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C e l e b r a t i n g 3 0 y e a r s a n d 3 0 M u l t i c u l t u r a l M e d i a A w aJULY r d2023 s1 Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 • GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 • Ph: +61 2 9279 2004

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IndianLink SYDNEY | NOVEMBER 2024 | Vol. 32 No. 02 | FREE

All things Indian. In Australia.

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EDITORIAL

Leave a trail

All things Indian. In Australia.

PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra CONTRIBUTORS Torsha Sen, Lakshmi Ganapathy, Khushee Gupta, Manan Luthra, Ananya Thirumalai, Apoorva Tandon, Sruthi Sajeev, Srikanth Rajagopalan, Bhumika Srihari, Natasha Jha Bhaskar, Ruchi Lamba, Sumathi Krishnan, Priya Dev, Prutha Chakraborty, Ritam Mitra, Petra O’Neill, Minal Khona, Auntyji SALES AND MARKETING Charu Vij ADMN Aanchal Matta Indian Link is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the editor. Opinions carried in Indian Link are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Indian Link. All correspondence should be addressed to:

INDIAN LINK MEDIA GROUP Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 Ph: 02 9279-2004 Email: info@indianlink.com.au

Reflections on our 30th birthday BY PAWAN LUTHRA

T

read lightly but make a difference – leave a trail.

This is an adage which comes up when I think about Indian Link on its 30th birthday.

Over the years, we have been strong, not belligerent; treaded lightly rather than bulldozed our way; been inclusive rather than sought to divide, and chosen tactful, evidence-based and assertive arguments over megaphone diplomacy.

Our social media pages and office phone lines have been swamped with messages from well-wishers on this milestone.

Though messages from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, and former High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell have been welcome, what has been touching is to understand the various ways in which the community have found value from Indian Link over the last 30 years. Learning about their connections with us has left us nothing short of overwhelmed.

The fact that people have framed Indian

Link print pages in which they featured is humbling: for us it was a story to be told, for them it was a validation of their work.

The fact that Indian Link Radio is a constant companion and a connection to the outside world for the elderly in nursing homes warms our hearts.

Our stories on topics like the experiences of South Asian LGBTQI+ individuals, the importance of addressing domestic violence and coercive control, the challenges faced by families with children with disabilities, and the issues of aging in an adopted country have helped traditional families understand and empathise with these experiences. By bringing these vital conversations to the front pages, we’ve given voice to issues that deeply impact our multicultural communities.

At inception in 1994, there were 74,000 people of Indian origin in Australia. By 2013, this number was 378,400, and in 2023, almost doubled to 846,000 or over 3% of the population.

With current trends, it won’t be unreasonable to expect our community to be over 5% of the population by the end of 2030, just six years away.

As keen observers of the trends in the community, I would expect the Indian-Australian community to be well respected and well accepted by

mainstream Australians. Expect more politicians of Indian origin at council, state and federal levels, more CEOs in leading companies, more sportspeople (especially in cricket) of Indian heritage, and a greater number of IndianAustralians in the creative industries.

As in any community, we will also encounter bad actors; those who consider themselves above the law, who take shortcuts, and who ultimately come face-to-face with this country’s legal and justice system.

We must take care also, to strive against energies that seek to divide us, Australians of Indian origin, along religious lines. Our generation has grown up in an India of peaceful coexistence, and we must bring back that secular attitude of building community.

As we grow in numbers and become an attractive voting bloc, we need to pull up any forces that divide Indian-Australians as Sikhs or Hindus, Buddhists or Muslims.

Nonetheless, we will be there, capturing the highs and the lows. We will leave a trail for future generations to look back on and to follow.

Thank you for your trust and support, praise and pushback, criticisms and accolades.

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CONTENTS SPECIAL FEATURES ACCOLADES Indian Link’s 30th award in its 30th year

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DIASPORA

Trump re-election: What Indian-Americans think

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DESIGN

Indian links for a French-Aussie jewellery designer

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Humiliated at home, India trudge Down Under

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It’s Auntyji in the spotlight this month!

COVER STORY 30th ANNIVERSARY Indian Link marks its 30th with a gala evening, and a new initiative

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YOUR SAY THIRTY YEARS STRONG LAKSHMI GANAPATHY on Indian Link Media Group’s 30th anniversary gala: amidst friends and wellwishers, founders Pawan and Rajni Luthra made an announcement of a scholarship for media students.

Natasha Jha Bhaskar wrote: "We do not learn from experience…we learn from reflecting on experience."

Indian Link Media Group's 30th anniversary celebration was a powerful evening of reflection and resilience. It highlighted how a journey’s richness is shaped by taking risks, adapting to change, enduring challenges, and building lasting relationships.

The captivating stories felt like a masterclass in commitment in a world defined by fleeting attention spans and instant gratification, where resilience can vanish faster than lukewarm coffee. A refreshing reminder that dedication has stood the test of time for three decades, also acknowledging in the process the sacrifice of what feels normal – everyday routines, parenting practices, and work-life balance.

Imagining the launch of a multicultural newspaper 30 years ago, when the Australian Indian population was just 72,000, might have seemed uncertain, but it was a perfect exercise in entrepreneurial foresight to see the possibilities ahead of time. Today, the Australian Indian diaspora has grown to a robust 1 million.[#Takeaway: Keep an eye out; an opportunity may be waiting for you to seize. #Takeaway: Passion is the spark that ignites achievement, not just resources alone. #Takeaway: Ensure agility in the age of ambiguity.] Indian Link has normalised the discomfort, vulnerability, and anxiety that often comes with moving to a new country. It has created a space where emotions are acknowledged rather than ignored. "Fit in" involves embracing and understanding one's own emotional experiences while navigating the complexities of a new culture, accepting, assimilating and belonging better. Thank you for the privilege to hear about your vivid journey.

Sriraman Annaswamy wrote: Hearty congratulations yet again on the last 30 years, an epic tale of diligence, perseverance, flexibility and most importantly, IMPACT. Keep up the great work.

Your article on my work in 2008 was a significant game-changer for my business and me personally, and was the first-ever analytics article here in Australia. Will always cherish it, thank you.

Sukhmani Khorana wrote: What fantastic news for media students and so befitting of your legacy! Huge congratulations, Indian Link team.

Michelle Cahill wrote: What a terrific contribution to the arts you've made.

Dinsha Palkhiwala wrote: Wow, that looks and sounds so great. Sad I missed this wonderful occasion. May Indian Link grow and prosper.

Sunil Vyas wrote: Heartiest congratulations to all the members of your team on an excellent 30th anniversary celebration for Indian Link. Typical of Indian Link standards, everything was so professionally done whether the creative individual name tags or the on-screen good wishes from VVIPs. Manan was very charming and superbly choreographed the night. It was enlightening to hear the history of Indian Link from both of you including the challenges faced. The historical journey was so well complemented by Manan's perspective as a family member, enforced volunteer and later as a key new-generation team member. The Treasurer's story of how Indian Link had affected him since childhood and its influence of him was superb from a consumer point of view. Other key speakers spoke very eloquently of Indian Link and its significance.

Pawan, I was also very impressed with your description of how its history is also illustrated by the changing nature of the advertisements proffered through the decades. Heartiest congratulations once again and wish you and Indian Link all the very best in its journey over the next 30 years as it crosses new frontier! PS: I have a confession - I always start 10 NOVEMBER 2024

reading Indian Link from the rear pages because my first port of call is Auntyji!

Preeti Thadani wrote: Loved the speeches, presentations & the personal touch of our name cards.

Tarini Puri wrote: An absolutely wonderful evening of celebration. I was so glad to be a part of it, and every word from all speakers was 100% true and justifies every success that has come your way. May Indian Link continue to uphold pure journalism and the flag of India-Australia ties. Onto the next 30!!!

Anu Shivaram wrote: Congratulations to team Indian Link for 30 years of value-based journalism; for being the link between India and Australia,for being a voice of the Indian community and for spearheading significant issues like the Referendum, LGBTQ etc. Pawan and Rajni may your madness continue to prosper!!

Scott Farlow wrote: Wonderful to celebrate 30 years of Indian Link Media Group tonight and the foresight, dedication and love that Pawan Luthra & Rajni Luthra have shown not just for the paper and media but the entire Indian Australian community.

Nadeem Ahmed wrote: 30 years of truth, 30 years of dedication, 30 years of community, 30 years of growth, 30 years of change, 30 years of impact, 30 years of voices, 30 years of integrity, 30 years of inspiration, 30 years of storytelling, 30 years of connection, 30 years of journalism, 30 years of commitment, 30 years of courage, 30 years of innovation, 30 years of trusted news, 30 years of informing, 30 years of excellence, 30 years of resilience, 30 years of shining a light, 30 years of capturing moments, 30 years of trusted reporting, 30 years of community spirit, 30 years of celebrating achievements, 30 years of uncovering the truth, 30 years of breaking boundaries, 30 years of progress, 30 years of unwavering commitment, 30 years of delivering the facts, 30 years of bridging cultures, 30 years of listening to every voice, 30 years of fostering dialogue, 30 years of making headlines, 30 years of curiosity, 30 years of being the voice of the people, 30 years of timeless stories, 30 years of documenting history, 30 years of shaping opinions, 30 years of making a difference…. A huge congratulations to Pawan Luthra, Rajni Luthra, Indian Link Media Group on celebrating 30 incredible years of storytelling, community connection, and excellence!

In an inspiring speech by NSW Treasurer Hon Daniel Mookhey took us back through the newspaper’s amazing journey. Then we heard reflections from Joseph La Posta (did someone say Joseph Gupta!?)

The celebration continued with video messages from the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Senator Penny Wong Wendy Huang wrote: Congratulations to Indian Link Media Group who last week celebrated 30 years of story telling. A wonderful event held at the at the NSW Parliament House. The evening was a heartfelt tribute to the power of multicultural media in shaping and reflecting our diverse communities.

As Rajni Luthra and Pawan Luthra reminded us, in a world that’s increasingly interconnected, media has a crucial role in amplifying diverse voices and experiences.

Here’s to many more years of meaningful storytelling and cultural connection.

Vishy Narayanan wrote: Congratulations Indian Link Media Group Pawan Luthra and team - you have been a reassuring, informative, insightful and entertaining presence in our lives for most of those 30 years and played (and continue to play) a critical role in blending the old with the new and ensuring that the voices of our communities are heard and help shape the future of Australia - thank you and here’s to 30 more years Poornima Menon wrote: I was privileged to be part of the ‘30 years of Indian Link’ celebration held at the NSW Parliament House. Numbers only add value when they are substantiated with facts.

And there are many real stories that corroborate the Indian Link Media Group’s success story.

The celebration was simple and very thoughtfully planned as everything else Rajni Luthra does. Each name tag was personalised and it told a story.

Mine put a smile on my face. As Rajni and Pawan Luthra stood together sharing the story of their journey, I was taking one of my own with them. I was reminded of the first time I met the couple in 2004 when the first decade of Indian Link was celebrated at the NSW Art Gallery. My real brush with the Indian diaspora in Sydney happened via the Indian Link. We landed here in July 2003, total strangers with no connections and no promised jobs. Things are never easy when you leave behind a life of comfort and have to start from scratch.

But I must say that Indian Link made our settling down easier. It definitely established that ‘link’ we were craving for. As a family (even while in India) we have always spoken English at home and resorted to other Indian languages including Hindi mainly in social settings. But in Sydney the scenario was different and so at one point when we felt we may be losing our touch with Hindi, we brought home the IndianLinkRadio. And it brought Hindi back into

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our lives! I began writing my stories for Indian Link in 2004. The payment I received came as a pleasant surprise. It may not have been much, but was a welcome extra income when we were still finding our feet in this new country. Thank you Rajni and Pawan for the invite. I walked away with a warm fuzzy feeling, recalling what could be called the ‘the good old times’! Best wishes as you adapt and grow and continue to candidly touch lives in small meaningful ways.

Jodi McKay wrote: What a night celebrating thirty years of Indian Link Media Group. Congratulations Pawan Luthra and Rajni Luthra on bringing the news for and on Australia’s Indian diaspora. And thanks for the privilege of giving a speech (well, roast!) with Darshak Mehta OAM, as we honoured your three decades of bringing India news to multicultural Australia.

Manpreet Kaur Singh wrote: Heartiest congratulations dear Rajni, Pawan and team. What a lovely milestone to celebrate. Cheers to the next 30 years, and more!

Joseph La Posta wrote: A really enjoyable celebration, and acknowledgment from many of your friends, and service to the community! Was humbled to be asked to speak.

Darshan Sachdev wrote: Very nice to hear you talk about your journey. And of course to listen to others about your successes. Makes us very proud of you both. May God bless you both with more success and good health.

Nick Hockley wrote: A fantastic evening. Such a privilege to be there to celebrate with you and so inspiring the positive impact that you, Rajni and team make in the community.

Gitesh Agarwal wrote: An evening steeped in nostalgia, accomplishment, and the promise of an even brighter future. Witnessing the outpouring of love and support from your friends and supporters was a testament to the impact Indian Link has had on the community. It's a platform that not only connects but bridges cultures, fosters understanding, and celebrates the vibrant tapestry of Indian life in Australia.

Your thirty years are a testament to your dedication, vision, and sheer grit. You've navigated the everevolving media landscape with grace, consistently providing a platform that empowers and informs.

Indian Link is more than just a publication; it's a legacy. It's a chronicle of a community's journey, a voice that resonates with thousands, and a beacon of hope and inspiration. With each passing year, your commitment strengthens, your voice grows louder, and your impact expands. May Indian Link continue to soar to new heights, connecting hearts, minds, and cultures across borders.

