2015-11 Brisbane

PREMIER'S MULTICULTURAL MEDIA AWARDS MULTICULTURAL NSW

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2 NOVEMBER 2015

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editorial

Appreciatin the light in our 1ves

INDIAN LINK PUBLISHE:R .Pawan Luthra E:DITOR Rajni An.lnd _L_u_th[� ASSISTANT E:DITOR -··· Kira Spucys-Tahar ..

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ME:LBOURNE: COORDINATOR Preeti Jabbal CONTRIBUTORS Tasneem Za�,;ry, Vish Chilumkurti, Kushagra Bhatnagar, Avi Chandiok; Jyoti Shankar, Frankey Gerard Fernandes, Gaurav Masand, Nancy Jade Althea, LP Ayer ADVE:RTISING MANAGER Viy_ekJrivedi 0410_578146 ADVERTISING ASSISTANT. Preeta Nair 02 9279 2004

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� CLE!AN

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

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oing through the What's On pages in l11dit111 Link, it is exciting to note the range of activities available for the community, especially with DiwaLi celebrations in full flow. A few years ago, most of these activities were focused in a few hotspots in Sydney and Melbourne, but these have now spread co the suburbs and even co other major cities.

In recent times, satellite cities around our state capitals are also bringing in the DiwaLi light and festivities.

One of the most exciting recent initiatives to spread the Diwali message has been a 16-page supplement in 130,000 copies of the IIYestA11stmlia11 newspaper, organised by the Indian Society of Western AustraLia (ISWA) in Perth. This supplement reaches om to the mainstream AusttaLian community co educate and inform all of not only Di,vali, but ocher things Indian at this festive time of year.

The mainstream DiwaLi event at Melbourne's Federation Square organised

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by Celebrate India, attracted 57,000 people last year. Numbers are expected to increase this year by at least 20 per cent.

The Hindu Council of Australia in Sydney attracted a crowd of 30,000 at their annual DiwaLi Mela last year, and numbers should be up this year.

Another interesting development is that suburbs with significant Indian population have the blessings of their local councils in celebrating local DiwaLi events. Strathfield and The Ponds are two Sydney suburbs in which this is fast becoming a tradition; Wyndham in Melbourne is another e.,'(ample.

What is it about Diwali whicl1 makes it such a focal point for the community?

The religious background co DiwaLi is a simple story, the significance of spreading light and dispelling darkness resonating with all (fhis takes place every four years at the state elections, the NSW Premier joked at a recent Diwali event in Sydney). More so, for the Indian J\ustraLian community, DiwaLi is celebrated across all language and geographical community groups as the social scene bursts at the seams with festive events. For the religiously minded, the 111tmdirs and g11md1varas make sure the reason for the season is brought home to all.

Even mainstream organisations have

now taken up the celebration of DiwaLi in their own way, by acknowledging not only the contributions of their Indian­ origin staff, but also their clients from the Indian sub-continem. \'(/estpac and Commonwealth Bank DiwaLi parties are highly sought after events, now National AustraLia Bank has also shown its desire to engage with their clients at this time of cultural significance. The Diwali greeting signs at a few suburban Coles supermarkets are a welcome sight, and probably got chem a few brownie points in the grocery wars with Woolworths and Aldi!

Now the challenge for the Indian Australian community is that if the mainstream is keen to know more about the festival of Diwali, then why not wall< into your place of work - be it a school or a factory floor or a corporate office on Diwali day with a large box of mithai for your colleagues. Share some sweet eats and enlighten your work colleagues about the significance of Diwali, as a time of appreciating the Light in our own lives.

As we welcome in the Hindu New Year, a very happy Diwali to you and yours from all of us at Ttidia11 Link. May it be a year of good health and happiness, and may both Saraswati and Lakshmi shine their light on us all.

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INDIANLINK

NOVEMBER 2015 5

YOURSAY. IS THIS TATTOO OFFENSIVE?

Melbourne law student Matthew Gordon says he was harassed by BJP nationalists while in Bangalore who found his tattoo offended their religious sentiments.

Aneeta Menon wrote: It does not offend me.

However, unlawful violent extremist behaviour does.

Kala Raghunath wrote: It is offensive. I do not support the abuse that this man said he had to go through, but nothing justifies his choice of having a tattoo of a goddess on his leg.

India is known as a place where people go for religious purposes. Every country has its do's and don'ts, just follow those. Freedom of expression is not freedom to offend. Last time, it was Goddess Lakshmi on a bikini, and now it's this.

It's not the tattoo that's offensive, it is the part of the body where it is.

Mayur Kapoor wrote: He has written an apology letter for his mistake.

Why do you think it's right or wrong? He made a mistake, he accepted it. A man was sent back to his country regarding his Buddha tattoo in Sri Lanka too. Google it.

Manjunath Aradhya wrote: Wherever we go we respect the law and people's sentiments. We cannot do as we like on foreign soil. If he had done the same thing in Islamic countries, hurting their sentiments, things would have been different. Our country is a free India, anybody can do anything. Our "prestitutes" protect these people.

Radha Arora wrote: No! Because he doesn't belong to the Hindu religion anyway. Be kind, forgive and give mercy. I'm sure we all would like to live in peace.

Prabhat Kumar wrote: Yes it is...

Gagan Singh wrote: Stupidity offends me, religion is one of them lndu Prlya Nlvarthl wrote: I agree with you, Kala Raghunath

DIWALI DAYS

After posting our Melbourne issue online, with a story about how different families celebrate Diwali, we received this missive.

Every day is a Diwali day in our household or, to put it more honestly, Diwali is like any other day of the year. If it is a working day my wife goes to work at her surgery and I used to do the same until I retired. Now, being a stay­ at-home man-friday, I attend to normal chores and whatever errands my wife orders as she runs towards the door for work. Invariably I forget at least one of the dozen tasks she assigns me and, as if fate has ordained, she will without fail ask about that one I haven't done as she steps into the house returning from work.

My standard answer is 'I had one hundred and one things to do.' No fireworks, but mild rebuke is in order. It will be no different this Diwali either.

My son and daughter, having been born and brought up here, had limited exposure to Indian festivities because of our work situations when they were young. There weren't many Indian families for them to mix with kids of their age. Maybe now, as grandparents, we need to make amends and help our grandkids know something about Diwali and some other major festivals that shine a light on our culture.

I am very happy - and a bit jealous too - to see many of the Indian families of the younger generation now celebrate not only Diwali but many other regional festivals as well. Good luck to them!

LP Ayer, Thorngate SA

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PREVENT/NG MIGRAINES

HAPPY 21ST TO US!

Indian Link marks another milestone occasion continuing our passion to seek out the Indian story in Australia Dhanya Samuel wrote: Many many happy returns of the day Indian Link

Aneeta Menon wrote: Excellent news! Congratulations Prlya Songappan wrote: A great achievement!

DISHING UP A CULi NARY COURSE FOR THE DISABLED

Sai Narayan reported on the Annalakshmi Culinary Science Program in Perth, which holds cooking classes for the disabled, and their need for continued community support

Migraines have stumped doctors for years, while causing pain for millions of people. Tasneem Zavery reported on an Indian-Australian collaboration that may but an end to these painful episodes

James Bogash wrote: It's always good to hear about natural approaches that actually work on fixing some of the underlying problems contributing to headaches. It is far more likely for someone to be deficient in vitamin b12 than for someone to be deficient in Topamax ...

