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While the Ethnic Business Awards Pty Ltd w,11 use ,ts best endeavours to ensure that the awards take p lace ,n accordance with publ ished g u1del1nes. Ethnic Business Awards Pty Ltd will not be responsible for any loss or damage to any sponsor or third party ar ising from the need to modify or even cancel the awards as a result of circumstances reasonably outside the control of Ethnic Business Awards Pty Ltd.

2 JULY 2015

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editorial INDIAN LINK PUBLISHER

Stripping of citizenship on the nose

Pawan Luthra

l:DITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

ASSISTANT EDITOR Kira Spucys-Tahar

MELBOURNE COORDINATOR Preeti Jabbal

CONTRIBUTORS

Raweena Raval, Mohan Dhall, Minal Khona, Nancy Jade Althea, Chitra Sudarshan, Petra O'Neill, Dhanya Samuel, LP Ayer, Tasneem Zavery

ADVERTISING MANAGER Vivek Trivedi 0410 578 146

ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Preeta Nair 02 9279 2004

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

Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 or GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 Ph: 02 9279-2004 Fax: 02 9279-2005

Email: info@indianlink.com.au

GuNntland Mutlcfatlwi� Brisbane City Council ond lheArts Centte Gold Coost p,esent

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

T

he proposed changes to Australia's citizenship policy are in the wrong, with the fact that the power is vested in a minister to exile someone, hence bypassing the \Xlestminsrer system of law where the courts decide based on evidence. This could seriously become an embarrassment for cbe government should the proposed changes be passed into law in d1eir current form.

The government has proposed stripping foreign fighters of their dual citizenship and to be in line with some of our allies in countries such as the US, UK, France, Canada and New Zealand.

According to information to dare, the 1-finister for Immigration and Border Protection will hold the power to strip them of d1eir nationality and place them into permanent exile. However, for chose Australians who do not have dual passports and only hold Australian citizenship, there is a consultation process happening to see if they can be stripped of d1eir Australian cirizenship, effectively rendering them stateless.

According to current law, which came

into place in l 949, it is possible co strip a dual citizen of Australian citizenship when the dual citizen serves in the armed forces of a country at war wid1 Australia.

The main issue is that of sole power lying wid1 d1e Minister in the dual cirizenship debate. Constinttional experts have warned char, if challenged, d1e rninister's decision may not stand as cbe Australian Consrirurion does not allow this power to rest with the Minister; rather, d1e rule of law will need ro be applied. According ro AL1srralian law, a judge is the only person who can hold judicial power. An individual vestcrl wid1 mis power can set very dangerous precedents. While thjs may open further discussion about divulging national security issues in an open coun room or delay in process, it does ensure the process is fairly and correcdy carried out.

Stripping a foreign lighter who does not have dual citizenship ·will render the person stateless, which will be in contravention of me Universal Declaration of Human Rights, part of which states mar "everyone has a right to nationality". This will be a challenge which Australia will need ro face. \Xie have a collective responsibility for all in our society, both good and bad; we just cannor wash our hands off d1e bad ones. ln the UK, since denationalisation was ramped up after d1e 2005 London bombing, 27 people have lost their

citizenship. Some of these were overseas and so could not return to the UK to challenge this decision. While in the lJK rl1e decision lies with me government, in Canada revocarion of citizenship Ii.es with a High Court judge and has to follow a judicial process. The United States constimtion strongly protects US cirizensh.ip and if any change is to be made, in all probability it will have to go through a judicial process also.

New Zealand has no laws in place to strip its citizens of their narionality dual or otherwise - but some passport restrictions do apply.

India does not allow dual citizenship, and to date has nor moved to strip its citizens of their Indian cirizenship should they be iJwolved in foreign fighting. While there is intense pressure from Non-Resident Indians to open the book on dual cirizenship, neither the BJP or Congress parties in power have conceded co chis, other than allowing more Aex.ibility with d1e 'Overseas Cirizen of India' oprion. As terrorism continues to be an ongoing internarional challenge, one doubts d1at the Indian government wiU now concede to the dual citizenship demands.

For those of us in Australia, we need to ensure there is ongoing preservation of our key values in Australia - a robust legal system, equaliry of all individuals, and our collective responsibility as a society.

Hfghly acclaimed veena player Jayanthi Kumaresh and renowned Indian classical singer Pandit Kaivalyakumar wil I share the beauty of their individual heritage in an evocative and spell-binding concert.

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Brisbane Sat 1 Aug 7.30prn Ian Hanger. Recital Hall Queensland Conservatorium Tickets $22 - $39

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YOUR SAY

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JURASSIC WORLD: DINO - MITE!

Indian actor lrrfan Khan considers the success of Jurassic World a "blessing". Have you seen the hit new film? What did you think of his performanee?

Sachln Wakhare wrote: I read somewhere "lrfan didn't have enough

money to buy movie tickets for Jurassic Park 1 and now he is one of the lead actors in Jurassic World!" That is success!!

Saba Nahl @nabl_saba wrote: @indian_link @irrfan_k it's just amazing­ well done & congts 2 the whole team- your hard work is recognised globally - evident from collection :)

ENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

FAREWELL UZMA!

After eleven years with Indian Link Radio, Uzma Beg is leaving Australia for Dubai.

Ajeet Haku wrote: Uzma, it has been a long journey to have travelled with you on the Indian Link train. It is very difficult to forget what you did for your listeners. You gave us laughter, happiness, moments of listening to your sweet galiyan on air, advice on childcare, parenthood, funny and forthright criticism. We have been lucky to have had your voice influence our daily life. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

You have left indelible moments to cherish.

The song from the film Munim ji

"jeevan kay safar mein rahi miltey hai bicchadjane ko" has come true.

Good luck and best wishes.

Shlka Agrawal wrote: Going to miss you Rajnl Luthra wrote: We'll miss you! *sniff* Mohammed Sumalr Kolla wrote: Lovely, the Middle East is waiting. Love you hamesha & you'll be missed Uzma Kajal Navlakha wrote: All the best for your future endeavours Subhadra Maudgal wrote: Was listening to your program! It is not alvida to you, just wishing you a very successful move in life, love you! Will miss you on Indian Link Radio!

Uzma Beg wrote: Thank you all so much for your love & affection I feel truly blessed to have been surrounded by so many wonderful people all these years. God bless you all. I am going to miss each one of you.

Nikita Chawla would have turned 24 on 21 June, but she didn't get to celebrate. Her life was taken in an act of violence earlier this year. Indian Link Radio's Kashif Harrison hosted a special show on the subject as he spoke with Nikita's brother, Tarang Chawla, about his campaign to raise awareness about family violence in culturally diverse communities and ensure #JusticeforNikita #NotOneMoreNiki The show had an overwhelming response. Nikita's story touched many hearts and brought to light the various situations that many women still endure.

Dr Manjula O'Connor was a guest on the show: Thank you for the

opportunity to be on the show. It is always great when the correct message gets airing and is broadcast to the community. Dowry is the hottest issue.

We may be close to getting laws changed as a result of our lobbying and campaigns. It is important because this problem was denied by many of our male leaders An anonymous listener mentioned how her own family stood against her when she wanted a love marriage. She spoke of how her husband stood up for her and that's what she thinks every man should be like.

Denlsh wrote: I just wanted to add a line that Domestic Violence is a CRIME and it affects not just society but the family and children in the house. When children live with domestic and family violence, they are experiencing trauma. It can be trauma that is ongoing and long-lasting.

Aartl said: I am lucky enough to say that, no, I'm not a victim of domestic violence, but unfortunately it is happening. I would like to say that ladies should not let any man, whether it's their father, brother or husband, put them down. They should not tolerate this at any cost. Right now it's them, next thing you know it's their daughters. Also I would like to thank Indian Link and Kashif for doing this show and sharing what is happening in the real world. Keep giving us what is also happening in the real world.

Sandhya Sharma said: It was a good topic. We must stop domestic violence and talk more about it. I want to give special thanks to Nikita Chawla's brother and Dr Manjula O'Connor, her information was really helpful.

Ashlsh Chawla said: I want to share that parents need to educate their sons more on this too, especially the ones who are young and about to be married. Also, I would like to urge every male listener of lndianlinkRadio to take an oath not to raise hands or let women suffer domestic violence.

A good point shared by Dr Manjula is that children who see this happening to their mothers and sisters can also raise their voices and educate the elders of today that they need to change, they need to stop a male­ dominant society. One way they can do this by approaching student counsellors at school.

Another point raised was that young married men, especially the ones who marry in India and bring their wives to Australia, need to be educated by their parents or get involved knowing that domestic violence has charges and is against the law. The more they understand that before marriage the less likely women, wives, daughters and girlfriends get hurt.

VIRAL VIDEO

An Ind/an student's essentfafs when travelflng abroad

Natasha Goradla wrote: 0mg. Awesome. Hahaha. To the point!

Shella Magu wrote: Maybe pack a National/ regional costume!

Astha Singh wrote: Hilarious! Now I want these laddoos Anjana Mehra Aujla wrote: Made me laugh Avadhanl Kalavakolanu wrote: Good joke

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The Indian Link Media Group took home the Best Print Publication award at the NSW Premier's Multicultural Media Awards held in Sydney on 25 June

T

be award for Best Print Publication is Indian Link's 15'h multicultural award since 2011.

SW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Multiculturalism John Ajaka announced the winners of the NSW Multicultural Media Awards at a gala event at Doltone House in the Sydney CBD. "A record 128 entries were subn1itted this year across 12 categories and I would like to congratulate all of our winners and finalists for their outstanding efforts," Mr Baird said.

CEO Pawan Lutlua said, "This is truly the icing on tbe cake. I'm particularly happy om 15'1' award is for Best Print, because it is one we haven't won before, even though we've been shortlisted as finalists in

INDIANLINK

previous years."

Edicor Rajni Anand Luthra said, "Iv[y heartfelt thanks to our core team at tl1e office, Antoinette Mullins, Vivek Trivedi, Kira Spucys-Tahar, Preeti Jabbal, Preeta Nair, Ashish Chawla, DanieUe Cairis, Nitika Sondhi, Glenn HLmt, Neelam Vasudevan and Kerry olan. Not only are tl1ey talented and long-rime faithfuls co the cause, they are all very hard-working (going by the late-night pizza boxes in the trash!)"

She added, "A special shout-out co our 80 plus contributors across the country.

We conlcln't have done mis without you all! You continue to bring us impressive scories, keeping watch on our community and engaging with our new home. Your work sends out the message chat the Indian

community in Australia not only keeps its heritage alive, but is willing and ab.le to integrate well in the wider mainstream. Let's continue doing what we have becoin : e so good at, and continue to work even harder to attain higher laurels."

We also tlrnnk all our readers and supporters, i n tl1e Indian community and outside, who have stood by us for over twenty years now. From people who pick up their copy each month at the .local spice shop or Indian grocery store, to tl1ose who submit photos for our party page; from t.l10se who write regular colmnns, to those who write one-off specials; from those who read cover to cover, to t.lmse who Aick straight to their favourites - thank you! \Yle look forward to continuing to build and

nurture the Indian-Australian relationship together.

In previous years Tndian Link has won NS\Xf Premier's Multiculn1ral Awards for Best Print Report, Best Use of Online and Digital Media, Young Journalist of the Year for Ritam Mitra, Best ews Report, Best Online Publication of the Year and Best Lnage of the Year. lndi,111 Link has also been honoured at the Victorian Multicultural Awards with a Media Excellence Award for Preeti Jabbal, and at the Parliament of NSW Multicultural Media Awards \Vinning Best Coverage of Community Affairs Abroad, Online Innovation in Website Design, Best Editorial/News Reporting and Multicultural Journalist of the Year for Pawan Luthra.

JULY 2015 7

stage

Shiamak Davar's winter warmer

Bollywood dance group's Winter Funk event warms the soul

BY RAWEENA RAVAL

I

t was aU bling and BoUywood tadka as Shiamak Group Brisbane scnmed their stuff at their recent Winter Funk event.

The Shiamak Group Brisbane has been running successfully for the past year and a half at two centres, Runcorn and Nundah. Age is no barrier, with students ranging from as young as four to fifty-plus, and with a healthy mix of the sexes.

After last year's extravaganza, the Brisbane smdents took to the stage again at che Ambrose Treacy College Auditorinm, delighting the audience with the glitz, glamour and chutzpah of BoUywood.

They had spent the last six months dedicating their Sundays to learning different styles of dance. These classes are "one of a kind" training program for students, teaching trademark dance styles like Shiamak Style Contemporary, Shiamak's BoU}'\.v·ood Jazz and Shabop.

During the workshop, scudents are taught a complete dance routine and trained in the various disciplines of stage performance.

8 JULY 2015

The scudents enjoy a complete "performing arts" experience - the excitement, rehearsals, team work, discipline, professionalism and most of aU, performance.