Chitra Iyer wrote: Congratulations Pawan, Rajni and the Indian Link family. I remember when you started the paper all those years ago. Such a much needed paper for our community. It is nice to see you both grow with the Indian Link.

David Loonam wrote: Congratulations!! This is such a valuable source of news and information. I really

enjoy hearing Pawan interviewed or when he is part of the Journos' forum on ABC Sydney, especially his ability to weave a cricket reference into absolutely any story. All the best.

Thank you to your messages of congratulations, Punita Udeshi, Ekta Sharma, Jay Raman, Dr. Hema Wadhwa,Punita Udeshi, Adil Sarkari, Sharon Rundle, Ruchika Mangla, Mahernaz Bengalli, Jimmy Medhora, Mamta Bhatnagar, Ramu Chakravarthy, Jigarjit Singh, Swati Tiwari, Atul Aneja, Rohini Kapur Kappadath, Gauri Torgalkar, Kanan Patel, Naresh Patel, Rajesh Dave, Aparna Dave, Shyamal Bhatia, Jessica Bhatia, Ashish Chawla, Lurion de Mello, Shefali Pall, Augustine Jiljilmary, Meena Mahanty Kumar, Padmini Sunderraj, Sachin Wakhare, Jyoti Dogra, Shalini Ponnaiya, Smiat Powar Nashikkar, Rani Jhala, Mohit Tolani, Anjali Passey, Chinmay Mehta, Srinivas Karkenhalli, Rekha Rajvanshi, Summy Gulati, Shinu Kiran, Priya Srinivasan, Rohina Joshi, Amita Gill, Hiral Adhyaru, Aisha Amjad, Nikita Aggarwala, Mythili Iyer, Srinivasan Iyer, Tashu Sharma, Samay Jain, Sheba Nandkeolyar, Leela Raghu, Vya Pulovarty, Brian Laul, Kiran Jassal, Poonam Sood, Uma Menon, Melissa Monteiro, Shanti Raman, Daizy Maan, Australian South Asian Centre, AASHA, Pratibha Bhanushali, Jagdish Bhatt, Namita Matani and Jyotsna Jyoti.

30 AWARDS IN 30 YEARS MANAN LUTHRA was at the 2024 NSW Premier’s Multicultural Media and Communications awards night to see Indian Link collect three awards.

Khushee Gupta: Two nominations and a win as Young Journalist of the Year 2024! It’s a dream come true to have won this award in my first year as a journalist and I could not be more grateful. Thank you to the team at Multicultural NSW for deeming me worthy of this prestigious award and Indian Link Media Group for providing me with a platform to excel as a journalist. Here’s to many more stories and awards!

Tarini Puri wrote: Congratulations Lakshmi Ganapathy, Khushee Gupta and Rajni Luthra for three more awards. Hard earned and well deserved.

So happy to be even a small part of this successful journey. Strength and freedom to all at Indian Link Media Group.

Mamta Sharma wrote: Many congratulations Indian Link team. Cheers to many more in the years to come. So proud.

Ritam Mitra wrote: Congratulations team!! Still the best in the business after all these years.

Nisha Labade wrote: Amazing work to the team at Indian Link and shout out to my wonderful Desis for Yes team for making waves exactly a year ago for an important cause.

Rajni Luthra: When Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta described Indian Link Media Group as a “talent factory” that churns out future journalists, it set me thinking. I can list many young journos who have cut their teeth with us over a 30-year period.

While I hope their learnings with us were meaningful and enriching and helped them grow both personally and professionally, I myself have learned from them in many ways. This year two of our rising stars won awards at the PMCAs, the only multicultural media awards of its kind in Australia - Khushee Gupta, 22 (Young Journalist for her substantial body of work spanning print and digital, on women’s issues, representation, the arts, theatre, film, music, fashion, books, LGBTQI, and growing up Indian in Australia), and Lakshmi Ganapathy, 25 (who won Best Audio Visual Report for her video essay series Linking History, a stunning work on early Indians here - some convicts, but mostly servants and slaves. Perhaps the best part of the night (ok, second best), was seeing

the other young journalists who made up our (rather loud) contingent on the night, come away fully inspired for next year. No pressure, team, but I’m looking forward to you all pushing the boundaries in coming months. Our third piece of take-home hardware on the night was for Best Text Report, a series of works produced by multiple contributors over four months in the lead up to the Voice to Parliament referendum.

A bitter-sweet moment - winning for a cause which should have won in its own right. My heartfelt thanks to all Indian Linkers, past and present, grateful for and so proud of all your work.

Pawan Luthra wrote: Having won 27 Multicultural Media awards, the excitement should wane a bit.

Truth? Nope, it does not. Indian Link won their 28th, 29th, and 30th awards at the Premier's Multicultural Media and Communications Awards this year. Quite proud - and surprised - at the range of our work that was showcased on screen: print journalism, an audiovisual report, and a budding journo. And all three

winners, women! Go ladies!! On the eve of our 30th birthday, ‘30 awards in 30 years’ does have a great ring to it (Of course, happy to be judged for more awards this year if the opportunity emerges!)

Jasmeet Sahi wrote: Wonderful! Congratulations Rajni, Lakshmi and Khushee. Bravo.

Devna Luthra wrote: Dream team! So proud of all the work, effort and passion.

Mitu Bhowmick Lange wrote: Legends.

Thank you for your notes of congratulation Smita Nashikkar, Jyoti Dogra, Ritu Gupta, Michelle Cahill, Sue Advani, Sunita Jariwala, Leela Raghu and Mala Mehta.

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NOVEMBER 2024 11

COVER STORY

As wellPawan a

BY LAKSHMI GANAPATHY

T

o mark 30 years of impact on the multicultural media landscape, Indian Link Media Group will announce a new scholarship in partnership with a major Sydney university for the next four years.

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The first for a multicultural media outlet, this scholarship will award a Media and Communications student $5000 annually towards their development and studies.

“We hope that our investment not only changes the life of one student but gives them a platform to contribute meaningfully to Australia’s diverse media landscape,” CEO Pawan Luthra said.

The initiative was announced at Indian Link’s 30th anniversary celebrations held at NSW Parliament’s Strangers Function

Room, which was well attended by community and business leaders, politicians, and of course, the publication’s journalists and staff from over the years. Indian Link’s current young team of twelve regular staff members were present at the event too, working behind the scenes to ensure the night ran smoothly.

“We are really grateful for the contributions of all of our staff, past and present, without whom we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Editor Rajni Anand

Luthra said. “The median age of our current team is 24 years old – we’re humbled and thankful for all the hard work and tenacity that they put in, and for their help in coordinating a successful event.”

The gala was filled with nostalgia, with customised nametags and an audiovisual presentation of team members and headlines from the last 30 years of reporting showing how far Indian Link has come. A giant media wall charting the evolution of Indian Link covers provided a time capsule which guests

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-wishers gather at their thirtieth anniversary gala, Indian Link founders and Rajni Luthra announce a scholarship for media students could pose in front of too.

After opening remarks from MC Manan Luthra, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey opened the night with a humorous speech about a childhood spent walking to the shops to pick up a copy of Indian Link and being woken by his mum with Indian Link Radio.

From his astonishment at his brother being chosen as one of Sydney’s ‘most eligible bachelors’ in 2003, to the story of his own swearing into NSW Parliament in 2015, Mookhey, like many other attendees,

have grown alongside Indian Link. He remains one of the top ten most searched personalities on Indian Link’s website.

“Indian Link has been the principal chronicle of our community,” Mookhey said. “Its 30-year archive has been the 30year history of our community. But it was an immense risk you took thirty years ago.

You built a newspaper before we built a community. Back then, it was very hard for anyone from the subcontinent to have their story told in the mainstream media.

We told our stories first to Indian Link and then we got the opportunity to tell our stories elsewhere. For that I salute you, your institution, your editorship.”

In video messages, Prime Minister Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland and former Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell offered congratulations, all acknowledging that “running a media organisation for thirty years is not easy.”

“Congratulations to everyone who's played a part in Indian Link's 30 extraordinary years,” Prime Minister Albanese said. “Through three decades now you've informed, connected, entertained and you've inspired. A true link to the traditions and news of home, growing and thriving alongside the community you serve here in Australia and celebrating the hard work and aspiration of all those who've made a new life here.”

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COVER STORY

In her message, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, “For 30 years, Indian Link has shone a light on Australia's Indian communities by telling your stories. This work is so important. In sharing these stories, you've elevated and uplifted the voices, experiences and perspectives of Australian Indians. You've created a place where Australian Indians can see themselves represented and reflected in the media.

You've made positive contributions to Australia's modern identity as a diverse,

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vibrant, and multicultural society. And you've helped shape the way Australia is seen across the world.”

A close follower of the publication, Michelle Rowlands, the Minister for Communications said in her observations, “The quality of your journalism, the stories you tell, the reporting that you do from an authentic and accurate place... is testament to the quality that you produce as valued members of the fourth state. You've interviewed many serious people, and

reported on many controversial stories, and you've done it professionally and without fear or favour. It's been an absolute privilege being associated with you for at least the last two decades when I first entered local government in Blacktown.”

Barry O’Farrell said, “Pawan and Rajni need to be immensely congratulated for not just a fine product, not just for giving every politician in Australia the voice into the Indian diaspora, but more importantly, ensuring those politicians know what the

diaspora wants and thinks, just like any other Australian.”

Multicultural NSW’s Joseph La Posta, also a close observer of the publication, remarked, “To be able to communicate with their communities for such a sustained period of time is nothing short of remarkable. It requires passion, and incredible diplomacy, and staying firm and true to your principles. I want to congratulate Pawan and Rajni for saying the right thing at the right time, which isn’t the

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most popular thing to say.”

Head of the Australia-India CEO Forum Jodi McKay, and entrepreneur Darshak Mehta OAM spoke about their own ‘Indian links’, projecting a future where the paper moves beyond the community into the mainstream.

ABC Radio’s Sarah Macdonald and Simon Marnie discussed encountering Indian Link as journalists outside of the Indian community, and how they value keeping up with the celebration of a rich and vibrant culture through its high-quality reporting,

adding a light-hearted reference to Indian Link’s very own ‘Curry Packer’.

Finally, founders Rajni and Pawan Luthra discussed the paper’s beginnings and the challenges and triumphs of this period, making note of the 30 Multicultural Media awards they have acquired over the years.

“We want to continue doing what we love – and that is developing and mentoring young journalists. Indian Link has become a talent factory for emerging writers who are not afraid to question, query,

educate or inform. We’ve now brought home 6 Young Journalist awards – more than any other multicultural media, including SBS,” Pawan Luthra said.

They also reflected on breaking some of the most important community stories over the years, including their coverage of the international student backlash in the late 2000s, their pioneering reportage on the LGBTQI+ community, and recent awardwinning coverage of the Voice Referendum by numerous contributors.

Guests mingled over canapes and French champagne, the festive mood and well wishes continuing into the evening.

“We’re so appreciative of all the wellwishers and congratulations we’ve received, Indian Link’s 30th is truly a momentous milestone,” Rajni Luthra said. “I’m also very heartened and inspired by the many young faces in my team. Our staff are central to the future success of Indian Link, and we look forward to supporting their development into the community leaders of the future.”

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ACCOLADES

BY MANAN LUTHRA

I

ndian Link Media Group has taken out three awards in the NSW Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards (PMCA) 2024, in the categories of Best Audio-Visual Report, Best Text Report and Young Journalist of the Year.

Lakshmi Ganapathy’s two-part video essay on the earliest Indian settlers in Australia titled Linking History claimed the Best Audio-Visual Report award. Exploring South Asian history in Australia since colonisation, the series aims to highlight the way South Asians have interacted and contributed to this history, and the complex relationship they have with this unceded land.

Taking Best Text Report was Indian Link’s series of articles run in the lead up to the Federal Government’s Referendum held in Oct 2023, aimed at drumming up support within the Indian community for the “Yes” case.

Twenty-two-year-old Indian Link journalist Khushee Gupta became the latest recipient of the Young Journalist of the Year award.

Ganapathy’s Linking History is a well18 NOVEMBER 2024

researched, crisp and articulate presentation about servants and convicts, the first Indian settlers in Australia, and the debate over Indian indentured labour in Australia, examining the experiences of Indian labourers who were transported to Australia from the mid-1830s to the early 1900s.

“I’m very heartened to hear people are resonating with this series,” Lakshmi said after receiving her award. “Creating it has taught me lots, not just about how history can be obscured, but how to make engaging videos. This is a very small-scale production, it’s just me on location when I go shoot this in Naarm (Melbourne) where I’m based, so it’s nice to get some external feedback.”

She said the award will motivate her to create more episodes.

“The series has deepened my understanding of this country; a really important part of why I created it is solidarity with Indigenous truth-telling, and I feel we’re starting to get ourselves into a place where we can have serious conversations about colonisation and the legacy it’s left on this land.”

Indian Link’s work on the Voice to Parliament that won Best Text Report strived to mobilise public opinion towards a ‘Yes’ vote. “Our goal was to put the case forward to our community that constitutional reform would help bridge

gaps in Australia’s Indigenous community,” Rajni Anand Luthra described.

The series was carefully timed, running over a period of four months, gradually building up to polling in October. Indian Link’s October 2023 edition was almost entirely dedicated to the ‘Yes’ position in the Referendum, with the campaign’s iconic ‘Yes’ graphic emblazoned on the cover.

“The winning series was written by a whole host of contributors, particularly Ritam Mitra, Khushaal Vyas, Lakshmi Ganapathy, Torsha Sen, Sagar Mehrotra, Ajmer Singh Gill, Harita Sridhar, Nishadh Rego and Nisha Labade. Submissions from two other volunteer efforts Desis For Yes and South Asians for Yes were also part of the series,” Luthra said.