. ................................................................................ : GREAT JOB, YET AGAIN

Mrldula Nath Chakraborty wrote: LOVED all your stories in this issue.

Urban turbans and the word poetry pieces were especially interesting. And I cannot wait to try out that cauliflower recipe.

Dhanya Samuel wrote: What an amazing venture Aneeta Menon wrote: This is excellent

WELCOME TO OZ!

We welcome diplomat and poet Abhay K. Kumar who has been appointed as India's Deputy High Commissioner to Australia. He is expected to take up his post in Canberra shortly

6 NOVEMBER 2015

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INDIANLINK

NOVEMBER 2015 7

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FICQ celebrates Diwali with me/a magic!

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BY VISH CHILUMKURTI

c was a starry night and the heart of Brisbane lit up in welcome, anticipating aU the scars that were to descend on it, when the federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) organised the fifth edition of its Diwali Mela at K.i.ng George Square in October as a prelude to the festive season.

The main attraction of the event was the glittering cultural show which was spectacularly colourful and vibrant. The potpourri of events included Punjabi folk dances by Gurdeep Singh and team, Indian classical dances and a lot of foot capping Bollywood numbers by Asha Shah and her group followed by Andrea and her troupe from Dance .Masala. A fusion of Indian and Persian dance scyles had the audience cheering and applauding. Combiru11g that with the aroma from the food stalls and there was a definite festive ambience that usually precedes Diwali.

There were also official ceremonies

8 NOVEMBER 2015

and, most importantly, at the beginn.i.ng of the evem Aboriginal elder Aunty Delmae Barton welcomed participants in the Acknowledgement of Country.

The lighting of the lamp was fol.lowed by a welcome address by the President of FICQ, Prof Prasad Yarlagadda.

The Premier of Queensland Anastacia Palaszczuk was conferred with the title of Honorary Indian of the Year. Also in attendance were the Multicultural Affairs Minister Shannon Fenti.man and the Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Tarnya Smith. The Indian High Commissioner avdeep Suri said in his message, "Such occasions play an extremely imporcam role in sustain.i.ng our great cultural heritage and in ensLrring a continued connection between younger members of our community and their unique cultural inheritance."

Diwali is an ancient festival which is celebrated throughout India in a special way ru1d has often been called the 'Christmas of India'. That is probably due co the fact that it signifies victory of light over darkness, good over evil and hope over despair. Ic is also a festival that spreads the message of cultural tolerance and cultural pluralism. Gifts are exchanged and houses are decorated with candles and earthen lamps caUed d(yas. Diwali is also a time

when Lakshmi die Goddess of Wealth is worshipped in order to welcome prosperity co the household.

Fireworks and firecrackers light up the night sky, bm in d1e recent years che usage of firecrackers has come down substantially as people have become more aware of the environmental pollution that the firecrackers cause. Diwali is also a time for major shopping such as clothes, home appliances, gold and jeweUery.

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs to mark different historical events, stories or myths. In Hinduism, Diwali is often thought to commemorate the return of Rama, Sica and Lakshmru,a to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Another school of d1oughc correlates the return of Pru1davas after their exile. The significance of Lakshmi Puja in Diwali is related co the mythological story of how Lakshmi chose Vishnu as her husband consort on the day Diwali falls in the Hindu calendar.

Diwali is celebrated by Sikhs as well.

However, the reason for celebration is chat on this day Guru Hargobind freed himself from the prison of Gwalior Fort during the times of che Mughal KingJahangir and be arrived at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Diwali has special significance in Jainism as weU. According co the Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu, Mahavira, cbe lase of

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the Tirthankm:r of chis era, attained Nirvana on this day at Pavapmi on 15 Occober 527 BCE, on Chaturda.shi of Kmtika.

Therefore, Jains celebrate Diwali as a day of remembering Atf.ahauira.

In the southern states of Tamil adu and Andhra Pradesh, Diwali is celebrated to mark the slaying of d1e demon l arakasura

by Krishna. In Eastern India, Kali is revered as a slayer of evil Diwali as a festival is celebrated by many different edmic cultures for different reasons but the common theme is victory of good over d1e evil in all d1e communities.

As Brisbane's King George Square was lie up beaucifuUy, it provided a pru1oramic backdrop to the festivities which went lace into the night. The President of FICQ Prof Prasad Yarlagadda spoke with Indian Link and said, "The purpose of organising dus function is to bring together all the associations and people in Brisbane and also to inculcate in the younger generation some awareness of the cultural traditions."

He said FICQ is very careful in choosing d1e performers ru1d the variety of food stalls and crafts stalls at the rnela each year .in order to reRect the multicultural nature of India.

Prof Yaclagadda conveyed a Happy Diwali to all our readers, "Enjoy this fabLLlous festival of lights!"

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,, FICQ is very careful in choosing the performers and the variety of food stalls and crafts stalls at the mela in order to reflect the multicultural nature of India,,

INDIANLINK

NOVEMBER 2015 9

cover story

ace

There will be giant cook-ups, prayers, diyas, partying and mithai-sharing galore, but also a touch of activism and charity this Diwali

Grahak Cunningham

Dipanjali Rao

Diwali for me is a busy time. I usually try and attend a few festivals and in Perth there are a lot to choose from. lndian Society of Western Australia's now week-Jong, multi-venue festival always g-ets huge numbers. It is dynamic, commercial and busy. The Swan Festival of Lights multi-day festival right on the ban.ks pf the Swan River L5 uplifting and spiritual, and always with some stunning performances. For the first time this year I will be going to Agrawal's Diwali in Cannington which should be fun. I alwa)'S eat a lot of good Indian food over the period and then wonder why when 1 step on the scales. I always wish my Indian friends (and strangers) Happy Diwali. Ten years ago ir used to g-arner a look of surprise when a Caucasian said "Happy Djwali". Now with the growing understanding of other cultures and the increased ethnicity in Australia it doesn't really raise so many eyebrows, but I still do it. l read such a nice letter to the editor in a local newspaper last week. The author was saying that instead of banning religious activities in schools (like Christmas plays and carols and so forth so as not to offend anyone) they should encourage i t and then celebrate all the other festivals like Diwali and Ramadan and so on. It was an inclusive idea so people can appreciate each othec and their beliefs more.

Although they make me gain weight, the more festivals that focus on the good, the better. Happy Diwali.

Diwali, Deepavali for us Telugu people, used to be a big deal back home ... new clothes, exchanging sweets with neighbours, flowers in the house, diyas ever)where. I went off crackers and fireworks when 1 found out in Year 10 about child labour in the industry, and ever since it's been a cracker and firework free Deepavali back home.

Australia though, is a different story. I've been hece ten years and every single year I tell myself that I'll go to Federation Square for Diwali celebrations, and every year I forget!!

I pass by the city and see a poster for Diwall and a date that has passed and without exception, slap my forehead and curse under my breath. Next year, I tell myse1£ Except last year, I signed up to volunteer with White Ribbon at their Diwali stall. It was very interesting walking around asking Indian men to sign the no-violence pledge and get people to make donations. After the volunteer shift I got to go around and sample some of the food and watch some of the entertainment. Some of it :tnade me cringe - I wonder why our entertainment is so Bollywood-centric - but then I guess it is more accessible. I hope they change this, this time round.

