman (Sharvari) who dares to challenge the status quo. Supporting her in this challenge is a former soldier (John Abraham) who is known for his penchant for action-packed roles.

Releasing 15 August

PHIR AAYI HASSEEN

DILLRUBA (Netflix)

Do Rishu and Rani reunite as lovers? Will their love be as crazy as ever? And do they get caught for their previous crime? Haseen Dilruba left us hanging on the cliff with these questions, and the sequel comes with a twist! Sunny Kaushal is the new lover boy in town romancing Rani. We can’t wait to watch talented actors Vikrant Massey and Taapsee Pannu create magic once again.

Releasing 9 August

GYAARAH GYAARAH (ZEE5 Global)

This web series is an investigative drama which has a blend of mysticism, science and mystery. It spans three timelines – 1990, 2001 and 2016. Co-produced by Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor, the crime thriller has Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra, and Dhairya Karwa in lead roles.

Releasing 9 August

DAARU NA PEENDA HOVE

(In cinemas)

The life of a directionless alcoholic is disrupted when his estranged daughter re-enters his life in this uplifting Punjabi-language comedy-drama, which deals with themes of addiction and bereavement.

Releasing 2 August

AURON MEIN KAHAN DUM THA (In cinemas)

Their intense and dynamic onscreen and offscreen chemistry has always sparked a debate, and we can’t wait to see the hit jodi collaborate again. Ajay Devgn and Tabu star in this romantic saga, as former lovers who are reunited after 22 years because the angry young man Ajay ended up in prison after committing a few murders. Meanwhile, Tabu marries her Maachis co-star Jimmy Shergill. When she meets her former sweetheart again, will their love win over?

Releasing 2 August

MR BACHCHAN (In cinemas)

If you are wondering whether it is Amitabh or Abhishek that stars in this film, then you are wrong either way. This film is a Telugu romantic action entertainer and also a remake of the Hindi film Raid (2018), starring Ajay Devgn.

Releasing 15 August

ULAJH (In cinemas)

Poor Janhvi Kapoor – she manages to get diverse roles with unique storylines, but unfortunately never makes a mark. This time she plays the role of a young diplomat with a family background of patriots, who gets embroiled in a dangerous personal conspiracy. Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Mathew accompany her in this spy thriller, but early reviews don’t look promising. Nevertheless, it’s worth keeping this on your list of Indian films to watch in August. It might just salvage a boring evening.

Releasing 2 August

AUGUST 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

TAROT

GEMINI

A major arcana drawn in the cards, indicates pre-destined events, so you can put it down to destiny if you have problems or a stroke of luck. Lie low and avoid confrontations at home and work. A trip getting postponed is also for the best. A rocky relationship seems to be at a dead-end right now; wait for things to calm down. All this stress could cause insomnia and other health issues. Be careful with money or you could make a loss.

Singles will not want to date just anyone – which is a good thing. Finances could be tight but you can expect a turnaround in some time. Some of you may want to move to a new apartment. An insecure colleague could run your work down; stay aloof. In a marriage, a rocky patch will ease up. Pay attention to your teeth. An unresolved problem at home or work should be left alone till it resolves itself. A difficult cycle is ending.

VIRGO

A destiny card is drawn for you - it is guiding you to hold your mental and emotional side in balance. Plus, this month will make you question where you are in life right now and whether there is more to it. Singles won’t find the one they can form a strong connection with. Expect surprising developments regarding real estate matters. Slow down and take rest or you could get sick. A confrontation might be needed to collect money owed to you. Things will work out on their own.

The number three drawn for you indicates situations involving other people. You will realise that since circumstances are out of your control, you need to change yourself. Self-love will lead to fulfilled relationships. Some of you could be getting married. At work, you may want to look for a job that is easier on your lifestyle. A family member or pet could cause a severe upset. Cash flow can be expected. Have clarity about what you desire; the universe will support you.

SCORPIO

- NOV 21

This month is about letting go – in every sphere of your life. Never forget that god is in charge, and whether it is problems with family or at work, stay detached. You will get a chance to make some extra cash. Avoid playing the martyr in a relationship. Indulge in some me-time. Ask yourself, which selfdestructive pattern are you repeating that is blocking your spiritual growth? ‘Let go and let god’ should be your motto this month.