The dressing rooms were abuzz with excitement just before curtains. The dancers aU resonated the same thought: they had butterflies in their stomachs but they couldn't wait to rock the stage! The camaraderie was aU but obvious, as they helped each other with hair and make-up.

stage was amazing. The speed with which costume and backdrop changes were accomplished, was impressive. The audience experience was no less than watching those glam award shows on television!

After this incredible performance it was time for the Shiamak Brisbane Students to show their substance. 1 or to be oucshi.ned by the International Team, Sbian1ak's favourite age category ('the stars of tomorrow' as he calls them) l i t up the stage.

Brisbane's tiny 'Shian1aksters' were not to

,, The ghagra cholis left the stage awash with colour, and the red matkas only enhanced the performance , , This \Vas one bunch of students who didn't want to outshine each other but ensure that al.I of them as a team could give their best performance!

On stage, it was a spectacular array of dance styles, from Jazz Beats to Contemporary to Afro by the mind-blowing Shiamak Davar Internati onal team, led by Vihang Nikalje (General Manager, Shiamak Australia) and Darshan Pawar (instructor).

The costumes, energy and vibrance on

be left behind as they performed to Kamli, Dhoom machale, Engine ki seeti, Tndia1P11/e and RAnvir ching. The litclies, it turned om, had cl1e best cosmmes. The girls in their shiny golden halter tops with glittering skirts, and the boys in their golden vests and sparkly red dhotis, were simply adorable. The Kamli dance had the pre-teens doing a very quick costume change on stage into denim jackets and sunglasses to look the part for Dhoom Jll(lchale and they finished the song

of wicl1 hoola hoops as their props. The transitions were quick and expertly executed by the girls. Better watch om, Katrina and Kareena!

The grooves continued in Shiamak style with everything from Rajaschani style Thark) chok1·0 to the latest BoUywood mash-up S11mj doobaa and Dance basa11ti. The ghagra cholis left the stage awash with colour, and the red 111atka.s only enhanced cl1e performance.

The tops for the BoUywood rnashup, it was revealed, were inspired by a top worn on stage by Priyanka Chopra at a recent UFA award ceremony.

The finale had all performers on stage gyrati ng to Love!;, Bai?), doll, Jh11111e ki mat and f. otakli, leading iJ1to the audience to shake everyone's boot/ya.

From smclenc performers to the more experienced performers from the Shiamak Davar International Group, the afternoon was full of energ)� excitement, dance, glamour, glitz and talent. The audience cheered incessantly, hooting and whistling in appreciati o n.

Ac the end, the studems received participation certificates. Varad Raval thanked cl1e sponsors for heling make the event possible, the parents for spending their Sundays making sure kids attended classes, and the smdents for their efforts.

Vasan Srinivasan, the inm1ediate past president of the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (Fl.AV) was also present. He motivated tbe Brisbane students to continue their dance journey and to keep aiming for higher accomplishments. There was also mention of expanding the academy i.e. opening a centre in Perth and e.xpanding out to New Zealand.

Shiamak Davar's philosophy of "Have Feet, \'\(/ill Dance" was once again proved at chis spectacular Winter Funk. t or everyone who performed was a trained dancer, but ever yone had a fantastic attitude towards dance - cl1ere was te,'ltnwork, and plenty of enclmsiasml

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nto Mumbai's slums come alive in an innovative stage performance

BY TASNEEM ZAVERY

C

olourful, energetic, foot-tapping music and musical instrumems - lots .of instruments, dance, narration and a giant screen reflecting sand art; this 90-minute performance was evocative of familiar scenarios in India. lndi(/ Sto,ies, a performance presented by DeepBlue and Brisbane Powerhouse, enthralled a multiculmral audience from 2- 4 July at the Bdsbane Powerhouse in New Farm.

To understand mote about behind the scenes workings of the show, lndi(/11 Li11k

INDIANLINK

caught up with Greta Kelly, one of the performers from the self-described "indie orchestra" DeepBlue.

"We toured India in 2012 performing in cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Mumbai is where the concept of India Sto,ies was conceived," Kelly said.

DeepBlue cornpdses 17 performers who have translated d1e sights and sounds of Mumbai into an electric routine through drama and circus tdcks and musical instrumems like the bass, cello, violin, tabla, shahi bqj(l(I and shah ke111an.

Kelly said the group became acquainted with comrnW1.ities like Dharavi Rocks and the Akon Foundation in Dharavi where children are taught to make and play musical instruments om of recyclable products.

"Tndia Stories is about the growing divide between the rich and the poor, Hindus and Muslims, and the performance ends

on a note of harmony, friendship and community. One of our violinists, Imogen Gilfedder-Cooney, narrates the story beautifully in-between pieces."

Siddhi Yadav, the Mm11bai-based sand artist, depicted d1e scenes in beautiful sand illustrations created using ber fingertips co d1e rhythm of the music.

Talking about a tmique app generated to allow DeepBlue a greater connection with their audience, Kelly said, ''At the stare of each of our performances the audience were allowed access to DeepBlue's Electronic Show Progran1 (ESP) through d1eir smart phones. This ESP gave the audience an opportunity to express their views about the show and access information about India Stories. " The India Sto,-ies performances also paved the way for communities across Brisbane to showcase their talents as part of the Young-

Blue program, where yom1g musicians are given an opportunity to perform at the show under the guidance of their teachers, who are a part of DeepBlue.

Choral-Blue, a community choir comprising members of aU age groups, were given d1e opportunity to showcase their singing talent. ''\Xie believe music and theatre can bring d1e entire community 1mder one roof and this is a key message of India Scodes," Greta Kelly said.

So, what next?

"DeepBlue bas an exciting event in the near fi.iture," Kelly said. "\'!le ace headed into the future with our next show - a collaboration wid1 performing robots. lt's an exciting mix of science, musi c, theatre and acrobati cs."

DeepBltte will bepe,forming ori 23 .ktgust at the QJ,ee,zs/and Unive,•sity of 'Iechnology's Garden Point Campus iri Brisbane.

JULY 2015 9

mainstream

Indian-origin Australians are featured yet again in the Queen's Birthday Honours list

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

Expe riments with truth: Prof.

Brfj Vllash LF I. AM

The Canberra-based historian and academic Brij Vilash Lal was awarded the AM honour at this year's Queen's Birthday honours.

He was recognised for "signiEcant service to education, through the preservation and teaching of "Pacific history, as a scholar, author and commentator."

A highly regarded Australian expert on Fiji, as well as a much-loved member of Australia's Fijian-Indian and Indian communities, Prof. Lal cold Indian Link, "I am deeply honoured that my lifetime's work has been recognised, nor only by my peers but also by society at large."

He added, "Of course, the irony does nor escape me chat while my land of birth, Fiji, has banned me from entering it again, my adopted homeland not only welcomes me but honours me."

An outspoken critic of the military regime, in 2009, Prof. Lal was "bounded j out" from Fi i for speaking our against the nation's expulsions of Austral ian and ew Zealand cliplomats. To chis day, Prof. Lal, as

10 JULY 2015

welJ as his wife, environrnental consultant Dr Padma Lal, are both denied entry into the country.

Prof. Lal is Professor of Pacific and Asian History at the Australian National University, and Deputy Director of its School of Culture, History and L anguage.

He is also Founding Director of the Centre for the Contemporary Pacific, and Chair, Pacific Manuscript Bureau.

Looking back at his career, Prof. Lal described his humble beginnings and the path that has taken him to the pinnacle i n his particular area of research.

"1 come from a rural background, with both parents illiterate," Prof. Lal recalled. "ln my life in a remote, pre-modern part of Fiji, I learnt early on that there was no future on the farm, and chat I would have co work hard to create my own prospects."

He did exactly chat. He took himself to university, at first in Fiji and then .in Canada and Australia, studying history.

"In the 1960s, history was for no-hopers," he reminisced. ''But I've always loved stories."

The story of his own family was particularly fascinating as a young man.

"My grandfacl1er arrived in Fiji in 1908, as an indentured labourer from Uttar Pradesh in India. I have vivid memories of hin1 in the '60s. l wanted to learn more about his life and of others like him. Everybody around me was coo busy making a living to

care, but to me, finding about ,vho these people were and how they came ro be in Fiji, was akin co finding my own true self.

The motivating factor then was to bear wimess to my time and place. I figured, if we don't write abom our past, no one else will."

This went on to become the driving force i n his life's work - to give illiterate people a voice, an agency, a hrn11anity.

Lately, Prof. Lal's work has extended to people of the Indian diaspora, some 20-plus million in number.

"I've travelled to all countries where indentured labour was taken, in a search of who we are. The history l write is what I have heard and learnt from the journeys of our people."

Prof. L al first arrived in Austral ia in 1977 co pursue his PhD. Upon finishing in 1980 he worked in Hawaii for ten years, and then remrned co Australia permanently.

Among the highlights of his career are being appointed co the committee that produced the draft for the constitution of Fiji in 1997. The document sought to resolve the long-standing discord between native Fijians, Indo-Fijians and other ethnic communities. Military leader Commodore Bainirnarama abolished the Constitution after his coup.

"At a time when the Indian community in Fiji was harassed and their fun1.Ce seemed Lmcertain, I was put in a posit.ion to be just

and fair to everybody."

"After the general elections last year, the reasons for which I was expelled don't exist anymore, so why are we still denied entry to Fiji indefinitely? I have written to the government in Fiji, but am yet to get a response."

As of last year, full diplomatic relations have been re-established between Fiji and Australia. "le is good to note tl1at the process of reengagement has begun. For Fiji, it is the first step towards representative parliamentary democracy, even though there is a long way to go yet to fully instil the values of freedom of speech."

A second highlight, Prof. Lal said, is his body of work on the history of the Indian community in Fiji. "\Vritten from a sympathetic point of view, I have put chis history out in the public arena in a form it can't be ignored anymore."

His work on Pacific history beyond Fiji is also substantial. "Some peers have questioned this part of my work as they claim 1 am not a Pacific Islander. To tl1em I say, I am a Pacific Islander, I was born there and it means a lot to me!"

Tn the final analysis, Prof. Lal says, rising to the top of bis profession in the humanities in this country, is hugely satisfying. "There are many doctors and scientists of Indian origin, but very few in the hLm1anities."

Ptof. Lal has just finished a historical

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Dr Shiva Prakash, OAM

clictionary of Fiji and is cu.rrently work ing on tl1e Australian engagement wiili the South Pacific from tl1e 1940s to the 1980s.

As well, he is knee deep into another book The Ta111ari11d Tree, which will be published not only in English but also in Hindi, Fijian Hindi and Fijian. " l believe we need to nurture our languages or mey \Vill clie," he said. "Equally, I believe it is important to produce works which are accessible to ordinary people".

Prof. L al describes i t as a work of " creative non-fiction". Set at tile end of indenture in the 1920s, it is based on people such as his beloved grandfather, whose stories are true even though there are no documents to prove their truth.

"How do you write about societies where even memories are not archived adequately?

You use your imagination!"

And, as always with Prof. Lal, you tell the truth as honestly as you can.

Ji Doctor a..�'

Doctors must surely be one of Inclia's largest exports. The joke goes time no city i n m e world i s complete without a Chinatown and Indian doctors.

India-trained doctors began to arrive in Australia after the White Australia Policy was done away wit!, i n the 1970s. Today, following many years of service, many of these have gone on to become highly valued members of society. A munber of mem have begun to feature on lists of Government honours announced on Australia Day and on tile Queen's Birthday.

Th.is year is no exception, with rwo Inclian doctors in the most recenr announcements.

Brisbane's Dr. Ashin, Kumar Majumdar and Sydney's Dr. Shiva Pral(llsh have received the OAM honour in tlus year's Queen's Birthday honours.

Psychiatrist D r . Aslum Majumdar is Chairman of tile Medical Advisory Comnuttee in a private hospital, senior lecturer in psychiatry at the University of Queensland, and a private practitioner since 2000. He arrived in Auscralia in 1978 after smdying psychiatry in India and tl,e UK, co work in public psychiatry.

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"It has been a pleasure to work and provide psychiatric service to those in need, and to be able co serve the community," he mid Tnditm Link.

His particular passion in recent years, has been working with tl1e I nclian and wider community in promoting socio­ culmraJ cohesion. Much of this work has been accomplished in lus role as patron of the Bengali Society of Queensland and Senior Vice President of tl,e Vedanta Centre, Brjsbane.

General Practitioner D r .

Shiva Prakash o f m e Derby St Family Medical Centre at Kingswood, Syclne)� told Indian Llnk, "It is gratifying that I have been recog1used for serving the community co the best of my ability as a GP, at the .initial point of contact in illness."

Dr. Prakash arrived in Australia in 1971 to work in the boutique Nepean Hospital. Five years later he became one of five resident medical officers and shortly thereafter, Deputy Medical Superintendent. He served there for 36 years, before taking up private practice.

