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This loss isn’t just global;
it’s
Tlocal and intimate
BY PAWAN LUTHRA
he tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 has deeply shaken the Indian-Australian community.
For many of us, Air India is more than a national carrier - it’s a trusted lifeline connecting us to family, culture, and memories. With over 250 lives lost, this catastrophe feels painfully personal.
We’ve walked those aisles, heard those familiar announcements, shared meals that tasted like home. And some of us may well have been on the very aircraft involved in this tragedy - it flew to Australia frequently, including only days ago.
It hits home hard, particularly because amongst Indians living in Australia, Air India is the preferred airline of travel, especially for the elderly, students, and for young travellers travelling alone.
It is the only airline which flies directly between Sydney or Melbourne to Delhi or Mumbai. No need to rush for a connecting flight in Singapore, Hong Kong, or Kuala Lumpur - a single
12.5-hour direct flight takes you straight to your destination.
Plus, it offers one of the most affordable and convenient ways to travel to Europe from Australia, via India.
Currently, there are 17 Air India flights per week between Australia and India and there have been promises to increase this in the coming years – not only for the fast-growing VFR travellers but also for the increasing business opportunities between the two countries.
As our national carrier, Air India invokes much pride amongst the Indian diaspora. While we may complain about the service or the entertainment or shortcomings – in the same manner as Australians do about their national airline Qantas – it is still our first choice of overseas travel. In an island nation, airlines are more than transport; they’re lifelines to our loved ones.
There was a surge of pride when the government-owned Air India was sold back to its original founders, the well-regarded corporate house Tata. The legendary JRD Tata had launched Air India in 1932 - and with it, India’s aviation sector.
Today Tata is known globally for the quality of their services, professionalism
and long-term vision.
After their acquisition in 2022, the airline embarked on an ambitious fleet modernisation plan.
In 2023, Air India made world headlines as it confirmed orders for 470 aircraft, comprising both Airbus and Boeing models, in what was one of the largest global airline orders. It marked an emerging Indian dominance in the aviation world.
And today as we join in the mourning, we acknowledge the profound emotional and cultural significance Air India holds for our diaspora.
Our hearts go out to the families of those lost in this tragedy, and we stand united in grief, solidarity, and remembrance.
A deeply tragic time for the Indian diaspora, still reeling from the international flashpoint that dominated headlines just weeks ago.
Scan this QR code to hear Pawan Luthra discuss the impact of the Air India tragedy with Dom Knight on ABC Radio Sydney.
Proudly honoured with 31 media awards, including four-time recognition as Best Publication.
Three decades of all things Indian. In Australia.
YOUR SAY
AIR INDIA CRASH: AN OUTPOURING OF GRIEF - AND ONLINE RACISM
TORRSHA SEN on the online hate reignited by the Air India tragedy, laying bare the racism that simmers beneath the surface
Krishna Neelamraju wrote: Shocking but not surprising. This is the real cost of social media giants gutting the safeguards.
Joseph La Posta wrote: Repugnant! Thinking of those beautiful people who lost their lives and their families who will have to go on with broken hearts for the rest of theirlives.
Padmini Sunderaj wrote: No point fighting social media comments and arguing serious issues with faceless people. The more you react, the nastier their response. What's important is that influential and credible Indian groups and/or media present the situation to mainstream media, from an Indian/ Indo-Australian point of view.
Rajeev Roychand wrote: If anyone indulges in such inhuman behaviour, return it to them in kind. It’s what they deserve. Stop being cry babies and stop tolerating nonsense.
Tom Dass wrote: To the point, Torrsha Sen. Sadless, faceless reality of socials and the face of desensitisation in modern society. Freedom of expression has blurred lines towards civic responsibilities.
Swathi Routh wrote: Was this the first time in history that a plane crash involved India? In two weeks this year, three plane crashes occurred in the United States alone, claiming 78 lives. Did we mock their tragedy, or anyone else’s, for that matter? Aviation accidents happen around the world every year. To those who chose to mock the loss of hundreds of Indian lives: misfortune knows no borders. What happened could happen anywhere, to anyone. Our first thought then will be to grieve with others in their times of loss, not mock or troll.
Amar Singh wrote: I am deeply offended by this.
Ajay Patel wrote: Shame.
Dan Caddy wrote: This is appalling - truly disgusting! Very offensive.
Ali O wrote: Absolutely heartbreaking and deeply upsetting to see. No one, let alone a whole community, should ever have to endure such behaviour. These actions do not reflect the values of any decent Australian or human being. You're not alone, and there are so many of us standing with our beautiful and loved Indian community.
A LOSS THAT HITS HOME
PAWAN LUTHRA on why Indian-Australians feel so deeply about the Air India tragedy
Andrew Kuruc wrote: This is just awful. A touching acknowledgement of the terrible loss for those closest to the victims. Pawan’s article highlights the insidious impact of the tragedy, locally. It is an important reminder of the special contribution Indian-Australians make to our culture; underpinned by an enduring dedication to their unique, exotic heritage and commitment to family and community. We are richer for it, and feel your grief.
Alex Argenti wrote: It is very tragic. Even where you have no direct connection, you still have a heavy heart knowing how many lives have been cut short and loved ones have been lost to tragedy.
Tanya Curtin wrote: It’s so tragic. I’m so very sorry this has happened, and my thoughts are with the families of those who sadly perished.
OUR VERY OWN KING’S X1!
Eleven Australians of Indian origin were featured in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours
Shantha Viswanathan wrote: Congratulations to all the awardees on this great recognition for their valuable contribution.
Mittu Gopalan wrote: So happy to read, and so inspiring.
Rajini George wrote: Dr Sajeev Koshy OAM, we are proud of you, a star still bright and shining.
Pink Sari Inc wrote: Congratulations to Dr Gita Mishra on this recognition for her valuable contribution
Mala Mehta OAM wrote: Congrats Bindi Shah! Well-deserved honour acknowledging all that you have done and do in the community.
Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust Inc. wrote: Wonderful that Bindi Shah, an ordinary citizen - and we don’t mean she is ordinary, not with what she achieves - has been recognised with an OAM. Those people who say one person can’t make a difference have never met Bindi. Congratulations from all of us at BCCT and beyond.
Mohan Ayyar wrote: Proud moment for Carnatic music in Australia. Hearty congratulations Ramnath Iyer and Gopinath Iyer!
Rajni Anand Luthra wrote: IT’s loss, classical music’s gain - hurrah for the side hustle.
Anette Greén wrote: Congratulations Menaka Iyengar Cooke! So nice to hear this - I know you have worked hard!
Newton Marques wrote: Congratulations Chappie Lobo, well done. You deserve this award. Was a pleasure working with you when in WA at Goan functions and with GOAWA. You make us Goans very proud of you.
Maria Dias wrote: Frankey did such a good job of the interview on Chappie Lobo. I’ve known Chappie for some time but did not know so many details. Sudhir and Ajita wrote: Very happy and proud of you Dr Satish Gupta. Prestigious achievement that was due for a long time.
Narayana Rai wrote: Congratulations to Dr. Satish Gupta on receiving the OAM. A well-deserved honour for a remarkable individual. As a former IAASA President, he stood firm for the community’s best interests, with warmth and discipline. He has consistently gone above and beyond, contributing far more than expected. A multitalented achiever, he has also authored several fiction titles, adding to his impressive work.
THIS OR THAT?
You’ve been clicking, voting, and keeping it spicy in our enewsletter snap polls! Here’s how the last three shaped up — did your pick come out on top?
n Who do you trust with your downfall: Your mum’s sixth sense OR That friend of yours who has a PhD in taking screenshots? 75% of you said you’ll trust your mum’s sixth sense (75%) way more - Mum over friend, any day!
n Choose your Everest: Teaching your parents to share a screen OR Teaching them not to share everything on the family WhatsApp group? 75% of you said teaching screen-share is nothing compared to stopping your parents from live-blogging life on WhatsApp.
n What music genre is your life stuck in this week: Lata Mangeshkar in the distance OR Govinda on loop? 100% responses were for Lataji: we guess that week was all soft vocals and romanticised exhaustion for you’ll.
LITERARY FLAME: BANU MUSHTAQ’S BOOKER WIN
LAKSHMI GANAPATHY on Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq’s 'Heart Lamp' winning the International Booker Prize.
Anu Shivaram wrote: A good summary of the life, challenges and literary achievements of Bhanu Mushtaq, a silent trailblazing journalist, lawyer and writer. Equally commendable is the translator Deepa Bhasthi for her efforts to get the stories across to the wider world.
Shanti Raman wrote: This is so terrific… can't wait to read this.
Rajni Anand Luthra wrote: Banu Mushtaq’s Booker win is a powerful moment - for our stories, our voices, our strength. Great to see another Indian woman win this award, so soon after Geetanjali Shree won it for Tomb of Sand. Here's to more bold, brilliant women from the subcontinent lighting up global literature.
NEW OFFICE FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
Federal initiative aims to streamline services, strengthen national cohesion, and embed diversity at the heart of government policy
Joseph La Posta wrote: Very interested to see how this unfolds, however the concept is pleasing and aligned to the recommendations of the Multicultural Framework Review undertaken last year.
Navanita Bhattacharya wrote: Unless the work - laws, policies, implementation, monitoring, accountabilities - are race critical and intersectional it’s all useless. “Multiculturalism” in that case becomes the de facto word for assimilation. With the status quo remaining as is. Good luck, Dr. Anne Aly.
Nalika Padmasena wrote: Certainly looking forward to this. Glad to see government is taking genuine effort to implement the recommendations of the Multicultural Framework Review.
WHERE IN OZ
This 4800sqm salt water lagoon offers an all-year round, safe, swimming location without stingers and crocodiles.
THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC
Long-time Indian Link Radio listener and frequent caller SRINIVASAN IYER sent us this note celebrating the voices that echo through our days — a tribute to our Radio team and their passion, personality, and purpose
A small note to appreciate the efforts of Indian Link Radio Anchors’ team. Together they churn out daily sessions by placing the listeners ahead of themselves.
Sagar and Samay denote infinity and ‘ananth’ - never ending their flair with masti, mohabbat and music every time they are on air.
Ekta denotes strength and unison of ideas, topics and music and keeps listeners eagerly engaged.
Neha denotes love and affection, mesmerising listeners with her magnetic voice and engaging listeners with music interlaced with information about health and welfare.
Manoj - missing in action lately - denotes a connection of the heart to music and poetry, keeping the listeners engaged with ghazals and poetry.
Meenakshi carries the energy of Madurai (temple of the goddess with her name) and brings an air of fun’n’frolic; with her ability to talk on any topic, and her deep connect with nature, she too keeps listeners engaged, and with some spice too!
A word about some ex presenters: Sharmila is a pro and her soft voice enchants listeners; Vaishali too expressed her style and flair for Bollywood songs in her afternoon show, and last but most important, is Lily - my first connection with Indian Link Radio and of whom I am a great admirer for the way she took to being a radio presenter.
Each of your anchors is a gem, but together they make a necklace of pearls for all listeners of ILR. I’m sure that many listeners will echo my views and feelings, and words of appreciation.
WHERE IN INDIA
This artificial lake used to be the only source of water for the whole of a desert city, close to the Indo-Pak border, until the first half of the 20th century.
Readers Lily Roderigues and Deepak Vincent got the right answer: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Readers Moulik Bavisi, Bhanu Kothari, Mayuri Patel, Rajeev Ramakar Tiwari, Monica Gaur Nagar, Varada P Shinde and Elle-Lenore Brown got the correct answer: Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns QLD.
The tragedy of AI171 goes beyond the flight manifest and the unfortunate students in the hostel. We are all stakeholders in this story. The collective trauma will shape our sense of connection and impact our travel for years to come.
The FLIGHT that CRASHED into all our lives
OBY KRISHNA NEELAMRAJU
n the fateful afternoon of June 12, 2025, a metal bird fell from the sky into the heart of a government medical college in western India, claiming at least 270 lives. Within minutes of take-off, Air India’s Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, lost altitude and crashed into a residential area scarcely two kilometres from the airport. Of the 242 people onboard, 241 lost their lives almost instantly. Another 29 lives were lost on the ground - some of them aspiring doctors, gathered for lunch in the mess hall. The scale of the tragedy was so mammoth that the deaths of dozens of hardworking medical students were but a footnote in the news reports.
Images of the crash site, spread over 200 metres, are among the most confronting to hit our screens in recent memory. Within minutes of the incident, smartphone videos and CCTV footage of the massive fireball and the billowing smoke flooded our screens. The rawness of the visuals triggered a collective trauma for not just millions of Indians but deep within the Indian diaspora. The cycle of tragedy continues for India, for Boeing and has now engulfed Air India, with repercussions for India’s corporate world, the global aviation sector, and Indian travellers worldwide.
Photo: Pallav Paliwal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: At the heart of sorrow, a gesture of shared mourning
INDIANS REELING FROM ONE TRAGEDY AFTER ANOTHER
India is no stranger to grief. However, the string of devastating tragedies in 2025 has been relentless.
Stampedes, one at the Mahakumbh and another one recently during the IPL victory parade in Bengaluru, took scores of lives.
The brutal and calculated terror attack in Pahalgam, followed by a military clash just short of a full-fledged war, served as a chilling reminder of the dangers still facing India. The fact that many Indians instinctively asked whether terrorism was involved in the plane crash speaks volumes about the deep scars.
Though the flight was enroute to London, its impact was global. Among those on board were professionals, families, and students - the quintessential Indian diaspora. Two young girls in London, aged 4 and 8, were orphaned when their father, Arjun Patoliya, boarded the flight after performing last rites for his late wife in Gujarat. Dr. Kaumi Vyas was a young doctor migrating to the UK with her husband and three children. Irfan Shaikh, a 22-year old crew member, had just returned to work after the Eid break. Their journeys ended brutally. As we learn more about the victims, many more
heartbreaking stories of lives and dreams cut short are emerging.