Alongside Indian Link’s radio and social media push (including a specially commissioned video that turned a popular Bollywood song into a public service announcement for ‘Yes’), this campaign, together with that of similarly minded efforts such as Desis For Yes, may have gone some way towards a largely ‘Yes’ vote from our community.

“The award is bitter sweet in some ways,” Rajni reflected later. “While I am glad that our work resonated, perhaps a better outcome in the Referendum would have made it even more gratifying.”

Macquarie University student Khushee Gupta became Indian Link’s newest recipient of the Young Journalist of the Year award. This continues to be one of the strongest award categories for the media group, picked for mention on the night

by Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW. “Khushee, you are a part of a bright talent factory that Indian Link continues to churn out, and which helps in producing our future journalists,” he said.

Khushee herself said later, “Winning this award feels surreal, especially since I’ve grown up dreaming of becoming a journalist, of telling stories that truly matter.

I’m sure 11-year-old me would be proud of everything I have achieved so far!”

She added, “Indian Link has been a blessing, giving me the platform to pursue my passion and amplify the voices of my community. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received, and this award is a reminder that I’m on the right path. Here’s to many more stories ahead!”

Khushee’s award is the media group’s sixth award for emerging journalists, the first of these coming way back in 2014. These young journalists have been creating content for young members of our community in a manner that resonates

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Indian Link's journalists clinch Best Text Report, Best Audio-Visual Report and Young Journalist of the Year at this year’s NSW Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards. with them, for a full decade now – belying perceptions that the publication house is “for the older generation”.

Khushee is part of a core team at the Indian Link office – with an average age of 24 – that coordinates the work of its 70 contributors.

With these three awards, Indian Link’s tally now stands at 30 multicultural media awards – presented by the states of NSW and Victoria since these awards were instituted in 2012.

Coming ahead of the media group’s 30th anniversary, the Premier’s Multicultural Communications 2024 awards night became a special night for the team, who attended as a contingent.

“Thirty awards in thirty years – it has a nice ring to it,” Pawan Luthra said. “What a great way to mark our 30th year. We’ve built a media organisation that continues to evolve – through print, radio, social, digital and its various subsets like podcasts, Insta, and TikTok. I couldn’t be prouder. Way to go, team!”

Rajni Anand Luthra added, “What a great effort. To be wonderfully represented on the night – with three awards amid six nominations across the nine categories – seemed like a dream. My congratulations to all the Indian Linkers that made this dream come true.”

NOVEMBER 2024 19

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20 NOVEMBER 2024

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Photos: X

DIPLOMACY

Shaping new conversations for the new world Insights from Raisina Down Under: Redefining diplomacy for the Indo-Pacific BY NATASHA JHA BHASKAR

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ialogue and diplomacy are at the centre of the world we are living in, which is characterised by disruption, uncertainty, unpredictability, new actors, and new behaviours. The dynamic geopoliticalstrategic-economic landscape is constantly reinventing the rule books of power, principles, and values on which the new world should be based and embraced.

As developments unfold and our interdependence becomes more evident and urgent, people, ideas and imagination are becoming more integral than ever to this shifting paradigm.

‘Raisina Down Under’ the second edition of Australian iteration of India’s Raisina Dialogue, which was created in 2016, represents this evolving dynamic. It is one of the world’s premier gatherings on geopolitics and geoeconomics, bringing together leaders from government, business, media, and civil society. Hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairsand Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the inaugural edition was in Sydney last year. This year, it was held in Canberra, highlighting the strong government intent in facilitating Indo-Pacific conversations to define the future of this dynamic region that stretches from the Indian Ocean to the South Pacific.

‘Raisina Down Under’engaged with groupings and regions – ASEAN,

BIMSTEC, and the Pacific Islands – that are central to future growth, development, and geopolitical balance. The two-day event, focused on the thematic pillars of geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific, regional partnerships, blue economy and green growth, climate and clean energy, critical minerals, emerging and critical technologies, infrastructure and connectivity.

The forum asserts the new compelling reality, premised on cooperation, coexistence, coordination and collaboration, reimagining new ways to grow and engage.

It states how diplomacy and communication can reshape development trajectories for the Indo-Pacific.

Why ‘Raisina Down Under’ matters

Engagements in the Indo-Pacific, Quad, trilateral frameworks, and supply chain resilience initiatives are testimony to countries overcoming their own past outlook to forge collective peace, stability, and economic gains, relying on core concerns of development, growth, and welfare. The ‘Raisina Down Under’ discussions reinforced this shift. The event marked the 20th interaction between India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr. S.

Jaishankar, and Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Notably, it also featured New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters, underscoring the commitment of New Zealand’s government under Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to strengthen ties with India.

As Minister Penny Wong stated, "The Australia-India bilateral relationshipis one of the most transformed of the decade, driven by several key factors: our shared vision for the region, the diaspora as the beating heart of the relationship, a mutual recognition of the value in collaborating, and an understanding of the region's reshaping."

Dialogues like the Raisina Down Under are an opportunity to nudge and evoke debates that challenge historical perceptions, mirror the new world and showcase India’s aggregate strategic and geoeconomic weight and influence. The platform widens the ambit of bilateral discussions to a greater set of stakeholders and revives debates on the need to shift away from traditional centres of power to emerging economies. It echoes that the new world is far more inter-penetrative and inter-dependent, driven by new architecture, new narratives, new metrics of power and new metrics of engagement.

Raisina Down Under reinforces the idea that bilateral ambition can be well actioned through better institutional chemistry and aligning with greater comfort and openness on difficult problems in the world.

The panel sessions explored a range of interconnected global challenges and opportunities, emphasising the importance of catalysing and capitalising, building purposeful communities in an increasingly DIY world. Key themes included the need for agile, liberal, and responsible foreign policy that ensures mass access and aligns with evolving global priorities, from climate change to economic resilience. Discussions highlighted the significance of adaptability and empathy in diplomacy. Climate change was framed not only as an environmental challenge but also as a strategic and economic priority, driving discussions around climate finance and public-private partnerships to support energy transitions.

The existential threats facing Pacific Island nations, and the monopolisation of critical mineral supply chains were noted as urgent issues. There was a call for a global approach to education, skills development, and workforce preparation, emphasising the importance of creating human bridges with agency and empowering smaller nations with more choices. The conversations underlined the need to prepare for the future by viewing resources, technology, and skills as global pools that require inclusive, forward-thinking strategies.

Raisina Down Under reinforces the idea that bilateral ambition can be well actioned through better institutional chemistry and aligning with greater comfort and openness on difficult problems in the world. Going forward, the Raisina Dialogue in Australia could aspire to be that impactful Pacific Forum, that enables and offers solutions to the region’s most pressing problems for a shared future. All that’s needed is making bilateral engagement a forever national project that is transition and situation agnostic.

NOVEMBER 2024 21

DIASPORA

View from America: Perspectives on Trump’s re-election There’s optimism as well as concerns in the Indian diaspora following the election results that stunned the world BY SRIKANTH RAJAGOPALAN

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he 2024 US presidential election has stirred diverse reactions among Indian and American citizens residing in the US. Trump’s decisive victory has raised questions about immigration, economic growth, and foreign relations that are particularly relevant to both Indian and American communities. Indian Link interviewed a panel of citizens, including Indian Americans and long-established residents, on what Trump’s second presidency means for them, as new migrants from India, as established citizens, and for US-India relations overall. Trump’s decisive victory has raised questions about immigration, economic growth, and foreign relations that are particularly relevant to both Indian and American communities.

Perspectives of Indian Americans

For Indian Americans, Trump’s return brings a mix of optimism and caution. Many appreciate Trump’s emphasis on economic stability and professional growth, especially in highdemand fields like technology. Geoff Harris, a successful CEO and entrepreneur in the field of engineering (and neither a relation nor supporter of Kamala!), believes that Trump’s leadership provides stability and a predictable policy direction. Meera Narayanan, a Republican and a senior executive in New York City, agrees, but remains critical of Trump’s polarising approach.

She notes that the Democratic Party’s inability to turn out its supporters to the polling booth contributed to Trump’s win.

Trump’s firm immigration stance, however, concerns many Indian Americans, particularly regarding family reunification and pathways to residency. Sudhir Gupta, who describes himself as a Servant Leader at an MNC, and emphasises that his views were personal,

notes that during Trump’s first term, H1-B visa procedures became more complex, increasing wait times and adding barriers to citizenship for skilled workers. The Tampa FL resident observes that if these policies return, professionals may find the US immigration process more restrictive.

Views on implications for new Indian migrants

For prospective Indian migrants, Trump’s “America First” policy may signal both opportunity and uncertainty. Gupta recalls that during Trump’s first term, green card processing times extended for skilled workers, complicating pathways to long-term residency. This remains a concern for Indian professionals aspiring to settle in the US under a second Trump term.

Yet some are hopeful, noting Trump’s tendency to support high-skilled immigration as part of his economic strategy. New migrants in high-demand fields like technology may still find the US market favourable, as Trump could prioritise skilled labour even if broader immigration policies tighten.

The ones who may, in fact, be restricted, would be the illegal migrants. Given that many of them eventually get ensnared in violent secessionist movements, it is

possible that India is, in fact, one of the only countries that whole-heartedly supports America’s efforts to deport illegal migrants.

Perspectives of mainstream Americans

For many mainstream US citizens, Trump’s victory brings both relief and apprehension.

Geoff Harris, welcoming Trump’s probusiness approach, hopes that Trump’s promise to prioritise domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on China resonates with citizens focused on job creation and economic self-sufficiency. He also calls for reduced divisiveness, hoping that Trump’s policies will foster unity rather than division.

Narayanan, however, worries that Trump’s approach could alienate many groups, while Gupta points to factors like inflation and interest rates that may deepen societal divides along economic lines. Touching on gender dynamics, Gupta suggests that Kamala Harris’s gender may have impacted voter perceptions, though Geoff Harris counters that the electorate is ready for a strong female leader if the right candidate (like Nikki Haley) emerges.

The US-India Relationship Trump’s re-election could also strengthen US-India ties, given his rapport with Prime

Minister Narendra Modi. Anupam Tandon, a Senior Database Engineer/Administrator with extensive experience in Federal programs, anticipates that Trump’s anti-China stance will encourage closer collaboration with India, especially as India expands as a manufacturing hub. This realignment could benefit both economies and help reduce US reliance on Chinese imports.

However, the proposed tariffs also create opportunities. Tandon notes that this shift may drive manufacturing to countries like India and Vietnam, positioning India as a central player in US-India trade relations. This transition could open long-term opportunities for India to expand its role in global supply chains.

Immigration policies also concern Indian Americans, as Trump’s selective support for skilled labour may restrict the overall flow of Indian professionals. Geoff Harris believes that Trump’s background as a negotiator may allow for flexibility in his approach, suggesting his initial hardline stance on tariffs and immigration might be an opening gambit. This could ultimately benefit US-India economic relations and create new avenues for skilled Indian workers.

Conclusion

Overall, Indian Americans view Trump’s return with a combination of optimism for economic growth and concerns over immigration restrictions. For new migrants, Trump’s policies may present selective opportunities but could complicate immigration processes. Mainstream Americans largely welcome Trump’s focus on economic stability and domestic priorities, though some worry about potential divisiveness.

For US-India relations, Trump’s win may create strategic openings, particularly as India emerges as a manufacturing alternative to China. As the US and India navigate evolving political and economic landscapes, Trump’s next term holds significant implications for both nations and their global standing.

When my parents cast their first vote in

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oday marked a milestone for my parents: they cast their first votes in the United States! This isn’t just any old trip to the polling station; it’s the third country where they’ve exercised their right to vote. They started in India, voting in the bustling elections till 1988, then transitioned to the laid-back yet enthusiastic ballots of Australia for the next 25 years.

Now, here they are, proudly participating in the grand democratic experiment of the United States.

Let me paint you a picture of their voting journey:

22 NOVEMBER 2024

1980s India Imagine this: my parents, eagerly standing in line under the sweltering Indian sun, holding on to their voter IDs like they were Willy Wonka’s golden tickets.

It was a chaotic but vibrant experience – people buzzing with excitement, street vendors seizing the chance to sell chai and snacks to long lines, and occasionally, a goat or two making an appearance for reasons no one fully understood. They cast their votes with ink-stained fingers, ensuring they left their mark on the world’s largest democracy.

For them, voting wasn’t just an act; it was an event, one that came with family outings and

the inevitable post-vote debate over who did what wrong.

2000s Australia Fast forward to the ‘land down under’ – Australia, where voting day came with a sausage sizzle. Yes, you read that right. Australians have turned Election Day into a mini-festival complete with sausage barbecues outside polling stations.

My parents were charmed by this democratic brunch: “Who knew civic duty could come with ketchup?” they’d laugh while politely refusing the non-vegetarian food.

2024 United States And now, here they are in the US, their third democracy, casting

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Never mind India! Are Canada’s worst enemies its own leaders?

In coming years, the key question for Canada may not be how it deals with foreign interference, but how it deals with itself BY SRIKANTH RAJAGOPALAN

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mid the ongoing kerfuffle about India’s alleged interference in Canada, more critical developments closer to home might be missed by India-watchers.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not just accused India. Trudeau has stated that some of Canada’s own Members of Parliament (MPs) may be Chinese agents, yet he simultaneously claims that his own government’s intelligence might be “shoddy”. Additionally, he has refused to brief the Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre on all this critical intelligence.

This mixed messaging leaves Canadians in an uncertain and alarming situation.