"I love the community aspect of my job the best," he said. "I came to me Penrim area as soon as I arrived, and I have never left. It is a beautiful place, made even more liveable by its wonderful people."

As an active Rotarian, and as a board member of the epean Medical Association, Dr. Prakash finds many avenues to further his community-based activities.

Both doctors have many pearls of wisdom for newly arrived nugrn.ncs.

"Australia is a wonderful cmt0try, a land of opportunity where one can enjoy life with dignity and freedom," Dr. MajLt01dar noted. ''As you start your life

here, be sincere, honest and focus on your goals. Also, be respectful of omers and be good citizens." " I like tl,e old adage, what you give, is what you will receive," D r . Prakash offered.

"Ar work, be diligent and work to your absolute best. Keep an open mind always, and never stop learning."

Pai:i,sio ror � · QI Inclusion

Albert Peter da Cruz was so excited co see a woman in a sari out of his bus window that he rushed home, jumped into the car witl1 bis wife Florinda, and drove back in her direction.

That was in Perth, way back in 1970.

The da Cruzs had just arrived from Kenya, wiili three young children. ot long after that, da Cruz ran into an Indian-origin gentleman at his bank. He became a lifelong friend, and born went on to foLtnd the Indian Society of \X1estern Australia.

Having moved out of his home country

a few years prior, da Cruz had always been passionate about cohesive and culturally pluralistic societies.

For his services to the community of WA through multicultural organisations, Albert da Cruz was awarded tl,e OAJ\,[ honour at this year's Queen's Birthday commemorations.

Albert and Florinda, young school teachers, made a name for themselves in Perth's Goan community early on, as they extended hospitality to newly arrived migrants from India, helping them to settle into their new homes and new lives. As a member of the Goan Overseas Association WA Inc, Albert founded tl1e OZ­ GOAMOG (Goans of Australia i\fosicians of Goa).

Soon he found himself becoming increasingly involved with issues iliac arose as New Australians engaged with the mainstream community. Today as a retired 83-year-old living in Adamscown, S\V, he looks back fondly at his stints wit!, Community Television Perm (now West Television); tbe Family Review Committee of Legal Aid WA; Constitutional Centre Board, and the Perth Lodge of Freemasonry. " I always thought it my duty to work with people who are disadvantaged," da Cruz told Tndia11 Link with characteristic h1m1ility. ''I was honomed to be able co serve as me Chairperson of Online WJ\ Mulricultural Commrnuties, and as a Comnuttee Member of the Ethnic Communities Council \1(/estern Australia."

"I've always had an issue with the word 'tolerance'," he went on. ''I tlunk it has inherent arrogance. I once told the Governor of \Y/A many years ago, a personal friend, that 1 much prefer me term 'acceptance'. Today I am happy to see its use bas become the norm."

The New Australians of today might actuaJJy have it easier, da Cruz feels . "They are educated and treated with respect," he noted, but added, "To make this forejgn land yom home, you must be willing to acquire the characteristics of our type of democracy."

JULY 2015 11

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Brisbane yogis bend and stretch at Guyatt Park as the world takes up India's call for yoga

14 JULY 2015

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yoga

Like so much else from India, the practice of yoga is constantly evolving

BY KIRA SPUCYS-TAHAR

oga may have been developed in India as a holistic routine to develop harmony among mind, body and spirit, but things have come a long way from the traditional cu.ltura.l and meditative asa11t1s of the pasc. With modern yoga practice, anything goes. Today's yoga styles range from the fairly mainstream - hot or Bikram yoga, as well as prenatal yoga or mums and bubs yoga, co the more exotic cantric yoga, aero yoga and pole dancing yoga. There's nude yoga, doga (doing yoga with your dog), and as marijuana becomes more freely available and legal across the United Scates, there is now even cannabis yoga!

Ahead of Internacional Yoga Day Indian Unk explored the possibilities and oppornmicies attached to various forms of yoga practice.

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Spirit of India (NS\XI) is a non-profit organisation based in Sydney which e.xpounds the traditional virtues of yoga as a holistic lifestyle practice. Suresh Khatav, the founder of the organisation, believes yoga should become a priority in everyone's lives. ''Nowadays life is so complicated," Khatav says. "Yoga can help people in th.is

16 JULY 2015

situation; it can be preventative and assist in reducing stress."

"Yoga also makes you a better person," Khatav says. "You become more ca.Im and quiet and i t contribmes to your physical, mental and social wellbeing."

Khat,w, along with his wife Chaaya and a ream of volunteers, runs low-cost yoga classes throughout seven locations across Sydney. Classes cater to children, adults and seniors with students ranging in age from five co 90 plus. "\Ve have five or six students who ar. e in their nineties," Khatav says.

Classes for children cost just $40 for four months and are completely free for senior citizens 55 years plus. Adu.Its, who are earning an income, pay a no1ninal amount to help cover coses.

A yoga devotee for more than 25 years and a reacher for the past 12 years, Kharav's philosophy is that yoga assists people in achieving their opti mum condition and preventing many diseases. "When you reach a peak state, the benefir is not just for you, but for your whole family and the wider community," he eirplains. "If more people practiced yoga, then society would be able ro lower the amount we spend on health care and redirect it to development."

As part of Internacional Yoga Day, Spirit of India has partnered with the Hindu Council of Australia for their event in Parran1atra. A team of volunteers wiU help lead an afternoon session of yoga practice on the day while Suresh will travel to Melbourne to speak ar the 8th annual lnternaciona.l Yoga Conference. "Yoga is a platform ro unite the commmticy," Khatav concludes.

Speaking with Christine Conracos, you would never know she was up at 4run to squeeze in a yoga practice. After being introduced to yoga as a 17 year old, Contacos has been connected co yoga for more than 30 years. Although her practice has been sporadic throughout that rime, after moving to Sydney in 2000, Contacos became reacquainted with Iyengar yoga and has made room in her life for more regular practice. ''\'<!hat l Like about yoga is that you can tailor it to your specific needs," Contacos explains. "No matter what stage of .life you're at, you can adapt to what your body and mind needs."

Contacos has recently committed to practising at least 15 minutes of simple exercises a day to develop her skills. ''J have also become rnore spiritual of late," she says. ''J am becoming more aware of mindfulness, again 1 think it depends on your needs at the time."

One of the most appealing aspects of yoga for Contacos is that it's not competitive - ''It's about treating your body with respect."

t c,... b 1- I ""nr

Crawf \Xleir, founder of Barefoot Yoga in Sydney's Paddington, first found yoga after exhausting al.I other therapies for his chronic back injury.

After discovering daily yoga practice helped his back pain, and feeling much happier with his life, after rwo years Weir quit his corporate career to become a yoga teacher.

Originally from England, Weir combined his knowledge of business with his passion

for yoga co stare his own sn1dio. After learning about the 'yogt1 l?J donation ' method being popularised in the United Scates, Weir was inspired to bring the concept co Australia.

"The premise of yoga by donation is to make it accessible ro everyone," \Xleir says. ''Yoga can be expensive and exclusive, whereas I want to make it affordable and inclush7e."

Students at tl1e studio are asked to contribute roughly $10 to $20 per class or make a "fair donation" based on how much tl1ey can afford and how often they attend classes. This means social or financial sran1s don't preclude people from taking part. Working oo a kind of karma-based system, the teachers are paid directly from donations.

"I ror,1.lly believe in the system," Weir says. "People respect it and appreciate what you're doing. I'm sure tl1ere are a few people who might rake advantage, but ir doesn't matter because there ace others who give generously so you can achieve that balance."

Weir began his yoga journey with a strong physical practice, bm over time has incorporated more elements of meditation and mindfulness. ''Yoga is a personal journey for everybody," \Xlei.r says. "People love what we do, our donation approach, and they chink tl1e teachers and studio are great. We get lots of positive feedback." \Xleir has been looking forward ro celebrating the United Nations World Yoga Day on Bondi Beach. "Ir is going to be an honour and a pleasure to take part along with all the other fantastic yoga teachers."

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Most people completely baulk at the idea of doing anything naked, much less something as physical as yoga, but, at Twisting Peacock Yoga in Perth, l'vfelissa Howard has embraced the notion.

Six months ago, Howard's reacher Rosie Rees came to her with the idea of naked yoga.

"There was a mi'Ced reaction, definitely," Howard says. "People said 'No wayl' 'Hell, no!' but they've all come around."

A qualified relationship coach and sexologist, Rees teaches restorative, Kundalini, Hatha yoga in the two-hour long classes.

Attendees are taken through a series of modest sitting and laying poses along with meditative breathing exercises in a darkened room I.it with candles, accompanied by gentle music.

"There's no downward dog or anything like that!" Howard explains. "lt's all about empowering people. The aim and goal is for women to destroy all tl1e negative images they have of themselves it's a really liberating experience."

Reinforcing body acceptance, the tl1ree classes held so far have been fully booked, welcoming students ranging in age from 21 to a woman in her fifties.

The next class, which is fast filling up, will be held on International Yoga Day. "It's perfect tin1ing," Howard acknowledges. ''There are tears, and lots of giggles, but it's a really beautiful practice where we have

women celebrating the perfectly imperfect."

Finding yoga classes at the local g)rm ten years ago, Howard admits she was initially drawn to the practice for its physical advantages. "1 had some body image issues and l saw people who did yoga as toned and Aexible," Howard explains. "Slmvly but surely, the teachers weaved in the spiritual aspects and 1 began to feel the benefits of the meditation as well." This lead to Howard opening her own yoga studio which runs

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predominantly hot power yoga classes up to 20 times a week. Though, with the success of the naked yoga classes, Rosie Rees and her partner will soon expand their lessons to include a two hour couple's workshop.

"There are also talks of running a mixed class in the fumre," Howard says. �111.ile not yet popular in Australia, (there is Naked Yoga Sydney billed as "classes for men interested in the practice of yoga withour the restrictions of clothing"), Nude Yoga USA in Arizona hold co-ed naked yoga classes three times a week. So, watch this space.

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Ir's physically demanding at the best of times, so why would you try throwing standing up on a paddle board into tl1e yoga mix?! That's exactly what Catherine Moore, along ,;vitl1 Di Morrison, does as part of SUP Yoga Sydney or Stand Up Paddle boarding yoga.

Moore began practicing >7oga as a teen and continued tl1roughout her twenties as a means of sustaining herself through injury. After finding life as a diving instructor too physically demanding, she followed her passions of teaching and yoga and combined it with her love of paddle boarding.

"It's the same poses and postures, but certain postures are more challenging on tl1e board," Moore admits. "With our SUP yoga classes we usually start witli beginner sequences even for seasoned yogis because

it's difficult learning to balance on the board."

Mose people who try SUP yoga have never tried conventional yoga and those who participate range from children right through to people in their seventies.

"People fall off all the time," Moore says. "lc's about having fun and learning."

Whichever form of yoga cakes your fancy, be sure to join in the celebrations for International Yoga Day.

JULY 2015 17

indian news iYeS mark the arrival oon season on the coast "ln Mumbai, la

eed hun people. Photo:

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De-hyphenated Jindal hit by twitter storm in White House race

Louisiana's Indian-American Governor Bobby Jindal has fOLmd himself in the eye of a twitter storm ever since he kicked off his US presidential campaign distancing himself from his Indian heritage.

J indaJ's reiteration that be is nor a hyphenated "Indian-Amer. ican," but just an American, spawned a series of jokes here and in India under the hash.rag #BobbyJindalisSoWhite.

Leading the charge were Indian-American comics 1-lari Kondabolu and Aasif Mandvi.

Among the Kondabolu gems were:

#bobl!J;tndalissoll)bite that be 111ispronou11ces his 011)/1 l/a1/IC

#bobf!J;indalisso1/Jhite he ca11 t' spell #bobl?JJindalissoll)hite he refers to fodia11food as "ethnic misine. " #boblwindalissOJvbite be beat hi111Se!f up after 9/11 U fflight be a #Jindia11 if u r the son ef if!Jmigra11ts who is a11ti-i111111igm11t.

BoblryJindal went to Bro1m University, but it 111ade hi,11 EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE.

Referring to high scholastic achievement of Indian-American kids, Mandvi tweeted: The

on!J thing #Indian about #Bobi?J,jinda/ is the 4.0 hegot in High School.

But Priyanka Mancha had the last word:

#T3ob1!J]indal 111ak.es history as thefi"ntforme1· Tndian A11m-icm1 to nmfor President

"On issue after issue, Bobby Jindal has shown that his opinions are very different from Asian American public opinion," University of California Riverside Public Policy Professor Karthick Ramakrishnan told NBC News explaining the Indian­ Americans' reactions.

Do Jindal's comments that ''I'm tired

18 JULY 2015

of the hyphenated Americans o more 'African-Americans.' No more 'Indian­ "' .Americans.' No more 'Asian-Americans " make him hyphenist?" wondered Lev Raphael of the H1ffe11gto11 Post.