The Indian-Australian community, thousands of kilometres away, felt the aftershocks deeply. Reports that the same aircraft flew in and out of Australia days earlier left many realising how closely connected they were to the tragedy. Flights from India to world cities like London and Sydney are
following its sale to the Tata Group. For people of Indian origin, Air India holds a deep connection. Elderly family members travelling alone choose it for the cultural familiarity. For many immigrants, it is their first memory of migration and the comforting bridge between their adopted land and motherland.
There was hope until three days ago that the Maharaja would rule the skies
BOEING: A CRISIS RENEWED
For Boeing, the crash is yet another gaping wound. Still reeling from the 737 MAX disasters and the Alaska Airlines doorpanel debacle in 2024, the US aerospace giant had been clawing its way back into credibility. The Dreamliner was once hailed as a marvel and had until now maintained an impeccable safety record. This crash changes everything. What’s raising eyebrows is that whistleblower complaints about the 787’s production quality have been surfacing in the recent past.
CEO Kelly Ortberg brought out of retirement to steer the company in 2024, has already cancelled his plans to attend the Paris Air Show where he was planning to present an “upbeat progress report on Boeing’s recovery to financial health”. If trust in Dreamliner erodes, the consequences will be systemic for Boeing.
THE BROADER FALLOUT
For global aviation, the crash is more than a statistic. Images of mangled fuselage and burning wreckage linger far longer in public memory than safety statistics in annual reports. Expect greater passenger hesitancy, greater scrutiny of Boeing fleets, and regulatory reviews across the world. Some aviation experts have already flagged concerns about urban construction patterns near airports like Ahmedabad’s. With the black box recovered, the world awaits answers and accountability.
full of suitcases that look like Indian festivals – crisp new sarees and kurtas from that hometown shop, leak-proof packets of sweets and spices made with love by families, and loads of memories surviving the transcontinental travel.
So when news of the AI171 crash broke, it wasn’t just grief - it was a gut punch. In WhatsApp groups and living rooms across Australia, Indian families reacted with shock and shed tears of grief for the bereaved families. Leaders of community organisations in Sydney and Melbourne issued heartfelt statements, organised candlelight vigils and signed condolence books. Mourning transcended borders.
AIR INDIA MAY NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN
This is undoubtedly a massive setback for Air India, which had been hoping to turn its sagging fortunes around
again. But now, it’s all in jeopardy. Regaining public trust after a high-casualty crash is near-Herculean and many worried flyers are rethinking their bookings. Malaysia Airlines offers a chilling parallel. After MH370 and MH17, its brand was so damaged that many flights flew near-empty and fares were slashed well below market rates. The Malaysian government paid out the minority shareholders, delisted the airline and declared the old firm bankrupt. The airline took nearly a decade to turn profitable again, strongly supported by its shareholder, the Malaysian government. The Tata Group may have to commit itself to that level of support to Air India to keep it afloat. Passengers would need a lot of incentive to fly Air India in the short term to overcome the stigma and the airline would have to fix systemic issues at the same time.
1:40
A FUTURE WRITTEN IN GRIEF
In the aftermath of AI171, what remains is raw, collective grief. To address the concerns about air safety, Air India and Boeing must confront their internal demons, lead with transparency, and demonstrate changes in safety culture. Families must once again be able to wave goodbye to their loved ones at the airports without a shadow of fear.
Flight AI171 will forever be remembered as a tragic chapter in India’s modern history. India will yet have time to mourn every lost life individually. And that’s the saddest part – there is plenty of grief already, but there is much more still to come as the nation begins to reckon with the life story of each unfortunate victim of #117.
PM (approx)
Less than a minute after takeoff, the plane loses altitude rapidly and crashes into BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar.
1:39 PM
Air India flight AI171 departs from Ahmadabad airport’s Runway 23 for London Gatwick with 242 people on board.
Soon after takeoff Pilot issues a ‘Mayday’ call to Air Traffic Control. The aircraft only reaches an altitude of about 600800 feet.
Communication lost After the Mayday call, there is no further response from the aircraft.
ACCOLADES
KING’S B’DAY HONOURS
STRINGS OF GLORY
Gopinath
Iyer, OAM
Ramnath Iyer, OAM
For service to music
For Melbourne-based veena virtuosos Ramnath and Gopinath Iyer, known to the community as the Iyer Brothers, receiving an OAM each is the ‘pinnacle’ of their illustrious careers.
“It feels so gratifying to receive a recognition in a country that we have adopted as our home. [This OAM] is a crowning glory. We are elated,” Gopinath Iyer says.
Beginning their musical journey over 50 years ago, the twin brothers’ passion for the veena was sparked when they heard their next-door neighbour in Chennai playing.
“We don’t come from a musical family; it was just providence, I guess, that we went to a place where there’s a veena teacher next door and that’s how it began,” says Ramnath Iyer.
Balancing studies, work and rigorous practice, the Iyer Brothers started training under Vidushi Shrimathi Rajagopalan in 1973, becoming proteges of Shri R. Pichumani Iyer in 1981 and later Shri R. Venkataraman in 1997.
“We never thought when we started learning that we’d be performing or achieving something. It was just pure passion. The sound of the instrument and the music was so attractive that we diligently practised because we wanted to learn more,” remembers Ramnath. “Those days, the teachers were very strict – unless you internalise what you learned the previous class, you won’t go further –that motivated us.”
“Our gurus are from a generation where you hardly get any praise from them – if you don’t get scolded in class, that means you’ve done okay,” remembers Gopinath. “[One time], our guru Sri Venkatraman took a break, told us to keep playing, and then went out and told our mother, ‘look how well they’re playing’. He never said that to us!”
Achieving veena mastery, however, has been a diligent journey; despite performing on some of the most prestigious stages in the world, including the Madras Music Academy, and being awarded the “A” grade by All India Radio and Doordarshan, up until as recently as 5 years ago, they considered music their second profession alongside IT.
But one distinction, evident even in their early years, has been their synergy as twins – the rare ability to play intuitively as one voice. Inseparable from childhood with the same interests and schooling, they even migrated to Australia within two years of each other.
“In music [as well as everyday life], we think alike, and we practise compositions together all the time. We are always in sync,” says Ramnath.
“We do have our own moments and arguments [but we] finally agree on something. I’d say it’s a healthy competition,” Gopinath adds.
Moving to Australia in the 1980s after they both landed IT jobs, the brothers contended with the difficulties of establishing Carnatic music amongst the fledgling Indian community and the wider Australian arts scene.
“In the early years there were few opportunities, but each opportunity was a learning experience for us as to how to present the music without sacrificing or compromising the core values, but still making it relatable to the Australian audiences,” Gopinath says.
As some of the first veena exponents in Australia, the Iyer Brothers have witnessed the growth of Indian classical arts here, going from informal performances at people’s homes to the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Centre stages.
Equally, they have shaped the expansion of Indian classical arts as organisers of the Melbourne Veena Festival, peer specialists in Indian Music for the Australia Council, and Advisory Council
A LIFELONG PURSUIT OF HEALTH EQUITY
Dr Sajeev Koshy, AM
For significant service to dentistry, particularly through board and leadership roles
Dr. Sajeev Koshy has been posthumously recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his life-long commitment to the public health sector as an endodontist. Guided by the aim to ensure access to healthcare for all, his work has impacted a wide range of communities, especially refugee and migrant groups.
Despite these achievements, his family never anticipated this new recognition.
“It was a nice surprise for us. We’ve
always been proud of the contributions he’s made, and I think this award just adds to his memory,” his son Dr. Jithin Sajeev says.
As a cardiologist, Jithin continues his father’s goal to ensure greater access to health. Growing up, he witnessed firsthand his father’s willingness to go above and beyond for his patients, often working six days a week and well beyond the hours of a typical work day.
“He taught me that if you put the effort in, then you do have the power to
Members for the Federation of Indian Music and Dance Victoria.
“As the Indian community here grew, so did the music…the audience increased,” Gopinath says. “More organisations started organising concerts of not just the musicians in Australia but also inviting famous musicians from India…creating [greater] awareness within the community. That’s a big growth we have seen in the last 10-15 years.”
However, perhaps their greatest contribution to the scene came in 1991 with the establishment the Pichumani School of Carnatic Music.
Some of the Iyer Brothers’ students have gone on to become leading Carnatic voices in Australia themselves, including Bhairavi Raman and Nanthesh Sivarajah, Priyadharshini Raveendran, and their own daughters, Nisha and Mahita Iyer.
“The message we constantly got from our gurus is never change [our Patantharam (repertoire)] – you can innovate within that framework but still be true to the core of the raga and the lyrics and composition. That’s something we pass on to our students,” says Gopinath.
Although not as rigorous as the early morning starts the Iyer Brothers trained with, Pichumani has fostered many generations of cultural ambassadors, and become one of the foremost Carnatic institutions in the country.
“If you’re learning Carnatic or Hindustani music, enjoy playing,” Ramnath says when asked to offer advice to aspiring musicians. “Reach your potential through practice – there’s no shortcut.”
They certainly practice what they preach, citing their love for the instrument as the secret to their longevity.
“Every time you pluck the strings, the sound that comes from the veena refreshes. Every time you sit down to play…it’s not a chore,” says Ramnath.
“People say [our music is] soulful – my opinion is [that it’s] because we don’t just play because we need some claps here or we need to do this climax here, but whatever the pieces ask. If you’re totally involved what you’re playing, I think that comes through.”
Lakshmi Ganapathy
HONOURS
A LIFE COURSE PERSPECTIVE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
Prof. Gita Mishra, AO
For distinguished service to medical research, particularly life course epidemiology and women's health, to leadership, and to tertiary education
When Prof. Gita Mishra heard she would be receiving an AO, her first thoughts were of her parents.
“I wish my parents were alive. They both passed away in 2020 and 2021… I wished they were here to enjoy and know their daughter's work has been recognised at a very high level,” Prof. Mishra says.
Coming from a statistics background, Prof. Mishra is the first Professor. of Life Course Epidemiology at the University of Queensland’s School of Public Health. She is best known as the Director of the landmark Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), which since 1996, has gathered data from over 57,000 women across four age groups.
This study was the first to chart the prevalence of endometriosis in Australia, discovering a staggering one in seven women will have been diagnosed with the condition by the time they reach 50.
“About 14 percent of women in Australia [will be] diagnosed with endometriosis. That's a big issue…it's quite a large number, as high as the prevalence of diabetes and other chronic conditions, and yet we don't know a lot about the disease,” Prof. Mishra says.
Her research has been a gamechanger in national policy and perception of women’s health, informing Australia’s current National Women’s Health Strategy and National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, as well as countless
enact change in the systems around you – but it may take time. It is nevertheless important to look beyond yourself and to try and add value back to the community,” he says.
Whilst treating patients was his first and foremost priority, Dr. Sajeev Koshy never undervalued the importance of mentorship and further education, often mentoring migrant dentists who wished to enter the industry.
Perhaps Dr. Koshy’s most valuable contribution was his role in reducing waiting times within health care centres in regional Victoria. When he started his role as a Director of Dental Services
state government strategies.
As one of the first research teams to look at women’s health longitudinally, her work has also encouraged a more holistic understanding of women’s life cycles and greater respect for women’s right to an adequate quality of life.
“When people think about women's health, it's always about pregnancy or maternal health,” says Prof. Mishra. “What we're trying to do is to show that women’s health is beyond reproduction… Our life doesn’t finish when we finish producing or menopause. So, I take a life course perspective.”
Most pertinently, Prof. Mishra and her team have discovered links between reproductive health and the eventual onset of chronic conditions – women’s risk of stroke increases with every stillbirth or miscarriage they have, and girls with an early menarche are more likely to have gestational diabetes.
“What I really want to get people to be thinking about is the big picture, and not a siloed view of a condition or chronic disease, because they're all interrelated,” she says. Though these frightening findings expose
at Bairnsdale Regional Health Services in 2004, patients had to wait as long as 57 months to see a doctor. Within two years, Dr. Koshy managed to reduce this to a 7 month wait period.
“I think what Dad was most proud of were the projects which were highly actionable and led to practical results, where he could see that he made a real difference in people’s lives,” he says.
After receiving the OAM in 2016, Dr. Koshy’s focus shifted to primarily improving medical systems, taking up positions within ICT governance committees and other advisory roles. He also extended his services outside
just how little we know about women’s health, Prof. Mishra remains optimistic.
“I'm a person that likes to think that the glass is half full… think about this as a crystal ball to your future health,” she says.“Knowledge should empower us to do something…The disease is not going to go away, but it might when you take preventative measures before you get to that stage. We can turn it around to suit us, I think.”
Equally, she believes despite what can feel like slow progress, national policymaking on women’s health is heading in the right direction.
“We've been quite fortunate because the ALSWH is being funded by the Department of Health… in the 30 year history of the study, it has been bipartisan,” she notes.
“We're the first country to have a national action plan for endometriosis. So, I think in some areas, Australia is leading the way.”
Prof. Mishra’s efforts have been noticed internationally; she is a board member of the European Menopause and Andropause Society and has sat on numerous committees for the UK’s
of Australia, including taking part in a project linking volunteer services in Australia with dental services in Nepal.
Other notable accolades he’s received include the ICICI Bank and Times Now’s ‘Non-Resident Indian of the Year’ award in 2018 and the ‘Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem Knight Hospitaller’ in 2021. Whilst these awards validated his and his team’s work, Dr. Koshy hoped that this recognition would also give greater visibility to the issues he cared for.
“You can’t solve social justice issues in isolation. You need a team of people to also recognise the value
Medical Research Council.
Since 2012, she has led the foremost international resource on women’s health, the International collaboration for a Life course Approach to reproductive health and Chronic disease Events (InterLACE).