Is Trudeau making “credible allegations” about foreign interference, or is he insulting his own intelligence services? The inconsistencies raise serious concerns about the reliability of his leadership in handling such critical national security matters.

When faced with allegations of Chinese interference in support of his party, however, Trudeau responded by attributing criticism to “anti-Asian racism”. Yet, in this more recent case involving India, no such sensitivities seem to be applied, especially when it concerns his own political rival.

Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre’s conundrum

This double standard does little to inspire confidence in Trudeau’s consistency on issues of foreign interference. Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, is not helping matters by demanding the names of the “in-house spies” but refused to undergo a security clearance check beforehand.

How can Poilievre credibly oppose the government’s actions on national security matters without being fully informed? It is

n America their ballots with pride. They went armed with their IDs, their decades of experience, and a little bit of bewilderment at the sheer scale of American elections.

“Why are there so many options on the ballot? Should we be voting for the library’s janitor too?” they whispered, halfjoking.

But they pushed through, determined to make informed choices, even if they had to consult a small mountain of pamphlets to make sense of the propositions, referenda, and the seemingly endless list of candidates. They navigated the digital

a position that only deepens the political disarray. Imagine the gravity if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Rahul Gandhi of being a spy without evidence.

Yet here we are—a Canadian prime minister who seems unsure of his own intelligence and an opposition leader refusing to be fully briefed on vital security matters.

Trudeau’s growing internal troubles

Adding to the chaos, Trudeau faces a revolt in his own Liberal Party which has reached such a critical point that Eddie Goldenberg, a senior figure in Canadian politics, has warned that instability could trigger a renewed push for Quebec’s secession. As Canada’s inflation booms and the economy nosedives, the sentiment in favour of secession (currently around 40%), could go up.

A fragile democracy

The turmoil at the top of Canada’s political hierarchy prompts an evaluation of the electoral system. Elections in Canada are held in constituencies, where the political landscape can shift dramatically based on the

influence of small but motivated communities.

Omer Aziz, a Harvard fellow and former advisor to Prime Minister Trudeau, has highlighted how small, organised communities can shape the outcomes of elections. His views are echoed by Professor Roy Norton of the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute, who has pointed out that in sparsely populated countries like Canada, small communities like the Armenian or Haitian populations can also wield significant electoral influence. While this reflects democratic representation at its finest, it also exposes the fragility of Canada’s political system, where special interests can have outsized impacts.

Canada’s leadership crisis

With Canadian leadership in turmoil, it’s clear that the escalating tensions with India are being exacerbated by internal disunity. Canada’s verbal skirmishes with India should be seen in this broader context of political fragmentation. Khalistan sympathisers, such as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and Jatinder Singh Grewal, continue to push their agenda through organisations like Sikhs for Justice.

India needs to help Canada at this time

While this may seem counter-intuitive, India can help Canada at this time. For one, the larger Indian community in Canada must unite, much like the Khalistani community.

However, instead of violence and secession, it needs to be an inclusive community of South Asians, from India, Pakistan and South Asia as a whole, including Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians and other communities. Together, they must advance the South Asian community and aim to strengthen Canada. India can help Canada by not reacting to every verbal attack from Trudeau’s government, and following a policy of strategic restraint.

Khalistan is not a viable entity. Without some maturity on the part of its leaders, in just a few years, it is possible that Canada will not be either. While we might have a hot Civil War in the US in the next few weeks, the possibility of a polite schism in Canada cannot be ruled out.

In coming years, the key question may not be how Canada deals with foreign interference, but how it deals with itself.

A journey through democracy: Former Sydney-sider and current Californian from Tustin, RUCHI LAMBA wrote this on polling day voting booths, buttons flashing like they were using a giant iPad, squinting at the screen and double-checking each selection as if they’d been given the nuclear codes.

And in the end, they walked out with “I Voted” stickers proudly displayed – a fitting capstone to this trifecta of voting countries.

Why voting matters: It’s easy to forget, in our busy lives, that the right to vote didn’t come easily. For people of colour, women, and Indigenous communities, it was the result of long, often painful battles. My parents know this – they come

from a generation that saw democracy evolve, that understands the power and privilege of voting. They’ve taught me that no matter how small you may feel in the grand scheme of things, your vote matters.

They’ve shown me that, from Bombay to Sydney to Tustin, the heart of democracy beats through each citizen’s voice.

So, here’s to my parents, who’ve voted across three continents, and to the next generation that will carry this sense of civic duty forward. And here’s to voting – whether it comes with an ink-stained finger, a sausage sizzle, or a digital touchscreen.

NOVEMBER 2024 23

STAGE

Seven No es of the noted

Sydney-based Dr. SANDY EVANS OAM, jazz composer, saxophonist and band leader with more than thirty albums to her name, speaks with SUMATHI KRISHNAN about her 40-year career.

What are the similarities and differences between Carnatic and Jazz music, and what challenges do they present?

Jazz and Carnatic music share fascinating similarities and differences, with improvisation central to both genres. For me, Rhythm is a key connection, as Carnatic music has an extraordinarily intricate rhythmic structure.

There are overlaps between the deep expressive qualities of ragas and jazz modes, which help but a ragam isn’t just a set of pitches - it’s defined by phrases, ornaments, and emotional nuances. Jazz has a similar "feeling" in blues, though it’s not as formalized as in Carnatic.

Unlike Jazz, traditional Carnatic music lacks harmony. In recent fusion approaches we see new works being performed across the world. This constant exchange of ideas deepens our understanding and enriches both traditions.

What have you learned from your collaborations with Hindustani and Carnatic musicians?

I've been fortunate to work with incredible Hindustani and Carnatic musicians across three decades. A transformative mentor has been Guru Karaikudi Mani, whose teachings opened my eyes to Carnatic music’s rhythmic sophistication. The refined, systematic teaching methods are also very helpful and inspiring.

Tabla player Bobby Singh has been a big influence on me. He also introduced me to his Guru, Aneesh Pradhan, and singer Shubha Mudgal, leading to the “Bridge of Dreams” project. I arranged the music for this album, for the Sirens Big Band, and we recorded it in 2019. Harmonium player Sudhir Nayak has shared some of his vast melodic knowledge. Sarod player Adrian McNeil also taught me a great deal when he was my PhD supervisor.

Recently, I collaborated with Carnatic singer Nadhamuni Gayatri Bharat and others in

24 NOVEMBER 2024

Shakti Spirit, a group celebrating female creativity. Our debut at the 2024 Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival has been a recent meaningful milestone.

Could you share an unforgettable performance experience?

One of my most memorable experiences was in 1996 with the Australian Art Orchestra, performing Vasantha Pravaham arranged by Adrian Sheriff Bass Trombone, with Guru Karaikudi Mani. Our first concert in Delhi was incredibly moving. Mani Sir’s Tani Avarthanam with Ghatam player T Vasan was filled with energy, virtuosity and passion. Life changing! Another profound experience was performing in Mumbai, outside the Taj Hotel and India Gate, alongside Carnatic flautist B.V. Balasai. The setting was breathtaking, and the music opened new rhythmic and melodic dimensions that resonated deeply with me.

Do you make music for yourself or for others?

For me, music must be a true expression of my ideas and identity.

While collaboration with band members and other musicians is precious, the focus isn’t on external recognition but on creating “ah” moments together. I feel that my music is an offering to uplift and energise others, and it reflects the interconnectedness between myself and the world around me.

What physical exercises do you recommend for young saxophone players?

For serious saxophonists, posture is essential from the start. Wearing a harness helps protect the neck and back, which is crucial for long-term health and performance. Taking care of your body is key to sustaining a career as a saxophonist.

What was your experience of India like?

My first trip to India was when I was 19, initially to explore filmmaking due to India’s large film industry. However, I ended up focusing more on music, which solidified my desire to be a musician.

India’s vibrancy - the culture, people, and spirituality - has deeply impacted me. I cherish the friendships and family-like bonds I’ve formed, and I’m inspired by the dedication many have to their spirituality. I miss it and hope to return soon.

What is your dream or longterm goal in music?

My dream is to create a unique musical language that reflects my place in time and history. I aspire to develop a style blending rhythm and melody in ways that resonate with my own expression and aesthetic.

Unlike Indian saxophonist Kadri Gopalnath, who integrates the Nagaswaram’s techniques, and is so innovative, my approach to the saxophone is that of a Western Jazz musician – carving my own journey that shapes my evolving artistic vision.

Sandy received an OAM in 2010 for services to music. A recipient of the Churchill Fellowship to India, she was awarded a PhD from Macquarie University with a Vice Chancellor's Commendation for Academic Excellence in 2014. Her thesis was on practice-based research into Carnatic Jazz Intercultural music. In 2019 she was inducted into the Australian Jazz Bell Awards', Hall of Fame as a performer, member of the bands Mara!, The Catholics, the Australian Art Orchestra, Ten Part Invention and austraLYSIS, among other ensembles.

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Hindustani azzical!

Shakti Spirit’s show at the Women’s Jazz Festival is a nuanced blend of Hindustani and jazz influences

BY BHUMIKA SRIHARI

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t the Women’s Jazz Music Festival in Sydney recently, Sandy Evans introduced her Indian jazz fusion band Shakti Spirit with a lilting saxophone melody.

We heard it before we saw it, because she wasn’t on stage with the other musicians.

She appeared from the far end of the hall, playing her sax as she walked towards the stage, her entrance subtle yet captivating. It wasn’t flashy in the style of a rock concert, but it was mesmerizing—a mystical, indie-

jazz introduction that set the perfect tone for what lay ahead.

Evans was joined by Nadhamuni Gayatri Bharat on vocals, Jess Green on guitar, Lakshmi Narendra on veena, Pirashanna Thevarajah on mridangam and percussion, and Prahlad Iyer on the ghatam. The sheer beauty and emotional weight of their performance left me breathless.

Shakti Spirit’s performance wove together tradition and modernity, with Sandy Evans and Gayatri Bharat as the twin pillars. Evans, an award-winning Australian saxophonist renowned for her numerous Indian jazz collaborations, brought a powerful, almost haunting eerie to the stage.

Gayatri’s voice, steeped in the knowledge of raga and the finesse of rhythmic

improvisation, commanded the room with ethereal finesse. Their combined artistry echoed through the church like a modernday invocation of ancient spirits.

Their journey on stage wavered between moments of ecstatic joy and heart-wrenching introspection. Their repertoire featured compositions based on poetry by three revered Indian mystics: Andal, Ammayar, and Venibai. Through each piece, the ensemble brought to life the mystics’ reverence, love, and yearning, underscoring the themes of femininity and resilience with their nuanced blend of Hindustani and jazz influences.

One piece in particular, The Lullaby, felt like a transcendent moment. Gayatri’s voice swelled with a sweetness that conjured images of solace and peace, though to me, it felt like the morning after a storm. The stillness of the wind, the smell of damp mud, birds chirping and the sun clearing through the clouds. There was something almost celestial about the way the music filled the church setting of St. Stephen’s Uniting Church, its high notes harmonised with lights that reflected off the stainedglass windows, casting a surreal, bokeh-like effect onto the roof and walls. The church’s gothic architecture, the ethereal lighting, and the waves of sound created a layered, otherworldly atmosphere that was nothing short of magical.

The filmmaker in me began mentally framing scenes, envisioning the music as a sound track to stories of hurt, healing, and empowerment. The band’s intricate interplay of instruments captured the depths of human emotion, evoking images of women overcoming pain and emerging as strong, fierce individuals. It was empowering to witness Indian music conveying such profound narratives in a way that felt universal, bridging gaps between cultures and generations.

Throughout the performance, each

musician had their moment to shine. There were solos, duets, and seamless transitions where the artists would step forward and recede, creating a tapestry of sound that kept us entranced. The ghatam’s earthy resonance contrasted beautifully with the saxophone’s jazzy flair, and the percussive beats of the mridangam brought a pulsating energy that made it impossible not to bob your head or tap your feet. By the end of the night, the wooden floor vibrated under the audience’s excitement—a communal experience of joy and surrender.

The audience was equally diverse in background and intent.

Alongside the polished spectators were the young musos in black, sporting metal jewellery and exuding an unpretentious assurance in their taste. They seemed at ease, their rhythmic foot-tapping and enthusiastic hoots showing just how much this fusion jazz resonated with them.

Here we were, in Sydney, collectively surrendering to the immersive power of Hindustani classical fused with jazz. If I had to coin a term for it, I’d call it “Hindustani Jazzical.”

Despite a few minor technical drawbacks - occasional high notes from the vocals that edged on jarring due to the volume - the evening was a resounding success. Shakti Spirit’s performance reminded me that Sydney, often thought of as a city chasing trends, has pockets of genuine character where niche art forms can thrive. This event showcased the city’s diversity and underscored the universal appeal of music that transcends boundaries.

In the end, what lingered with me wasn’t just the music, but the emotional journey Shakti Spirit had taken us on. This wasn’t a mere concert; it was a celebration of the human experience, filtered through the lens of a rich, cultural tapestry. In their hands, jazz and Indian classical music voiced perseverance, resilience, and grit.

NOVEMBER 2024 25

DATA SAFETY

How did they get my data?

L How university academic PRIYA DEV uncovered the networks behind telemarketers

ast year, I started getting a lot of unsolicited phone calls, mainly from people trying to sell me things. This came as a surprise because, as a data scientist, I am very careful about what personal information I let out into the world.

So, I set out to discover what had happened.

My investigation took several months. It eventually led me to the labyrinthine world of data brokers.

In today’s digital age, where personal data is a new kind of gold, these companies wield significant power, creating networks where our personal information is shared between brokers and telemarketers as easily as TikTok videos. Their businesses profit from the data they collect, and many of the calls they enable come from scammers.