And then there was the year I went hunting around to Indian stores to find neem flowers to make pacchadi. . . ooh wait, that was for Ugadi, not Diwali. Whoops, wrong festival. I really should make more effort. I blame myJewish housemate. If she were Indian, I'd be more in touch. So, all her fault really. Oh, but we did celebrate Deepavali once when she visited India and spent a few days with :tny family in Hyderabad. I lifted my fireworks ban (atithi de1•obhava, of course) and we burst bombs, fired rockets, and marvelled at the beauty of fireworks. That makes me nostalgic now. Maybe I'll light a few d!Jas at my door this year. And buyphe11i to eat with milk, like we do at home. And makepole/11. I love cooking, what better occasion than Deepavali to try something new!

10 NOVEMBER 2015

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Puneet Anand

Preeti Jabbal

It's my very 6rst Diwali with my husband Prateek so it's going to be a rather special one! I'll miss him on tbe day itself though, because Prateek is a fly-in-fly-out engineer with Rio Tinto and works on site during tl1e week. But we'll be going to the gurudwara together on the �veekend, and then join the crowds at the Swan Festival of Lights and at ISWA Diwali meJa. We will also be catching up with friends. We're having a communal meal and l've offered to make gol gappas - mostly because Prateek loves them a lot!

I've been in Oz only a few months but have figure d out where to buy all the Diwali stuff. I do want to make a big deal of it like we used to in India, but 1 will miss home, the in1mediate familr, the extended family, the home-made mithai and thepatakas!

Diwali is probably the only time in the year when we as a family observe proper traditions of offering prayers, lighting candles and conducting certain rituals passed on by my mother.

Starting from the frantic rush to find kesar (saffron) and silver coins (chandi ke sikke) from Indian stores, to making the kadhaparsad (sweet offerings) and lighting up the house with candles, the preparations tend to switch on to high gear around this time of the year.

If Diwali falls on a working day, it gets quite hectic to finish work, rush back, get things in order, complete the little Diwali rituals, pray and then go to the Gurudwara Sahib to seek blessings and light some candles.

I am all for having a public holiday on Diwali; after all, it is the Indian equivalent of Christmas and in multicultural Australia, anything is possible. 1f we can get a public holiday for Cup Carnival and Grand Pinal. why not have one for the largest Indian festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil?

Note to self: bring this up when the politicians are tripping over themselves making all sorts of promises prior to next elections.

Ou.r little Diwali ritual involves writing on the wall or a piece of paper, which our son quite enjoys as the only time of the year that mum does not complain about keeping things spotless. We sprinkle saffron, milk and rice on everything including the silver coins and pray for peace and prosperity.

I learnt th.is from my own mum and am happy to continue the tradition.

Ours is a joint family so there are always elders around to give more meaning to the celebrations with their blessings and presence. My mum-in-law likes to celebrate Diwali with her seniors group as well. She generally leads the prayer segment at home on Diwali day. My father who lives with my brother also looks forward to this day and likes to spend it with the whole family being together.

We always go to the Sikh temple on Diwali night where the children get to play with sparklers and light candles safely and we get to offer our gratitude through prayeL Leading up to Diwali and beyond, the social calendar completely ramps up with card parties, dinner dances, Diwali n1ela.r and numerous invitations ro each of these. The credit card gets a sound beating as new clothes arc purchased for everyone. All the festivities typically revolve around food and counting calories goes out of the (well-lit) windows.

Giving is an integral part of the festival and my mum used to donate sweets to orphanages in India. She insisted on distributing the food hmelf to ensure that the kids got to eat everything and the unscrupulous orphanage staff took nothing away from them. I have continued that tradition to � small extent hcte by donating ro local charities and rotating my choice every year.

20 years in Australia and the festive spirit is well and alive as we c011tinue to eat, pray and love at Diwali.

INDIANLINK

NOVEMBER 2015 11

cover story

Edmond Roy

I'm looking forward to tbe big cook up.

Come Diwali everyyear, my wife Cheryl and I host a mega party for all our friends and family. There's often in excess- of a hundred guests. (fwo hundred invites wenr out rhis year, bur only 180 are finally coming!) l r's not reallr a Diwali party, because we don't celebrate Diwali in its traditional sense. Its just an excuse to get 200 of our closest friends together and party all nigbd I hail from Kera.Ia, and Onam, our big festival, has just passed, so the celebratorymood is still in. Plus Cheryl and I lived for a few years in Delhi and got into the whole 'diyas and firecrackers and mithai' thing!

We both do all the food ourselves- at our big bash. Some 17-18 dishes . . . yes, that's right! This year we've planned 20, actually! We cook in large earthen pots that I've brought in from my home in India; they've belonged LO our family for some hundred years. These add a different dimension LO our celebration, and give our guests a peek into our culture and traditions.

The menu is usually dominated by seafood: it's a given, secing as I come from Kerala! This year however I've concocted a special dish, in honour of India's prime minister. I calJ it Modi Beef. Of course there'll be plenty of saffron in it. (flus is in solidarity with tbe street beef parties held across lnd.i.,'l lately.)

And for the first time this year, we'll have a bit of bhangra.

Cheryl and 1 have been hosting this event annually for some fifteen years now. We starred small, with abour ten guests, and then it grew from there. Now our friends and colleagues wait for the invite - 1 mean that lirerally, just m see bow blasphemous it will be, ha hal Happy Diwali.

Vish Chilumkurti

Family and friends and plenry of food, especially sweet stuff. .. that's what Diwali is about at my place. My wife Sirisha reaches our kids Adicya and Anushka the puja elements as well but it's the fun and food that appeals to d1em at this point in time!

As they grow up, they will learn dun Diwali is a special time for us in a different way. l e is a time when we do our bit for those less fortunate d1an us. As a young man I was very affected one Diwali by the plight of child labourers in the firecracker industry in India. 1t spurred me to go on an awareness drive to shun this product that is dangerous- io so many \vays, and so wasteful coo. In a personal capacity, I have been working with some kids who used to work in firecracker factories, to lift d1eir station .in life. The oldest child I am sponsoring is a girl now in Year 6. She and d1e others are getting a decent education and will hopefully never have to go back to their old lives again.

Fireworks are a strict no-no with me. Other than the exploitative nature of their manufacture, they also pollute the environment with the smoke and the sound - Diwali is a Festival of Light, not Soundll I also encourage my friends in India to do their hie: if you are not able to sponsor a chi.Id out of chis industry, at lease cake a decision not to buy the stuff they are forced to make.

Let's all have a peaceful Diwali.

Sunila Forsyth

Diwali at my place has got to be catered to my Aussie husband John's understanding! J\ly dad lives with us so be conducts the family puja in our 111011dir at home. He reads the t11afllras and then explains them in English for the benefit of our kids Elina (who's 13 antl a ball) and Alec (who's 5). Tbe kids bring our their Indian clothes for our little ceremony and aftenvards we have hahl'fl for /mtshad.

Later on, we have our 'shop' activity. This is something ID}' brother and I used to do at Diwali as kids. The kids sec up 'shop' with sweets or roys, something small for each member of the family, antl we 'purchase' these from them with money. The kids get to keep the money as d1e.i.r gift. This is our version of the economic aspect of Diwali, all respect to Lakshmi 111ata! lf Diwali falls on the weekend, it suits us so much better!