"Is there anything this gu y won't say to get elected?" he asked adding, "Stay tuned.

He's got lots of competition in an already­ crowded field of blowhards and extremists."

But an opinion writer in the Ne1v York Post came to Jindal's defence saying: "The reason Jindal has come in for such treatment is because he's an eloquent advocate for integration and the promise of America."

Piyush "Bobby" Jindal on June 24 made his much-anticipated entry into the 2016 White House race via Twitter making him the first Indian-American and 13th Republican candidate to do so.

"My name is Bobby Jindal, and I am running for President of the United States of America," he t\veeted ahead of a planned formal announcement in the ·r ew Orleans suburb of Kenner.

A hidden-camera style video of tl1e governor telling his kids about his decision to run followed. His daughter quickly leveraged the information, requesting a puppy as her share of the deal.

"OK, if we move into the \)(flute House, you can have a puppy," Jindal told his daughter.

Jindal joins an already crowded field of Republican candidates including Jeb Bush, Rick Perry and i\1ike Huckabee, former governors of Florida, Te,xas and Arkansas respectively, US Senators Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham, former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina; and .real estate mogul Donald Trump.

Once viewed as a rising star of the Republican Parry,Jindal, 44, who was the youngest Aruerican governor when first

elected in 2007, is now polling toward the bottom of the Republican field, registering at just 1 percent in the latest CNN/ORC poll this month.

Analysts suggested chat he faces an uphill task in his campaign and even faces tl1e prospect of being eliminated from Pox ews's presidential debates starting August 6 as the channel has decided to limit it to the top 10.

Jindal, who received wide support from Indian-Americans in his Congressional and gubernatorial campaigns, seems to have lost much traction with the community since he recently declared that he was tired of hyphenated Americans.

About his parents, he declared, "They weren't corning to raise 'Indian-Americans.'

They were coming to raise Americans."

As Pearson Cross, a political science professor at tl1e University of Louisiana at Lafayette who is ,vri ting a book on him told the IPashi11gton Post: "There's not much Indian left in Bobby Jindal."

The Louisiana-born son of immigrant parents from India, Jindal converted from Hinduism to Christianity as a teen, and was later baptised a Catl1olic as a sn1dent at Brown University.

The Rhodes Scholar was tl1e second Indian-American to be elected to the US House of Representatives in 2004 after Dalip Singh Saund, a Democrat, in 1957.

He was re-elected to the Congress in 2006 before making his second run for governor in 2007. He was re-elected in 2011.

Smng by media criticism that he is distancing himself from his Indian heritage, Bobby Jindal's presidential campaign is hitting hard on his 'hyphenated Americans' theme with T-sllirts touting him as "tanned, rested, ready".

The $20 official T- shirt which is supposed

to be a nod to Jindal's Indian heritage and his dislike of " hyphenated American" modifiers as well as a play on a famous Richard Nixon line, is apparently lus way of getting back at the "liberal media."

Way back in 1988, a T-shirt sold at the Young Republican convention in Seattle depicted "a smiling Richard M. Nixon" with the slogan "He's tan, rested and ready," according to the New York Times .

"The liberal media said, 'There's not much Indian left in Bobby Jindal,' so we made shirts co mock them," Jindal tweeted on 30 June. " I'm done with all this talk about hyphenated Americans. \Y/e are not Indian­ Americans, Irish-Americans, African­ Americans, rich Americans, or poor Americans - we are all An1ericans," Jindal says in his " \Y/e are All Americans" ad.

India to have 1.4 bn mobile subscribers by 2020: Report

India will have at least 1.4 billion mobile subscribers by 2020, resulting in a population penetration of I 00 percent, says a report released by Swedish communication technology and services provider Ericsson .

According to tl1e report, tl1e growth will primarily be driven by the increasing affordability of devices and services.

"Maintaining and improving quality of the user experience is likely to be at the top of Indian operacors' agenda over the corning years," Chris Houghton, India head at Ericsson, said.

"A network with a mix of macro sites, micro sites and small cells will need to be established to manage coverage, capacity and net\vork performance for the best user experience and to meet the growing demand for data services," he added.

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Luke Wallace of the Harlequins Football Club of England plays rugby with underprivileged Indian children at a coaching camp in Kolkata, India, June 16, 2015.

The club is visiting the city as part of a charity trip to help Indian children to grow through sport in short coaching camps. Photo: AP

The report also observed that GSM/ EDGE subscriptions will decline from 780 million in 2014 ro around 510 million by 2020.

"The GSM/EDGE subscription base is predicted to peak in 2015 and decline thereafter as subscribers migrate to 3G services," the report revealed.

Also, rhe report claims d1ac WCDMA/ HSPA subscriptions will increase from over 120 million i n 2014 to around 620 million by 2020 due to the increase in proportion of WCDMA/HSPA subscriptions from 1 3 percent to 4 5 percent.

On the other hand, LTE subscriptions is scripted to reach more than 230 million by 2020, forming arolmd 17 percent of the rotaI subscription base, as per the report.

Currently, GSM/EDGE technology has the widest reach in India, with 95 percent popuiation coverage.

The report also unveiled trends of lndian consumers. "On average, Indian smartphone users spend over three hours a clay on their smartphones and 25 percent of them check their phones over 100 times a clay," it said.

As per the report around one third of the time spent on smartphones is used for apps, primarily char, social media, and gaming.

"There has been an increase of over 20 percent in the overall time spent on smarrphones and arou_ncl a 65 percent increase in app usage since 2012, when Ericsson ConsumerLab measured these parai:neters," it said.

Interestingly, ir also points out tl1at as consumers watch more content, tl1eir tolerance for delays will decrease.

"Nearly 65 percent of mobile broadband users prefer to stream rather than download videos on smarcphones and 4 out of 10 videos played have issues with buffering and s calling."

The report also points out that monthly mobile data consumption is expected to increase 18-fold by 2020 over current levels.

"Across all mobile technologies in India, monthly data usage per subscriber is scill relatively low, primarily because of a sub­ optimal 2G and 3G user experience. This is caused by tl1e inability of 2G networks to support high-bandwidtl1 services, insufficient 3G network coverage, and a lack of relevant local content," it said.

Irish village commemorates 1985 Airlndia bombing

A memorial service was held in the Irish village of Ahakista in County Cork on 23 June to honour the Air India Flight 182 crash viccims who died when a bomb exploded on board off the Irish coast 30 years ago.

Family members of the 329 passengers and crew, who lost their lives in d1e 1985 crash, gathered at tl1e srn1dial monument to honour the victims, RTE News reported.

The memorial service was attended by : inister of Seate for External Affairs India's M Gen. V.K. Singh (retd), Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan and

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Canadian Minister of Juscice Peter l\facKay. The Slmdial monrnnent displa)'S the exact time the aircraft exploded midair.

"There can never be juscification for the murder of innocents in pursuit of ai1y political end. Unfortunately terrorism continues to plague our world and we have seen many repugnant and malevolent acts in the last 30 years," UTV Ireland quoted Flanagan as saying.

Air India Flight 182 was Aying from Toronto to London when i t crashed into me Atlantic Ocean, killing 329 people on June 23, 1985.

Mose of tl10se killed were Canadian nationals of Indian origin and i r i s believed the crash was caused by a bomb planted by Sikh extremists.

A Sikh electrician, lnderjit Singh Reyat, was eventually convicted on a manslaughter charge over the bombing and was sentenced to 15 years in jail.

A Krishna heritage circuit to come up around Mathura­ Vrindavan

It's a lai1d steeped in Incuan folklore, a land where Lord Krishna and his 'gopis' (consorts) are believed to have once romped in gay abandon. Now, the tourism ministry is set to spend over Rs.120 crore ($20 million) on the infrastructural development of d1e Machura-Vrindavan pilgrimage circuit, a move dmt will transform the profile of a land visited by millions round the year.

The U rtar Pradesh government has announced a Braj Heritage Planning Board to suggest ideas and monitor implementation of projects in the Braj area.

The union government has already declared Mathura a heritage city.

Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma told mediapersons that a new international airport would be sited along the Yainuna Expressway that links Mathura to Agra on one end and to Greater Noida on the national capital's outskirts on tl1e od1er.

Stating that a new circuit centred around the cult of Lord Krishna, part of the Hindu Trinity and one of its most beloved personal gods, is being developed from Akshardham in Delhi to Machura, the

minister said Rs. 120 crore would be spent on developing the ''Brnj Chaurasi Kos" that includes Vrindavan, Goverdhan, Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon, Kokila Van, Sher C':n1rh and Mahavan areas.

Mathura's Member of Parliament and Bharatiya Jana ta Party leader Hema Malini wants tl1e airport to come up at Mahavan in Mathura cuscrict on the Expressway. Both the Uttar Pradesh and central governments appear keen to speed up development of the Braj area which draws tourists and Krishna devotees from across the ,vorld.

"Wirn so much money pouring in, the profile of tl1e Sri Krishna land is set to change in the coming years," Braj Manclal Heritage Conservation Society president Surednra Sharma cold IA1 S. The region, however, has been facing a cough cime in the wake of widespread encroachments and traffic snarls for a long cirne, giving commnters a difficult time while visiti n g d1is place.

The authorities have, however, started initiating strong steps now against encroachments.

A major anti-encroachment drive to clear roads leading to Goverdhan and the district's Sonkh town from d1e national highway, ahead of tl1e month-long festival season, has been launched wid1 discernible results. "\Ve had written so many times co d1e district administration but there was no result. r ow it seems tl1e process has begun against encroachment," Braj Bachao Samiti member Rhais Qureshi told !ANS. The situation in Vrindavan is worse, as motorists from Dell1i, oida and Agra headed for Madmra or Vrindavan these days are facing all kinds of problems.

US envoy recalls troubles of 'A minus' in school report card

Indian-origin US envoy to Incua Richard Verma expressed gratitude to d1e values of education and service that his India­ educated parents instiUed in him, including once of his parents spending days reviewing why their son got an 'A minus' in his report card when the other five were As. Addressing the convocation at Ashoka University in Sonepac, Verma said: "For

me, I am extremely humbled that my parn has led me from a modest upbringing in \Xlescern Pennsylvania ro become ambassador - the first Indian American ambassador -- ro die country my parents called home."

Verma said his father graduated from DAV College in Jalandhar, Punjab, over 60 years ago, before migrating to the US to teach.

"My mod1er was also a teacher. I am certain I don't need to tell you all what it's like to be the son of rwo lndian teacl1ers! 1 remember coming home in the 9th grade witl1 a report card of five As ai1d one A minus. Yes, you guessed it, we spent the next days reviewing what happened, ai1d what could have caused dus A nunus!" he said.

"But as an adult, l am ever grateful for the important values of education and service chat they instilled in me. I also know drnt from the alley-way of the Basti­ Sheikh neighbourhood of Jalandhar where my family grew up to the road leading co the US embassy is not a likely path or one easily traversed - not without a lot of help, a lot of friends, teachers and mentors and a dedicated family.

"I am also very mindful of the extra obligation we all have to help others who today may be Jiving down that path or alleyway like we did, but who also dream of what the fumre holds.

"So, leadership is also not forgeccing where you come from and not forgetting about tl1ose who may have been left behind," he said.

Touching on India-US ties, Verma said die relations were "soaring forward" following two very successful meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama.

He said both sides were working together on over 80 initiatives and addressing all sores of challenges.

Verma said bod1 sides were working on challenges like exploring ilie solar system and improving the quality of the air.

"I think it is fair to say chat progress on our agenda may in many cases define and enrich the lives of generations to come," he said.

IANS

JULY 2015 19

yoga

20 JULY 2015

www.indianlink.com.au

he Snn Salutation (S111ya Na111askar) is a powerful sequence of 10- 12 poses specifically designed to work ouc all pares of the body and stretch the spine. It is said tbat Surya Na11Jaskar contains tbe entire practice of yoga within it. But what does diat mean? If you examine the posrnres that make up the sun salutations, you get a wide range of movements: fonvard bend, back bend, being still, lengd1en.ing the spine, grounding the feet, strengthening the upper body, stretching the hamstrings, ei..-panding the lungs and more. Tbat is wby S111ya 1"\Ta111askar is tbe ideal way to warm the body at the beginning of a yoga practice. Even if you do not intend to practice yoga, die sun salutation is a great way to start d1e day, as it also works on the mind. By hearing the breath and holding the gaze (dri.rhti), these movements allow us to centre ourselves and co quiet our wandering mind.

This exercise has many health benefits. Its regular practice helps wid1 increased energy levels, increased radiance, strengthening of d1e immune system, improved digestion, eyesight and life span and improvement in overall healtb. Above all, we are invoking the grace of the L ord in the sun to illuminate our path.