Divine protection from the second-best card in the pack is yours this August. Singles will be too busy to date seriously. A financial matter could lead to an argument with a friend or boss. New projects at work will be slow in taking off. Despite the protection, finances could be up and down. Someone in the family or a pet could need medical attention. Take care of your appearance especially during work meetings. Arguments will get resolved amicably.

A difficult month for Librans, as relationships and a family member's health could take a downturn. If going through a break-up, there is a possibility of a reunion. For best outcomes, be honest with yourself and others. Some of you could lose your jobs due to setbacks at work. Do some healing work if circumstances around are overwhelming. Finances are the one bright spot this month as they could improve significantly. Stay positive and be grateful for those who help you.

You will be in the mood to mend fences with loved ones. Only when you are clear about what you seek in a relationship, will you be able to find your soulmate. A short trip could be on the anvil. At work, you might want a role that gives you more visibility. A long-standing monetary issue gets resolved with money coming your way. The universe will send you unexpected support. Resolve your inner dilemmas and ask for help.

Those trying to start a family could get happy tidings. A month for creative endeavours no matter which field you are in. Singles will look for depth not superficiality. Some of you may want to switch to a more creative profession. If you meditate, pay attention to what your body is telling you. Money owed to you could be delayed. A new connection could be a life-changing event in the long run. Emotional stress is coming to an end. Think positive for best results.

A destiny card is drawn for you that tells you to practice moderation in all matters – could the universe be any louder? Hope you are listening. You only have to refocus to resolve a problem. An ex could show up and it could give you the closure you need. Family could be testing your patience this month. Your spouse could be a bit distant or not doing their bit to keep the relationship going. An old health problem could come up because of current stress.

You long for financial security, but for it to manifest, ask yourself what you need to let go - an underlying insecurity, or holding on to the past? Those in a long-distance relationship might have logistical issues in getting together, but these can be dealt with. A change of scene at work is needed. A sale of an asset will only be completed at a later stage. Take medical help for a chronic health condition. A pet’s health could cause concern.

Aces drawn signify new beginnings and you could have many ideas to launch. Progress in the realm of the mind could indicate problem-solving or a potential lover. A rocky marriage though, could get worse. Stress could bog you down, but you will find a solution. This stress could be related to money matters. For any situation, it has to be mind over the heart this month. Some of you may find a new line of work that will be more fulfilling.

DEAR AUNTYJI

A sleepover with Satan

I desperately need your guidance. I made a new friend, Gary, about 18 months ago, and we generally socialise with a bunch of other folks. Now I know both Gary and his wife Shaz, but I know Gary better because we like to go listen to live music. Mostly death metal because it’s cool. Anyway Auntyji, two weeks ago, Gary comes to me and tells me that if Shaz asks, I should say he stayed overnight at our place because it was 2AM after the gig and he didn’t want to pay for an Uber. On further questioning, it turns out that Gary has a special lady friend that he sees from time to time - and he uses music gigs as an excuse to see her and stay at her place overnight. The excuse he uses with Shaz is that an Uber was too expensive at 2AM and it was easier to stay at our place. Auntyji, what to do? I am flummoxed and upset by Gary’s request. I don’t know what to say to him and I feel bad for Shaz. I feel I am being drawn into his web of deceit. What to do, Auntyji, what to do?

AUNTYJI SAYS

Well, my little Satan, all this should have been resolved the moment it crossed your mind, and your moral compass should have stayed pointing north. Instead, it’s trending towards south because you have given credence to falsehood and duplicitous behaviour - and now you are caught in a moral quagmire of your own making. Your friend asked you to lie for him. Why would you say yes, you buddhu? It was as simple as saying this: “Jeez mate. I’m not comfortable lying to Shaz, especially because I know her. And now that you’ve told me the truth, I have become complicit in this lie. If Shaz asks me outright, I’ll have to tell her the truth.” Then you should have added, “Mate, I didn’t think you wanted a divorce that badly.” That last ‘d-word’ would probably have startled him into doing the right thing. But really, it’s this simple. Don’t lie for others. Be honest and truthful in your dealings with others, and you won’t go wrong. Today, he is asking you to lie to Shaz. Tomorrow, who knows, he might just ask you to carry a package overseas for him. Or he might send you an inappropriate picture that gets you into serious trouble. Stop hanging out with people with loose character. Just because you love heavy metal, does not mean you need to worship Satan. Namakharaam. Akal nahi hai kya?