A weekday Diwali, like this yeat, will be quite rushed. Still., it's going t.P be fool

12 NOVEMBER 2015

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Sunny Bakshi

.My wife Guneet and I tr)' to make -a big deal out of Diwali for the sake of our kids Ansh and Ayaan, who are nine and three respectively. H11111 chaohtt hoin ke hamare traditiom le.aoji hod tak 111oi11tained mht (we'd like to keep our traditions mainmined). This year, like al ways, we'll do our paolh (prayers) at borne and light our candles. Then we'll go to tbe g11md111ara and join others as they light me d!Jo.r and sparklers. We'll come back home and call our family and friends in India.

O,·er here too, wim our close circle of friends, we get our kids to exchange gifts. For the little ones, this makes it our version of Christmas. We also like them to know that me adults exchange 111ithai at Diwalil

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Shano Rajkumar

I made a batch of 11Joha11lho/ today. Yes Diwali is a few days away but I've got a long list to get through, and at 81, I have to pace myself, you see. I'm going to be making heson laddoos, gulahja1111111s, kheerand much more this year.

Diwali is a Festival of Eats as much as it is a Festival of Lights!

Diwali is very much a stay-at-home affair for my husband Ram filld I. Our daughter Geeta comes visiting with her own family. We do a hovan and then talk, laugh and eat!

I lay out my spread on the table and then the home is open for visitors who keep dropping in all day. It is mainly our Indian friends that come to wish us Happy Diwali. (!'he non-Indian friends, I call a few days later).

In the evening we say our prayers and then light djJ1ps which we place all over the house, in every room as well as outside. You could say we do it to invite Lakshmi in, or perhaps co fill our lives with light, the light of goodness and virtue.

We also call our son Pramod who lives in Germany. He'll say 'Look Mum, I played this stmtoor oartl' or some such, just to show me that be is doing his bit for Diwali! I miss him at our Thursday dinner sessions at my place.

The day after Diwali is d1e Hindu New Year. We usually go over to our daughter Geeta's.

I love this festive time of year. .My best wishes co you for a Happy Diwali.

Sam Goraya

Diwali has always been about getting together with friends and family, feasting, and filling our homes with light at night.

Growing up in India, we used to all descend upon my eldest uncle's home, all of us from the entire clan! The cousins would get together and have fun, and the mums and aunties would cook up tonnes of food and ,nithai. It was plenty of fun. Diwali night was special pll)a (prayets) and we'd watch as our parents offered silver coins to their chosen deities. Then we'd have dfyas and candles and the .firecrackers would begin to blast offl Later on, we would all sit down to play cards, with small amounts of money of course it was all just token, so as to bring Lakshmi (the Goddess of Prosperity) into the home.

Today in Australia I still do the good food, friends and sharing bit! I do a litde plfio too. And men I dance. As a dancer, my special kind of worship has to have an element of dance in it!

I perform a litde Odissi routine for me goddess.

Mr partner Zlatko watches as I dance; be sits down with me at the pll)a too. I usually prepare some sottJi baln1a with saffron and we eat this as prashad. Zlatko likes it. We are both fond of pista, g11/abj11m1111 and rasag11la.r.

We also catch up with friends at Diwali. This year we are celebrating together wiili many families.

Zlatko knows a bit about Diwali, mat it is the Festival of Lights and that it was a time of welcome for Rama and Sita as they finished their exile in the forests. He learned about it when we travelled to India together four years ago. India was celebrating Holi at the time and he became interested in our festivals. Last month we: went to Odisha and he enjoyed it very much.

For my part, I love celebrating Chrisanas and Easter with him and his family.

NOVEMBER 2015 13

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New community organisation debuts with a big bash

0

BY TASNEEM ZAVERY

m! Out! Hmvzaat!

Dressed in non-traditional cricket clothes, Indian origin men were seen runrung across Centenary State School, Jindalee Grounds in Brisbane, on a warm Saturday morning as they engaged in a game of cricket.

Tbjs game was part of the 'Brisbane Mela 2015' held for the first time in Brisbane by a newbie not-for-profit organisation, d1e Global Orga,usation for Indian Family and Youm Incorporated (GOIFY Inc.) J\n idea conceived by three friends, .A.leaf Morkas, Rajesh Radhakrishnan and Vivek Baliga, me event brought lndjan o.rigin families and youth toged1er ilirough d1e same platform.

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Speakjng co Indian U11k, Vivek Baliga, President, GOJFY srud, "Our organisation's goal is bringing ruverse cultural Indian families and youth under one roof, helping and providing a certain sense of mateslup and friendsrup. " He added, "When new immigrant fanulies and youth mm1e to Brisbane, we would like to help them in settling down.

Speakjng from my own personal experience, when 1 first moved to Brisbane, I thought it was really difficult to fu1d that certain support and guidance."

The Brisbane Mela 2015 spanned two days, 31 October and 1 November.

Cricket dominated the first half of Saturday wim the team Tigers taking the winning tide; the e,,en.ing was ruled by culrural performances. Dance performances, singing and the foot-tapping sounds of tabla and percussion and world wind instnm1encs wrapped up Day One. GOIFY's comnutment to preserving Indian culture and heritage spilt into Day Two of me Brisbane Mela.

Mohammed Abuwala, a visitor to the

Mela srud, "This has been an excellent experience for me and my housemates.

We thoroughly enjoyed playing cricket, and participating in ilie different workshops d1at were organised."

And it was good to meet like-minded people, he observed. "People came up and introduced memselves and we got chatting.

It was a fun and friendly environment."

Day Two of the event also saw Silarnbam, an lndian martial ans techruque from Tamil adu, presented in a '\Vorkshop, followed by a Yoga workshop by Isha Foundation.

Kaveri J\if, another visitor, said, "This has been a relaxed and educative Sunday afternoon, and Upa Yoga has taught me basic everyday exercises to relive me from stress and fatigue."

Rajesh Radhakrishnan, Secretary, GOIFY srud, "Tlus has been our first event, and I am really happy wid1 the response received.

We hope to grow bigger and stronger wiili each passing year."

'' GOIFY

aims to bring diverse cultural Indian families and youth under one roof, help to provide a sense of mateship and friendship ,, NOVEMBER 2015 17

indian news It's picking season: A Kashmiri farmer separates saffron pistils from flowers after picking them from a saffron field in Pampore near Srinagar. Pampore is famous for its high quality saffron, the world's most expensive spice.

Photo: AP

Two turbaned Sikhs among four Indian Canadians sworn in as ministers

The Punjabi community in Canada made hiscory this month when two turbaned Sikhs, among four Indian Canactians, were sworn in as cabinet ministers, as 42-year-old Justin Trudeau took oath as tbe country's 23rd prime minister at a grand public ceremony. \\7hile 42-year-old Indian Canadian Harjit Sajjan was appointed defence minister, 38-yeat-old Navdeep Bains got the portfolio of innovation, science and economic development.

Anod1er Sikh, Amarjeet Sohi, who is not tmbaned, has been sworn in as minister for infrastructure. A former bus driver, Sohi was jailed in India for two years in the 1980s.