Melbourne's Rashi Kapoor, pictured here, has been doing the Smya 1VaT11askaron a daily basis for many years nO\,T. "I first learnt it as a child as my family is quite inco yoga," she told Indian Link. "It was when I joined the Art Of Living in 2009 iliat the penny dropped for me about the benefits of this routine. l've been doing it daily since."

A dedicated yoga endrnsiast, Rashi rises at four each morning to put in an hour of yoga. This typically indudes ten full rounds of Sf{lya 1Vamaskm: She revealed it helps her control her mind as well as body.

"It is uplifting and relaxing, and as a student it helped me calm d1e nerves during exam time as weU!" Twenty three-year-old Rashi, an accountant by background, is currently preparing for the Victorian finals of the Miss World Australia competition in July. Already weU-known in the Indian community for her many public appearances, such as when the Indian Prime Minister arendra l\fodi visited in November last year, we're fully behind her to go far in this competition .

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JULY 2015 21

22 JULY 2015

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school

Good pain, bad pain In education, sometimes the pride you gain is worth the pain

E

BY MOHAN DHALL

ducators at all levels, from schools through to Wliversi ties, need to w1derstand and work \Vith the difference between good pain and bad pain. This is because 'pain' can be a metaphor for the struggle to grow and to become a better person, a more independent and resilient learner.

Students can experience pain i.o education when they undertake activities and d1allenges chat help them to push against their own perceived Jinurations. Pain can also be experienced by teachers when wrestling with how be.st to teach a difficult class, or how co set appropriate Li.mies in situations where building self-esteem in children with behavioural issues is importam. Pain affects parents coo. The pain of seeing children grow and become more autonomous, sometimes making choices chat parents know will lead to negative outcomes, but will hopefully also lead to worthwhile growing experiences.

Consider the following scenarios based around the experiences students can have.

I: A student participates in a nu111ing race and comes seventh in a field of eight. 2: A student represents che school in a debating competition, prepares for several hours, hue the team loses by one point. 3: A student performs baclJy on an assessment and has co redo it. 4: A student experiences muscle

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pain and cramps after a sporting competition against other sci1ools.

1n each of the scenarios the issue of pain is present. In the different scenarios, pain can be characterised variously as: the pain of poor relative achievemem, the pain of lll1fulfilled expectations, the pain of facing an unwamecl level of effort and lastly the physical pain of muscle nucrotears and fatigue. 1n each of die scenarios the student experiencing the pain may want to avoid it through suci1 things as distracting the mind, seeking reassurance or resolving not to undertake the activity or task ever again (without making changes to the approach).

Howeve.r, tl1e question arises as to whether [be e..,perience of pain is always bad, and therefore to be avoided, or whether it is good and to be welcomed. Is tl1e popular saying, 'no pain, no gain', true or even instructive?

Or is it the case that pain is bad? ls there pain that is good? \X/hat level of pain is not appropriate? Whetl1er it is good or bad, pain is consequential - it arises as an effect from a cause.

What is pain?

Is pain the distance between where l am now and where I would like to be? Is pain a sense of discomfort arising from some form of separation? Separation such as from whom d1e student tl1ought they were in a nusplaced sense of expectations. Or separation from what tl1e student wanted to be or become.

Or even pain being a sense of disjunct arising from reality tl1at does not accord with desire.

Howeve.r we define, arti culate or think about pain, it is commonly associated with discomfort. In education, this association

needs to be challenge d . For exan1ple, a person training to climb a mountain may well experience muscle pain following their physical activity. This may well be a welcome pain, especially if it is considered 'adaptive' or a part of what must be clone in order to realise the goal. Similarly, in education we can classify pain in two ways . It can either be adaptive and indicative of growtl1, or

concept or Lmclerstanding. In this regard, holding the moment and allowing for adaptation is crucial. Scillness can assist in helping a person feeling vulnerable to adjust, breatl1e and accommodate new learning.

The pain of being confoLmded, at a loss or confused are irnportwt and, if confronted with strengtl1 and confidence, lead co a person to seek clarification or support. In

,, The question arises as to whether the experience of pain is always bad, and therefore to be avoided, or whether it is good and to be welcomed. Is the popular saying, 'no pain, no gain', true or even instructive? ,, maladaptive and indicative of a requirement of change and/or intervention.

Pain in education

Whilst physical pain may be disconcerting due to the discomfort, a person can rake medication to dull the pai n . However, when confronted with the more subtle incellecmal pain of being confronted with certain realisations, Lmclerstanding or ideas then the pain cannot easily be avoided. Indeed, it is common for people faced with psychological pain to begin from a point of denial. In education, this is often evidenced when a person repeats information but appears not to process it. The thinking is attempting to accommodate ilie new information, idea,

this way, discomfort can engender growd1 and learning. However, educators must build self-confidence first.

Too much pain can be ove.rwhelnung.

Being overwhelmed is not conducive to learning. An essential aspect of education is learning co distinguish between good and bad pain and drns learn to protect oneself when necessar y .

Resilience i s created when students learn to stay still with discomfort generated when exploring new ideas, difficult concepts and alternative ways of v i ewing what they 'know'.

However, real streugtl1 does not only manage this pain through sti.11.ness. Real mengili knows when to seek support, change a course of action or disclose weakness.

JULY 2015 23

books

Indian authors embark on reimagining the epics of the past

T

BY CHITRA SUDARSHAN

hese are exciting times for writers of fiction in English in lndia. As Amitav Ghosh remarked recently, credit must be given to the Cheran Bhagats, Amish Tripatb.is and Ashwin Sangh.is - despite some critics' dismissal of their works as pulp fiction - for having brought millions of Indians into tl1e reading fold.

On a recent visit co my favourite bookshops in Bengaluru, 1 found scores of new titles by Indian aumors in a variety of different genres. '\Xi'hat caught my particular fancy was Indian 'mytl1ology' -although I much prefer the term 'legends'. The Ramayana and tbe Mahabharata are 'itihasa' and although may have been embellished witb stories of the feats of superheros, may well have their sources in true events.

Be that as it may, I found some very well­ written retell.ings of me epics by Ashok Banker and Devdutt Patnaik. The Forest Stories (Book One) by Banker takes us into me haunted forest of Naim.isha-aranya or Na.imisha-van, to the Ashram of tl1e sage Saunaka. A dusty traveller, Suta, anives with sombre tidings: lVlahar.ish.i Krishna Dweipayana Vyasa, the coBator of me Vedas and me author of the Epic poem, the l\llahabharata, has passed. Urged by tbe Asbramites, he begins to recite tl1e great

of

24 JULY 2015

composition, starting with the incredible creation myths and tales of Gods and giants, snake mothers and gargantuan eagles, and me epic saga of the Kuru race.

Based on the original Sanskrit shlokas, this Sampoorn Mahabharata brings to life all the magic and majesty, wonders and parables contained in the world's longest and greatest epic . It is said mat every human emotion, dilemma, em.ical or moral guestion, and relationship is captured in tbe Mahabharata: what is not in the epic cannot be found anywhere else. The layered tales and parables in the Mahabharata have at their core a single theme, paraphrased so poign antly by Yudh.ishthira at the end of the war: the noblest guality is humanity .

Devdutt Patnaik's recent adaptation titled ]rf;•a, A11 ll/11stmted Retelling the Mahabharata, condenses this huge epic into a manageable book mat anyone can read.

For mose who do not know the epic - and for young adults who want to learn about it - tl1is is a great introduction. It has 108 chapters and contains 250 simple line drawings by me autl1or himself. Pamaik has included many intriguing tales from the epic, and interestingly be also includes several regional and folk variations apart from me original work in Sanskrit.

Amish Tripathi's new book Scion Tksh11ak11, the legendary story of the Ramayana, was released th.is year at the Jaipur Literary Festival. He shot to fame with his earlier Shiva trilogy - all best sellers in their own eight.

Quire apart from tl1ese renditions of the Mahabharata and tl1e Ramayana, a few Indian aumors have turned meir hand to

of

of

modern (and not so modern) tl1rillers based on ancient Indian epics, visibly influenced by the success of the genre unleashed by Dan Brown! Christopher Doyle's recent book The i\llahabhamta Quest: The Alexander Secret, (\Xfestland, 2014) is, in a nutshell, about me great Alexander's quest to obtain tl1e 'secret of tl1e Gods' which would make him immortal - a secret which lay hidden in the l\fahabharata. A.las, sometlung went wrong with his guest and me secret is buried with him. A group of powerful people are now trying to lay their hands on that secret so that they can rule the world.

Enter tl1e Intelligence Bureau of India: will tl1ey be able to stop the guest? Read to find out. It is a thriller witl1 an intrigning blend of history, science and mythology, and me autl1or has delved into me lvfahabharata and the scriptures as a source of Indian history.

Readers are advised to read the first book in the series The i"1ahahh,mita Secret, before they read Que.rt.

The Wordkeepen, (Duckbillbooks 2014) by ]ash Sen, is a gripping fantasy, me first in a trilogy, witl1 two teenage protagonists and characters from Indian legends. The Prologue is a face-off between Arjuna and Ashwatmama after me Mal1abharara war.

The rest of the book is set in contemporary times - well, a bit futuristic, bur 2028 is not too far away: Kali (as in Kali Yuga) is in pursuit of Kalki, the tentl1 Avatar of Vishnu, and it is up to 14-year-old Anya Sharma co protect Kalk.i, another 14-year­ old. Apart from Ashwatmama, there are Parashuram, Vibheeshan and several Chiranjeevis, and Sen interweaves legend wim fiction using a lot of imagination. It is

an impressive debut novel, a page-turner, and something most readers would want to devour in one sitting. After reading mis novel, I am certain many of you would be spurred on to find out more about some of the less well known but more intri guing and fascinating characters in me Epic.

Satyartl1 Nayak's debm novel The E111peror's Riddle, (Amaryllis Publication, 2014), released during the Bengaluru Literary Festival, is another mriller wluch harks back to Indian history, especially Buddhist legends. The plot begins witl1 me death of an eminent historian, who is murdered on me banks of Ganges. What causes a stir is chat the pattern of me murder is similar to otl1er deatl1s in the past montl1s, but a symbol is scrawled on his face that adds to the mystery and intrigue.

The historian's daughter, Sia, a writer friend, Patnaik, and a film-maker, Jasodhara, togemer go on a treasure hunt tl1at takes tl1em from Mysore to Chidambararn temple in Tamil Nadu to Hatidwar, Kongl<a La near Ladakh to Kolkata. On a guest for an enigma so powerful tl1at even the Gods would kill for it, they are hounded by a super smart and slippery murderer and a pol.ice officer.

There is a parallel plot which has some mysterious conversations and glimpses from the Life of Buddha, Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka, it is, however, a bit of a distraction from me ma.in action. The researcl1 completed the aumors of mese historical fiction works is remarkable; each novel includes many fascinating details and will surely inspire many to seek om further information about tbe classic Indian epics.

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food , , Chocolate is not a typical ingredient in a chilli, but you will be surprised at the depth of flavour that a small amount can add to this dish ''

■ Subtly spiced with lovely rich flavour, try this chilli con carne with a chocolate twist!

BY DHANYA SAMUEL

C

hilli or chilli con carne is a Tex Mex delight; in face, it is the official dish of Texas. At its heart, a chilli con carne is a rich meat stew with hoc chilli peppers and tomatoes. To add or not acid beans to a chilli is a matter of much debate and you can choose to make it ho\vever you like, bm this recipe does have black beans.

Chilli, for the longest time, has been labeled as a ]'l'fexican dish though that cannot be farther from tbe truth. You would rarely find this dish in Mexico except for random tou.rist spots. History has it that this dish is entirely an American invention by the poor Spanish immigrants who arrived i.n Texas in the early 17'" century. Unable to afford large 9uantities of meat, this dish came to be - a stew like preparation with locally available ingredients like beans, tomatoes and peppers which would feed a large family comfortably.

Chocolate is not a typical ingredient in a chilli, but you will be surprised at the depth of Aavour that a small amount can acid to this dish. It has to be dark chocolate and not

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the sweetened milk ones, as this would make the dish too sweet. You do not get to taste die chocolate as such, but diere definitely is a balance, a meeting of Aavours that happens which makes this dish a delicious treat.

And of course, what's a chilli without some actual chilli? This chilli coo carne celebrates die chillies and incorporates them in the dish in several different forms. You can play around with the 9uantities co suit your tastes; my Indian tascebuds desire .it hod Beef is tbe meat of choice here, but if you do not eat beef, then lamb would be a good substitute. You really do not need any other accompaniments with a chilli con carne; just a bowl of it topped widi jalapenos and plenty of grated cheese. Bue i.f you wish, add a side of rice or some coasted garlic bread and you have a crowd pleaser on your hands.