Adelaide

Brisbane

1st

2nd

3rd ODI v India [D/N]

15 th august

From your Victorian Labor Team

Jacinta Allan MP PREMIER OF VICTORIA STATE MEMBER FOR BENDIGO EAST 140 Mollison Street, Bendigo VIC 3550 5443 2144

jacinta.allan@parliament.vic.gov.au JacintaAllanMP premier.vic.gov.au

Ingrid Stitt MP STATE MEMBER FOR WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS

Tenancy 2, 80 Carmody Drive, Cairnlea VIC 3023 9363 1644

ingrid.stitt@parliament.vic.gov.au

IngridStittMP

Belinda Wilson MP

STATE MEMBER FOR NARRE WARREN NORTH

Gabrielle Williams MP STATE MEMBER FOR DANDENONG

gabrielle.williams@parliament.vic.gov.au WilliamsforDandenong gabriellewilliams.com.au

Gary Maas MP

STATE MEMBER FOR NARRE WARREN SOUTH

Shops 101 & 102, Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre, Matthew Flinders Avenue, Endeavour Hills VIC 3802 9706 0566 belinda.wilson@parliament.vic.gov.au belindawilsonvic belindawilson.com.au

Eden Foster MP

STATE MEMBER FOR MULGRAVE

517A Princes Highway, Noble Park VIC 3174 9548 5644

eden.foster@parliament.vic.gov.au edenfostermulgrave edenfoster.com.au

Shop 24, 166 Somerville Rd, Hampton Park VIC 3976 8783 6959 gary.maas@parliament.vic.gov.au GaryMaasNWS @garymaasmp

Bronwyn Halfpenny MP

STATE MEMBER FOR THOMASTOWN 221 High Street, Thomastown VIC 3074 9401 2711

bronwyn.halfpenny@parliament.vic.gov.au

bronwyn.halfpenny bronwynhalfpenny.org.au

Ros Spence MP

STATE MEMBER FOR KALKALLO

Shop D00-02B, Craigieburn Central, 340 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn VIC 3064 8377 4477

ros.spence@parliament.vic.gov.au RosSpenceMP rosspence.com.au

Pauline Richards MP STATE MEMBER FOR CRANBOURNE

Shops A3 & A4, Marriott Waters Shopping Centre, cnr Thompsons Rd & Marriott Bvd, Lyndhurst VIC 3975 5996 2901 pauline.richards@parliament.vic.gov.au PaulineRichardsMP paulinerichardsmp.org

Sarah Connolly MP

STATE MEMBER FOR LAVERTON

C1, Level 1, 100 Overton Road, Williams Landing VIC 3027 9916 1778 sarah.connolly@parliament.vic.gov.au

SarahConnollyMP sarahconnollymp.com.au

Tim Pallas MP

STATE MEMBER FOR WERRIBEE

Shop 2 56-58 Watton Street, Werribee VIC 3030 9741 1133

tim.pallas@parliament.vic.gov.au

TimPallasMP timpallas.com.au

Mathew Hilakari MP

STATE MEMBER FOR POINT COOK

Suite 603, Level 1, Point Cook Town Centre, 2 Main Street Point Cook VIC 3030 9395 0221

mathew.hilakari@parliament.vic.gov.au

MathewHilakariMP

Luba Grigorovitch MP

STATE MEMBER FOR KOROROIT

Tenancy 2, 11-19 Commercial Road, Caroline Springs VIC 3023 8361 7133

luba.grigorovitch@parliament.vic.gov.au lubagrigorovitchmp lubagrigorovitch.com.au