Moving forward, Prof. Mishra hopes to understand more about the biological mechanisms influencing reproductive health and collect more data from multicultural women.
“There’s has been a lot of migration to Australia from Asia. From the female reproductive aspects, we don't have a good representation [of] their needs and that is something that we are, going forward and in partnership, understanding,” she says. Her pioneering findings demonstrate women’s health can’t be ignored, and that we can’t be passive spectators of our wellbeing.
“Whatever you do, don't sweep these results under the carpet, take it in as something that will empower us, and go forward.”
Lakshmi Ganapathy
of what you’re doing. And it’s this acknowledgement which drives change,” Jithin asserts.
Nowhere was Dr. Sajeev Koshy’s impact felt more deeply than at his funeral, where people from all walks of life gathered to honour him.
“People he worked with ten, fifteen years ago came to see him. They were students he taught, people from Indian communities, his colleagues. I guess it’s not obvious to see the impact people have had until they’re gone. It was really beautiful to see everyone gather to offer their condolences.”
Sruthi Sajeev
ACCOLADES KING’S B’DAY HONOURS
FIGHTING FOR THE TINIEST LIVES
Dr. Srinivas Bolisetty, PSM
For outstanding public service to NSW health particularly in neonatal services
I“am over the moon,” says paediatrician and neonatologist Dr. Srinivas Bolisetty, reacting to the news of his Public Service Medal (PSM) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
He admits, however, that this honour pales in comparison to the joy of saving children’s lives - and seeing them leave the hospital healthy and thriving.
As head of the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick - known to be one of the busiest ICUs in NSW - he looks after some of the sickest babies referred to them from all over the state.
“In NSW alone, on average 15,00020,000 newborn babies on average go into intensive care soon after birth,” Dr. Bolisetty says. “Many of them are profoundly sick with life threatening illnesses. An incredible amount of hard work goes into looking after them during these critical times, but it turns out to be life altering for them and their families. And rewarding for the health professionals.”
His work as a specialist neonatologist now spans across multiple domains, including patient care (caring for fragile sick babies from as young as 22 weeks gestation), research, clinical governance and innovation, leadership and training.
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me and my team, and a public validation, and celebration, of the field of neonatal care,” Dr. Bolisetty notes. “There’s deep humility, knowing that the work we’ve been doing has made such an impact. I want to emphasise that our achievements in the NICU are the result of a dedicated, multidisciplinary team working together. This medal is a testament to the tireless efforts of every nurse, doctor, pharmacist, therapist, and support staff member who has contributed to our mission. It’s a shared accomplishment, and I am proud to stand alongside such compassionate and skilled professionals.”
Joining the Randwick NICU in 1994 as a newborn specialist trainee, Dr. Bolisetty became a fully qualified newborn specialist by 1999. In his earlier days in Australia as a young consultant in Alice Springs (2000-2001), his voluntary service
BINDI: SMALL DOT, BIG IMPACT
Bindi Shah, OAM
For service to the community through a range of roles
I“always thought King’s Birthday Honours were for people high up – not regular people like us,” Bindi Shah tells Indian Link. As co-founder of a grassroots communitybased charity WISEKidsWORLD, Bindi has been honoured with the OAM this King’s Birthday for her volunteering activities across the nation and beyond.
“It’s a lovely surprise and a great honour. It’s a nice way to know we’re on the right track - and that we are contributing. Heartfelt thanks to my husband Sunil and my children Jaini and Reyen. And to all my friends and colleagues who support our work.”
Bindi started WISEKidsWORLD in 2014 with fellow school parent Susan Day, as an additional activity alongside her day job as data analyst at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
“Susan and I met at our kids’ primary school, both of us keenly involved in school canteen, sporting days and other events,” Bindi recalls. “Honestly, our only intention was to lead by example, so that our kids could emulate us by becoming
in establishing a preterm parent group comprising Indigenous and non-Indigenous and communities in Alice Springs got a mention in NT Parliament Hansard by the then NT Health Minister in 2001.
He returned to the Randwick hospital in 2002.
During COVID-19, he was chosen by the state Ministry of Health to be the NSW Clinical Lead for the NICUs to deal with COVID-19 related complications for newborns across the state.
Dr. Bolisetty credits his early paediatric training at the prestigious Postgraduate Institute (PGI) in Chandigarh for helping him find a foothold in Australia’s medical fraternity. “The wealth of knowledge that I came here with, as a young migrant in 1994, not only helped to speed up the securing of an Australian degree in medicine, it also contributed to one of my most memorable cases,” he says, recalling a rare medical
condition he helped to diagnose in his very early days in Australia, nearly 26 years ago.
Detailing this particular case, he narrates, “Back when the Royal Hospital was still operating out of Paddington, we had a very sick child admitted to the NICU with no prognosis forthcoming. The senior doctors were open to hear me out, and eventually agreed with my diagnosis of his rare condition. That changed the course of treatment for the baby. I am happy to reveal that the patient, now a grown up of course, is healthy and living well in Gold Coast, and continues to be in touch with me till date.”
In many ways, life has taken a full circle for Dr. Srinivas Bolisetty who is now sharing his wealth of knowledge to help improve medical outcomes all over the world, including India. “The holistic care provided in Australian hospitals is second to none. I am now working to train doctors and mentor senior clinicians in India and helping to shape guidelines for Indian hospitals based off our ways of working here,” he informs.
Fondly known as ‘the King of consensus’ among his peers, Dr. Bolisetty established the Australasian Neonatal Medicines Formulary to bring together the best and brightest experts from around the world to give advice on medicines and get all clinicians to agree on standardising the care for sick babies. His clinical protocols are now the source of truth not only for all hospitals across NSW, but also interstate and in many countries including New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe and Israel and even USA.
Winner of many local awards for innovations in healthcare and improving patient outcomes, Dr. Bolisetty admits each day still brings a new challenge. “I am still constantly learning, especially with all the new technological advancements,” he says.
With all the long hours, though, Dr. Srinivas Bolisetty admits working in intensive care is not for the fainthearted. Yet says, “It is a very rewarding career if you have passion and commitment.”
Tarini Puri
in Cheltenham NSW is close-knit
BUILDING DIPLOMACY, BRICK BY BRICK
Bina Chandra, PSM
For outstanding public service in the delivery of property outcomes, both nationally and internationally
From the bustling lanes of Bengaluru to the power corridors of Canberra, Bina Chandra’s journey is one of quiet commitment, sharp creativity, and a steadfast sense of duty. She has been recognised with the Public Service Medal this King’s Birthday, a tribute to her twodecade long contribution to Australia’s diplomatic infrastructure, enabling foreign policy not through negotiation tables, but through bricks, blueprints, and buildings.
“I’m not directly advancing foreign policy,” Bina tells Indian Link. “But I enable it.”
And that she does by shaping Australia’s diplomatic presence across the globe, one mission at a time.
Bina Chandra, an architect and urban designer by training, moved to Australia in 1998. She graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Bangalore University and then pursued her postgraduation studies from the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi. After brief stints in urban planning and freelancing while raising her daughter, she joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in 2007, where she found a professional home in the Overseas Property Office, and never left. Most may not associate diplomacy with concrete and construction. But within DFAT, the Overseas Property Office is tasked with a crucial, if under-recognised, role: designing, managing, and delivering
clothes swaps, book swaps, community garage scales etc.
Their kids took to it all like ducks to water, even coming up with unique ideas to fundraise.
“In fact, the name WISEKidsWORLD came up when we were all sitting around chatting one evening!”
It’s gone on to teach them to break the cycle of poverty by raising funds to support other kids less fortunate than them.
Along the way, they’ve all blossomed into confident, articulate young adults –while Bindi herself has become a familiar and much-loved figure in Sydney’s Indian community, always ready to lend a helping hand to a wide range of initiatives.
Today, WISEKidsWORLD is helping children thrive – not just across Australia, but also in Uganda and India. Since it
Australian diplomatic properties across the globe – chanceries, residences, consulates, and embassies. “Any chanceries the Commonwealth owns or leases overseas, we manage,” Chandra explains.
From the ground-up embassy project in Bangkok to the newly launched ConsulateGeneral in Bengaluru, her work ensures Australia has a presence that’s secure, strategic, and increasingly sustainable.
Her role, while rooted in infrastructure, has always straddled the artistic and the technical. “Though I don’t draw every day anymore,” she smiles, “architecture trained me to think creatively… to visualise, to problem-solve, and to find agile solutions.”
This creative lens is evident in projects like the Bangkok embassy, where Australianmade “Embassy Red” bricks were used to mirror Thai traditional architecture while evoking Australian identity. “The brick was a metaphor. A blend of local inspiration and Australian material,” she explains. “We bring together two cultures not just diplomatically, but architecturally.”
In 2018, the Australian Embassy in Bangkok project won the Jørn Utzon Award for International Architecture by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
Each project carries its own challenges. In Bangladesh, for instance, Bina’s team had to pre-emptively ship technical equipment due to local capability gaps. In Kabul, they adapted existing leased buildings due to heightened security.
began, the initiative has raised $170,000, with every dollar going directly to the chosen charities. Beneficiaries are introduced through trusted contacts.
“We send school supplies, sporting goods, or help cover teachers’ salaries,” Bindi shares.
She is quite proud of their work in Uganda. “We met an Australia lady who was building an orphanage there. We jumped in with whatever way we could support. The orphanage now has a dorm, educational facilities, and over the years has seen kids graduate from school, and returning to teach other kids there.”
Perhaps the most satisfaction comes from their sustained efforts at a slum school in Delhi.
“We’d been supporting them for a while, and during COVID we sent funds because
“Every country demands a different solution technically, logistically, and culturally.”
Security is always paramount. “Our Diplomatic Security Division sets the protocols,” she notes. “But we ensure that from blueprint to brick, those requirements are integrated seamlessly.” That includes deploying expert teams, managing local contractors unfamiliar with Australian standards, and preparing meticulous documentation, often translating a 100page specification document into the local context with clarity and precision.
Even amid these high-stakes operations, Bina has never lost sight of the broader purpose. “We are the Enabling Services Group. Our job is to enable Australia’s diplomats to do theirs in offices and spaces that are safe, functional, and symbolic representations of our country.”
Her contribution is also deeply personal. She comes from a family of public servants and high achievers. Her late father, Dr Krishna Bhargava, a decorated oncologist, instilled in her the values of integrity, responsibility, and service from an early age. “He set up the cancer institute in Bengaluru, and was awarded the Padma Shri for his service towards cancer treatment and community,” she recalls fondly. “As school kids, my siblings and I… we’d accompany him on weekend cancer screening camps in rural areas. That sense of public duty stayed with me.”
It’s that ethos she’s carried into every
we figured they might be in need. Imagine our surprise when they returned the money – saying please forward to someone else who needs it more than us, we are okay for now! Small steps, but we’re making a difference.”
Among their beneficiaries in Australia have been women’s institutions such as Hornsby Women’s Shelter, country schools for who they’ve collected school supplies, and country-based P&C committees for who they’ve raised funds.
“People now reach out to us with a cause to fundraise for,” Bindi reveals. “We send a call-out for goods requested, or organise a fundraiser. Our most impactful programs however are in education. Education is everything where empowerment is concerned.”
project, whether managing the embassy footprint in Jakarta or piloting prefabricated, modular diplomatic structures like the one in Rabat, Morocco, which was designed and shipped from Sydney and assembled in mere months. As climate and cost pressures rise, she sees modular innovation and sustainable solar energy solutions, off-grid systems, and smarter spatial design, as key to the future of Australia’s diplomatic infrastructure. Her advice for Australia’s housing crisis?
“Explore modular housing seriously,” she suggests. “It’s faster, scalable, and already being used in universities and overseas missions. Prefabrication has enormous potential.”
After 15 years managing projects, Bina has now moved into strategic planning for the DFAT property portfolio -still shaping missions, but from a longer-term, visionary lens. “We’re not just building for today. We’re planning for how people will work tomorrow. More collaboration, more flexibility, more efficiency,” she explains.
As Australia honours Bina Chandra with the Public Service Medal, she reflects quietly on those who shaped her journey: “The award is really testament to the effort of 100s of DFAT colleagues, architects, engineers, cost planners, real estate representatives, other consultants, contractors and workers in several countries that have contributed to every project.”
Torrsha Sen
What advice would Bindi Shah have for someone wanting to start off in a similar activity?
“School is a great place to start. Get involved and it will all fall into place. Find like-minded people. Don’t be shy in asking for help, pick up the phone and talk. The worst is, they’ll say no! There will be disappointments and failures, but keep at it – you’ll find people who will be more than willing to help.”
You’d think that in retirement, Bindi Shah might be taking it easy. Not a chance. As she speaks to us she has plans for helping out at The Dish of St John (a Hornsby-based community food program), organising a clothing drive for a Northern Territory charity, witnessing documents as a JP for Indian seniors with limited English, and cooking for Lucky Singh’s Guru Nanak Free Kitchenette. And that’s just the start of her weekend. Rajni Anand Luthra
ACCOLADES KING’S B’DAY HONOURS
98 – AND STILL GIVING BACK
Custodio Lobo, OAM
For service to the community of Perth
I“felt surprise - and humility - when I received the call about the OAM,”
Custodio Vincent Lobo, 98, tells Indian Link.
To those who know him however, and his enduring commitment to community service, the recognition feels entirely fitting and welldeserved.
Over more than five decades, Mr. Lobo, or “Chappie” as he is affectionately called, has become a deeply respected figure in Western Australia’s community service landscape.
This is thanks to decades of tireless work and leadership across various organisations including the Ethnic Communities Council of WA, National Seniors Australia’s Perth Branch, and the Goan Overseas Association (GOA) in WA, GOAWA.
Wearing many hats but serving one mission, Mr. Lobo’s ability to juggle multiple
commitments with integrity and consistency has been central to his impact.