This dark chocolate beef chilli is a definite winter warmer; a one pot meal perfect for die cold wintry nights when all d1ac you wane to do is languish on die couch with something warm and comforting. And even better, this dish freezes well coo, so you can make large batches and freeze away for rushed weeknights or when you simply can't be too bothered to cook. Better than takeaway pizza anyday!

So, here's how you make a comforting pot of dark chocolate beef chilli to warm your insides on a cold winter night!

1 ½ kg beef mince 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 can crushed tomatoes 3 medium tomatoes; finely chopped 1 can black beans (optional or use any variety you prefer) 2 medium celery stalks, finely chopped 1 medium carrot. finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 3 red jalapenos; finely chopped 2 tbsp red chilli powder 1 tsp cumin powder 2 tsp red chilli flakes 1 tsp cayenne pepper ¼ cup melted dark chocolate 1 tsp brown sugar 2 tbsp tomato sauce Salt, to season Black pepper, to season 1 red jalapeno; sliced for garnish Cheddar, grated for garnish

Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go.

In a large heavy bottom pan, brown the ground beef.

Next add the onions and brown for a couple of minutes.

Then add all the other ingredients and mix well to combine. Add a little seasoning to begin with and build up as you go.

Simmer on low heat for around 45 minutes; check and stir occasionally.

Taste and adjust seasonings especially the sweet/spice balance.

Serve hot with sliced jalapenos and grated cheddar.

Note: If you prefer a thinner chilli, add stock or if you prefer the tomatoey flavour, then add an extra can of crushed tomatoes.

JULY 2015 25

beauty

era

It's important to know which soaps or gels are best for keeping your skin squeaky clean and healthy

J

BY MINAL KHONA

ust like with every other cosmetic, choosing a soap for yom shower or bath can be a multi-choice affair. .

Body wash, shower gel, anti-bacterial soap, moisturising beauty bar . . . the list goes on. How do you know what works best for your skin?

Most of us don't d1ink much about the soap we use for our bathing ritual. If ic smells good, or makes us feel fresh, we are okay to go with it. Rarely do we pay attention to a soap's ingredients or wbat it does co our skin after me bath.

To find out about the choices we have today, and how we should go about choosing what works best for us, I walked down me aisles of me local supermarket.

Sure enough, there were so many options I was utterly confused by d1e end of it. I finally bought a glycerine-based soap I have used since I was a child knowing it was mild and safe.

But what if you have sensitive skin, or skin iliac develops dry patches in cold weailier, or skin drnt gets all red and itchy when you give it a good scratch? How ilien should you choose a soap or gel?

Don't buy into what the ads tell you

Pay attention to your skin type, try out a few options, ilien go with whatever product works best. Luckily, d1ese days d1ere are soaps available that work for sensitive and dry skin, and even mose iliat are prone to allergies and rashes.

26 JULY2015

Lock in the moisture

The end result of using a soap or gel is to clean the skin, but some, while removing the dirt, sweat and bacteria, also strip ilie skin of its natural oils. So, the first thing to check is whether the soap has moismrising qualities. How do you know if the soap or gel will moisturise? After you have rinsed it off, you will feel as if iliere is a film coating your skin. This is basically to seal

Don't get into a lather

Anoilier misconception when it comes to skincare is that a soap or gel must produce a lot of lather. In fact, all. commercials show ilie model using a soap or body wash d1ac almost morphs into a bubble bath!

Well, contrary to popular belief, a lot of foam might acmally dry out your skin and avoiding a product that produces a lot of lailier may work better.

, , Pay attention to your skin type, try out a few options, then go with whatever product works best ,, the moisture in, and often chose used to harsh soaps might find d1is sensation a bit alien. They might even chink d1e soap didn't get washed off. In fact chis is a layer of oil/ moisture drnt works to protect the skin and it works for dry, normal and combination skins. Such moismrising bars or gels help to retain d1e moisture and are your best bet.

Hmvever, if you feel d1e layer is making your skin greasy, tty ouc different products co find one chat moismrises without leaving a residue.

Avoid dry skin

\Xlhen it comes co bar soaps, the anti­ bacter:ial ones or deodorant ones are the worst culprits in causing dry skin. Unless you have really oily skin all over your body - which itself is rare - avoid using d1ese soaps, even in hot weather. You need to use a moisturiser after the shower if you use such soaps. For guys and girls, the beauty bars - soaps chat are mild and don't dry the skin - are the best to use if you don't like body washes and shower gels.

How do you know if a soap is harsh?

Check if it mentions an ingredient called lye or sodium hydroxide. Ic is a chemical used to rnake soaps and its harsh natme can dry ilie skin. If a soap has namral oils and ingrediems it makes dle produce gender on the skin.

If you have a sensitive skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, seek the help of a qualified dermacologist and use a medicated soap.

Keep in mind

Shower in cool or warm water, never stinging hoc.

Do not apply soap or gel on your body twice during the same shower.

Look om for dry or itchy skin after a shower. If it is happening often, maybe you need to change your soap.

An at-home spa ritual

You can incorporate an old Indian home bath ritual Lnto your weekend showers co keep the skin moist and supply. Have an oil bath before your shower. That essentially means, rubbing olive oil or coconut oil all over your body l.ike you would during a massage at a spa. Leave this on for an hour then shower. This will retain the moisnue in your skin and prevent it from drying out and is especially effective during winter.

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www.oeccglobaleducation.com

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oeccmelbourne@gmail.com

I) /oeccaustralia

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Global H.O.: Suite 3, Level 3,167 Queen Street, ������� n and Melbourne (Australia) Career Cons ultants Pty. Ltd. OECC Bra nches : Brisbane I Ahmedabad I Mumbai Ludhiana I Phagwara I .Jalandhar I Batala "The Ndl\\e Y00 Can Trus-t " Hoshiarpur I Amritsar I Hyderabad I Dhaka I Nepal � ��

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JULV 2015 27

travel

P

BY PETRA O'NEILL

roceeding along Broken Hill's main street, I asked a local, wearing the distinctive broad bushman's hat, where I could get good coffee. 'Silly Goat' was a response open to interpretation, though soon afterwards I found d1e cafe and enjoyed a large flat white. This was the first of four whistle stops on the Indian Pacific.

The four day journey from Sydne}' to Perth is Australia's transcontinental east-west line, a railroad that spans 4352 kilometres from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, enabling passengers to traverse from one side of the country to the other.

With a firm grip on d1e consciousness of Australians, a transcontinental rail link has operated since 1917, initially constructed using picks, shovels, horses and camels.

With the track having different rail line gauges due to a lack of agreement between d1e states of narrow, standard and broad gauges, five changes were required en route. It was not until 1969 d1at a standard gauge rail line was completed nshering in a new era of providing the definitive way to e�7Jlore Australia's interior. From die Blue Mountains across d1e outback to Broken Hill, past rolling green hills towards Adelaide to the expansive Nullarbor Plain, through the goldfields of Kalgoorlie and finally meeting journey's end in Perd1.

Ar 2.55pm on a hot summer's day, the hldian Pacific, measuring 567 metres in

28 JULY 2015

length, rolled out of Sydney's historic Central Station. I'd chosen Gold Service, nudging the top of the comfort classes, with a cabin fitted with a large viewing window and small en-suite bathroom. \Xlood panelling, muted tones and etched glass give an aura of luxury to otherwise utilitarian carriages.

Rolling along at an average speed of 85 kilometres per hour, mosr passengers left their doors ajar, mingling in the corridors or socialising in the lounge, creating a friendly mood. There were 161 passengers on this trip and it was time to meet some of them over a welcome drink in the lounge. Asked why they had joined d1e journey, twin sisters Berey and Elma recalled having travelled on the legendary Ghan and wanted co eA7Jerience more.

Beyond the lushness of the Blue Mountains, we passed farms of wheat and sheep, with desert scrub of gnarly bushes, grassy stubble and dry creek beds soon appearing just as d1e sun began to set.

Emus and grey kangaroos were visible as well as many species of birds, including eagles and cockatoos.

Platinum and Gold Service includes all meals. Served on heavy china with starched white tablecloths, <linnet included kingfish or kangaroo steak and a vegetarian option accompanied by quality Australian wine or beer. After retiring to my cabin, now turned into a cosy bed, I gazed out the window for hours. Australia's interior is vase and empty.

There are no roads or signs of human habitation - only a night time sky brilliantly glowing with stars.

Eady next morning in Broken Hill, me Trades Hall and die many hisroric pubs were little changed since my last visit.

Returning to d1e train, breakfast was a treat.

'Tm not here to do cornflakes!" exclaimed

the American. \Xfould you prefer the poached peach and passionfruit compote layered with vanilla bean yoghurt, toasted almond and hazelnut crumble? Or the honeydew melon and native currants tossed wicb pistachio vinaigrette? Full breakfast was also available, and for ILU1eb it ,vas smoked lamb ,,�th zucchini and bean salad or roasted pumpkin and artichoke tart.

Curious to visit the rest of d1e train (Red Sleeper class has a cafeteria), d1e carriages occupied by a passenger who crocheted flowers for d1e entire journey, alongside backpackers and students sprawled out, legs and arms hanging across their seats, looking decidedly less comfortable than the rest of LIS. At tl1e premium end, rwo carriages were occupied by 16 passengers with luxurious cabins.

Later that afternoon d1e Indian Pacific pulled into Adelaide, wiili imposing 19th­ century sandstone architecture, parklands, broad streets and public .squares laid our in a grid pattern ideal for exploring on foot. There were several tours including an excursion taking in the city sights, d1ough I opted to walk to North Terrace to visit the South Australian Museum, with d1e ,vorld's largest and most significant collection of Aboriginal artefacts.

Further along North Terrace is the Adelaide Botanic Gardens established in '1855 witl1 die Palm House, an exquisite Victorian glasshouse in1ported &om Bremen, Germany in 1875. Turning back, I walked along d1e banks of the scenic River Torrens passing Adelaide Oval, steeped in cricketing and Aussie rules football histo.ry.

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,, Australia's interior is vast and empty. There are no roads or signs of human habitation only a night time sky brilliantly glowing with stars ,,

Then I ventured to Central Market, boasting everything from the freshest fruit, cheeses and smoked German sausages.

I departed with apricots and plump strawberries before dashing to Rundle Mall, the main shopping precinct. Faced with chocolate choices including Haigh's and Koko Black, l opted for the utterly divine Stephen ter Horst chocolatier .

I woke after a comfortable night's sleep on board. The vineyards, orchards and olive trees had been replaced by a parched arid landscape at its best in the early morning with shades of orange, red and gold.

With the scenery sliding past, tbe day was spent reading, relaxing and chatting to other passengers, too easy a way to be transported across the treeless plain of the Nuilarbor. Derived from Latin and meaning 'no tree', thi.s is the world's longest stretch of straight railway track continuing for 478 ki.l.omecres without a bend. l n 1841, a young explorer, Edward Eyre, set out from Adelaide to cross the Nullarbor on horseback taking almost live months.

Here we made a short stop at the isolated outpost of Cook, a virtual ghost town of four inhabitants and soon afterwards a sign marked the border as we crossed into Western Australia stopping briefly to drop off passengers at Rawlinna Station, Australia's largest property measuring 2.5 million acres.

Arriving in Kalgoorlie, known for its open cut mine measuring 3.6 by 1.6 kilometres, we toured the town to absorb

the local Aavour. , ext morning I woke to a fertile landscape of farms dotted with sheep and cattle. The 65-hour journey had come co an encl.

A vibrant, energetic city, Perth offers great restaurants, expansive park.lands, black swans and vast beaches along a coastline that delivers amazing sunsets .

1 visited the Pertl1 Cultural Centre which displays some of Australia's finest Aboriginal art; the Bell Tower cootaining the royal bells of London's St Martin's­ in-the-Fielcls; and joined a cruise boar along the S\van River to Ftemantle, the best preserved example of a 19'" century port streetscape in tl1e world witl1 a strong macitime and convict history and great Italian coffee.

But it was time to catch my flight back to Sydney. The enormity of Australia can only be understood by travelling across it and a journey on the Indian Pacific allows you to view the ever changing landscape in considerable comfort. And you get to meet locals like Tony, who had travelled down from Marrakai in the orrhern Territory.

Asked what led him co travel to Perth, he replied simply, "Bull riding". .

Clockwise from opposite page top: Rawlina Station; The Indian Pacific stopped at Cook; The barren Cook desert; Onboard dining is a luxury experience; Betty and Elma in Kalgoorlie; Petra about to board the Indian Pacific

The Indian Pacific offers exclusive private carriages, Platinum and Gold Service.

Meals, refreshments and off train excursions are included. Only for the hardy, Red Service has reclining chairs. www.greatsouthernrail.com.au In Sydney the Sydney Harbour YHA and Ibis World Square are good budget choices.

The Shangri- L a has splendid views of the harbour.