A young Sikh woman, Barctish Jhagger, who is a first-time i'vIP, has been sworn in as minister for small business and tourism.

Navdeep Bains, who played a key role in Trudeau's election as the Liberal Party leader in 2013, has been awarded wid1 the important cabinet berili.

Bains, who became MP for ilie third time last month by winning from Mississauga-Brampton, previously served as parliamentary secretary to the prime minister in 2005 when he was MP from 2004 till 2011 when he lose.

Considered very suave, Bains has been a distinguished visiting professor at Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University in Toronto till now.

India-born first-time Sikh MP Harjit Sajjan is Canada's new defence minister.

A decorated police and army official, Sajjan has been the first Sikh to command a Canactian regiment, caUed ilie Duke of Connaught's Own which is a reserve regiment based in British Columbia province.

Sajjan has served in Afghanistan and Bosnia and been twice a special adviser on Afghanistan. He was given the M.eritorious Service Medal in March 2013.

A failier of two, the 45-year-olcl Sajjan was with the Vancouver Police Department for 1 1 years and served as a detective for the gang crime unit.

18 NOVEMBER 2015

However, Sajjan's nomination as d1e Liberal Party cancticlate from Vancouver South last year attracted controversy when many Sikh leaders resigned from the Liberal Party, alleging that rhe party leadership has been 'manipulated' by hardliner Sikhs of the World Sikh Organisation.

Harjit Sajjan's farber Kundan Sajjan is a board member of ilie WSO which is alleged to have hardline sympailiies.

But Sajjan told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation last year: "I am not a member of ilie WSO. I've had no negative vibes from anybody."

Harjic was live when his fad1er moved to Canada from Punjab. His wife Kuljit Kaur is a family doctor In d1e outgoing government, Tim Uppal was a mrbaned Sikh but enjoyed ilie rank of the minister of state.

Herb Dhaliwal was ilie first Sikh to become a foll cabinet minister in Canada in 1997, followed by Ujjal Dosanjh in 2004.

Dhaliwal held the revenue portfolio while Dosanjh held d1e very important portfolio of health.

Justin Trudeau, the 42-year-old son of chat:ismatic former pt:ime minister Pierre Trudeau wbo is crectited with opening Canada to new immigrants in the 1970s, led ilie Liberal Party to win 184 seats in ilie 338-member House of Commons.

Trudeau is the second youngest prime minister of Canada.

Hingis and I complement eacn other very well: Sania Mirza

With a staggering record of 1 0 doubles tides in a year, tennis star Sania 'Mirza believes that she and her partner, Swiss veteran Martina Hingis complement each oilier very well which has resulted in the duo clinching their ninth tide in 2015.

The unstoppable Mirza-Hingis pair came up with another stupendous performance on Sunday co win the women's doubles tide at the prestigious $7 million WTA Finals in Singapore.

This is the top ranked pair's nind1 tide together this season, having also won in Beijing, Wuhan, Guangzhou, US Open (New York), Wimbledon (London),

Charleston, Miami and Indian Wells.

Saoia also won at the Sydney 1mernational in January wid1 American Bethanie Mattek-Sands. "lt was a dream run for me. r ever iliought I would win 10 tides in a year but I was confident on my ability to perform on each game and it paid off. Crectit also goes to Martina ilie way she played and partnered me in d1e doubles. \'(/e complement each od1er very well in all aspects," Sarria said recently.

When asked about the most memorable victory this season, the 28-year-old named ilie tide triumph at Wimbledon as ilie best, as it was the only Grand Slam tide missing from her kit.

"The \v'imbleclon victory was the most memorable one for sure, as I never had won at Wimbledon earlier. It was privilege to be a part of every match there. After being clown we came back stronger and won it, it shows how weU we are playing," the tennis player, who is married to Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, said.

Speaking on his on-field chemistry wiili d1e 35-year-olcl Swiss veteran, Sania couldn't keep herself from heaping praise on her doubles partner.

"Martina is a great champion. She is such a nice human being. We get along with each od1er very well. She at d1is age has proved yet again '>Vhat a player she has been over ilie years and still now. I love playing with her and hope to continue winning more titles along with her," she said.

The current doubles World o. 1 believes that it was really tough to reacb ilie summit considering d1e current competition in the sport.

"It is tough to be a World No.1 than co remain in iliac spot for quite some time.

Being No. 1 is not easy. I had co work hard wait for this time to be at tbe top, so it shows how cough it is to reach at ilie cop and 1 am thrilled to have attained d1at spot," she said.

With the fnctian men's squad failing co qualify for the Davis Cup World Group due to a lack of talent in the singles category, the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award winner is hopeful that Yuki Bhambri, who has broken into the top 100 will come out as a better

singles player in ilie future.

Currently India have only Yuki (89) in the top 100 of d1e men's singles rankings wiili next best player Somdev Devvarman (180) ranked close co 200.

"We have done well in d1e doubles but we haven't done that weU in the singles. I d1ink all the management, players and all have to step in to decide what's going wrong and find a solution for iliac. I iliink after me no one has done well in the singles be it in women's and men's. But I am happy iliac Yuki is doing well and have entered the top 100 and I hope others also do tbe same thing and take ilie country forward," she said.

"You need to back players that you have in your kit as long as there are no new good bunch coming. \v'e have to make sure they get enough tin1e to spend on the court and give as much time to d1emselves. I am hopeful we will improve in the singles in clays co come," Sania concluded.

Twitter launches Make in India emoji

The Indian government this month became the first non-US based brand to have a Twitter emoji -- #Makeinlndia -- which aims to promote the country as a global manufacmt:ing hub.

"As a key highlight of tl1is government campaign, an emoji of a black lion on an orange background, a version of the national programme's official logo, will now appear next to the #MakelnJnclia hashtag in any Tweet worldwide," Twitter said in a release foUowing Commerce and Industry lVlin.ister Nirmala Sid1araman's visit to its headquarters in San Francisco.

"The #Makelnlndia emoji symbolises success of ilie brand campaign on Twitter wiili neatly 500 million impressions mis year co promote lnctia as a great place for foreign ctirect investment to transform me cotmtry into a global manufacturing hub," .it added.

Siiliaraman met Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey to discuss India's importance as a strategic growm market and how ilie platform can be used to promote the cmmtry's brand to rest of the world.

"The �fake In India' story is increasingly resonating witb business leaders around ilie world and Twitter has proven to be a valuable and effective channel to tell the highly-engaging story to an influential global audience," Sitharaman said. "\Ve've seen tangible results wid1 the 'Make in India' and 'ease of doing business' programmes that have made India d1e top investment destination worldwide and Twitter is one of d1e best ways we can shine a bright light on the country's vibrant potential as a global manufacturing hub," she added.

While tbe #Makelnlndia brand campaign on Twitter had over 300 million impressions and nearly 24 million engagernents i n

www.indianlink.com.au

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An Indian woman checks out some gold jewellery on the occasion of Dhanteras festival in Mumbai, 9 November 2015.

Dhanteras festival is celebrated two days before the Diwali festival, and is marked by the purchasing of new utensils and gold and silver Jewellery as they are considered auspicious.

Photo: AP

August and September this year, the @ Makelnlndia official Twitter account has over 700,000 followers since its inception a Iittle over a year ago.