As an active participant of the Lions Club, Mr. Lobo found many opportunities to serve his local community, fundraising extensively and speaking at public forums, while also holding down many positions in welfare and environment committees.
His service was recognised in 2008 when he received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the Lions Club’s highest honour, along with Life Membership. “That’s one of my proudest achievements,” he reflects. “It’s deeply humbling to be recognised for your contributions at that level.”
Through his work with National Seniors Australia, Mr. Lobo helped create a platform for older Australians to voice their concerns. “We ensured their issues were taken to our
head office in Brisbane and then brought to the attention of relevant Members of Parliament,” he recounts.
One of the projects closest to his heart is the Purple Bench initiative, launched through the Canning City Lions Club as part of a campaign to prevent violence against women.
Born in Uganda in a Goan family, Custodio Vincent Lobo's early life was steeped in both cultural richness and academic dedication. He went to boarding school in Pune, India, and graduated from Bombay University with a major in Accounting.
In 1950, he returned to Uganda to begin his career with the Uganda Electricity Board. Life was stable - until August 1972, when President Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of all British passport holders, giving them just 90 days to leave.
British passport in hand, Mr Lobo applied to migrate to Australia and was accepted.
“The officer at the Australian High Commission stamped my passport with a big ‘Yes,’” he recalls. “We arrived on 1 January 1973. At the migrant hostel, we were the first coloured family, and I’ll never forget the reactions at breakfast the next morning!”
His journey into community engagement began shortly after, with what seemed like a chance encounter.
“While at the migrant hostel, I went to buy a car,” he says. “The dealership owner turned out to be the District Governor of the Lions Club. He invited me to join, and I did.”
That one invitation sparked a lifelong mission – and a heart for community.
As a devout Catholic, Mr. Lobo finds
BUILDING BRIDGES, SHAPING COMMUNITY
Dr. Satish Gupta, OAM
For service to the community of South Australia
For over forty years, Dr. Satish Gupta has been a dedicated contributor to both the Indian and wider Adelaide community. A former President of the Indian Australian Association of South Australia (IAASA) and his local Rotary Club, he has also given his time and leadership across many other community initiatives.
Dr. Gupta’s involvement with the Indian community started in the way of friendships and supporting other migrants.
As the community slowly grew, they came together as the Indian Club which later developed into the Indian Australian Association of South Australia (IAASA), Adelaide’s leading Indian association.
Dr. Gupta was President of IAASA from 2000–2002 and was known just as much for his wit and humour, as for his organisational and networking skills. Known as the Festival State, South
Australia saw its Indian Festival flourish as Indian Mela under his leadership. He elevated the event to new heights - securing a larger venue, attracting high-profile guests including government officials and state ministers, expanding stage performances, and increasing business participation.
He also started the Australia-South Asia Regional Chamber of Commerce (now defunct) and took what was probably one of the first State trade delegations to India. He was also a board member of the International Council for Trade and Commerce for several years.
“Through these organisations we increased the business between Australia and India and now, the trade between Australia and India is over $42 billion,’’ Dr. Gupta muses. “I feel proud to have been a small part of it.”
Indeed, Dr. Gupta has been a “small part” of many different things in Australia, as well as in other parts of the world.
Dr. Gupta grew up in Kashmir and moved to the UK for university, ultimately ending up with a Doctor of Science from California.
He arrived in Adelaide in 1974. “We landed on a Sunday and I started work on Monday morning,” he tells Indian Link. “I had been offered a job as State Planning Officer before I arrived.”
He continues, “In those days there were
only 3 or 4 Indian families in Adelaide – in fact, there were more Indian families in Tasmania!”
Dr. Gupta’s community work in Adelaide started with the Rotary Club, particularly Rotary International. He went on to take leadership positions like President and Assistant Governor of District 9520.
Dr. Gupta has contributed to South Australia in many ways as his interests are varied. He was Director-General of the India-Australia Policy Institute, sat on various Boards and Committees like the Active Ageing Advisory Committee of Campbelltown, and the Council for International Trade and Commerce SA. He was also a Liberal candidate for South Australia’s Senate.
Despite all his high-level roles, he remains genuinely humble, approachable, and unfailingly respectful to everyone he meets.
“My style is to be nice to everybody,” Dr Gupta remarks. “Never be rude to anybody. Listen to what others have to say, then make a decision because everybody has a contribution towards making this world go round.”
And in his own way, Dr. Satish Gupta goes about quietly contributing to the world we live in.
Currently, other than Rotary, writing is what keeps him going. He has published four books and is working on a fifth.
his motivation rooted in a strong spiritual foundation. “My faith guides me in helping those less fortunate,” he says. “It’s the core of everything I do.”
He remains active at Queen of Apostles Church, where his faith and community values intersect daily.
Mr. Lobo also held a notable professional role as Curtin University’s inaugural Acting Academic Registrar. Despite this demanding position, he kept his professional and community lives distinctly separate. “My service to the community was not influenced by my career,” he affirms. “It was something I pursued from the heart.”
Mr. Lobo’s family - his wife the late Bernadette (née Nazareth), their daughter Marie and son-in-law James Pintohave witnessed the evolution of Perth’s multicultural landscape, often playing a pivotal role in shaping it. “When I first joined GOAWA, I encouraged our members to take part in broader Indian community functions. I wanted to create a fusion of cultures.”
Today, Chappie Lobo's passion for service remains undimmed. “The joy of seeing people and community groups benefit from our work - that’s what keeps me going.”
And his commitment shows no signs of slowing. “As long as I have the strength, I will offer my services to the community.”
When asked how he wishes to be remembered, his response is as humble as his actions have been meaningful: “As someone who made the lives of those less fortunate, richer.”
Frankey Gerard Fernandes
They are all works of fiction but well researched and based on real life.
Of his service activities, he says, “Whether it was in the Rotary, Indian association or when I was working in the government, it was a joint effort. I just happened to be the team leader. It is all a contribution.”
Dr. Gupta is grateful for the opportunities he has had and his family, especially his wife Shakti who have supported him in all his activities.
“I consider myself very fortunate, yes. I did my best for the country, for the state, for the community and for the people I came across.’’ Vinaya Rai
HONOURS
FUELLED BY GRATITUDE, DRIVEN TO SERVE
Haran Ramachandran, OAM
For service to the community through a range of organisations
Vidyasagaran Haran
Ramachandran recounts two moments in his life that confirmed his work with Rotary was more than service – it was his true calling. The first came during a life-threatening accident when he spent seven months in hospital, and Rotary stepped in to support his young family. The second arrived years later, when he was named in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for his own dedicated service to the community through Rotary.
A long-time Rotarian, Ramachandran is District Governor nominee for NSW’s Central Coast to Blue Mountains, having held multiple leadership roles and earned several Rotarian of the Year awards.
“My involvement with the movement goes further back to the early 1980s, having been an Interactor (Rotary’s service club for young people aged 12-18) and a Rotaractor (for young adults aged 18-30).”
It is however, the projects that he has been involved with, that Ramachandan likes most to talk about.
“Many resilience-building and opportunity programs I’ve been part of have been lifechanging — across communities in India, Sri Lanka, Bolivia, Nigeria, Cambodia, and here in Australia,” he desribes.
These have included providing medical equipment and setting up a coronary artery disease fund in Sri Lanka; supporting COVID-impacted communities in India; sustainable community development programs in Sri Lanka and India, and a health program in Cambodia that administered the HPV vaccine to stateless Vietnamese refugees.
The successful social impact and public welfare programs in India hold a special place in the heart of this Sri Lankan-born Australian.
“Socio-economic development projects have taken me to underserved communities all over India. In Odisha, we built school toilets for girls and biotoilets for women across 10 slums in Bhubaneswar, alongside health and hygiene education with local women’s groups. In Prayagraj, we helped the leprosy mission acquire a mobile van for early detection. In Aurangabad, we partnered with local organisation Udaan to provide a mobile van for outreach on Type 1
SURVIVOR. LEADER. CHANGEMAKER
Menaka Iyengar Cooke, OAM
For service to women, and to the community
I“just feel like I have to lend my voice for those who have no say,” says Menaka Iyengar Cooke, winner of Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for her service to women, and to the community.
Sydney-based Menaka wears many hats – that of a teacher, author, entrepreneur, a psychotherapist and counsellor, podcaster and stand-up comedian too. But she is most passionate about being a volunteer and advocate for women’s rights as well as a voice and helping hand for migrants, refugees, older people and anyone who cannot speak for themselves.
“I have had the taste of what it’s like,” she says, explaining what made her want to be a support for those that needed help and guidance. Having lived in Australia since 1973, Menaka survived an abusive
marriage and single-handedly brought up her daughter, working jobs through the day and studying in the night hours.
She built a successful career in human resources and organisational development, working with ASX100 and international companies. Throughout, she championed cultural change and drove diversity initiatives – from familyfriendly policies and inclusive business strategies to employment programs for people with disabilities – earning numerous accolades along the way.
Backed by her study of psychotherapy and counselling, Menaka now supports people to empower themselves and achieve change.
Having worked her way up through the grind, Menaka has broken many a proverbial glass-ceiling along the way, now sitting on multiple boards and in non-executive positions of many organisations and associations to champion the issues close to her heart, including the Women’s Electoral Lobby, Older Women’s Network, Equality Rights Alliance to name a few.
She has worked on ComBank’s DARE project (Dowry abuse education in the Australian Indian community), and
diabetes prevention in remote areas. During COVID, we worked with a Victorian team to send medical equipment to India.”
He speaks with passion about a particular Rotary project in Vijayawada, which collected funds to help build a hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
“Rotary is a global family – we see people, not borders or religious divides or conflicts.”
Another highlight from India was in Zinkalapalem village in Andhra Pradesh, where Ramachandran’s project provided access to water.
Zinkalapalem, a fishing village for centuries, found itself knocked about a fair bit in recurring tsunamis.
“When local fishermen chose to shift their livelihood from the sea to farming on 250 acres of their ancestral land, they faced a major challenge: limited water supply, because the Krishna River there flows for only three months each year. Our project supported them in building dams to overcome this.”
It not only helped uplift the region, it also helped Ramachandran, recovering then from severe burns to 55% of his body. Rehabilitation had involved a seven-month stay at Concord Hospital, followed by three years of multiple surgeries.
“The disfiguration and impacted mobility left me with a loss of self-confidence – it was
with Settlement Services International on human slavery and labour exploitation to facilitate training programs in forced marriage, human slavery, domestic servitude, technology facilitated abuse, among others.
Since 2017 she helms the Indian Crisis and Support Agency as its director and secretary.
“I have seen discrimination firsthand – be it for gender, race and age to name a few. It continues till date in different forms and it’s unfair to be treated as a ‘less-than’. Which is why I feel passionately about getting women into leadership roles,
Zinkalapalem that got me out of the house, to go and see the impact of our work there.”
He adds, “It brought renewed vigour –given the medical advice to my wife had been to turn off my life support!”
As a first-generation family, they had no one to support them, but Ramachandran’s Rotary family stepped in like angels.
“Three times a week, they drove me to hospital for 3 and a half years. They drove my kids to school and back daily, often giving them pocket money.”
That was 16 years ago, and Haran Ramachandran is filled with gratitude for the second chance he has received at life.
“I want to give back to those that helped me and my family when we needed help desperately. It encourages me to do more good in this world.”
At 56 now, he dedicates a large portion of his day to Rotary work.
“God has a plan,” he says with the quiet conviction of a deeply religious man. “I’m a strong believer. My belief drives me and guides me.”
It is an attitude that has seen him take on management roles at Hindu organisations, such as Sydney Sri Ayyappa Swami Temple and Melbourne’s Shiva Vishnu Temple.
“I undertake a Tirupati pilgrimage annually, and am pleased to say God has given me darshan at various temples across India.”
The King’s Birthday honour this year left him “surprised, emotional, overwhelmed.”
“As a first-gen Australian, I never expected to be nominated. I’m grateful to Rotary, my community, and especially my wife and two daughters. I’ve given them a good life — and that has motivated me to help improve the lives of young women in India.”
Asked if he has any words of motivation, Haran Ramachandran smiles, “Come join us at Rotary – and be part of creating positive change in the world.”
Rajni Anand Luthra
and helping new migrants with their Centrelink issues, or the elderly to work through their matters. There is so much talent among the South-Asian community, and I feel our grandchildren shouldn’t have to wait another generation to see our names up there among the leaders who are shaping this society,” she says with conviction.
Using her time as a volunteer radio newsreader for 2RPH in Sydney, Menaka helped bring to life ‘Colours of Australia’ – a podcast where she interviewed people of colour (from India, Srilanka, Bangladesh, Africa, Malaysia) to showcase the unsung heroes.
Her mantra through all the grind has been ‘kindness’. “I believe we need not pick fights with everyone. The best way is diplomacy and in trying to get along with people. Be modest and kind to everyone. We should try to take everyone along,” she says.
Reacting to the recognition as part of the King’s Birthday honours, Menaka says she is now inspired and motivated to do even more.
“I am already kicked about writing a book and working through my passion for intersectional feminism, as I believe one size cannot fit all,” she says.
Tarini Puri
We grieve, they troll
Air India tragedy sparks a rise in online racism, revealing persistent undercurrents of hate
The wreckage of Air India Flight AI171 still smoulders in the collective memory of a nation in mourning. A Boeing 787 carrying 242 souls, families, crew, students, crashed into a medical college hostel, shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. There was only one survivor.
As India prayed and families braced for the long wait to identify bodies charred beyond recognition - reliant on DNA alonethe internet burned with hate.
“Indian pilots and Air India, bad combination.”
This single sentence, posted just hours after the tragedy, lit up the comment section of a popular Australian news outlet’s Facebook page.
It took just eight words from the author to ignite a storm online, fanning flames already smouldering.