This comes at an enormous cost: in 2023, Australians lost $2.7 billion to scams.

This highlights the urgent need for stronger data privacy protections to limit how our personal data is collected and shared.

In an attempt to address this need, the Australian government has recently introduced long-overdue data privacy reforms. But these reforms are still inadequate for the many privacy issues affecting people today, including targeting by data brokers and telemarketers.

Investigating the hidden web

One of the mechanisms designed to protect us from unwanted calls is the Do Not Call Register.

Managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, the registry holds more than 12 million phone numbers, including mine. The registry is supposed to block unsolicited calls. But last year, despite being on the list, I began to receive dozens of unwanted calls – on average, about three per day.

Curious, I started tracing the origins of these calls. What I uncovered was a network 26 NOVEMBER 2024

of hidden connections between data brokers, telemarketers and large organisations – including a major political party. It became clear that simply being on the Do Not Call Register wasn’t enough to protect my privacy.

I started by asking the callers what data they held, and how they had obtained mine.

I requested details about the companies they represented, including their websites and Australian Business Numbers (ABNs) – the unique identifiers for Australian businesses.

Most callers hung up the moment I started asking questions, until one day I spoke with a man named Paul, who worked in the real estate sector – an industry worth more than $10 trillion as of 2024. The highvalue real-estate market makes our personal data especially valuable to businesses operating within the industry.

Digging deeper

The unique thing about Paul was that he knew my real name, whereas other telemarketers only had access to the pseudonyms I’d used to protect my identity online. Paul explained he had licensed my data from the real estate giant CoreLogic Australia.

This discovery pushed me to dig deeper. After a lot of back and forth, I finally obtained my data from CoreLogic.

The amount of information was small, but surprisingly accurate – especially

considering the steps I’d taken to hide my identity. It made me wonder where they got it from, as only organisations such as utility companies, banks or the government would hold that type of information.

CoreLogic told me in an email: “CoreLogic gets data from a variety of sources … most of the information we collect comes from public records, which we license from government departments and agencies. We may also collect personal information from third parties such as through real estate agents, tenancy and strata mangers, financial institutions and marketing database providers.”

This was a troubling discovery, because the institutions on which we depend for essentials such as public services, housing and finance – and from which we can’t hide our identities – may be selling our personal information to data brokers, who then pass it along to telemarketers.

What’s even more alarming is that the data is shared unmasked, meaning personal details such as our names, genders and phone numbers are fully visible. Once this information is out in the open, it becomes almost impossible to control how it’s recorded or shared.

It’s also nearly impossible to stop it being passed to overseas telemarketers, who aren’t bound by Australian privacy laws.

The government’s recent data privacy reforms are a small step in the right direction. But until data brokers are required to obtain explicit consent before trading personal information, they fall far short of being a giant leap forward.

Solving the mystery

My investigation didn’t end there.

Eventually, CoreLogic revealed it had purchased my data from Australian data broker firm Smrtr in August 2023. This coincided with the surge in unsolicited calls.

Through Smrtr I learned they had purchased my data in 2016 from another data broker, Eight Dragons Digital. Smrtr also admitted to selling my data to various companies – all without my consent.

Determined to investigate the origin of my online data trail, I contacted Eight Dragons Digital, which calls itself “a leading global consumer data agency”. It collects personal data for big brands including Energy Australia, Vodafone, NRMA, Nissan, Johnnie Walker, American Express, The Good Guys, and even the Australian Labor Party.

The company claimed it collected my data in a 2014 marketing campaign, and likely passed it to at least 50 other companies. However, it had no records to verify the marketing campaign or prove that I had given consent.

A small step only

CoreLogic defended its practices as legal, saying it’s too difficult to verify consent or anonymise personal data.

However, with modern technology, it’s actually possible to track where data comes from, check consent, and share insights without exposing personal details such as names and phone numbers.

The government’s recent data privacy reforms are a small step in the right direction. But until data brokers are required to obtain explicit consent before trading personal information, they fall far short of being a giant leap forward.

Priya Dev is Lecturer in Data Science at the Australian National University. This article was first published in The Conversation.

www.indianlink.com.au

NOVEMBER 2024 27

Photo: Just Horse Racing

FIRST PERSON

I’m doing Just Fine, thank you Melbourne Cup 2024: A first-timer’s tale of high hopes and humbled hearts BY BHUMIKA SRIHARI

I

watch with bated breath as Just Fine lunges to the front as soon as the Melbourne Cup race begins.

This is my first ever race, and he is the horse I’ve drawn in the office sweepstakes!

With each second, my heartbeat quickens, the taste of victory dawning on me. At this moment, it’s not even about the money. I feel adrenaline from my tennis days — that competitive spirit I’d thought I’d left behind.

Suddenly, I’m cheering wildly, entirely in the zone, oblivious to the fact that my coworkers are filming me, likely entertained by my escalating enthusiasm.

And then, midway through, something shifts. A bad feeling creeps in, and in the final stretch began, my heart drops. Just Fine is not living up to his name, steadily dropping back in the pack, until he’s out of sight altogether.

I pin my hopes on Fancy Man and Okita Soushi, but as the race ends, it becomes painfully clear that none of my picks will cross the line first. The winner is Knight’s Choice, by what they’re calling a “win by a nose.” *** We’re celebrating Melbourne Cup in-house this year at my workplace – with pizzas, fascinators, formal wear, and our own mini version of the sweepstakes. This is no small affair in Australia. It’s the race that stops a nation, marking the unofficial start of summer and the festive season, when Aussies trade the chill for beach weather, surf, cold beers, and sunshine. For many here, it’s all about fun 28 NOVEMBER 2024

and fortune, and “Hot Girl Summer” — a vibe you’d think was born in this land down under.

Though the Melbourne Cup is held in Melbourne, the race captivates people across the country. Sydney offices, including ours, tune in on 5 Nov, ready to feel the thrill of the track. I rock up in a green dress, but being fairly new to Australia, minus a fascinator — or a full grasp of the day’s traditions. I’d heard about the iconic race, but I’d never experienced the whole event up close. This morning feels like any regular day at work, except everyone’s a little more dolled up. We

pop champagne and soft drinks, and enjoy an assorted box of khakhras (ok, we’re mostly Indian at this office).

Then come the sweepstakes. Pawan and Kerry explain the rules: we’ll buy $2 and $5 tickets, with each ticket representing a horse with varying odds of winning. Not fully grasping the odds but riding the wave of excitement, I draw Just Fine, Okita Soushi, and Fancy Man for the $2 stakes, and Just Fine, Fancy Man, and Interpretation for the $5 ones. In total, I invest $21 — not insignificant for a student making ends

In three minutes, I experience a high like I haven’t in a long time, and a down like I haven’t in a long time.

meet. I learn that, should my horse win, I’ll stand to earn $75. While the money would have been great, what I felt most was the thrill of possibility (probability?).

Just before the race, we huddle around a desktop screen, everyone glued to the unfolding action.

In three minutes, I experience a high like I haven’t in a long time, and a down like I haven’t in a long time.

My co-workers chuckle at my dramatic disappointment. Three cameras capture my reaction, with Kerry sitting beside me, cool as ever. Then, with the same stoic face, she announces her victory: “I’ve won.” The news stings, hitting a competitive nerve I’d thought was long dormant – Melbourne Cup has wakened the ugly beast in me.

A few moments in, I shake off the loss, joining in the laughter. Pawan, another coworker, then throws out, “Horses that lead at the beginning never win…”. I shoot him a look and ask, “Then why did you let me get so excited?” He smirks, “Where’s the fun in that?”

Just as I’m mulling over my “near-win,” Kerry hands me $7. Apparently, Just Fine has finished last — a consolation prize of sorts. As I pocket the moolah, the Government’s gambling ad flashes through my mind: “You win some, you lose more.”

By the end, I’m thinking, “Never betting again.”

Yet, as we raise a toast and drift back to our desks, I can’t help but feel the glow of camaraderie. This isn’t really about winning or losing. It’s about finding a shared joy in the ups and downs — something Australians seem to understand all too well. (Okay, I get the hype now.)

www.indianlink.com.au

STAGE BY PRUTHA CHAKRABORTY

F

India calling

Performing for an Indian audience was exhilarating, Stuckey told Indian Link.

“The audience was awesome. They were lively, and seemed super grateful to be able to see niche music in that setting. We felt like the crowd was present and connected to the music on stage. Very reactive and tuned-in.”

Surprise Chef features Lachlan Stuckey on guitar, Jethro Curtin on keys, Carl Lindeberg on bass, Andrew Congues on drums, and Hudson Whitlock on vibraphone.

The band has built a reputation for blending jazz and funk to create immersive soundscapes — genres not typically familiar to Indian audiences.

So, how did they introduce this unique style to listeners in India?

“While some might not immediately recognise our music or its influences, the world of sound that inspires us has also influenced Indian music in the past. Many Bollywood composers like RD Burman and Bappi Lahiri infused funk and soul into their film scores, so perhaps there’s an element of what we do that (felt) familiar to Indian listeners.”

The band’s described their brief time in Delhi as “incredible”.

“It’s a city we’ve wanted to play in for years,” shared Stuckey.

They also got the rare opportunity to entertain music fanatics at the official residence of the Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green.

“It was an incredible blessing for which we are grateful,” Stuckey observed.

The gig at the High Commissioner’s Delhi home was a whole lot of fun since the band had never played for an audience of diplomats before.

When Melb band Surprise Chef found a musical gold mine in Old Delhi They went to India for the festival Jazz Weekender – and returned with Bollywood LPs of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

“It was a privilege to be hosted in such a setting. The crowd was receptive and openminded to our music. It was great to see instrumental funk music welcome in such spaces.”

(An enthusiastic Green took to X to celebrate the band. “Love it!!!!” he wrote.)

Evoking moods, winning hearts

Formed in 2017, Surprise Chef’s debut album was titled All News Is Good News.

Ever since, they have won fans worldwide with non-lyrical yet infectious rhythms.

How does the band build a connection with their audience in the absence of lyrics in their performances?

“When there are no lyrics, the listener has greater freedom to interpret the music,” Stuckey explained. “We can certainly express ourselves more freely and accurately with music rather than words. The hope is that the listener can become familiar and connect with us.”

Ahead of international tours, like the recent one in India, much planning goes into managing energy.

“There’s so much to do and see, and we want to experience everything we can while we’re in an incredible country like India, but we also need to have enough energy to perform on show night,” he said. “The audience deserves to see us at our best, and that is harder to deliver when we’re exhausted from travelling. We found balance between enjoying as much of the city as we could and performing to the best of our ability.”

Photos: X

or guitarist Lachlan Stuckey of the Melbourne band Surprise Chef, walking into Shah Music Centre in the Old Delhi suburb of Daryaganj felt like being in a time capsule.

“We’re huge fans of Bollywood music from the ‘70s and ‘80s, particularly the work of RD Burman, Bappi Lahiri, and KalyanjiAnandji. So, naturally, we had to seek out their LPs when we landed in India,” Lachlan Stuckey said about his band’s debut trip to the country.

“We could not believe our eyes,” he marvelled. “We found every record we were looking for. We also gained a wealth of knowledge of music we were unaware of from the shop’s owner.”

While most locals may view long play (LP) records as relics of the past, for Australian instrumental quintet Surprise Chef, these discs are a musical gold mine.

The band spent two days immersed in the shop, listening to records, soaking in the musical heritage, and expanding their vinyl collection.

For the Melbourne musicians, this unexpected find wasn’t just about shopping for music — it was about rediscovering forgotten rhythms and melodies that have shaped generations.

Surprise Chef were recently in Delhi to attend the third edition of Jazz Weekender, an international jazz festival featuring a mix of homegrown and global names.

While this might be their first trip to India, the band has certainly found musical influence in the Bollywood records they found at the Shah Music Centre.

“The arrangements and compositions are pretty mind-blowing. The use of synthesizers

will definitely be rubbing off on us – particularly the angular bass drones found on tunes like the legendary Asha Bhosle’s Dum Maro Dum. Classic!”

So what’s next for the quintet?

“We recorded an album earlier this year, and are about to record another. Both will have been written and recorded in our home studio in Coburg, Melbourne. The second record, after our trip to India, will undoubtedly be shaped in some way by our time in Delhi and the music that came into our lives there. Both of those albums will be coming out in the near future.”

The band also wrote a new score to a classic Australian film called Wake In Fright, to be recorded in December.

NOVEMBER 2024 29

BOOKS

First impressions BY ANANYA THIRUMALAI

“H

ere is one way I propose that you read this book.”

That’s how one of India’s most iconic works of fiction began. R.K. Narayan’s purpose for writing Malgudi Days was to highlight the different voices that form his imaginary city while simultaneously capturing India’s charm. His idea was that stories are everywhere and what separates an author from their character might merely be the glass that makes up a window - so, to find a story, one simply has to look out.

As readers however, one must look past the window that is the opening lines of stories.

Whether simply descriptive, or immediately suspenseful, opening lines serve the purpose of being bait. If opening lines are bait you need to fall for to continue a story, let this article be the bait you fall for, so the story gets picked up to begin with.

Connecting the opening lines to their stories and readers to their roots, this piece serves to analyse the opening lines of iconic works while providing readers with a gateway to the world of Indian fiction.

Our list of recommendations (in no

30 NOVEMBER 2024

How opening lines shape literature

particular order) starts with, what else, A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth. “’You too will marry a boy I choose,’ said Mrs Rupa Mehra firmly to her younger daughter.”, The plot of A Suitable Boy is instantly set.