Modi ranked world's ninth most powerful person

Moving up SL'( spots, India's Prime Jvlinister Narend.ra M. odi, ranked ninth, has for tl1e fuse time made it to the top 10 in Forbes' seventh annual list of "The \Xlorld's Most Powerful People".

Russian President Vladimir Putin (No.1) rakes the top spot out of 73, for the third year in a row, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (No.2) moving up three spots from last year.

US President Barack Obama ( o.3) dropped one spot, making it the fuse year a sitting American president has not made it to the top t\vo spots.

Of Modi, Fo,.bes said: "India's populist PM presided over 7.4 percent GDP growth in his first year in ofhce, and raised his profile as a global leader during official visits with Barack Obama and (Chinese President) Xi Jinping."

"A barnstorming tour of Silicon Valley reinforced his nation's massive importance in tech;' it said.

"Bue governing 1.2 billion people requires more than shaking hands: Now Modi must pass his party's reform agenda and keep fractious opposition under control."

The only ocher Indian figu ring in the list was Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, who is ranked 36.

Ambani, Forbes noted, has retained his position as India's richest person for close to a decade despite shares of his oil and gas giant Reliance Industries taking a hit due ro lower oil prices.

"The $62.2 billion (revenues) firm is preparing for the latmch of 4G services by its telecom arm Reliance Jio for which it has teamed up with once-estranged younger si1}!ing Anil Ambani's Reliance Communications," it noted.

Pope Francis (No.4) retained his place this year, ahead of China's Xi Jinping (No.S), wbo fell rwo spots.

Rounding out the cop 10 are Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation co-chair Bill Gares (No.6), US Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen (No.7), British Prime Minister David Cameron (No.8), and Alphabet CEO L arry Page (No.10).

Page assumed the CEO role at Alphabet this year and., as a result, Google co-founder Sergey Brin (No.30) dropped 21 places from last year.

Forbes said several factors were taken into account to select the 73 people tl1at matter from the 7.3 billion people on the planet: the amount of money they control, the number of people they impact, their coral spheres of inAuence, and how actively they wield their power.

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Police 'raid' on Kerala House wrong: Delhi report

An official report subn'litted to Delbi Cbief .Minister Arvind Kejciwal in early November said Delhi Police had no autl10rity m enter Kerala House over a complaint of alleged beef consumption.

In his report, Divisional Commissioner A. Anbarasu said: "Delhi Police had no authority to enter, enquire and search the alleged presence and sale of cow meat in the (Kerala House) canteen."

Some 20 policemen "raided" Kerala House on Occober 26 after the Hindu Sena alleged that beef (cow meat) was being served on its prenuses.

It turned out that it was 'carabeef' (buffalo meat) , not cow meat.

Delhi's AAP government on October 29 asked the divisional comnussioner to submit a report on the police action within a week.

The report will be sent to tbe home ministry and the Kerala government.

Delhi Police does not report to the Delhi government but co the home ministry.

"Director, Anin1al Husbandry, GNCJD/ Veterinary officer are competent to enter any premises and to search and seize the place where he has reasons co believe that an offence eitl1er has been committed or is likely to be committed.," Anbarasu wrote in the report.

He said the police team did nor follow tl1e provisions of the Dellii Agriculmral Cattle Preservation (DACP) Act, 1994, by not informing the competent authority and ensuring tl1eir presence at the time of the visit.

"The entry of Dellu Police cannot be construed as a visit for enforcement of law and order," tl1e report said.

"They visited (it) for the sole purpose of investigation of a complaint related co serving beef in the canteen of Kerala House."

The report said that during the first visit by police officials, it became clear that no beef was served in tl1e canteen. Therefore, the later visit by more policemen was "absolmely unetlucal".

"In case tl1e police officials were not satisfied with the inquiry made at the first

visit, some veterinary officer should have been infonned so that the complaint could have been investigated properly," tl1e report stated.

The seven-page report recommended "sensitisation" of Dellii Police personnel and veterinary officers vis-a-vis proper protocols.

"There is a need to create awareness about die provisions of the DACP Act among citizens of Dellii in general and Delhi police personnel in particular," the report said.

The police "raid" sparked strong protests by the Kerala government. Kerab House initially stopped selling 'carabeef' but resumed sal.es a day later.

BJP defends leaders, RSS chief over Bihar loss

The BJP on 9 Nov defended its top leader­ ship as well as the RSS and its chief Mohan Bhagwat for the party's humiliating defeat in the Bihar assembly polls, saying tl1e party as a whole wins or loses elections. ''The party collectively wins or loses elec­ tions," Finance Minister Arnn Jaitley said.

Prime Minister l arend.ra Modi had spear­ headed the election campaign and addressed 26 rallies in Bihar where the Bharatiya Janata Parry-led alliance managed to win just 58 of the total 243 seats in tl1e assembly.

Jaitley refuted remarks chat reservation had a potential impact on the elections result for the BJP alliance.

"No election is decided on one statement.

It is a different kind of mathematics," Jaitley said..

He said die parry, since che Manda! Com­ mission, had accepted the concept of reser­ vation on social consideration and the same was the stand of d1e Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

BJP l\fP Hukumdev Narayan Yadav and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jiran Ram Manjhi held Bhagwat's comments, favouring a review of the country's policy of quota for die backward castes, responsible for the party's face. ":Mohan Bhagwat's comment at tl1e time of election filled the backward castes and Dalits with mistrust for d1e BJP. People showed their faith in Modi ... they came in tliousands at his rallies, bur the RSS chief's comments shook people to tl1e core," Yadav

told the media.

"People get the impression that tbe BJP only does what tl1e Sangh (RSS) wants," he added.

The BJP's Kangra :MP Shanta Kumar, meanwhile, denied making any comment on tl1e RSS call for revision of the reservation policy of the government.

"I did not say anything of that sort. The reponed statement wrong. \'vhar I said was tl1at it was the people's verdict and we must introspect," he told IA1 S. Manjhi too blamed Bhagwat and BJP president Amit Shah for the debacle of the alliance in Bihar.

"Bhagwat's statement on review of res­ ervation for Dalits and OBCs harmed tbe NDA's prospects as it was made one of the main issues by the Grand Alliance," Manjlu cold the media.

He said the issue of reservation in educa­ tional institutions and in jobs badly affected the I ational Democratic Alliance (NDA).

He said Shah's statement that firecrackers would be burst in Pakistan if die BJ P lost tl1e Bihar polls also played a major role in the NDA's defeat. "The statement only helped tl1e Grand Alliance."

Meanwhile, Jaitley said his party respects tl1e people's mandate in Bihar and promised co play tl1e role of constructive opposition to enable the new government fulfill people's aspirations. ''We accept the challenge, will play the role of opposition in Bihar," he said.

He said the party underestimated tl1e political arithmetic of the Grand Alliance of the Janata Dal-Un.iced, RJD and the Congress and described their grand unity as the reason for tl1e NDA's loss in Biliar.

"The main cause of our defeat in Bihar is the coming togetl1er of the opponents. We had tl1ought tl1e Maliagatl1band.han would not be able to consolidate their votes as a front. This view mrned our to be wrong," Jaitley said.

He accepted the face that vote transferabil­ ity was better in tl1e Grand Alliance com­ pared to the NDA. "Our assumption that the three parties of tl1e Grand Alliance wouldn't be able to trans­ fer their votes fully was wrong," he said.