It didn’t take long for responses to pour in: “Zero common sense as a human being,” … “I guarantee they were more intelligent than you.”…“Racists and public comments, bad combination.”
And yet, the damage was done. At a time when the world was supposed to pause and mourn the loss of over 260 lives, racism made its entrance, as confidently and shamelessly as ever.
It didn’t stop at one comment.
“Slimy, stinky, scamming, arrogant dogs –that’s a good start right there.”
“That’s one way to thin them out.”
Nothing about condolence, or queries about rescue efforts, or even airline safety or policy – just racial slur dressed up as commentary.
What followed was a flood of disgust: “Low soul. Get some life.” “You described yourself perfectly.” “I want to be there when your family dies… so I can laugh in your face,” one replied, unable to hold back their fury.
Social media quickly devolved into a digital war zone, grief pitted against hate, sorrow against sarcasm.
It’s a bitter pill for a diaspora that makes up over 2.8% of the population who are educated, contributing, law-abiding citizens. Yet, in moments of crisis, their place in society is sometimes reduced to a punchline for cheap thrills.
While many Australians condemned the racist comments, their very presence online is not surprising. This isn’t the first time that tragedy involving Indian lives has been met with mockery. The pattern is hard to ignore.
One Indian-Australian user wrote in a Reddit thread: “We’re used to it. You grieve while someone throws a curry joke in your face.”
What’s particularly disturbing is the timing. The deceased were yet to be recovered from the site of the tragedy, and keyboard warriors here found time to mock the victims’ ethnicity, question their competence, and dehumanise them in a way that stripped dignity from death.
One commenter replied bitterly:“The pilot died too, you absolute ghoul. Have some decency.”
Another commenter, attempted to bring back reason:“It was a Turkishadministrated Boeing and the engine failed… these assumptions have nothing to do with facts.”
But facts rarely matter when hate is being served.
Prominent Sikh-Australian community organisation Turbans 4 Australia called out the alarming wave of racism that surfaced
online following the crash - condemning the “abhorrent and dehumanising comments” made by some Australians, noting that tragedy should never be a cue for prejudice.
“These victims were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, not punchlines for racist trolls.” The message urged Australians to show empathy, stand in solidarity with the Indian community, and hold digital platforms accountable for letting such hate persist unchecked.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, and Instagram has taken down some of the most inflammatory comments. But others remain. No official statements have been issued yet by Australian authorities or media outlets where these discussions unfolded.
As a multicultural nation, Australia needs to reckon more honestly with its digital discourse. This isn’t about censorship, it’s about compassion.
In the end, tragedies like the Air India crash are not just about aviation failure. They're about how humanity responds when confronted with loss.
Will we console? Or will we condescend?
“We’re not just fighting grief anymore,” one user observed. “We’re fighting the people who think we deserve it.”
And that’s the real tragedy.
Torrsha Sen
Funding reform, fractured right
It’s time for a
Teal Party
Australia’s two-party system is feeling the pressure - political funding reforms help make the case for a Teal party to shake it up
TBY TUSHAAR GARG
he Canterbury-Hurlstone Park
RSL roared as Anthony Albanese christened a new era of Australian politics. He opened with a proud Acknowledgement of Country and silenced jeers aimed at his defeated opponent. Albanese framed Labor’s unexpected 94-seat majority as a mandate for equality and inclusion.
You’d be forgiven for thinking these are similar values to those celebrated in electorates like Kooyong, Warringah, and Wentworth — where community independents, the Teals, triumphed. For the Teals, though, these values are rooted in climate action, political integrity, and community engagement.
Until now, shared values alone haven’t been enough to push the Teals to form their own political party. But that could change. In time for the next federal election, the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Act 2025 (Cth) will tilt the field against the Teals. The legislation explains these changes using the Quokka Party and the Wombat Party, I’ll use the Teals and the Liberal Party.
REFORMS WHICH SQUEEZE INDEPENDENTS
The new laws set a Division Cap of $800,000 in electoral spending per candidate and a Federal Cap of $90 million per party. These caps only apply equally in theory.
Although both the Teal and Liberal candidates will be capped at spending $800,000 in your local electorate, the Liberal candidate may also rely on the Federal Cap. The Liberals can run additional advertising with their branding, which will only count towards the Federal Cap, provided it doesn’t mention your local candidate or electorate. Without common branding as a party, the Teal candidate can’t rely on anything beyond their Division Cap. To makes things worse, Liberal Senate candidates can utilise their Senate Cap to commission similar ads across the state.
FUNDING THAT DOESN’T SCALE FOR INDEPENDENTS
All politicians will now receive administrative funding of $30,000 per year ($15,000 for Senators). For the Liberals, this could translate into $4 million flowing to head office in an election cycle, even if some of it is allocated to respective electorate offices.
The Teals will receive $90,000 each in an election cycle. Despite what a recent increase in tariffs will tell you, basic economic principles still exist, as do economies of scale. Through a centralised approach the Liberal head office will bring down the per politician cost of managing the party, organising policy discussions, complying with new obligations, among many other important exercises.
And despite the new donor cap of $50,000, it will apply to state and territory branches of the Liberal Party separately. The Liberals can rely on donations up to $450,000 per person, per year. High-net-worth individuals could donate up to ~$1.5 million to the Liberals across branches in an election cycle – dwarfing the $150,000 for each Teal.
Even public campaign funding has a skewed effect. With the rate increasing to $5 per primary vote, major parties benefit from national coverage that attracts them at least 10% of the primary in every electorate across Australia.
For example, in Albanese’s seat of Grayndler this election, the Liberal candidate David Smallbone, who finished third, attracted a 14.3% primary of 15,810 votes. The Liberal Party head office could now receive upwards of $75,000 for Smallbone, a candidate they likely invested very little in. This occurs across the entire country and the Liberal's war chest replenishes by turning a profit from many seats.
THE STRATEGIC CASE FOR A TEAL PARTY
The financial gain for the Teals should alone make this an easy decision. The Teals could spend twice as much in each electorate, attract ten times more in donations and spend extra millions thanks to the efficiencies of a head office. If the Teals added
Senate tickets and ran more lower house candidates, these benefits would multiply. From the Second World War to 2018, only 16 independents were elected to the lower house. Today, there are effectively 11 independents.
More importantly, the Coalition is fractured. If the Nationals withdraw again, it will leave only 28 Liberals in the lower house as the formal opposition party. Australia’s second major party hasn’t been this weak since the Second World War.
Independents also received over 1.1 million first preference votes in this election. That’s one in every 13 voters. Grouping these votes doesn’t do the community-first identity of the Teals justice, but the numbers don’t lie. Between Nicolette Boele and Monique Ryan’s husband, there is even enough of a side show to constitute a political party.
A NEW POLITICAL LANDSCAPE?
The 2022 election was a surprise. The 2025 result may be a mandate to form a new centre-right party with a focus on climate action, integrity in politics and community engagement. This could mark the most significant structural shift in Australian politics since the rise of the Greens. Australia’s two-party structure is under pressure, and global precedents, from Germany to France to New Zealand, suggest the path forward may be more pluralistic. The Bondi Bowling Club will roar if Allegra Spender announces the formation of a new political party. But she won’t be christening a new era of Australian politics. She’d be catching up with one.
Unroll the mat,
International Yoga Day isn’t just about perfect poses or early morning routines, it’s a chance to reflect on why this ancient practice still holds space in our busy, modern lives. Whether it’s for strength, stillness, flexibility, or simply the calm it brings, Yoga means something different to everyone. To mark the day, we asked Yoga enthusiasts three
RIA
Actress, dancer, writer
What first got you into Yoga, and what keeps you coming back?
I was a gym rat, but three years ago on a whim I went to a retreat - we had a Yoga teacher who guided a daily practice and she was incredible! As a dancer I just loved the movement, it was like meditating. Yoga is about coming back to yourself - when I feel lost Yoga helps me reconnect to myself again.
Which asana have you personally had most benefit from and how?
I love Baddha Konasana Uttanasana (Forward Fold Butterfly). It’s a
gentle hip opener. Hips store a lot of emotions and it can be a beautiful way to release tension but also emotions.
The forward fold aspect is a great way to decompress the spine, stimulate digestion, calm the nervous system. The inward nature of the shape encourages you to look within.
What advice would you give to someone starting Yoga for the first time?
You have always been doing Yoga! In the 8 Limbed Path of Yoga, the first pillar is Yamas, or observances towards others - this includes
Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness). Notice when you were young and you told your parents the truth, or when you shared your lunch with a kid at school – yes, that’s Yoga! Yoga goes beyond the mat: whilst it might feel “scary” to attempt asana (movement), notice how you’re already practising Yoga off the mat. In terms of your Asana, it’s not about how you look, we sometimes look at others on their mats and compare, but come back to yourself. Keep it simple, notice how you feel, come back to your breath, your body.
Khushee Gupta
Certified
Yoga
What first got you into Yoga, and what keeps you coming back?
I first got into Yoga while working overseas; I was under constant pressure with tight deadlines. The stress began affecting my physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. That was a turning point for me - I knew I needed to find a natural, sustainable way to cope without relying on medication. That’s when I turned to Yoga and meditation. It became more than just a practice; it was a deep transformation. I started exploring my inner self through the tools of Yoga, and over time, it has given me a lasting sense of inner strength, peace, and joy. Even today, through all of life’s challenges, Yoga continues to be a powerful tool that helps me manage stress, overcome anxiety, and stay grounded.
Which asana have you personally had most benefit from and how?
I truly love all asanas, but the
and meditation
one that has brought most personal benefit Matsyendrasana (Half Fishes Pose). It’s a allows me to deeply inner system - the intricate of the body that support night.
Through this asana, an awakening of energy particularly in the chakras, including the Muladhara, gentle activation of supports the flow of positively impacting like the liver and kidneys, also toning the spinal enhancing spinal cord
One of the most benefits I’ve experienced helping regulate my sugar levels. The combination energetic and physiological makes this asana a grounding, and healing daily practice.
unwind the mind
straightforward questions about their connection to the practice. The answers were thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly honest. From quiet moments of clarity to unexpected lessons learned mid-pose, here’s what Yoga lovers had to say about the practice, the challenges, and why they keep showing up.
meditation instructor
brought me the benefit is Ardha (Half Lord of the posture that deeply connect with my intricate workings support us day and asana, I feel energy within, chakras, Muladhara, and a Kundalini. It of Apana Vayu, impacting internal organs kidneys, while spinal nerves and cord function. practical experienced is its role in my blood combination of physiological effects powerful, healing part of my
What advice would you give to someone starting Yoga for the first time?
Approach it as a daily habit, just like brushing your teeth. Incorporating Yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques into your routine can bring profound benefits, not only for your physical health but also for your mental clarity and inner growth.
Yoga helps you connect to your inner consciousness, allowing you to experience inner peace, joy, and strength. It becomes a powerful support in navigating life’s challenges with greater resilience and calm.
Remember, you don’t need to search outside for peace or strength - they already exist within you. Through consistent practice, Yoga simply helps you tune into your own inner world and experience the deep bliss that lies within.
Rajni Anand Luthra
SANJEETA BHATTACHARYA
Actor, Indie singer, songwriter, composer
What first got you into Yoga, and what keeps you coming back?
I got interested in Yoga after learning about its many benefits, especially how it helps improve breathing - something essential for singing on stage and acting. Yoga has become a part of my routine because of the positive impact it has on my performance and overall well-being. Practices like Kapalbhati and Anulom Vilom have made a huge difference in how I manage my breath, focus, and energy. Yoga keeps me centred and calm, both emotionally and physically, which is why I keep coming back to it.
Which asana have you personally had most benefit from and how?
Kapalbhati and Anulom Vilom have been the most beneficial for me as they improve my breathing patterns and help calm my mind. They also help release stress and ease performance-related nervousness. Apart from these, I also enjoy doing Surya Namaskar and Dhanurasana as they enhance the flexibility and strength of my entire body. These practices contribute not only to physical fitness but also to mental clarity, which is crucial in my artistic journey.
What advice would you give to someone starting Yoga for the first time?
Start with simple Yoga practices focused on improving both your body and mind. It’s important to practice under the guidance of a certified expert, especially in the beginning, to ensure you’re doing it correctly. If that’s not possible, there are many reliable YouTube tutorials by experienced Yoga teachers that can help you get started safely. Be patient, listen to your body, and allow yourself to grow gradually in the practice.
Torrsha Sen
Keeping trams on track
Australian trammie Roberto D’Andrea’s Tramjatra marks thirty years of tramway friendship between Melbourne and Kolkata
“BY PRUTHA CHAKRABORTY
My friends and family joke that I am a tram baby,” laughs Roberto D’Andrea.
Born in 1961 to Italian migrants [Giuseppe and Immacolata] who met, courted, and even married along Melbourne’s No. 70 tram line, Roberto’s earliest memories of trams are foetal ones - safely nestled in his mother’s womb as she commuted through the city. Little did he know that that would not only shape his career as a beloved Melbourne tram
conductor, but also inspire a unique crosscontinental cultural movement: Tramjatra.
The SundarbanTramjatra, held in March 2025 in Kolkata, was a four-day festival that marked 30 years of tramway friendship between Kolkata and Melbourne. This year’s edition was themed around the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest on Earth, which, like Kolkata’s tramways, faces immense environmental and political threats. The festival saw a Kolkata tram transformed into a moving artwork featuring biodiversity-themed designs by patua artist Sarna Chitrakar and illustrator Sumantra Mukherjee, supported by public events, and folk performances.
But where is Roberto D’Andrea in all this, you ask? He is the beating heart of this enduring movement.
Calcutta calling
For Roberto, the tram was never just a mode of transport. It was a stage, a classroom, a community hub - and at times, a protest platform. After traveling the world in the 1980s and seeing trams vanish from urban landscapes in North America and Europe, he returned to a Melbourne that had defiantly kept its tramways alive.