With two services a week during peak season, you can break your journey in Adelaide. The Mercure Grosvenor Hotel or Ibis hotel are centrally located. In Perth, Fraser Suites offers spacious accommodation.

• Pack a jumper. Generous luggage allowances apply. Aspects Gallery Shop at Kings Park, Perth has a splendid range of Australian made gifts.

lNDlAN LINK

JULY 2015 29

entertainment

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Rahul's parents and his old Aunt, Bua. With decent production values, the settings and the frames are realistic. Yogesh Jani's cinematography captures the rural milieu very aptly.

The background score by Vinayak Netke along with the songs

Naach basanti, Andhera andhera and Sasure ke kaudy /aga gay/ by music

MISS TANAKPUR HAAZIR HO

STARRING: Annu Kapoor, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Om Puri, Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra and Rahul Bagga DIRECTOR: Vi nod Kapri

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Written and Directed by a journalist­ tumed-film director Vi nod Kapri, Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho is a social satire inspired by true events. The film delves into how numerous, ridiculously false and blatantly obscure cases are registered in the Indian courts.

This vengeance saga, camoufl aged as a comedy, reveals the extent to which some people can stoop and highlights the corruption prevalent in our system.

Set in the district of Tanakpur somewhere in Uttar Pradesh, Suvalal

Pradhan (Annu Kapoor) a "10 + 2" educated, village headman and a wannabe politician who often pouts, "Don't take me otherwise" is constantly suspicious of his wife, Maya's (Hrishitaa Bhatt) fidelity, as he is insecure of his own virility.

One day, after catching his wife red-handed with her paramour Arjun (Rahul Bagga), he realises that his own reputation is at stake. So, seething with anger and revenge on his mind, he accuses Arjun of raping Miss Tanakpur, his buffalo. How he keeps up with this charade, forms the crux of the film.

While the premise is amusing, the plot, treated in a satirical manner, meanders capturing Pradhan's idiosyncrasies.

Annu Kapoor straight-faced, puts his heart into the character Suvala I Pradhan and essays the role brilliantly. His

dependency on his lackey Bhim Singh (Ravi Kishan) and the village Pandit (Sanjay Mishra) for solutions, create the required situational comedy. Together, they make a hilarious threesome.

Ravi Kishan, with kohl-rimmed eyes as Suvalal's buffoonish right-hand man, and Sanjay Mishra as the conniving and greedy Panditji are themselves. Though funny in certain scenes, they play stock characters that don't elevate their character-sketches.

Om Puri on the other hand shines as the corrupt police inspector. As always, he is a natural before the camera.

Hrishitaa Bhatt as Pradhan's wife has very little to offer, by way of performance. Rahul Bagga as her lover Arjun, has a passive role and manages to evoke sympathy through his effective portrayal. The rest of the supporting cast too is very expressive, especially

directors Palak Muchhal and Sushmit Sen mesh well into the narration.

While the director has taken pains to dramatise the reality, he has resorted to some lazy back-hand approach in some scenes. The most notable among the few are the me/a (fair) scene and the bus scene in which Arjun's Bua is travelling. Also, his writing lacks the finesse of a well-researched subject in terms of character-sketches.

Packed with quick retorts, the dialogues are taut and crass. These generate laughter at the intended moments and will be lapped. up by the front benchers.

Overall, this is a fairly enjoyable film, but a tad too lengthy. Although it tackles a universal truth about India, it has a very local and regional flavour which may not appeal to everyone.

TROY RIBEIRO

I N D IAN LI N K

RADIO APP

30 JULY 2015

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successful businessman who owns 108 hotels and is emotionally drawn to Vasudha, he is convincing.

Vidya Balan as the protagonist Vasudha, brings out the pathos of a distraught mother and abandoned wife seeking true love, through an emotionally intense portrayal. She does justice to her character, but expectedly so. Your heart bleeds for her at the treatment that fate has meted out to her.

With a broad spectrum of emotions, ranging from a possessive husband to a harassed victim of circumstances seething with anger, to the subdued psychotic, Rajkumar Rao wows you with his power-packed and nuanced performance as Hari. He is a natural before the camera.

The other notable character in a

HAMARI ADHURI KAHANI

STARRING: Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan, Raj Kumar Rao, Amala Akkineni, Suhashini Mulay and Nam it Das DIRECTOR: Mohit Suri

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Very rarely do sequels create an impact Director Mohit Suri's Hamari Adhuri Kahani is an anachronistic, tragic romance that touches an emotional chord, yet, makes you dismiss it as a regressive piece of art. The direction appears confused, with a present-day setting, while the treatment of the plot and characters belong to a bygone era.

The story, with its verbose, melodramatic and regressive dialogues,

along with outdated metaphors and symbolism, fits into the 1970s' mould perfectly. Sadly, the audience today will not relate to it.

An intriguing tale nevertheless, it is all about love: an engaging story of a married lady bound by the shackles of society, yearning for true love.

The dramatic prologue lays the foundation of the narration. It is 22 years that Vasudha (Vidya Ba Ian) has left her husband Hari (Rajkumar Rao). Upon learning of her death, Hari steals the urn as he is adamant about immersing her ashes in Bastar and not in the Ganges, to enable Vasudha attain salvation.

Hari's truth - the story of his life is unravelled through a diary that he

leaves behind for his son Sanjh to read.

Mahesh Bhatt has penned this semi-biographical convoluted saga, with well-etched characters which are intense and complex. High on emotional quotient, he leaves his imprint with the well-structured, tight and intelligently­ woven script. But it is the cliched, archaic and effusive expositions that nail the narrative.

Recounted in a non-linear manner and packed with back stories, what holds your attention is the potent performance given by the ace star cast.

This is undoubtedly the key reason to watch the film.

Emraan Hashmi delivers a sensitive performance, quite contrary to his usual image. As Arav Ruparel, the suave and

cameo is Apurva, Arav's friend-cum­ man Friday. With his spontaneity, tone and sense of timing, he lends a fresh perspective to the sardonic lackey, eliciting many a laughter at his "flight delay" dialogues.

Yesteryear's actor Amala as Rohini, Arav's mother, is a huge disappointment. Although the character allows her ample opportunity to perform, she offers nothing to make it memorable.

Technically, with excellent production values and decent music, the visuals by cinematographer Vishnu Rao are vibrantly brought to life by his meticulous framing.

Watch this one if you are moved by sad love stories.

TROY RIBEIRO

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We would like YOU to be part of our exciting team! Appropriate remunerations paid.

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Well-settled family in Australia invites alliance for 28-year-old, 5'7, smart, fair, Punjabi girl, Australian citizen, working as a la,vyer for the Australian Government. Please send bio data/particulars co fordsyd88@grnail. com.

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foretell PREDICTIONS FOR J U LY 2015

BY NANCY JADE ALTHEA

--------------------------------------ARIES March 21 - Apri l 19 You seem to be feeling emotionally upset this month. The cards are indicating a time when you need to focus on your relationship. You will be thinking of a new direction with regard to your work. You have not been feeling very happy around your working environment and may be looking to do something new for yourself. You may have some problems with your lower back. The main focus this month is to relax and de-stress.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20 This month you need to be very clear on where you are going. The cards are indicating a time when you will be faced with some hard decisions. You may face some difficulties in a relationship area.

You have a hectic month ahead with many different opportunities presenting themselves. Work will be tiring and demanding. Be careful not to overspend this month as you will have a tendency to want to splash out. Try and meditate if you are getting headaches.

GEMINI May 21 - J u ne 20 Exciting times are ahead. The cards are indicating that you may find a new love or a past lover may contact you. It is a good month for romance and love. You seem to be doing well at work and have a lot of enthusiasm and focus. Your colleagues seem to be having a few ups and downs. You need to take care of your finances and you must not take risks with investments.

CANCER J u ne 21 - J u ly 20 You will be feeling very energetic and emotionally charged. The cards are showing that you need to be careful of outbursts and impatience. These could get you into trouble. Financially you are going to enjoy stability and an increased bank balance. You seem to be in a better place, and thinking about saving and your future.

Be careful of minor accidents through carelessness. You will be thinking of booking a short break, to relax and unwind, go ahead and treat yourself!

LEO J u ly 21 - Aug 22 This month you are keen to sort out the relationship area of your life.

You seem to be missing that companionship and love. Those with a partner will be feeling more romantic. The cards show you will be blessed with opportunities which you will be seriously considering.

Work has become a little boring and you need more of a challenge right now. Your car needs to be checked for oil and water. Keep active and lose that bit of weight.

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22 This month you are taking life easy and enjoying your home and family. You have been feeling a bit tired lately and you need to look at your diet for any allergies. The cards are indicating a time when you may be suffering from IBS and stomach issues. Love and relationships are cordial, there may be some issues with your partner's relatives. They may be a little demanding. There may be some department re shuffl ing taking place at work.

INDIANLINK

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 You are not very happy this month. You seem to be having some communication problems with your partner. You may just need to take some time out from each other. This month the cards are showing that you have a lot of determination and a strong competitive streak at work. Don't let anything slip through the net as some important contacts and contracts can be lost. An old policy may be maturing, so you can cash in on that.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - N ov 21 This month your partner will be doing very well in their work and career. This will be a time for celebration. The cards are showing that you will want to spend more time together as work and life has come in the way. Make sure you make some memories and go on some dates. Even if you are married. An injection of spice is needed in your partnership. Make a good impression on your bosses they a re watching your work.

SAGITTARIUS N ov 22 - Dec 21 Feeling sentimental and nostalgic this month? Your mind is taking you to past events and experiences in your life. The cards are showing you may be feeling some regret. Move on and take life as it comes. Your partner may want an addition to your family. You, on the other hand, may not. Work will be stressful and you may be looking at a higher role within the company. You will be travelling for some part of the month.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19 This month you will be meeting some interesting people. Romantic liaisons will come from unusual contacts. There will be some interesting party invitations coming your way. The cards are indicating you have some major pressures around decisions to do with work. You are confused as to what you would like to do. You have some plans and need to put them in motion. A new business idea will come your way through a friend.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 You will enjoy love harmony and togetherness with your partner this month. Things have been stressful lately, but you are now feeling at peace. The cards are showing that you will be booking a holiday for the family and take some well needed time out together. One of your children may be feeling a little under the weather. They may be under pressure at school. Nothing that you cannot handle together as a family.

PISCES Feb 19 - March 20 Your month will start off a little slow. You still have some projects from last month to deal with. You may be feeling a little frustrated as you are encountering delays in the execution of your plans.

The cards are indicating that you have a love interest in mind, but you need to take the first step and ask them for a date. You are romantic and need to put your passion to the test now.

JULY 2015 35

entertainment

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U P-TO-DATE NEWS ON WHAT'S HOT AND HAPPENING IN BOLLYWOOD

--------FARHAN, ZOYA EIGHTH GENERATION WRITERS IN MY FAMILY: JAVED AKHTAR

Writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar is considered a legend for his contribution to Hindi cinema over the last four-five decades. His family has a rich tradition of producing great writers, with his children Farhan and Zoya being the eighth generation writers in the family.

"Farhan's daughter has also started writing now, making her a ninth generation writer in the family," he said at an event in Mumbai recently.

He remembered the works of both his parents, grandparents and uncles, all writers.

"I was born in an atmosphere where there were books and talk of literature all around me," he added.

Akhtar also stressed on how the Progressive Writers' movement and various Russian literature influenced the writer in him.

TIGER SHROFF FOR JACKIE CHAN'S KUNGFU YOGA

WELCO M E, AN I L KAPOO R !

M

elboume's Indian community is getting ready to say "Welcome" to Bollywood star Anil Kapoor in August this year.

This of course is the name of one of his all-time top-grossing blockbuster films (the sequel of which, Welcome Back, is set for a September release).

Anil Kapoor, who the mainstream community know thanks to Slumdog Millionaire, will be in Melbourne as a special guest of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), which takes place 14-27 August.

The event has become Melbourne's - indeed Australia's - fl agship annual Bollywood event, which brings to our shores films as well as film personalities from India's larger than life cinema world.

Anil Kapoor will head a long list of celebrities this year, including his daughter fashionista Sonam Kapoor, Im ran Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Fawad Khan. IFFM regulars Rajkumar Hirani and Simi Garewal will make an appearance this year again, as will film-makers Shona Ii Bose (Margarita With a Straw) and Nagesh Kukunoor, whose latest film Dhanak won the Grand Prix at the Berlin Film Festival this year.

The Indian Independence Day celebrations at Melbourne on 15 August this year, you can be sure, will be littered with stardust. Anil himself will take part in a major event at Federation Square alongside the High Commissioner Navdeep Suri, and many notables from the government in Victoria.

Don't be surprised if many Indian nationals from across Australia feel a sudden patriotic urge to see the cherished tiranga unfurl in Melbourne this year!

The theme of the IFFM this year is Equality - among the races and the sexes and the social classes.