IANS

NOVEMBER 2015 19

diwali art competition

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Our youngest readers send their Diwali wishes We received a large number of entries this year for our Kids' Diwali competition, and they were all very beautiful and creative. The winning entry by Dev Sharma forms the cover of the year's Indian Link Diwali greeting card. Well done to all our budding artists!

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- - -DEEPALI SINGH

Salisbury North, SA

JAYNA KHATRI, 6 U nderwood, QLD

"I like Diwali because I get to dress up in Indian clothes and eat lots of sweets!"

HARt ITA Vlf. N, , T\' 12 Linden Park, SA

"My favourite thing about Diwali is spending time with my family. Lighting the candles and setting them out in a very nice pattern is my specialty."

20 NOVEMBER 2015

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•• • • : *<I).. . . . . .

• DEV SHARMA, 11

• • • ••

Glenwood, NSW WINNER

Calamvale, QLD . to dress up in Indian clothes •I like � nd look beautiful on Diwali. 1 enJoy this festival with my family!"

MANOGHNA, 9

Parramatta, NSW

GAURI TRIPATHI, 7 0

INDIANLINK

Bull Creek, WA

"I lik� lighting diyas, making rangol, and wearing traditional dresses. I help mum make sweets an d �rganise for the evening puja. _ P,c�mg flowers and tiding up the puJa place is my responsibility."

NOVEMBER 2015 21

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Overseas rtrave[s Sevv�that vnllftev¥

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Why some industries and services in India continue to go unregulated and what they could learn from Australia

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migrated to Australia in 2008. Since then I have been closely observing the Australian way of life in comparison with the Indian way. There are stark differences between our two societies, and we are all coo aware of chem. W/e all have our own way of explaining a,vay the differences especially when the Indian side appears to be weaker, which it is in many cases.

However, I am not going to discuss the most commonly known real or perceived differences. 1 am caking up the difference in the way the governments of the two countries handle regulations. The glaring difference exists in the fact that many businesses in lndia are completely unregulated while those same businesses in Australia (and I suspect in most of the developed world as well) are strongly regulated.

It is no new discovery that two of the most unregulated breeds in India

In effect, the only law for this lot is chat there is no law. ln sharp contrast, in Australia all commercial drivers are strongly regulated. \X!hile an ordinary citizen may have the opporttmicy co get off lightly for traffic offenses, commercial drivers have zero chance. One error and they lose their license, making them unemployable as drivers. Even in nations such as Dubai and Turkey, commercial drivers are subject to tight discipline. The slightest over speeding will see their driver's license taken away for a few years. A second offense and the license is lost for life.

Builders and developers in India also enjoy the luxmy of working in a regulation­ free environment. Name any aspect of bad, irrational, unruly, unethical, unfriendly behaviour, outright cheating or fraudulent business conduct and you will 6nd this lot is guilty. They enjoy coruplete, lmrestricted freedom witl1 regard to whatever business practice each one of them wishes co employ.

Why? \Ve cannot explain this nonsense by trying to I.ink th.is with politicians' fear of losing an election. This lot does not exist in numbers that are large enough to become a vote bank. So why the inexplicable liberty?

One possibility is black money or

,, While an ordinary citizen in Australia may have the opportunity to get off lightly for traffic offenses, commercial drivers have zero chance. One error and they lose their license, making them unemployable as drivers ,, are commercial drivers and builders or developers. The commercial drivers, whether for rax:is, auto-rickshaws, truci(S or buses, are hardly controlled lmder any kind of regulation. Witl1 total impunity, tl1ey feel free to cheat customers, behave rudely with tl1em and violate traffic rules. Th.is is not co mention the occasional abhorrent rape of some hapless women. No government ha.s so far been able to rein in tl1ese people. Why? Because this crowd forms a strong vote bank.

Any effort to control their conduct is perceived to be poli.tically tmwise. This may or may not be true because no one has tried.

This needs no passing of bills in parliament; tl1is needs no presidential ordinance; this just needs those in power to enforce the law with a stern hand.

Taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers are free to do what suits them. The police cannot book them for refusing a fare, for misbehaving with a cusromer, overcharging or even for drunk driving. Your average Delhiite will vouch for the misery commmers have to suffer at the hands of the misbehaving breed of such taxi or auto-rickshaw drivers.

fraudltlently obmined income. We aH know that the property market is one of the largest creators of black money; it creates black money and it also consumes black money. A great proportion of the parallel economy tl1rives in the property marker. \Vho are the people with enormous amounts of unaccounted for money?

Politicians of course. Hence, it stands co reason that they have a huge stake in the property market. Th.is is why irrespective of which party is in power, or out of it, this lobby continues ro make merry at the expense of the cusromers. If I, as a politician, invest billions of rupees in the property market, I will jolly well make absolutely sure that tl1e people who handle the market remain protected ac aU times.

Builders and developers are regulated \vith strong rules in Australia which do not permit any discretionary powers to the bmeaucrats or politicians which can be misused. \Xie all know there is a thin, practically invisible, line between discretion and discrimination.

Food for thought?

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NOVEMBER 2015 23

mainstream

change.org

Online portal Change.org has launched in India in Hindi and is allowing people across the globe to support causes they care about

A

BY JYOTI SHANKAR

ew way of bringing about hange by supporting causes hat are close ro your heart is y signing imernet petitions. ctivism through social media and the internee, where it is easier to reach our to hundreds of people, has taken off in a big way the world over. Change.org, which has been active since 2007, is one of such platforms. Its Hindi version was officially launched in India on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, 2 October this year, opening the digital campaigning space to 500 million Hindi speakers the world over. Gandhi's oft quoted "Be cbe change chat yoll wish co see in the world" is well known and Change.org aims to provide a platform to make this happen.

Three million people in lndia already use Change.org. This also happens to be the number of monthly active users in Australia. Available in 14 languages, a petition on Change.org Australia achieves victory at least once a day. Globally, this medium of change has 110 million users.

So how does this medium work?

"Anyone can raise a petition on Change. org and it is free. The incredible response of people using this platform in India, the diversity of issues being raised and some notable wins, has been inspiring," explains Preethi Herman, the Country Lead of Change.org in India. "It is very similar to

24 NOVEMBER 2015

Facebook or YouTube in that there are broad terms of service and community guidelines, such as not inciting or promoting hate and violence."

Offering some local insights to !ndi,m Link, Preethi says that she has seen some major themes emerging on Change.org in India each year. When the platform first opened up a couple of years ago, it was dominated by issues of corruption.

for many in Australia and India. "Change. org makes it all happen real-time and more people can engage actively with democracy and governance" says Preethi in support of cl1is medium.

Si.'C months ago in Australia, Vaishali Kanabar rallied successfully through Change.org to keep a kids playground at Parramatta Park open. There were 250 supporters for her petition which proved

,, Many have criticised Change.org as armchair cyber activism, but there have been significant successes which cannot be discounted ,, A year later it was issues relating to safety of women such as better street lights and abolishing the insensitive 'two-finger' medical procedure after rape. l\ifore recently, child sexual abuse petitions seem to be trending. The ethos of the cmmtry certainly seems to be mirrored in cl,e petitions for key issues.