Vikram Seth’s novel highlights the intersections between one’s sense of self, love, and family through Lata’s search for a groom. The opening line sets the backdrop in one short line, the same way that the title “A Suitable Boy” does, but it plays more into the infamous dynamic usually present in Indian families that I’m sure you’ve seen or lived. Vikram Seth explores these well known, yet complicated, connections under the 1,500-page guise that is Lata’s search for a suitable match.

“Sir, neither you nor I speak English, but there are some things that can only be said in English.” The never-ending list of things made complicated in India is further seen in The White Tiger. Aravind Adiga’s acclaimed book follows the story of Balram, who navigates impossible situations in a corrupt world but finds success in life later.

The opening line creates a clear distinction between where Balram’s character started and the levels of success he has reached now, by using the English language as

a threshold. The opener introduces the nonlinear and unreliable aspect of a story about how whispers of the right conversations can take even a servant to a successful entrepreneur while highlighting the prominence of class division in India.

“They tell me India is an underdeveloped country.” Like Aravind Adiga, Shashi Tharoor uses the opening line of The Great Indian Novel to create a tone of instability and controversy that flows throughout the story. The sentence builds on the concept of whispers and feeds into the culture of “he said, she said” that has been so prominent in the Indian political landscape. Shashi Tharoor made it a point to end his novel with that very same line to emphasise how this inevitable political cycle has not been broken and is one that needs to be rewritten until it makes progress.

“May in Ayemenem is a hot, brooding month.” Arundhati Roy, like many authors, opens her book The God of Small Things with a description of the setting. This description suggests a lack of comfort and the specific mention of a place highlights the importance the setting plays throughout the story. Yet she keeps her cards close to her

chest with the opening line and doesn’t reveal the plot of the book in any way. Opening lines are important but just as Shashi Tharoor did, Arundhati Roy uses her closing line to tie her story together. The hopeful one-word sentence “Tomorrow” shows that though the tone of discomfort is maintained throughout the book, it carries with it an inevitable sense of hope and dreams of a finally happy future.

“The Cinnamon Gardens Nursing Home sleeps deeply on this summer night.”

An opening line describing the setting is especially vital in Shankari Chandran’s novel Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens.

Moving between decades and post codes, the roots of the story still lie in the Cinnamon Gardens of Sydney. Shankari Chandran uses a comforting tone from the get-go to signify these established roots of Maya and Zakhir’s new family tree formed on Australian soil and assure readers that the conflict in the novel, while engaging, is thankfully temporary.

While engaging, these opening lines only offer a small window into South Asian literature and leave much of the story untold. Getting past the first sentence is a win for us readers because stories don’t end at the last page; there’s no definitive end, but they all start somewhere.

www.indianlink.com.au

DESIGN

Bridging cultures in gold French-Australian designer Jean-Paul Baudet’s take on Indian heritage jewellery BY ANANYA THIRUMALAI

W

hat started as a passion for innovation has evolved into a cross-cultural journey for FrenchAustralian jewellery designer Jean-Paul Baudet. He draws deep inspiration from India's rich heritage—particularly the timeless Vanki ring, a symbol of protection and femininity.

Baudet honours the centuries-old culture behind this piece of heritage jewellery while infusing it with his unique, modern style.

But where did this journey begin and what is a Vanki ring?

Baudet’s journey with the Vanki ring began as a personal one. When designing an engagement ring for his then-fiancée, an Indian woman, she requested a design that reflected her cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from the V-shaped armbands worn by her grandmother and the ring worn by a friend, she envisioned an engagement ring rooted in tradition. Baudet recalls, “We drafted up all the ideas and eventually landed on this two-stone design that had all the details I wanted to express but in the Vanki ring style.

I realised how unique and under-celebrated this design was in New York, so I embraced that part of my wife into my jewellery line.”

The history of this design stretches back to ancient India, predating even the Vedic or Sangam periods. Traditionally, Vanki rings are passed down through generations in South India, symbolising protection and strength. They are thought to shield brides against evil and obstacles as they embark on new journeys, representing both beauty and resilience. Inspired by the protective

For Baudet, symbolism rooted in ancient snake worship, paying tribute to these rings have evolved from symbols of Indian heritage ritual into cultural icons worn by brides as is about more than they step into married life. aesthetics. He views Incorporating such traditional elements of his work as a modern Indian craftsmanship, Baudet’s work features continuation of an ancient intricate handwork, bead work, filigree, cultural exchange. “It’s and wire wrapping. “We aim to bring in a important to honour these colourful flair,” Baudet explains. “We’ve traditions now as they were integrated motifs like the paisley, drawing in the past. Roman inspiration from Tamil temples with nobility once wore their vibrant stacks of colour.

Indian jewellery, and The paisley, or mango shape, European elites had symbolises prosperity, while their stones cut and crafted other elements, like in India,” he explains. the parrot, signify Baudet’s dedication human love.” This to this lineage is thoughtful infusion evident in pieces like of traditional the Madras Vanki motifs, filigree, and ring, which, while ornate detailing “Our unmistakably embodies craftsmanship Indian at first the handis Parisian in its glance, carries fabricated precision, New York a cosmopolitan aesthetic sophistication distinct in its complexity, that could easily to Indian and Indian in its be at home in jewellery. inspiration.”

Paris.

At the core of His unique Baudet’s creative background as an process is the theme engineer has equipped of love. “Love is always Baudet with the technical the starting point - whether it’s skills necessary for this high level someone’s love story or a nod to of craftsmanship. Having trained under love in general,” he says. An unreleased design artisans from Place Vendome, Baudet reflects the concept of water, symbolising combines traditional methods with cuttinglove’s fluidity and depth. “With the Vanki ring, edge techniques from his New York studio.

I think about honouring a love story within “I want to make couture jewellery of the the shape, creating something comfortable highest quality,” he says. “Our craftsmanship and unmistakably Indian in inspiration. I don’t is Parisian in itsprecision, New York in its want it to look like Cartier or Van Cleef. This complexity, and Indian in its inspiration.” is an homage to Indian jewellery, but with a This fusion of tradition and innovation New York twist.”

resonates with an increasingly diverse clientele.

For Baudet, catering to the Indian diaspora in New York is both a challenge and an honour. “Indian women have a unique appreciation for jewellery; they celebrate it as part of their identity,” he notes. “I’m lucky to be married to a daughter of Indian migrants. The cultures I’ve been introduced to are invaluable, and I see an untapped market here for meaningful, culturally resonant jewellery.”

In a heartfelt admission, he adds, “I basically design jewellery that I think my wife would love. It’s about celebrating everything about her and her culture.”

In a city like New York, where contemporary and Euro-American designs often dominate, Baudet’s commitment to showcasing Indian design traditions offers a fresh perspective. He hopes to see his work become a bridge, connecting diverse audiences to India’s storied legacy in jewellery.

“My goal is to see non-Indian women wearing Vanki rings as engagement rings, and for Indian-inspired jewellery to be as celebrated in high fashion as any European design. The diversity of New York is a perfect home for this vision, and it’s a privilege to share stories of love and culture through my work.”

With future projects on the horizon, from beaded Indian-inspired necklaces to pieces that integrate Australian and Indian motifs, Baudet continues his journey. His work is more than jewellery - it’s an artful celebration of the cultures, traditions, and love stories that inspire us all.

NOVEMBER 2024 31

SPORT

Pro Kabaddi League hits Australian soil

F

or the first time ever, the dynamic Indian sport of Kabaddi is making its Australian debut in Melbourne.

Tickets for the Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid, a double-header event set to bring the thrill of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) to Australian fans, will be available starting 12 November. The event will take place on 28 December 2024 at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena, following day three of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India.

Announced on 11 November by Premier Jacinta Allan alongside Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, Indian Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar, and AFL icons Campbell Brown and Josh Kennedy, the event promises to fuse Australian and Indian sports culture in an unprecedented way.

The opening match will feature a team of Australian athletes, coached by former AFL star Campbell Brown and captained by exSydney Swans great Josh Kennedy, taking on Indian Pro Kabaddi players. The main event will follow, with two star-studded PKL teams competing in an All Stars showdown that will let Australian sports fans experience the PKL’s blend of speed, strategy, and high-stakes action up close.

“Walking across the road from the Boxing Day Test to the first-ever Australian Pro Kabaddi match—you can’t get better than that,” said Premier Allan. “India's number

Indian Consul General Dr Sushil Kumar makes a statement as Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Sport Steve Dimopoulos,Aust team coach Campbell Brown, and Aust team captain Josh Kennedy look on.

one and number two sports will be side-byside in the sporting capital of the world.”

Since its launch in 2014, the Pro Kabaddi League has quickly become

India’s second-most-watched sport, drawing nearly 300 million viewers annually. The sport pits two teams of seven against each other in high-speed 30-second

raids, where players must tag opponents and return to their side without being captured. It’s a contest of agility, power, and team strategy.

“The Pro Kabaddi League has one of the fastest-growing fan bases around the globe,” said Minister Dimopoulos. “We know people will flock to see this one-ofa-kind event—another major event keeping our state buzzing and boosting our local businesses and jobs.”

With Victoria being home to nearly 260,000 Indian-born residents and more than 370,000 residents of Indian ancestry, the event holds special significance in this multicultural state. Victoria has also emerged as Australia’s top destination for Indian visitors, drawing more than 187,000 Indian tourists who spent over $480 million in the state last year alone.

AFL fans are also eager to see their sports heroes embrace Kabaddi. “Kabaddi has such a long-standing history in India,” said Campbell Brown, who expressed his privilege to be part of the “magic”.

For Josh Kennedy, who will captain the Australian team, the energy surrounding Kabaddi is contagious and exciting.

This match is part of a packed summer lineup that includes Indian folk singer Maithili Thakur’s first Australian concert on 1 December, Australia vs. India at the Boxing Day Test, and the Australian Open in January.

ADVERTORIAL

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M

ahindra & Mahindra Ltd., a global leader in the automotive industry, announces the launch of its Black Edition XUV700 in Australia. Priced from AUD $43,990 driveaway, this special edition, offers a bold new look and enhanced luxury features, further elevating the XUV700's premium SUV experience.

The Black Edition not only boosts the luxury quotient but also includes exclusive features such asa blacked-out grille, 18-inch black alloys, black interior trim with Piano black finish on IP Doors & console, ventilated front seats with active cooling, and a memory ORVM linked for added convenience.

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32 NOVEMBER 2024

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The vehicle offers class-leading comfort with its SkyRoof™, spanning 1.3 metres, along with a dual 10.25-inch Super Screen for infotainment and cluster information. The XUV700 Black Edition is equipped with Mahindra's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including features like Adaptive Cruise Control and a 360-degree camera setup.

www.indianlink.com.au

CRICKET

Humiliated at home, India trudge Down Under India face a litany of problems that a canny New Zealand have laid bare for the world – and a rampant Australian team – to see.

BY RITAM MITRA

T

hey say a week is a long time in politics, but this week it may be worth asking the Indian cricket team for its thoughts on the matter, too.

Stunned in Bengaluru, then humbled in Pune by a buoyant New Zealand side, India limped to Mumbai seeking to resurrect their rapidly flagging World Test Championship hopes and salvage enough pride to head into a blockbuster Australian tour with some semblance of confidence.

Unfortunately for Rohit Sharma and his charges, the Kiwis were reading from a different script. India, having struggled to a winnable position, surrendered meekly and suddenly in just over two days, sparking elation for an unfancied New Zealand side who famously became the first-ever team to whitewash India at home in a Test series of three or more matches.

It’s been voted by many as the biggest upset in Tests this century, and it’s not hard to see why.

For India, the ignominy will have reverberations far beyond the blaring 24hour news channels and the somehow equally loud tabloids. For a team that very rarely loses on home soil, with fading stars desperate to cement a legacy, with a new coach, and about to embark on the most challenging tour of all, the repercussions of humiliation at home could long fester.

India heads to Australia for a landmark

five-Test Border Gavaskar series starting in less than 3 weeks’ time. Having famously won the last two editions in Australia, India face a litany of problems that a canny New Zealand have laid bare for the world – and a rampant Australian team – to see.

The first and most obvious problem is that Rohit and Kohli’s stars have long faded. The duo – aged 37 and 36 – produced just 91 and 93 runs each across

In Australia, visitors must be prepared to “win ugly”. No Indian batsman this tour appears equipped with the mentality to win ugly.

6 innings this series, with neither an aberration: Kohli averages just 22 in Test cricket this year, while Sharma averages 29.

Tours of Australia are notoriously difficult. The opposition is relentless. The cricket is as tough as it gets. The crowds are vociferous and mouthy. The pitches seam and bounce and the ball hurts.

There’s simply no room for a touring team to carry mere passengers, especially when the passengers are supposed to be talismanic batsmen.

With no Pujara or Rahane to help shoulder the burden – each having been instrumental in India’s back-to-back successes here in 2019 and 2021 – team management will need to be ready to make tough decisions on the Kohli and Sharma questions, even if against India’s ethos of never dropping a galactico. If Gambhir and his selectors need inspiration, they needn’t look further than Pakistan, who prospered against England after dropping Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi – scarcely conceivable thoughts just 12 months ago.

The next problem is one of mindset.

They would never admit it, but India’s batsmen seem to have been infected by the Bazball virus of playing Test matches primarily to entertain. It may have paid off against Bangladesh – where India turned on the afterburners to steal victory in a rain-disrupted Test – but the determination of India’s batsmen to blast their way out of trouble is awfully ill-advised for a number of reasons.

For one, Bazball has been largely ineffective for England, with the side recently facing its own public excoriation in UK press after a dismal backdown against Pakistan. While it has certainly produced some memorable results, the problem is that they have fallen in both the W and the L columns. It is hardly a blueprint for guaranteed success.