“Conductors had a smart looking uniform, leather bags and old-style paper and cardboard tickets. It was like stepping back in time. I wanted to become a tram conductor,” he says with fond nostalgia.
Each depot had a group of theatricalentertaining conductors (affectionately called ‘Connies’ by Victorians).
“Drivers and conductors supported each other, comrades. I was also a conductor trainer and then became a tram driver. I loved driving the old wooden-bodied W Class trams,” he shares.
Eventually, he became a trammie at the South Melbourne Tram Depot, which Roberto calls “the most 'eccentric' of all eight Melbourne depots, with more entertaining connies and trammies that were proud of Melbourne's unique tram history”.
In October 1994, Roberto’s tram journey took a transcendent turn. A girlfriend, Sarina,
convinced him to join her on a holiday to India. Before departing, fellow tram enthusiasts (also called ‘gunzels’) told him that the only tramway to survive in India was the Calcutta Tramways Company. Naturally, on his first day on Indian soil Roberto managed to hear the tram bells (called gongs) at a distance from his Chowringee accommodation.
“All I had to do was follow the sound until I reached the Esplanade tram terminus in central Calcutta. The trammies there took me to the Belgachia Depot…we played like tram children comparing life as a trammie in Melbourne and Calcutta,” he remembers.
Trams matter
From that serendipitous encounter, the Tramjatraprogram was born. A grassroots celebration of tram culture and sustainability, Tramjatra became a creative alliance between Melbourne and Kolkata tram lovers. In 1996, Roberto returned to India with a “travelling tram show” launching a movement that has since seen 16 trams in Kolkata and six in Melbourne transformed into moving artworks - canvases for messages of cultural diversity, climate action, and community resilience.
“Melbourne has a wonderful tram decorating tradition that formally started in the late 1970s,” he explains. “This is the tradition that we took to Calcutta. Our 1997 Calbourne Tram was a co-design between Michael Douglas (co-founder of Tramjatra), myself and the tramway workers from Belgachia depot. Friendship trams with names like Bondhu (meaning friend in Bengali), Calbourne, Sundari Sunrise, Cricket, Baccha, Paribeshbandhu, Gitanjali (an ode to Rabindranath Tagore’s book), 20th anniversary trams in both cities, Durga (Hindu goddess) and two 150th anniversary trams preceded this year’s SundarbanTramjatra tram.”
Despite political roadblocks and route decommissions, Roberto’s resolve is unwavering. “Kolkata has a perfectly good tram system. In an age of climate emergency, we should be investing in trams, not dismantling them.”
Today, trams are making a global comeback in cities from Edinburgh to San Diego to help lower congestion, carbon emissions and air pollution. Roberto's decades-long mission to preserve trams in Australia and India deserves attention.
“Trams are more than vehicles - they’re symbols,” he says. “Of inclusivity, of history, of resistance. They connect us physically, emotionally, and culturally.”
And while he remains based in Melbourne, his heart is permanently docked between two depots: South Melbourne and Belgachia.
“Each Tramjatra is a new beginning,” he says. “It’s not just about preserving the past,it’s about imagining a better future.”
Roberto in Calcutta trams in 1996
Indian-themed trams at Melbourne: Moomba parade (2001) and Indian-Australian artist Bushra Hasan’s 2007 design
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 2025. 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:
As time dances on
contemporary Australia because it's religious,” Dr. Chandrabhanu remembers. “If you look at the history of most cultures in the world, the arts all originally came from a religious or spiritual source.”
Revisiting the legacy of Dr. Chandrabhanu OAM, 25 years after the closure of his Bharatam Dance Company
DBY LAKSHMI GANAPATHY
istilling over forty years of pioneering work into one three-hour long performance is no easy feat when you’re as celebrated an oeuvre as the Bharatam Dance Company, and as illustrious a presence as Dr. Chandrabhanu OAM.
But ‘Bharatam Reprise’, a one-weekend-only revival of the Bharatam Dance Company’s most iconic pieces at Darebin Arts Centre, was a fitting homage to the enduring magic of Australia’s first state and federally funded Indian classical arts company.
Aligned with the 75th birthday of the company’s central figure Dr. Chandrabhanu, ‘Bharatam Reprise’ saw nine young graduates of the Chandrabhanu Bharatalaya Academy resurrect a selection of Bharatam’s repertoire 25 years after the company’s closure, as a tribute to their cherished guru Mamu.
Under the tutelage of original Bharatam cast member Ambika Docherty, carefully selected classic Bharatam dances from Navagraha: The Planets of Destiny (1991), Shakti: Goddess (1993), Savitri (1998), The Dance of Shiva (1989) and their Dance in Education program were placed in the hands of capable young successors, who Dr. Chandrabhanu says approached the task with commendable dedication.
“In the old days, with Bharatam, we were salaried, it was our job. These dancers now, they're doing it out of their own interest, and they raised the funds themselves,” he says. “That attitude is very impressive; I have inculcated into them the love of the art form and the subject matter. I'm very proud of the fact that they're all mature dancers.”
Dr. Chandrabhanu’s lifelong legacy resists simple definition, and would require just as long to accurately traverse; the man himself is keen to emphasise his complexity when asked to summarise the secret ingredient behind their stature.
However, a striking feature amongst all of Dr. Chandrabhanu’s works is an appreciation of how life and art intersect.
“The knowledge that I teach is not just dance, and I think all my students know that - this dance is about life,” Dr. Chandrabhanu says. “You don’t just get up on stage with a pretty smile and beautiful costumes. The life experience you bring to the performance is important. I think this is what art is. In the end, it is a reflection of life, or what life could be.”
It’s a sensibility visible in his signature piece, Divakara Tanujam; as someone born under Saturn, he expresses an affinity to the illreputed Lord Sani, and even at the age of 75 insists on performing this dance himself.
“The dances I used to do when I was younger have transformed themselves through me because I'm now 75…I have to approach it from a 75-year-old’s point of view,” he says. “When one gets old, there are things your body cannot do, but the psyche of the works remain. You have to understand that at this age, you are expressing it in a different way. Dance, after all is not just a physical thing, it's the dancing mind.”
Dr. Chandrabhanu came to Bharatanatyam through listening to the mesmerising rhythms of Carnatic music as a child in Penang.
These days he is many things - a choreographer, a teacher, an anthropologist, a lover of textiles, an academic – a plurality of identities influencing his practice.
“All these interests come together in my choreography – they form the layers that define a Chandrabhanu work,” he says.
“When my guru saw my academic work, he said, ‘use it in what we do.’ That stayed with me – and I’m proud that my students now also see how dance connects to their lives and communities.”
As one of the first exponents of Indian classical arts in 1970s Australia, Dr. Chandrabhanu’s work spoke to people from all walks of life. Bharatam’s own four core members – Arun Munoz, Ambika Docherty, Tina Yong and Dr. Chandrabhanu – came from a variety of backgrounds, a testament to the transcendent and universal power of the form and collective themes of their artistic exploration.
“I teach my students this - whatever space you dance in, you need to be able to affect that space with something else, which is the space within you, to influence the audience's experience of you. When I dance, what I'm doing is making the audience feel as if they are dancing,” he says.
Founded in 1983, Bharatam paved the way for cross-cultural understanding during multicultural Australia’s infancy, achieving a level of commercial and critical success amongst a non-South Asian audience hitherto unheard of for a traditional form.
As vanguards of South Asian art in Australia, much of the effort at this time went towards the education of audiences.
“Sometimes people who didn't understand where the artform came from, or weren't willing to do any research on it, would say we were a religious cult because we danced about Hindu gods - it can't be relevant to
“When I made Medea, critics had a field day…They said ‘Chandrabhanu has turned himself to contemporary theatre’. I said ‘I'm making a work which was presented nearly 2500 years ago at a religious ceremony, just as most [Bharatanatyam dances] were part of temple culture, but today we perform them in theatres. But you don't call Medea a religious work, do you?’”
These days, Dr. Chandrabhanu says, with the influx of South Asian Australians nostalgic for the homeland, classical arts have taken a new shape amongst the diaspora.
“For many of the people who are living here now, there is this fear they're going to lose their culture, particularly in the culture that is going to be adopted by their children. In a sense, many of my students [were] sent to me to be educated,” he says.
“So much respect is given to me for being able to pass on my cultural knowledge, but what sometimes I am amused by is that I'm not just teaching them a traditional art form with traditional ideas - I'm very much an iconoclast. I'm talking to [these young girls growing up] about issues to do with women. I'm very proud of the fact that most of the people I have trained (who are women) have taken that on - we have minds of our own.”
Amidst a new generation grappling with modern multicultural concerns, Dr. Chandrabhanu is excited to see how his works stand the test of time.
“My students are the future. In time, whatever they will do, perhaps they will also do it in their own way; that's up to them. I'm not so concerned that my works would change with each generation. What matters is that they imbibe the seriousness and research into the works that I have undertaken over these years.”
Chandrabhanu and Bharatam now, and below, then
From wheeze to ease
WBY NIDHI PANICKER
inter is here, and so are sniffly noses, coughs, viral illnesses… and asthma flare-ups. Asthma is a very common condition in people of South Asian origin. However, we do see many things that present as ‘asthma’ or trouble breathing which might be caused by something else entirely.
What is asthma?
Asthma symptoms are caused by narrowing of the small air passages of your lungs. This occurs when they become inflamed/infected and get narrower, and can also fill with mucous. Any narrowing of a pipe causes resistance to flow (traumatic flashbacks to Year 12 physics anyone?), so once the airways become narrow and blocked, it becomes harder to breathe.
Most babies and toddlers will wheeze if they catch a viral infection which causes temporary inflammation of their airways - this doesn’t mean that all of these children will go on to develop asthma. Approximately 20% (1 in 5) children will get an asthma diagnosis, and many children will grow out of their asthma.
What can cause asthma?
We are still doing research into the genetics of asthma, as it often runs in families.
Common asthma triggers include
1. A viral illness, e.g. having a cold
2. Doing exercise or sport
3. Weather changes - especially an increase in dust or wind
4. Allergens such as pollens, dust mites or pet dander
5. Cigarette smoke exposure (even passive exposure e.g. walking past someone who is smoking).
People who have eczema or hayfever (also known as ‘allergic rhinitis’) can also be more prone to having asthma. Children who suffer from hayfever and constantly have a sniffly/dripping nose, can be more prone to having flares of asthma symptoms - it is thought that the drip of nasal secretions into the back of the throat and airways can cause the airways to become reactive and inflamed. Treating hayfever often improves symptoms: it’s best to speak to your GP about what antihistamines are suitable for your child. Most are very safe and work best if given every day (as a preventative) rather than after hayfever symptoms have started.
What does asthma look like in a child?
In the most severe cases, your child will look like they are struggling with their breathing - sucking in of the neck and chest wall and breathing very fast. They may have a wheeze (which can be best described as a ‘whistling’ sound, heard when your child breathes out) and cough. A cough on its own does not equal asthma.
Some children have cough, wheeze and struggle to breathe after exercise - this is called ‘Exercise induced asthma’
How do we treat asthma?
If your child gets a diagnosis of asthma, the most important part of managing this is to try to prevent attacks as much as possible by:
1. Talking to your GP about optimising any risk factors eg treating any allergies or hayfever
2. Reducing your child’s exposure to any preventable triggers like cigarette smoke/vapes
3. Ensuring that your child’s immunisations are up to date
4. Practicing good hygiene strategies: stay home if your child is unwell, good handwashing technique, and wear a mask if unwell and needing to go out into public
A paediatrician’s notes on supporting children with asthma
5. Having an up-to-date ‘Asthma action plan’ – which is a document made by your GP/paediatrician/respiratory specialist (asthma doctor) which outlines what to do when symptoms start. Following this plan early at the start of a cold or other trigger, can often mean avoiding a trip to the hospital. A copy of this plan should be kept at home, on your smartphone and given to daycare/school.
6. Ensuring you are taught how to correctly use a spacer and mask.
All children with asthma will have a blue puffer called ‘Ventolin’ (its medical name is ‘Salbutamol’ and doctors often use both terms when describing this puffer). This medication helps to temporarily open the airways up and acts very quickly.
During an acute asthma episode, the doctor may also prescribe your child a short 3-5 day course of steroids. These medications help to dampen down the inflammation response happening in your child’s airways.
Some children, depending on the severity, will also need to take a Preventer puffer every day (of which there are many types). These medications deliver steroids directly to the airways and are often used to manage symptoms in children with moderate to severe asthma.
As always, speak to your friendly GP if you think your child has any of the symptoms described above. The Royal Children’s Hospital website also has asthma factsheets (in many languages) for further reading.
INDIAN LINK LOVES
Loving right now
What we’re obsessed with this month
READ
WATCH
Banu Mushtaq’s book The Heart Lamp has made history, being the first short story anthology and the first work written in Kannada to win the International Booker Prize. Known for her striking ability to capture the nuances of human nature, Mushtaq’s collection of twelve short stories dives into the lives of Muslim women in South India. Its translator Deepa Bhasthi has brought the work to a larger audience through her ability to faithfully capture Mushtaq’s prose through English. With this award-winning translation readily available, there’s no excuse for not picking up this vital work.
LISTEN
L-Fresh the Lion has “fire in his belly,” but seems to also have the peace of mind to “fly above” any barriers. His new singles are filled with this type of dynamic. His lyrics are hot with rage, while the instrumentals are less heavy, perhaps reflecting his hard-won sense of calm. It’s no surprise that his first EP after a five-year break is titled Reincarnation. His songs might have similar themes to his earlier work, but his lyrics have an added edge, no doubt a product of the five years he spent fine-tuning his craft.