The schedule lists Umrika as the opening film, and the world premiere of political thriller Phantom as the closing screening, with some 45 other features and documentaries.

These include your usual Bollywood fare such as Haider, PK, Piku and the Tamil Kaaka Muttai (The Crow's Egg) which has a successful screenings at the Sydney Film Festival.

But it is the growing LGBTQI community in India that has sent in the interesting work, including Nannu Avanalla... Avalu (I am Not He... But She), Unfreedom and Tell Me A Story.

Check out also lndophile Australian film-maker Paul Cox's documentary from India Calcutta, and a tribute to Chandigarh sculptor The Kingdom of Nek Chand.

The gala Awards Night will be held on 15 August.

Come August, the Indian community's annual 14-day date with Bollywood stars, will be on!

36 JULY 2015

Actor Tiger Shroff confirms he has been approached to appear in martial arts movie star Jackie Chan's upcoming action-adventure film Kung Fu Yoga, but he hasn't taken a call on it yet.

Calling Jackie Chan his inspiration, Tiger says that if the film happens it will be a dream come true for him.

Before Tiger, the film was offered to Aamir Khan when he was in China but due to his commitment for Dangal, he had to decline.

The film will be directed by Stanley Tong.

As of now, Tiger is busy doing Baaghi: A Rebel For Love opposite Shraddha Kapoor.

Meanwhile, director Remo D'Souza of ABCD2 fame is set to do an action film with nger this month. Tentatively titled Flying Sikh or even Flying Jat, the film sees Tiger paired opposite Jacqueline Fernandez.

Hmm, looks like the tiger cub is finally going places, after that somewhat shaky start....

WORTH A WATCH

The Cannes Film Festival this year considered this film definitely worth watching, so if you like the new pathways that the Indian film industry is creating, you'll like Masaan.

For this film, which tells the truths of life of a small town with shackles of society, director Neeraj Ghaywan took inspiration from real life.

"My cinema is often infl uenced by Satyajit Ray, Shekhar Kapur, but for this film I would say that Dardenne brothers (Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne) from Belgium helped me deeply in constructing the story, as the duo also talk about working class

and modem crisis in their projects," Ghaywan says.

The film, set in Varanasi, takes audiences to the dark side of Indian society through the lives of two women and how their life coincides at some point. There are ghats, scenic locales with river in the backdrop as the movie moves forward with a holy sense.

The film also talks about caste segmentation of the society by narrating a love story where a girl falls for a man from a lower caste, who burns dead bodies for a living.

It stars Sanjay Mishra and Richa Chadha and will hit Indian theatres on July 24.

IT'S BULGARIA FOR AJAY DEVGN'S NEXT

Actor Ajay Devgn, who visited Bulgaria to check out locations for his upcoming directorial Shlvaay, will lend support to promote tourism in the country from India.

Ajay will take part in local activities and shoot a promotional video for the purpose.

"The Bulgarian Tourism Ministry has been really supportive to me and my team. To show our appreciation, I will be lending a helping hand to promote Bulgarian tourism. It's a great initiative," Ajay said in a statement.

Ajay is not only directing but also playing the lead in the film. Sayesha Saigal, grand niece of legendary actor Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu will be seen making her debut.

Wonder if Ajay caught up with old 'friend' Shah Rukh Khan, who was also in Bulgaria at the same time, working on his next, titled Di/wale.

(Er, in case you're wondering, yes, Kajol stars opposite SRK in this Rohit Shetty film.)

And bingo! Now we know why Ajay Devgn was in Bulgaria in the first place...!

But it sure looks as though this Balkan beauty of a nation is becoming Bollywood's latest hot destination...

OZ-BASED FILM-MAKER LAU NCH ES BOLLYWOOD FILM

He's an interior decorator by profession, and has lived in Australia for seven years now, but as soon as Lorn Harsh stepped out of India, he says he "felt a sense of moral duties

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and responsibility as an Indian to promote and protect the image of India and Indians". And so he began writing a script, about a young Indian­ origin person raised in Britain. When he travels in India as a young adult, he experiences a reconnecting to roots.

Looking beyond the stereotypes of population, pollution and poverty, the protagonist discovers the brighter side of India.

Lorn Harsh says, "There is more to India than just what the eye catches."

The film is called Yeh Hai India.

"The script took almost six to seven years and finally we are filming now in Jaipur," Harsh told IANS in mid-June.

Actor Ashutosh Kaushik of Roadies and Bigg Boss fame, has been roped in to play the lead in the film, which is to be jointly directed by G.K. Yogesh and Lorn Harsh.

The film also stars Inda-British model Deana Uppal. Veteran actor Mohan Agashe appears as the prime minister of India.

It will be interesting to see what promises to be a different kind of "NRI" film than the usual Karan Johar fare.

AMITABH BACHCHAN: SU PERHERO ALL OVER AGAIN

He's geared up to don a superhero's avatar in an animated TV series for the first time, but Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan believes every hero in the Indian film industry is no less

than a superhero.

The 72-year-old has lent his looks and voice to an animated superhero called Astra for Astra Force, a funny and fast paced, action-adventure series which will go on air only in early 2017.

Asked if he was offered any superhero role in his younger days, Amitabh told IANS: "No ... But I imagine all Indian heroes are superheroes. They take care of a lot of things. They get the most beautiful women, fight 50 to 60 villains at the same time and jump off skyscrapers without a scratch... what more do you want?"

He might as well be talking about his own Bollywood avatar.

What's interesting is that Astra the superhero sports a similar beard as Big B's real avatar.

"Astra is of my age, so the look on the face is the look that I have right now except that I'll be given some superpowers. There are two younger kids... a girl and a boy. They are part of the story," he said.

The actor, who has earlier acted in films like Bhoothnath and Bhoothnath Returns which have appealed to his younger fans, says Astra Force will be "children-friendly".

There's still a year before the makers can give the 52-episode series for broadcast.

At the heart of it, Astra Force tells the story of a mythical hero from a distant world, who was stranded on

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Earth millions of years ago after an epic space battle.

When eight-year-old brother and sister twins accidentally awaken the mythical superhero from his long hibernation, they must teach him about our modern world and join Astra to save the universe from a new wave of giant monsters and intergalactic threats.

If monsters weren't enough, Astra's new young friends also have to hide the superhero from their parents and deal with Astra's insatiable hunger for modern desserts after an eternity spent in hibernation.

The character will also be launched in a series of digital and print comic books available on a special Facebook comic app.

The grandfather of three hopes "India progresses in the field of animation, a feature which has not been so prominent".

He has done action, romance and more on the big screen and now he is making his debut in animation TV series. What else is left to explore?

"These things just keep dropping into my lap. I feel humbled and honoured that somebody thinks of me even now at this age...new ideas, new thoughts keep coming in and I thank them for thinking of me. Hope I am able to give my best," said the star, who will next be seen in Wazir on the silver screen.

What's the chitchat here between JAYA BACHCHAN and son ASH ISH EK? Send in your responses to win@indianlink.com.au and win a surprise prize

SALMAN KHAN, MAHESH BABU, DHANUSH SET FOR BOX OFFICE BATTLE

Top stars Salman Khan, Mahesh Babu and Dhanush are set to battle it out at the box office when their films Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Srlmanthudu and Maarl all release on July 17 worldwide.

The release date coincides with the Eid weekend.

If the three films release together, it will indeed be a battle for screens, says trade analyst Trinath.

"All these films feature stars who demand good number of screens for wide release. However, it will be extremely tough for theatre owners to allocate screens for all the three films," Trinath told IANS. With another major release taking place a week before (Baahubali releases on July 10), it is going to be an Eid bonanza for film buffs no doubt, but it will be interesting to see how operators handle the rush!

What's the chitchat here between SONAM KAPOOR and KATRINA KAIF? KATRINA: So is it ok with you if I get hitched to Ranbir?

SONAM: You can have him - he's history as far as I am concerned!

Sfndhoora Vyas Kirribilli NSW Sindhoora wins a ticket to Hindi film Hamari Adhuri

Kahani

JULY 2015 37

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What our leaders stand up for on International Yoga Day

osition

�

BY LP. AYER

�

r is 21 June. All over the coumry thousands of Indians are standing on their beads in 'sirasana' style as if to keep their heads away from the sun after the recent he.'lt:wave that rook a huge coU. Although the heatwave has somewhat waned, the sun is quite bright and shining longer than any other day. It is Sllmmer solstice in India when daylight: lasts longest. But that is not the reason for the mass 'sil'(Jsana'.

Hopefully Internacional Yoga Day, declared by the UN at the behest of Prime i\liinist:er Narenclra Modi during his visit to the US last September, will bring inner peace and harmony. So, it is appropriate that this day is observed with great enthusiasm by anybody who is somebody contouring their bodies in their favourite yoga positions. Let me take you on a guided tour of the lounge rooms of leaders around the worJd to see their preferred positions.

Mayurasana (the peacock pose)

This bas to be the favourite of India's Human Resources i\liinisrer Smriti Irani.

The peacock is the most colourful of the birds whose mclescent: plumage never fails to attract anyone. Having become popular through TV serials, Irani babu still has a penchant for attracting attention to herself by any means. For instance, her complaint against a shop in Goa aUeged that it had viewed her through a hidden camera in its fitting rooms while trying some designer gear. This hit the nati onal headlines. Her claim to have obtained a Yale University degree after a six-day course is never out of the news pages. But Smtiti has far to go before she reaches the stature of Kim Kardashian, the queen of the peacocks, who gets noticed whether wearing something or baring her rear. What a bummer!

Simhasana (the lion pose)

The lion of Lahore, Imran Khan, can be the best practitioner of this posture as he often roars about his erstwhile bowling prowess. During the last general election his standard slogan was "with this one ball I will knock our all the other politicians".

Ali he did, sadly, was knock himself clown from a make-shift bamboo platform at an election raUy ,vhile addressing his fans.

Padma murdra (lotus pose)

This is mandatory not only for BJP ministers bur all jcs party members, since the lotus proved the winning symbol. It did come up roses for them!

Gomukhaasana (the cow face pose)

Needless to say, this is for the Congress party cadre as rbe cow's male species bas been their election symbol for donkey's years. Although it failed to pull them to the power base this rime around.

38 JULY 2015

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Bhujangasana (the cobra pose)

This creanue that slithers along in a zigzag motion to get itself ahead, sheds its old skin several times to reveal a brand new one, and can give a 'hiss' of death as well. Criti c s of Julia Gillard may say that she is a kbzladi (expert) at this asaaa, but giving a fatal close to both his leaders, BiU Shorten can claim

Virasana (the hero pose)

This asana opens out the chest area making you feel like a hero. Tb.is bas to be Kevin Rudd's preferred exercise, since be thumps his chest as the saviour of Australia during the GFC, splurging billions squi_rrelecl away by the previous government. Former Pakistan dictator, Musharaf too favours chis exercise, since he recently boasted

Savasana (the corpse pose)

Tb.is can be the choicest exercise for most men (this writer inducled) who prefer to do nothing unless, and Lmril, goaded by their wives. A slight variation for some males would be for those who just open their mouths at regular intervals to down another can of amber fluid.

And what about the man whose idea

,, Being the 'head ' of the nation, Modiji has no hesitation in placing his head on the ground doing the stressful sirasana which was the daily routine of his illustrious predecessor of the fifties, Jawaharlal Nehru ,, t o be a champion practitioner. H e needs to watch his patch as well. Any wonder this is the most popular asana among politicians world-wide.

that he held India by its throat during bis KargiU misaclvennire that backfired.

Navasana (boat position)

This aggressive aquatic crean1re pose is now the favolll'ite of China's top brass, as it Rexes its musde to control the entire South China Sea by building artificial islands, and gaining power over Lidian Ocean sea lanes by building naval bases in Sri Lanka. l n contrast, Barack Obama is taking a softer stand on many cbaUenges facing him. In the final years of his second term, he is rechn.icaUy a lame duel, president . . . bur no, unfortunately there is no asana named after die cluck.

This is a routine intensely practised by Indonesian people smugglers who now seem to be double dipping - mjjking asyhun seekers to ferry them to Oz and then accepting payment by the Australian Government to transport chem back.

Don't you conremplare doing this asana when Tony Abbott or Scott Morrison Australja's 'rum back the boats titans' - are around, you could be stopped in your cracks.

Makrasana (the crocodile pose)

set the yoga ball rolling? Being the 'bead' of die nation, .Modiji has no hesitation in placing his head on the ground doing the stressful sirasana which was the daily routine of his illustrious predecessor of the fifties, Jawaharlal Nehru. This position aUows a.t\lfo to get a closer look at those at the bottom of the economic and social strata. These people, let us hope by the end of ]',foci.i's first term, are able to keep their heads above water. If d1at comes about, Modiji will surely be able to hold his bead high.

NB: Names of the asanas, except sirasasana, are mystifying since none of them resembles cl1eir descriptors.

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