A bigger issue is that in Australia, relying merely on talent is not enough. India has long been feted as a veritable factory of supremely talented batsmen, and, in a perhaps subtle example of the brashness of male ego, it may be that this is the reputation the side is seeking to protect by emulating England. But there’s a reason India won in 2019 and 2021, and it was not just the emergence of fast bowling options such as Bumrah and Shami.

In Australia, visitors must be prepared to “win ugly”. It’s what Pujara did by absorbing countless body blows in the 2018-19 tour, facing over 1,200 balls as he did so. It’s what Ashwin and Vihari did when dead batting for hours, injured, to clinch a draw in Sydney in 2021, with neither playing in the deciding Test at the Gabba which India famously won with a third-string side.

No Indian batsman appears equipped with the mentality to win ugly. Without that mentality, 36 happens, and 46 happens.

If India are to survive – and once again thrive – in Australia, they must learn from the mistakes and successes of their peers and predecessors alike.

It’s India’s only hope, albeit remote, of claiming the 4-1 series victory required to secure a berth in their third successive World Test Championship Final.

The Border-Gavaskar series starts at Perth Stadium Nov 22-26, followed by Adelaide Oval Dec 6-10, The Gabba Dec 14-18, the MCG Dec 26-30, and the SCG Jan 3-7.

NOVEMBER 2024 33

34 NOVEMBER 2024

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INDIAN LINK LOVES

Loving right now What we’re obsessed with this month

READ

WATCH

Shattered by Hanif Kureishi is a book that was born out of a resolution to make something beautiful out of tragedy. After a seemingly benign accident left him a tetraplegic, Kureishi has had to grapple with the grief of losing a sense of self and with the question of how to reconcile his present with his past. But the fact that he still manages to weave his characteristic wit through his work means that he (and his readers) can rest assured that at least the writer in him continues to thrive.

It’s a crossover that us South Asian Dune fans may have fantasised about, but which we never thought could actually happen. So hearing that Bollywood darling Tabu was cast in Dune: Prophecy, was a lesson in the power of collective manifestation.

When you think about it, who better than her to epitomise the grace of the political sisterhood called the Bene Gesserit whilst also confidently acting alongside Hollywood veterans? Promising to be a tale that uncovers the juicy political secrets of the Dune franchise, we already know that this will be a November favourite.

LISTEN

EAT

It’s not enough to just listen to Raveena Aurora, you need to experience her music.

That means bingeing her music videos and looking through all her Instagram posts, because her fashion is as exuberant as her music. But we get it, when you’re presented with seven years’ worth of albums, it’s hard to know where to start. Lucky for you, Raveena has just released a film featuring songs from her latest album Where the Butterflies go in the Rain, which is a great way to dive into her music and to understand the artist behind them.

MasterChef Australia has been the starting point for many Aussie food obsessions, and recently, our favourite street food pani puri received its shining moment. Pani puri is loved for its versatility; in fact, it’s so versatile that people have been pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We now have Mexican pani puris with guacamole; sweet pani puris which have, dare I say it…chocolate, and pani puri shots. This last one is where the puri is placed on top of a shot glass of any flavoured liquid you wish, and yes, that includes vodka.

WRITTEN BY SRUTHI SAJEEV NOVEMBER 2024 35

FOGO is here!

Coming to your household week starting 11 November.

36 NOVEMBER 2024

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with Lakshmi Ganapathy AUNTY JI is Indian Link’s resident agony aunt who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, an enigma whose identity remains a great unsolved mystery…

Indian Link’s just turned 30! What’s the secret to aging well?

See, there are some delicious secrets to aging that have served me beautifully; I was preternaturally wise and so I came up with these philosophies before all my doodh ke daant (baby teeth) fell out.

My first secret is that it’s crucial you develop your eccentricities when you’re young. This way, as you get older, no one is any wiser about any decline in your mental or physical state, and your decrepitude is known only to you. I found myself a fashionable walking stick from Harrods in London when I was 32 years old and I walked around with it, sometimes using it for punctuating my sentences (I said no!) or for threatening dogs on my daily walks. Now, when I lean on my stick during walks, no one knows it’s because I’ve started dangling my foot in the grave!

I also pretended not to remember people or details in my 20s, and I decided I wasn’t going to wait till I was in my 60s before I started giving mufth jawabs (free advice) to people. So now, no one knows how old I am, because I have ‘always been like this’.

The second way of aging well is to reflect the age of the people around you. So, if you are with bachche log (kids), specially the below 5s, talk to them like you are one of them. With people in their 30s, talk about stuff of interest to them. The only exception here is with teenagers.

Never ever try to mimic their language but double down on your put downs and caustic observations - they will definitely respect you for it.

Rumour has it you’re not actually a real aunty, but just Pawan Luthra doing a high-pitched voice. Care to comment?

Arre kalankini (sinner), you have known me to be a wise person, who understands human beings, and who has so much wisdom, flair and grace. I also have style and sophistication, and when I walk into a room, I command it just by breathing the air. And don’t get me started on my intelligence. Log (people) know I have a brain the size of a small planet.

Though my little gulabo (rose), if Pawan was indeed Auntyji, don’t you think he would have demonstrated all of those qualities by now?

Kaminee - kyu mujhe gaali de rahi ho?

(Villain - why are you abusing me?)

You love giving advice to others, regardless of whether it’s solicited. But what’s the best bit of advice you’ve received?

You know, from the moment I was born, my own Auntyji told me I was a very thoughtful child and was always doing the right thing. I would sit there in my pram and look at people and take a measure of them. I was an old soul. Maybe for that reason, no one ever bothered to give me any advice?

One time when I was 5 years old and sitting at the table drawing my family, the neighbour’s wife’s uncle’s sister came visiting. She looked at my drawing and said I was being generous with the proportions of my mother, whom I had drawn as a slender lady (I was 5, remember). Legend has it that I put down my pencils, flared my nostrils with indignation, turned my huge cow eyes to this chugli (backbiter) in human form, looked at her up and down and solemnly declared: “You mean, I should draw her as generous as the portions on your plate at dinner?” That busybody never darkened our doors again.

So no, no one has given me advice in decades. Who gives an oracle advice? No one. Because the well of inspiration and wisdom springs eternal in yours truly, my little chameli (flower).

Your identity is a tightly guarded secret, just like that of a certain street artist… Auntyji, are you also Banksy?

Okay, bewakoofs (idiots) everywhere, listen up. I will say this only once. I have no comment to make.

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

Yesterday I sat in the park and watched people walking their kuttas (dogs). I like the way the smaller dogs like spaniels and pomeranians have such a misguided sense of self, they always want to have a go at the big dogs like German Shepherds or Greyhounds. It’s as though these small dogs need to get street cred, and the only way to do so is to pick a panga (fight) with the big kuttas. My peace is usually punctuated by a bhau here and wau there - and before you know it - here a bhau, there a wau, everywhere a bhauwau!

Of course, the losers are always the owners. Insha Allah in their next life, these dog owners come back as big dogs, who must constantly hold back on their reflexive need to chomp down hard on these teeny tiny little kuttas who are only there as decoration.

As for what I am playing? Arre yaara, hum life ki game khel rahe hai (my dear, I am playing the game of life). For a muqqadar ka sikander (king of fate) like me, I am winning big.

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

Ek word se kaam nahi chaltha (one word won’t do), so I’ll give you my favourite [Hindi] words - kalmouhi (shameful woman), bewakoof (idiot), kalankini (sinner), dayan (witch), Iblis (devil), gulab jamun and nirlaj (shameless).

My favourite pastime is to try to use all these words within three sentences into every conversation.

And finally: Soan Papdi or Papdi Chaat?

Arre zaalima (hey tormentor), why you giving me two choices only? You know duniya aisi nahi chalti (life doesn’t work that way). This means I will take both soan papdi and papdi chaat. I want to live life like a bhediya (wolf ) - this means only one thing is not enough for37 NOVEMBER 2024 me. I will take dono (both), okay?

TRAVEL

Travel pitfalls and how to avoid them A professional tour guide shares her travel tips and tricks of the trade

BY Petra O'Neill

T

ravelling is great fun, and group tours, the people you meet, and the added-on experiences can really enhance any trip.

However, I’ve seen and experienced all too many common pitfalls, with my biggest watchpoints listed below.

Group tours

You've booked a tour and paid extra to be met at the airport with the driver holding that reassuring sign with your name on it, ready to transfer you smoothly to your hotel. Except no one is there.

Instead, book this service direct through your hotel, which is more reliable, and if anything goes wrong, can be resolved right away.

Be wary of shopping recommendations given by your guide, or if your itinerary is modified with a succession of shopping emporiums, that are likely commission driven. Similarly, if your guide steers your group to restaurants, where you are given a set meal priced in euros or US dollars, 38 NOVEMBER 2024

expect to pay a lot more than what locals pay, plus cover the guide's meal and commission.

Check your tour's inclusions, against any charges your guide asks you for. In Egypt I was asked to pay for water and when I showed our guide the itinerary that showed this was included, he said it allowed him to “make a bit extra”.

For optional tours your guide will take payment, though ensure the amount matches what is given in your itinerary and consider options. When our guide said our cruise of the Bosphorus had increased to 80 euros, I joined a different cruise aimed at the domestic market and paid 5% of what the group was charged.

Be wary of guides that buffer you from

seeing prices that locals pay.

When you book a tour with an Australian travel company, the tour will likely be run by a locally run tour operator based in the country visited.

The Australian travel company should diligently monitor that you receive what you've paid for though this hasn't always been my experience.

If your “centrally” located hotel is on the city's outskirts, or the safari camp experience is switched to a hotel, request your tour guide to resolve it with the tour operator.

If it isn't, document the discrepancies, and ask for a partial refund from the Australian company on your return.

Dining out

On my very first overseas trip, I sat down at a restaurant and was given numerous bowls of snacks, even a hand towel, then hit with an inflated bill. Always ask if the bread, water, or snacks are included, as well as any service charges and taxes. Avoid tourist restaurants, instead seeking out those busy with locals.

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up drugged and in serious trouble.

Friendships made on the road may also be risky. I've met people, who have asked for money, to share my room, or pay for their meal. The worst case I've encountered was a young French woman, stranded in Cambodia, who had met a French couple. After weeks of travelling together, she woke to find they had robbed her. Police have advised me that we are trusting of those we see as being like us.

Internet

Hotel booking sites are convenient and easy to use, though if you are contacted and asked to provide your credit card details a few days before your arrival, it could be a scam. The email looks legitimate and contains all the information relating to your booking, but it isn't.

E-visas have also created an opportunity for scammers who create official looking websites. Ensure when applying for a visa or other required form of entry, that the web address contains "gov", or go to the link using the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smart Traveller website. Be cautious

Shopping

In Egypt, I was lured inside a shop by an exquisite carved jewellery box for US$10.

Swiftly, a plastic version was substituted, and the wooden box became US$100.

When buying, make sure what you end up purchasing is what you think it is, count the change and make sure the money is still in circulation. If prices are in $US, beware that this is a shop for tourists with inflated prices, and avoid "would you like that charged in AUD?" as you'll be charged 5% more as a credit card fee than if you pay in local currency.

Buses and trains

When buying bus tickets from ticketing offices, I've been told economy coaches were full, only they weren't, so I bought tickets from ticket dispensers instead. On trains, conductors have claimed there has been a price adjustment and that I need to pay or that I need to change seats and pay. Be wary if they're targeting tourists, not issuing a receipt or not providing any written documentation.

On checking into my hotel in Singapore which had a nightly rate of S$127, I was asked for a deposit of S$500. Using my debit card, the hotel said it could take up to 30 days for the funds to be recredited, and as I didn’t feel comfortable with that option, I declined and paid the nightly rate upfront instead. Even for stays that have been booked and paid for in full, this preauthorisation may be required but feel comfortable to speak up and see if an alternative arrangement can be reached, as many places are accommodating.

Before heading to your room, check that the room and views reflect what you've paid for as shown on the website and is not subject to disruption due to construction activity.

Check too that the amenities are not closed for renovation, such as the pool or gym.

Border crossings

These scams are challenging. I've been approached by "officials" in uniform who are selling a form I need. Only the form is free, handed out by the legitimate official further along the line. Or the one official who stamps your passport, as you enter to view Victoria Falls, but makes you wait for hours, while his colleague stamps it without delay for US$50.

Taxis and Tuk Tuks

A common scam is being told by the Taxi or tuk tuk driver the hotel or attraction you're heading for is closed, with an alternative quickly offered instead, or veering off to a shop where staff are waiting to take you inside. A tuk tuk driver in Bangkok even told me the Chao Phraya river had no water. Charges for tolls, expressways and restricted access zones may or may not be legitimate and you may be driven the longest way. Does catching a taxi from Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal to Broadway cost $165? That's what a cruise ship passenger from the UK told me he was charged. Always ask the hotel's concierge for a fare estimate and ask them to call a licensed taxi on your behalf. Ensure the meter is on, and take an image of the driver's licence, or use a prepaid ride service.

Hotels

Being aware of your surroundings and remaining calm in difficult situations will help you avoid many of the pitfalls of travel.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instinct. If you have a complaint, try to resolve it there and then, but if that's not possible, take notes and images and request a remedy upon your return. Happy travels.

"You really must." I side stepped them, called out to some tourists as though they were my friends, and continued walking.

That night, those in my tour group, had similar encounters, and were charged US$100 each for tea.