It’s Saira vs the Straight White Maliens in Lesbian Space Princess, a ridiculously funny story of an introverted princess who embarks on a journey to rescue her ex from aliens. The stakes are high as she faces hazards such as “gloom-goo” and worst of all, her own self-doubt. Light-heartedly playing with heavily politicised concepts, the film is unafraid to make a point even if it alienates some viewers. Directed by Adelaide’s Emma Hough Hobbes and Leela Varghese, the film embraces its ridiculous premise with all its heart yet is deeply insightful, stirring up those much needed warm and fuzzy feelings.
EAT
Looking to dive into some warm, hearty meals in the face of this chilly weather? Why not make dum aloo gnocchi? There are so many ways you can make this dish from sticking to the original, but simply integrating dum aloo made your way, to jazzing up the tomato sauce with Indian spices. It’s spicy, easy to make and a great twist on a classic dish. And as always, if you’re not bothered to make the dish (and you’re a Melbournian), then Melbourne’s Ish Restaurant can whip one up for you.)
WRITTEN BY SRUTHI SAJEEV
with Lakshmi Ganapathy
GAUTAM RAJU is the global director of Policy and Advocacy for the Movember Foundation, a leading men’s health charity, and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s School of Public Health and Medicine.
How does South Asian identity influence ideas of masculinity?
Cultural identity certainly shapes how masculinity is understood and expressed, in complex and often conflicting ways. South Asian identify, for example, is influenced by a long history of colonialism, caste, religion, migration, which plays out differently across generations and geographies.
For many South Asian men, masculinity is tied to achievement: being a good provider, succeeding in school or work, keeping it together emotionally. There can be real pride in those ideals – but also pressure.
For South Asian men living outside their country of origin, there’s often a sense of straddling worlds: holding on to cultural expectations at home, confronting racism and trying to make sense of their place between tradition and change. At Movember, we know that when masculinity becomes too rigid –when there’s no room for vulnerability or softness – it can leave men feeling isolated or like they’re falling short. We need to broaden the conversation, so all men – no matter their background – feel seen, supported, and empowered to take care of their health.
person in that boy or that man’s life, who can also land that message in a compelling way. We know that for young boys, the father figure is someone that they look up to; a male role model in their lives is someone that’s important in driving good outcomes for that child.
Movember have recently launched the Men In Mind Program. Why does our healthcare system need to engage with masculinity?
The Netflix series Adolescence a conversation on our masculinity crisishow do we keep it going?
I think it’s about openness, right? How do you bring [people with toxic views] back and ask questions, as opposed to going in and saying, ‘this is wrong’. In many cases, when you ask the right questions, you can get people to question that content.
It’s also about who’s the most trustworthy
Men don’t seek help when they need to and only show up when it’s too late. Then when they do show up, they drop out of the healthcare system. There are things like ‘the doorknob conversation’ –when men go to see GP, they don’t really talk about what’s going on for them until they’ve got their hand on their doorknob and they’re about to leave.
That’s why we see things like high suicide rates in young men…The Men in Mind program upskills the [healthcare] workforce in how to talk to men, how to make sure men stay in the system and how to ensure that they get a good experience. If we can upskill people to be able to respond to [these problems] we can really improve health outcomes
What’s something that you’re currently listening to/reading/
Lots of podcasts at the moment. I’m listening to ‘Search Engine’ – the guys that did ‘Reply All’ have started a new podcast where they investigate a question, like ‘Why does Buckingham Palace have a swimming pool?’ or ‘Do the political signs that you have during elections actually make an influence?’ It’s smart, funny, creative journalism.
What’s a word that you like in a South Asian language, and what does it mean?
I love the word ‘jugaad’ because I feel like that’s how I live my life. I use it all the time.
Soan Papdi or Papdi Chaat? Papdi Chaat. It’s crunchier.
‘Gerua’ Iceland
Fire and ice: Iceland’s raw beauty lies in contrasts — ice sheets and lava fields, glaciers and geysers, on a land forged by fire
IBY SANDIP HOR
celand was prominently placed on my bucket list after seeing the 2015 Bollywood film Dilwale, which stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
The film's most popular song 'Gerua' was filmed in various picturesque locations across Iceland, and the stunning icy landscapes depicted on screen were so captivating that many aspired to visit the sites where the song was shot.
Indeed, following the film's release, there was a significant rise in the number of Indian tourists traveling to Iceland. For me, Iceland transformed into a dream destination: recently, that dream was fulfilled.
Besides capturing the thrills of discovering the sights of a new country, my hidden agenda was also to affirm the Icelandic landscape that I saw on the screen was no less beautiful, and I have no hesitation to admit my eyes were not disappointed at all.
Located close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a North Atlantic Island nation and a member of the Scandinavian ensemble of countries. It’s believed the island was uninhabited until discovered by Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson in 870 CE during the Viking age. The early settlement comprised of seafaring Norse
and Celtic population and began its political journey as a free state, later coming under the rule of the Norwegians and the Danes before becoming independent in 1944.
Situated in the southwestern corner of the island, Reykjavik serves as the capital of the nation and the primary entry point for international travelers, with the Kelflavik International Airport located 32 kilometers from the city centre.
Hammered by the waves of the North Atlantic and framed by distant snowy mountains, the city is relatively small compared to other European capitals. Nevertheless, its vibrant character and colourful appearance, characterised by houses painted in shades of red, blue, yellow, and green, compensate for its size. The best view of this cityscape can be enjoyed from the top of the 75-metre tall Hallgrimskirkja Church, a 20th-century architectural masterpiece and the city’s most notable landmark.
Reykjavik boasts of many museums, which are great to introduce visitors to the nation’s history and culture. The National Museum of Iceland and the Saga Museum were ideal venues for me to learn more about the Icelandic sagas many of which recount the Viking period, Danish colonisation, religious conflicts and modern developments.
The showstoppers for Iceland are its natural wonders. The land is home to over a hundred volcanoes, some of which are still active. These geological features have significantly
influenced Iceland's rugged terrain through frequent eruptions and lava flows. In glaring contrast to the volcanic activity, Iceland is also home to a substantial number of glaciers, covering around eleven percent of the country's land area. Due to the coexistence of these extreme natural elements - volcanic
fire and icy glaciers - the destination is often referred to as the 'Land of Fire and Ice’.
While politically and geographically Iceland belongs to Europe, geologically the land belongs to both Eurasia and North America because of its positioning on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the two continental tectonic plates converge. This particular area is covered by the Thingvellir National Park where visitors gather not only to capture the natural beauty of the lava field, glacial lakes and views of volcanic mountains at a distance, but to seize a rare glimpse of the edges of the two tectonic plates.
This particular site is also of great historical significance. It was here the early Norse settlers in 930 CE scripted the maiden page of the nation’s history book, opening the world’s first democratic parliament which remained in session until 1798.
The natural spectacles of Iceland can be enjoyed by opting for multiple day tours from Reykjavik. The most popular one is the Golden Circle tour which is a 300km looped route covering three iconic locations –the Gullfoss Waterfall, the colourful Haukadalur geothermal valley where the Strokkur geyser sprouts steam, sometimes up to 30 metres upwards and the Thingvellir National Park. Instead of day trips, I embarked on a fourday expedition with Iceland Travel, one of region’s reputed tour operators, exploring the renowned South Coast region, which in addition to the Golden Circle spots included
Iceland beauty
Reykjavik Emblem
many exotic sites, some of which were ‘Gerua’ music video locations like the Skógafoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara Beach, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and lava fields close to Katla and Hekla volcanic mountains. While there, I could visualise Shah Rukh and Kajol dancing and romancing as seen on screen.
Although 'Gerua' was filmed in the summer, my visit occurred during the late winter, when the landscape was enveloped in a thick layer of ice due to significant snowfall. Consequently, rather than observing the natural hues of the pine trees or the yellowish-brown of the moss-covered lava rocks, I was predominantly surrounded by a striking white expanse, an experience that is both rare and extraordinary for someone raised in India and living in Australia.
Furthermore, while volcanoes can be
destructive, they also produce substantial geothermal energy, which is harnessed in Iceland for a variety of purposes, including heating homes, swimming pools, and greenhouses, as well as for baking bread. While at the Haukadalur valley, I had the opportunity to taste Icelandic rye bread baked in a pot packed under the outdoor natural sand for almost a day.
One of Iceland's main attractions is the Blue Lagoon, a renowned geothermal spa where immersing oneself in its mineral-rich, healing waters is profoundly revitalising. This experience was the final activity of our tour, and after nearly two hours in the pool, all my fatigue from four days of road travel dissipated, leaving me invigorated and grateful to Iceland for the unforgettable journey.
TRAVEL NOTEBOOK
Getting There Fly Qantas (www. qantas.com) via London to Reykjavik
Stay Fosshotel Reykjavik (www. islandshotel.is), Hotel Stracta (www.stractahotels.is) and Hotel Klaustur (www.hotelklaustur.is)
Tours For info on tours to Iceland, check Beyond Travels (www. beyondtravel.com.au)
Blue Lagoon hot springs
Colourful silhouette of Reykjavik
Diamond Beach
Strokkur geyser
Gulfoss Waterfall
Frosty fun, full tilt
Icelandic rye bread
Jokulsarlon Glacier
cineTALK
Drama? Check. Laughs? Check. Thrills and chills? Absolutely. What KHUSHEE GUPTA is watching this month
THUG LIFE (In cinemas)
This is an upcoming Tamil-language gangster drama that brings together two legends of Indian cinema – director Mani Ratnam and actor-writer Kamal Haasan, who also co-wrote the script. Set against a gritty backdrop, the film is expected to explore themes of power, and survival in the underworld, with classic Ratnam-style storytelling.
Releasing 5 June
HOUSEFULL 5 (In cinemas)
Housefull 5, directed by Tarun Mansukhani, continues the franchise’s chaotic comedy with a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandes, Sonam Bajwa and more. Set partly on a cruise ship, the film leans into brain-rot situations and absurd antics, promising another round of familiar madness with a fresh setting.
Releasing 6 June
STOLEN (amazon prime)
What unfolds when two urbane brothers witness a baby being snatched from a destitute mother at a rural Indian railway station? Stolen, starring Stree fame Abhishek Banerjee, who is also well-known as one of Bollywood’s leading casting directors, is backed by Anurag Kashyap and Kiran Rao as executive producers.
Releasing 4 June
THE GREAT INDIAN KAPIL SHOW (Netflix)
India’s most popular comedy show is back with Season 3. This season is gearing up to deliver even more laughter, heartwarming nostalgia, and the grand reunion of some of India’s most beloved comedy stars. Fans can expect fresh sketches, witty banter, and the classic charm that made the show a household favourite. With a stellar lineup and surprises in store, this comeback promises to be bigger, bolder, and funnier than ever.
Releasing 21 June
HARI HARA VEERA MALLU
(In cinemas)
This is the untold story of Veera Mallu, the first Indian warrior to ignite a revolt against the Mughal Empire. Starring Pawan Kalyan and Nidhhi Agerwal in key roles, this Telugu film is a story of rebellion and a fierce battle for justice, freedom, and honour.
Releasing 12 June
RANA NAIDU SEASON 2 (Netflix)
With new cast members like Arjun Rampal and Kriti Kharbanda joining the mix, the gripping story of Mumbai’s top fixer continues. As Naidu attempts to leave his chaotic past behind to protect his family, buried secrets and unresolved conflicts resurface, pulling him back into the dangerous world he wants to escape.
Releasing 13 June
THE TRAITORS (Amazon Prime)
Karan Johar is the host for an Indian adaptation of the internationally acclaimed thrilling reality show The Traitors, which will have guests like Apoorva Mukhija, Uorfi Javed, Raj Kundra and more. In typical KJo flavour, this reality show promises a spicy ride with secrets spilled and guests left feeling uncomfortable.
Releasing 12 June
MAA (In cinemas)
In Maa, Kajol takes on one of her most intense roles yet, a mother caught in a mythological clash between divine power and dark forces. Directed by Vishal Furia and produced by Ajay Devgn, the film promises an eerie look into maternal strength, faith, and fear as it blends horror with spiritual themes.
Releasing 27 June
JALSO: A FAMILY INVITATION
(In
cinemas)
Returning home for a wedding, a woman is forced to face not only the warmth and chaos of family traditions but also the weight of love, judgment, and unresolved shadows from her past. Caught between expectation and personal truth, this Gujarati film is a journey of self-discovery, finding strength in unexpected connections and faith.
Releasing 13 June
TRANCE OF KUBERAA (In cinemas)
This Telugu film explores the pursuit of wealth and its consequences, following a beggar’s sudden and dramatic transformation. The themes of greed, ambition, and moral dilemmas faced by the central characters, lead to a quest for redemption. The film stars Nagarjuna, Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna in key roles.
Releasing 20 June
SITAARE ZAMEEN PAR
(In cinemas)
Aamir Khan plays a fallen basketball coach who finds himself training a team of kids who are not what his character is used to. A spiritual successor to Khan’s 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, this film features ten protagonists with diverse abilities, including autism and Down Syndrome, portrayed by specially-abled actors themselves.
Releasing 20 June
PIND PEYA SAARA JOMBIELAND
BANEYA (In cinemas)
A Punjabi film is breaking new ground as it dives into the zombie genre for the first time in the industry. Blending local culture with supernatural horror, it brings fresh thrills and chills, marking a bold step into uncharted cinematic territory for Punjabi cinema.
Releasing 13 June
KANAPPA (In cinemas)
A Telugu language film starring the likes of Vishnu Manchu, Mohan Babu, Prabhas and Akshay Kumar this film follows the journey of an atheist hunter who later on becomes a devotee of Lord Shiva and plucks out his eyes in an act of devotion.
Releasing 27 June
WE WERE LIARS (Amazon Prime)
We Were Liars is a series adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name, featuring Indian actor Shubham Maheshwari in a key role. It follows a close-knit group of friends from wealthy families, uncovering hidden secrets and complicated relationships.