Be wary of anyone who strikes up a conversation or offers to help, ensure your belongings are secure, and don't let them get close. In Kolkata, a well-dressed man said he was going my way, (how would he know where I was going?) was knowledgeable about the city's history, and asked for US$50, saying he knew I must have it as he'd followed me from my hotel.

A common trick is being approached by someone who offers to help clean whatever mess they've just splattered, and while distracting you, take your phone and wallet. Beware too if you're offered food or drink, as you may end

too of any service that promises to expedite processing for a fee. My work colleague paid $800 for swift entry to the USA, to then realise it was a scam.

Money and credit cards

I always change money after arriving, rather than before I go. The only exception is Japan. The rate of exchange at airports is always low. On arrival, if you need cash, change a small amount. Then head for an area downtown where money changers are clustered, near markets and shopping centres. If you withdraw cash from an ATM, check the fees and check the rate you'll be charged for using your credit card, compared with other cards.

Best friends

In Shanghai, I was approached by a woman who proceeded to hop up and down. "I love Kangaroos!" she exclaimed, inviting me to a tea house. Three men then blocked my way, and said NOVEMBER 2024 39

ENTERTAINMENT

cineTALK

Worth waiting for?

You decide!

If you're running out of ideas on what to watch, we've got you covered.

Here's KHUSHEE GUPTA’s hot spot list!

BHOOL BHULAIYAA 3 (In cinemas)

I WANT TO TALK (In cinemas)

Back to the haunted halls and the eerie echoes, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is bringing us another round of spine-chilling laughs and head-scratching twists.

With each mysterious door and flickering light, fans of the series know all too well that nothing is ever as it seems. Remember those familiar tunes that sent shivers down your spine? Or that unforgettable mix of chills and giggles? Well, it’s back. And who knows? Maybe Manjulika has learned a few new tricks…

Releasing Nov 1

Abhishek Bachchan’s latest project I Want To Talk has sparked curiosity as he steps into an intense, transformative role. In this drama, he plays a father whose life is thrown off course by a sudden medical diagnosis that reshapes his relationship with his daughter. Alongside Bridgerton alum Banita Sandhu, the film dives into the nuances of family bonds, resilience, and the unexpected twists that can alter our lives.

Releasing Nov 22

KANGUVA (In cinemas) Suriya and Bobby Deol join forces in the Tamil film Kanguva, a tale that intertwines the fierce struggle of a tribal warrior fighting to protect his people a millennium ago with the quest of a shadowy cop in the present day. As the past collides with the present, viewers can expect a thrilling blend of action, mystery, and heart.

Releasing Nov 14

DUNE: PROPHECY (HBO) The highly anticipated spin-off of the beloved Dune franchise is here, and it features Bollywood sweetheart Tabu. Although she is only in the trailer for some mere seconds, we can always expect a mind blowing performance from her. For movie fans, here’s what you can expect: 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’ rise, the show dives into the fierce world of the Harkonnen sisters as they battle formidable forces threatening humanity’s future.

Releasing Nov 17

MATRIMONIALS SEEKING GROOMS Australian Indian female 5’6”/59, unmarried, beautiful, well settled, MBA, university lecturer.

Seeks ideal partner, preferred medicos or highly qualified professional. Settled or willing to settle in Australia. Must be tall, handsome, well settled. Only genuine responses to 0435747736.

(No SMS).Write with full bio data/photos to lataprem900@yahoo.com Indian origin, professionally qualified, issueless match (working professional, not self-employed) from Australia, for ‘88 born 5’3" Hindu Punjabi girl (divorced, issueless), working with a government organisation in Sydney. Must have Aus PR, be a non-smoker and preferably teetotaler. Email biodata with photos, parents’ contact details to matrimonial.ml@gmail.com.

40 NOVEMBER 2024

Pre-painted

Lowest Price Roof Restoration / Painting Available

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CITADEL: HONEY BUNNY (Prime Video)

MATKA (In cinemas)

The spy universe expands with Citadel: Honey Bunny! Following the high-stakes thrill kickstarted

by Priyanka Chopra Jonas in Citadel, this new chapter pulls us deeper into espionage with Varun Dhawan and Samantha Prabhu stepping into the game. Expect fast-paced action, clever disguises, and a world-wide chase packed with tension – and just a hint of romance. Will Honey Bunny keep up with the explosive legacy of its predecessor?

Releasing Nov 7

Step into the thrilling world of Matka with this Telugu period drama, set between 1958 and 1982, where secrets, luck, and high-stakes gambling unfold against a backdrop of vintage glamour. With Nora Fatehi taking centre stage, the film dives into the notorious scams that once gripped the nation.

Expect retro style, smoky dens, and a wild ride through India’s hidden gambling circuits, where each turn of fate could make or break fortunes.

Releasing Nov 14

SINGHAM AGAIN (In cinemas)

THE SABARMATI REPORT (Zee 5)

This Diwali, the big screen will be on fire as Singham Again roars its way into theatres, bringing an actionpacked experience inspired by the Ramayana. Just like the festival’s epic battles, the movie faces off with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 in a clash of thrills vs. chills.

Ajay Devgn returns as the lion-hearted cop, with a star-studded cast that’s every Bollywood fan’s dream – think Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and even Tiger Shroff in the mix.

Releasing Nov 1

VIJAY 69 (Netflix)

Vikrant Massey’s incredible success streak on OTT continues with The Sabarmati Report, where he takes on one of India’s most tragic and complex stories. Set against the fateful morning of February 27, 2002, aboard the Sabarmati Express, the film dives into the events near the Godhra railway station in Gujarat that altered the course of history.

With Rashi Khanna joining the cast, the project promises powerful performances and a raw, sensitive portrayal of the incident.

Releasing Nov 15

LUCKY BHASKAR (In cinemas) An honorary mention for this movie starring Dulquer Salmaan where he plays a shrewd cashier working at a bank who embarks on a risky investment scheme (think pachis din mein paisa double types) and gets drawn into the murky world of money laundering. It’s all about money these days!

Releasing Oct 31

Vijay 69 takes us on an inspiring ride as Anupam Kher steps into the shoes of a 69-year-old dreamer determined to participate in a triathlon. This feelgood film is all about defying limits, proving that passion and grit don’t have an expiration date. With humour, heart, and a spirit that refuses to quit, it reminds us that it’s never too late to chase a dream – or to set a new one.

Releasing Nov 8

MITHYA (ZEE 5)

BHAIRATHI RANAGAL (In cinemas)

Get ready for an intense ride as Mithya returns for Season 2! This gripping series dives deeper into the turbulent and complex relationship between halfsisters Juhi, portrayed by Huma Qureshi, and Rhea, played by Avantika Dassani. Their fierce battle for revenge and retribution escalates, exposing dark family secrets and testing loyalties. As tensions rise, viewers can expect an emotional rollercoaster filled with betrayal, passion, and unexpected twists.

Releasing Nov 1

This poignant tale stars the talented Shivrajkumar, alongside the mesmerising Hariprriya, who both bring depth and nuance to their characters. The film delves into the life of Bhairathi, a courageous individual navigating the challenges of love, family, and societal expectations. As he confronts personal demons and external pressures, audiences will witness a rich tapestry of relationships and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Releasing Nov 15

VETTAIYAN (Prime) Amitabh Bachchan and Rajnikanth reunite for this Tamil-language action drama. Ruthless criminal activity is met with force from a maverick police officer with a disregard for the rules as he confronts an outbreak of lawlessness. Sound familiar? Well, you’ll have to watch it to find out!

Releasing Nov 8

NOVEMBER 2024 41

FORETELL

NOVEMBER 2024

BY MINAL KHONA

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

ARIES

TAURUS

TAROT GEMINI

CANCER

MARCH 21 - APRIL 19

APRIL 20 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 20

JUNE 21 - JULY 20

A time for participation and teamwork will lead to positive results. Some of you may take a call on whether to go forward or end a relationship. Those looking to marry might meet the right person. More than worrying about the health of others, look after your own. A new deal will boost your finances and business gets better. Believe in any new ideas you may have at work. Listen to your heart if in doubt.

You wish to move beyond illusions and get in touch with what matters.

If single and alone, take refuge in your work till the right person comes along. Watch out for red flags if you have just started dating. Anxiety could cause other health issues so take a break if possible. Meditate if your emotions are all over the place.

Support from someone who has your welfare at heart can be expected.

Look for glimmers in every situation, not triggers.

Sevens, drawn for you this month, stand for introspection and spiritual growth. A slow-moving situation can cause stress. Be patient and trust divine timing. An event will propel you forward and help make a negative situation, positive. Creatives should protect their ideas from theft. Take care of your health, or stress will cause additional problems. A tree won’t grow overnight so be patient till your efforts show results. Take on only what you can handle.

You draw the card for Aquarius so your focus will be on humanitarian causes.

Expect big money as the queen of pentacles is about abundance.

Singles could even meet someone who is late-January or February-born.

New job offers could come your way.

Social service will give you joy. Go on a spiritual detox – meditate, de-clutter and spend time with your hobbies.

Follow your goals as hurdles will fall away and success will be yours. Clarity on all fronts helps.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

JULY 21 - AUG 22

AUG 23 - SEP 22

SEP 23 - OCT 22

OCT 23 - NOV 21

You draw the Emperor card, indicating you need to look at unresolved issues with your father or significant male in your life. Or those issues will keep rearing their heads and causing problems in your relationships. This applies to men too. At work, you are in a commanding position and likely to get a promotion. Expect a boost in your finances. An occurrence will help you realise a long-forgotten goal. If in a relationship, expect things to get better.

You draw the card for Gemini so you might be a little impulsive and less finicky. Seniors will appreciate your efforts, and you feel validated. Travel for work will be successful. If dating, and things appear to be stuck, be practical about any decision you make. Your finances will be excellent this month.

Health-wise too, you get better. Some of you will let go of baggage and feel more positive. For those who have recently separated, you could be reunited.

It is all about listening to your intuition in November. A trip for work could be on the anvil. The self-employed will make profits even if the business has a slow start. An emotional burnout will leave you disinterested and detached. Women should seek medical help, or get a check-up, for reproductive health issues.

A stressful situation at work could cause anxiety. Go with the flow for now if you experience unexplained mood swings.

Things are changing in the inner realm.

You’ve drawn a card of letting go, clandestine romances, and messages from your intuition this month. A relationship you had high hopes for will not last. If in the face of conflict, practice self-control and walk away. Avoid being an emotional dumping ground for others.

If you have any lumps or cysts, get them examined immediately. Old disagreements will get resolved, but don’t let your guard down completely. Since it is a destiny card, all changes occurring are fated.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 18

PISCES

FEB 19 - MARCH 20

A time to put personal discomfort aside and plod ahead. There could be unexpected problems regarding family members, or your work. Though your focus is on romance, you will excel at work too.

A situation could have you pushed against a wall where your integrity will win the day for you. Regarding money disputes, a settlement will end financial crunches.

Work on improving yourself rather than trying to change things around you.

Despite your fears, stick to your goals.

The devil card for the already practical Capricorn indicates a month rooted in matters of the home and work. Avoid confrontations with family and keep to yourself. Frustration at a dead-end job could peak. If you are overdoing the work and home chores routine, consciously take a break. There could be financial losses but you will bounce back. A large, unexpected expense could come up. If in a relationship or looking to get married, you will. Don’t start anything new just yet.

Ask yourself what it is that you need to let go of. A change would help lift you out of a monotonous routine. A blessing connected to your career or finances may be offered. The unemployed could get a job. A positive mindset will help you feel physically healthier too. Get in touch with your feelings, especially if they are rooted in disappointment and grief. Stay detached and avoid getting familiar with everyone. Practice self-love and let go of baggage.

You’ve drawn the card for creativity this month, suggesting the incubation of an idea. There could be a baby, perhaps, if you’ve been trying! Good luck. If in need of a break, spend time in nature. Money could be held up, but don’t worry, it will come for sure. If you are overloaded with responsibilities, break them down and do what you can.

Trust your gut instinct in any situation that calls for it. Think positive for best results.

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BACKCHAT

Bot?? Distraught!!

Dear Auntyji I have been reading your column for a number of years, and I have always enjoyed your spicy ripostes to the questions that come your way. I have admired the way you are not afraid of serving the chutney to readers who write about their problems. But lately Auntyji, I am beginning to wonder if your answers are bland and generic because you just use ChatGPT for your responses. What happened to the mirch masala you used to serve us? What happened to the moophat sala? Have you grown boring in your old age, Auntyji?

Or have you lost your pizzazz and you just ask AI to answer on your behalf? Please advise - I am sure everyone wants to know the answer.

ASK AUNTYJI Do you have a question for Auntyji?

Email it to info@indianlink.com.au

Auntyji says Arre h@#$%^*. Sharam nahi aati, that you’re asking me if I am so lazy that I use AI for my responses? Listen up, you bewakoof, I will say this only once. Or maybe twice for a kamina like you. I do not use AI for my responses. My readers - indeed fans - deserve the best of me, and ChatGPT or some other AI can never replace what I do, nor can they duplicate it because I am a human being, an insaan, unlike you, who is a kalank. I have never used an AI generated response. Why? Because I have lived the human experience - and my fans, no matter how wacky, deserve the full, unvarnished such (truth) from me. No jhoot, no embellishment, no spare-the-feelings, but straightforward, garam masala opinion from a rockstar like me. And as for being bland. Kisko bland bol raha hai re tu? Tere jaisa budtehzeeb to mai first time mil rahi hoon. Iblis ke nana - don’t you have better things to do than to take a panga with me? Don’t you know I can shraap you from 60 miles away, and you will shrivel up like a sukda hua dana? Arre ja doob mar, bewakoofh@#$%^*. Stop bothering (and boring) me.

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