Releasing 18 June
DAKUAAN DA MUNDA 3 (In cinemas)
This Punjabi-language film explores intense themes as it depicts the story of an orphaned boxer from a criminal family who battles addiction. Once sober, he seeks redemption while confronting a corrupt officer deep in Uttarakhand’s forest - what follows is a gritty journey of survival, resilience, and facing the shadows of the past.
Releasing 13 June
Some Indian links at SFF
Nishtha Jain’s India: Candid, complex, unscripted
It was a chance encounter with the Sydney Film Festival (SFF) director Nashen Moodley at the Dharamsala International Film Festival that landed Nishtha Jain an opportunity to bring her films to Australia.
“I invited Nashen to watch Farming the Revolution at the festival — he loved it, along with a very emotional audience,” Jain recounts. “He later watched all my films and expressed interest in showcasing my last three — an absolute honour.”
Though Nishtha has earned critical acclaim and numerous awards for her socially conscious documentaries such as Gulabi Gang (2012) and The Golden Thread (2022), it’s her latest film Farming The Revolution (2023) that’s getting the attention.
The award-winning documentary captures the 13-month protest by 12 million Indian farmers – one of the largest and longest mass protests in India. They were protesting the government’s new farm laws which they said would benefit big corporations at the expense of ordinary people. Not allowed to enter Delhi, they were forced to camp outside the borders of the capital.
Nishtha was in the US when the protests started, amidst COVID lockdown. Intrigued by the continuing masses joining the protests, she flew back home.
“We stayed in Delhi for 13 months and filmed for 135 days. What we witnessed was unprecedented. While the protest was born out of anger toward unjust laws, that anger never overshadowed the community’s dignity or peaceful conduct. The idea that farmers, already facing severe hardship, chose to feed everyone — including protestors, locals, and even the police — was symbolic of how they are feeding us.”
“Despite facing harsh weather and political tension, the protestors — primarily from Punjab and Haryana — demonstrated strength, unity, dignity, and mutual care. This was not a violent group, even though the government and the media were trying to show them as terrorists or troublemakers.”
To cover a protest that spanned over a year must have come with its own challenges.
“The biggest challenge we faced was covering the large extent of the protests with minimum resources. The demonstrations were taking place all across northern India.
With no funding, limited resources and a small team, we had to choose specific characters and stories to focus on. We prioritised individuals who resonated with the movement and with the camera.”
The documentary also highlights the crucial role women played in the movement and how they were encouraged to participate.
“This was the largest participation of women in any Indian movement. On March 8 (International Women’s Day) some 100,000 women gathered at the protest site – reportedly the largest such gathering in India. Unfortunately these scenes weren’t included in the documentary.”
Nishtha also participated in a panel of Independent Filmmaking at SFF.
“Being independent offers me a unique space of honest storytelling and authenticity, that commercial cinema often restricts. I have consciously chosen to ensure my voice isn’t compromised. Despite the financial and systemic challenges, I have prioritised my creative freedom over commercial success.”
Nishtha’s body of work is proof that documentaries play a crucial role in capturing and preserving the stories of our time. By chronicling real events, voices, and lived experiences, they offer audiences not just information, but a deeper understanding of the world around them. At their best, documentaries serve as lasting records – illuminating untold histories, amplifying marginalised perspectives, and providing invaluable context to current events.
As well, in an era of fast-moving news cycles, a thoughtfully crafted documentary can stand as an enduring testament to the moments and movements that shape our collective memory.
“There is a misconception also that documentaries are not entertaining,” Nishtha Jain laments. “Documentaries can be just as engaging and emotive as commercial films, combining storytelling with social depth in a compelling way. My films are immersive and realistic, where viewers can absorb the atmosphere and draw their own conclusions. Thanks to the Sydney Film Festival, I’ve brought the story of India’s common man to Australia.”
Neeru Saluja
Adelaide filmmaker Leela Varghese’s cosmic comedy
Few titles spark curiosity quite like Lesbian Space Princess, a film that invites you to expect the unexpected.
Turns out, it was this quirky title itself – and nothing else – that got this film off the ground.
Leela Varghese’s film went on to take the prestigious Teddy Award at the Berlinale Film Festival this year, and was a surprise hit recently at the Sydney Film Festival (SFF).
The Adelaide-based director tells Indian Link, “My partner and co-director Emma Hough Hobbs was in the shower when this title suddenly came to her. What started as a joke was built into a story – we ended up with a riotous animated adventure through the vastness of queer space, but it has a heart to it with a strong message.”
The story follows an introverted lesbian space princess (voiced by IndoAustralian actress Shabana Azeez), who goes on a quest to save her bounty hunter ex-girlfriend from the ‘Straight White Maliens’ (voiced by comedy group Aunty Donna), a satirical take on oppressive, homogenising forces in the galaxy.
The film blends Leela’s experience in comedy and Emma’s expertise in animation, two areas in which they felt women were under-represented.
“We wanted to create a character who represents the experiences of real women, especially those who are both brave and anxious. The goal was to showcase women who can be strong while also dealing with vulnerability and awkwardness - something we could relate to personally,” says Leela.
She adds, “We wanted to tell a story that is important to us and feels personal and meaningful. In the end, it becomes a story of self-love - learning to value yourself, separate of other people’s validation.”
The award-winning Indian/Lebanese filmmaker is known for her joyful queer stories which spotlight cultural diversity in Australia. Her short film I’m the Most Racist Person I Know which premiered at SXSW Austin 2025, and where it won the Special Jury Award, also screened at SFF.
“My stories always represent second or
third generation immigrants. I make sure that my lead character showcases a voice that I understand and can relate to - being an immigrant kid, it’s my authentic voice. It’s not every day that you see a South Asian as a lead in an adult animation.”
While the animation is an example of how we are nurturing fresh and diverse voices in storytelling, Leela also refers to this film as her ‘labour of love’.
“The film is inspired from our personal journey and made with a small team. Emma and I are also romantic partners, so it’s our baby. The love also comes from everyone who stepped on board and believed in and trusted the vision because it is a small independent animated feature.”
As an independent filmmaker, Varghese is thankful for the support her project has received – especially in a landscape where securing funding and opportunities in Australia can be challenging.
“We have to pay huge credit to South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) –the way they support South Australian filmmakers is unmatched compared to other states. Lesbian Space Princess comes from their Film Lab: New Voices initiative. We are also very grateful to SFF – they not only showcased this film, but celebrated it.” She acknowledges however, that the path for small independent filmmakers is not without its obstacles.
“Regarding opportunities for filmmakers like us, we do feel a disconnect between Australia and international film festivals,” she muses. “It’s because the Australian film industry is smaller compared to the global industry. At times, you have to go overseas to get noticed and some voices do better in a global market than Australia. That’s why it is important to tell all kind of diverse stories, specially coming from the younger generation.”
For this young and promising filmmaker, the hope is her film Lesbian Space Princess is just the start of a larger galactic quest. With screenings taking place all over the world, the film will be travelling next to SXSW London and San Francisco for Frameline, the longest running and largest queer exhibition in the world.
Neeru Saluja
JUNE 2025 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
MARCH 21 - APRIL 19
A cycle of destiny is coming to an end. Let go of what leaves, and welcome the new. An ex could make a comeback but you are not sure you want them back. Expenses could go up this month. Make changes at work for more career satisfaction. Mood swings, binge eating and suppressed emotions could cause health issues. A friend could be hospitalised. The changes that are coming are pre-destined and you could get good news regarding finances.
The card drawn is an indication of change where new elements are coming in or a cycle is closing. The self-employed will get a chance to promote their business through social media. Some of you may be thinking of buying property. Your partner could do something special for you that could revive your relationship. Despite money coming in slowly, you will remain financially stable. Any effort you make towards your spouse, at work or in your studies will attract multiple benefits.
A month of abundance as career opportunities, returns on investment, and more come your way. Take a break if you have been working too hard. An unresolved problem could cause anxiety. Be careful where you eat as you could get a tummy bug or food poisoning. Upskill yourself and learn new things for more work-related opportunities. Even if your personal problems persist, you will be in a happier frame of mind. A debt owed to you will be paid up.
Upskill should be your motto this month as you lay a practical and sound foundation for a secure future. Singles will meet several interesting people –choose the one who lights you up from within. Even if you are experiencing mood swings, stay practical at all times. Avoid being out in the sun too much. Finances improve, in short bursts. Someone might offer monetary help, if you are self-employed. Seek a mentor if you are not clear which way to go.
JULY 21 - AUG 22 SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21
23 - SEP 22
A good month with new beginnings, manifestations coming in and a passionate love affair on the anvil. Some of you may rekindle an affair with an ex. At work, Leos will be motivated and may even get a raise. A vacation may have to be cut short. The self-employed might enter into a new partnership. If a situation feels too good to be true, it probably is, so don’t take everything at face value. Finances are stable but stress-related ailments could crop up.
Picking the card for Pisces indicates a boost in creative avenues for the meticulous Virgos. Singles will still be looking for that one great love; nothing less will suffice. Those in a relationship might have to deal with some emotional immaturity from their partner. Take care of your knees and any joint pains you have. You might get an offer to be a consultant. If you have a longstanding problem, you will receive the guidance you need to make the right moves.
You pick the card for Leos, making you a lot more outgoing this month. Get togethers, a new romance, or a career boost can be expected. Some of you need to let go of the past to let a new relationship bloom. A rocky marriage could end in divorce. Alternate therapies might work for your health issues and for your pets too. Your manifestations will come through so be mindful of what you want to attract into your life.
A new beginning in the realm of healing, relationships and creative pursuits on the anvil for Scorpios. There could also be an engagement or a pregnancy announcement in the family. Someone unexpected could be romantically interested in you if single. New ideas boost creativity this month. A fervent wish could come true. Some of you may start a side hustle to make extra money. A positive month on all fronts, and the universe will support you in achieving your goals.
Those in a relationship could be ending it for various reasons; there could be infidelity. Be aware no matter what profession you are in – as someone could be trying to mislead or dupe you. Conflicts at work require control over one’s temper. Do not ignore your intuition in any troublesome matter. Others could blame you unfairly and treat you badly. Let go of old grudges and things will work themselves out. Accept and surrender to the universe for best results.
The Chariot card always symbolises movement. You need to walk away from a certain situation in your life. Work at keeping your mental and emotional sides in balance. Singles will still need to keep looking for that special person. Avoid pushing for outcomes in moments of conflict, it will only make matters worse. Let things be and they will improve. Money owed to you will come. Overall, things will work out better than you expected, on all fronts.
20 - FEB 18
DEC 22 - JAN 19 AQUARIUS
PISCES
FEB 19 - MARCH 20
You will want to unshackle yourself from bonds that restrict you. Singles will not settle for a romance that doesn’t feel deep. Work that feels more in tune with your personality will come your way. Meditate to find the root cause of your anxiety. Breathing problems need to be looked at. Do the morally right thing as always but don’t become rigid when it comes to others. Do some mental decluttering for creativity to come in. Let go of the past.
You need to introspect on the things going wrong in your life. What patterns are you repeating that you need to let go? New job offers, a financial boost or a new lover will bring a muchneeded uplifting of your spirits. The self-employed will see a boost in their business. Practice moderation in everything this month, especially alcohol. Avoid getting too friendly or familiar with someone you may be interested in. Work on getting your life in order to feel better.
Pot luck: And I lost
DEAR AUNTYJI
Last week I had a mishap the consequences of which I am feeling even now.
I opened an overhead cabinet in the kitchen, and the biggest handi in the house came tumbling down, landing on my face. Auntyji, I saw taare zameen pe, just like a Bugs Bunny cartoon. I didn’t bleed, but I got a huge lump on my forehead and my nose and cheek are super sensitive, even a week later. I didn’t go to the doctor because, well, it was only a handi, and it’s not like I broke my nose.
But the reason this happened is because my husband thoughtlessly shoves pots in overhead cabinets because he is tallest in the house. For months now I have been telling him not to do this, as it is an accident waiting to happen. Strangely, after the initial shock and pain wore off, I didn’t feel angerwhich is what I expected to feel towards my hubby because this was a consequence of his lack of care. I was accepting of this: it was in my karma to feel this
thappad from the universe for some past misdemeanour. Hubby was mortified when he heard, and has been behaving weirdly ever since. It’s as though he’s waiting for me to blame him. I know he is upset about his carelessness - which makes me wonder if I actually died in that mishap and I don’t know it yet. The pain in my face tells me I am alive, but my husband’s sadness makes me think I died. BTW, I did not blame my husband or even make him feel guilty. I stayed with the facts that a handi fell on my mukhda. How do I make him feel better?
AUNTYJI SAYS
Oh, my poor chameli, my little kishmish - I am saddened to hear about the handi taking its badla on innocent you in such a poetic fashion. But I am gratified to see that you did not let your rage get the better of you - and that you did not make your husband feel guilty for this carelessness. Now if you are feeling pain, I suspect you are still zinda. Although, if you are not feeling anger, then you could be a calm aatmaan. I mean, if you had died with rage, you would be a churail by now and your husband would be quivering in the pantry
waiting for a broomstick to flail him as he begged for forgiveness.
So, my perspective is that your husband feels guilty and remorseful. And in a strange way, your calm acceptance of this durghatna makes him feel even worse. At least if you had shouted and carried on and writhed on the floor in pain, that would have provided a release for all his stress hormones. But never mind. See, the fault is also yours, my little darkini. If you knew this was an accident waiting to happen, why didn’t you implement safety protocols? Why didn’t you put in a risk mitigation, like proposing the pots be stored elsewhere? Maybe that’s why you’re not feeling rage. You are just as much to blame for this situation. So what to do? Simple. Tell your patidev that it is a woman’s lot in life to be at the mercy of her handi and other bartan. And woe is you. And then search on the internet for jokes and memes about pots falling on people’s heads and share this with hubby. He will appreciate the grace with which you’re dealing with this mishap.