1fany have criticised such armchair cyber activism, bur cl1ere have been significant successes which cannot be discounted.

Detractors of this medium say that "liking" a cause on Facebook, commenting on a post or signing an online petition may not change the world, bur Change.org petitions have certainly made a difference

sufficient for the Parramatra Park Trust to agree to keep the playground open until a replacement was built.

Over to India, where L:rnni, an acid attack victim at 15, used Change.org to get over 29,000 people to sign her online petition asking the Indian go,7ernment to regulate the retail sales of acid to prevent future attacks.

The government made an announcement that it would issue guidelines rec1uiring a valid proof of identity to purchase acid and requiring shopkeepers to be licensed for sale of acid. Ali this in seven days.

In another example, Alina Tiphagne from New Delbi used Change.org to get over 63,000 supporters for her petition ro

Clockwise from top: Change.erg Australia's Sara Smylie, Nathan Elvery and Sam Wright; A Sikh petition for turbans in basketball; Laxmi and her acid attacks petition mandate a seven-year background chedt for Uber drivers. This followed the rape of a young woman in Delhi by a Uber driver with a history of sexual assault. While Uber had a strong policy on background checks in the US, it wasn't in place in India. The petition brought Uber to its knees and they have committed to thorough background checks, document verification and police re-verification of their drivers.

Sikhs participating in basketball rejoiced when over 69,000 supporters succeeded in getting tl,e International BasketbalJ Federation to scrap its discriminatory ban on wearing headgear.

A petition in Australia which asked Malcolm Turnbull to decriminalise the use of medical cannabis for people with terminal illness, garnered over 248,000 supporters. The good news for Lucy Haslam from Tamworth who ran this petition on Change.org for her 24-year old son, who needed cannabis to manage tl1e pain and nausea from cancer treatment, was cl1at on 17 October, tl1e government announced their support.

With internet access and mobile phones reaching far and ,vide cl1e vast expanse of India, Change.org now leverages cl1e power of the iorernet among the Hindi speaking populations in India too. W hile some may argue that political engagement by dicking a few links promotes the illusion you can change the world, Lucy and Laxmi would certainly beg to disagree.

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work

The business of being human

RUCHIR SODHANI tells us about his journey from being an IT executive to working as a counsellor in outback Queensland My job title is

Mobile Rural Counsellor, Lifeline, St George, QLD I've been in this job for 4 months

The focus is to support people going through tough times in d1eir lives and feeling vulnerable, especially in the current drought.

What's a typical day like?

My educational qualifications

1 worked in the IT industry for over 25

years and loved it. However, slowly I found myself moving away from 'logic and reason' to 'understancLing of human needs and frailties'. Moving to Australia meant that my social circle was predominantly limited to sin1.ilar professionals or corporate warriors.

To maintain a connection to older people, I joined groups such as the Australian Plant Society, and was inspired by wonderfully passionate elders who were enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and were also so kind and loving. After dabbling in Aged Care N Ltrsing, I decided to bite the bu1Jet, quit my job, and do a two-year Graduate Diploma in Counselling. lt has been an amazing journey which is still unfolding!

What the job entails

My job is to provide counselling services to people resicLing in towns within a 150km radius of St George, Queensland.

No formal medical cLiagnosis or referral is required to access this free service, and anyone can seek help if they are feeling down, confused, snick, alone, or stressed.

I visit a different town around St George every day; a 200km round trip on average.

I meet clients at their homes, in the council hall, or at the hospital, or even in the local park or cafe. Sessions usually last about an hour where \Ve talk about what is happening in their lives, bow they are coping with it, what d1ey would like to change, and who or what their supports are. I try to remain attentive and accepting of their situation and of themselves as a person, wid1out passing any judgment.

I also visit and talk to other people, business owners, community groups such as QC\Y/A (Queensland Country Women's Association), Men's Sheds, and libraries in these towns informally. I participate in Heald1y Ageing groups, give talks in schools, and raise community awareness through workshops and events like R V OK Day. I also work with P.robation and Parole to work with people who may be at risk of being cLisengaged or on d1e verge of drug abuse.

It is great to have a supportive team and supervisor to allow me co debrief and discuss specific cases and how we could

potentially help clients holistically by also connecting them to other services.

The hardest thing about my job

It is difficult to convince anyone about the value of talking about what is happening to tbem - outside and .inside. Opening up to others about our fears, dreams, grief, pain, beliefs, shame, hurt and regrets and being able to express diem is not easy, especially because of our 'conditioning' through social norms, stigma, and expectations. Breaking d1rough these barriers in getting people to come and just have a d1ac over a cuppa i s probably the hardest thing - for both m e and for my clients.

The best part of my job

It is humbling when someone takes the courageous step of seeking help and companionship, in what may be a very stressful and isolating situation, by inviting me inro d1eir inner ,vorld of thoughts and feelings. It is my privilege when someone shares d1e narrative of their lives \1.�th me.

The reward is in repeatedly finding that talking about things shapes our experience

of d1e world and how we feel lt helps us to gain emotional relief, to make meaning of our experiences, to find freedom from our pain and struggles, and to recLiscover our own strengths, wisdom, and confidence to proceed on our journey witl1 hope, good humom and joy. It is in 'co-cLiscoveting' that change is possible!

How this job has influenced my life

1 am grateful for the shift that this job has entailed. Physically, it has meant a move to rural Queensland, giving m e a chance co experience life in a small, warm, and friendly community which unforntnately is currently in die grip of drought.

On a mental level, it has been a practice of patience, persistence and perseverance in establishing a new community service and also being available as a 'yarning pose' for people co talk about whatever is happening to them in their lives. Spiritually, it has reinforced the idea of connectedness of things, d1e circle of life, and the often difficult 'business of being human' in our journey trying to find peace with the world and with ourselves.

►

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lNDlANLINK

NOVEMBER 2015 25

australiawide

On the Indian links at this year's Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

D

BY AVI CHANDIOK

riving 3000 kilometres from Darwin to Adelaide would challenge anyone making the trip. But to do it without a drop of petro� are you kidding me?

The Bridgescone World Solar Challenge, a car race with a difference, is an event that seeks out new - and sustainable - frontiers in d1e transport scene.

This year 46 teams from 25 countries participated.

A major purpose of me Challenge is to advance ilie exploration and development of automotive technology in rhe use of solar power. This bas been evidenced as me winner's average speed since '1987, when d1e event began, has risen from 67kph to 92kph roday, achieved by the winning car Nuna8 from the Nuon Solar Team based in Holland.

The 4"' placed car was the Anrum from me University of 1-iichigan, USA Aurum Project Manager Pavan aik, at the young age of 21, is a veteran of solar-powered car racing, having been involved in the 2013 race in Adelaide, followed by races in the

26 NOVEMBER 2015

,, The University of Michigan's Aurum car, project-managed by 21-year-old Pavan Naik, placed a commendable 4th ,, US and Abu Dhabi.

Describing d1is year's race he said, "The final positions were down co the last 30 minutes of the entire tace."

Majoring in Industrial Engineering, Pavan has a passionate interest in the success of Aurum for himself and his team. l t was interesting to hear Pavan say, "I had an interest i.n engineering but it wasn't until my involvement widl solar cars drnt I really underscood what engineering was all about. You can learn it in class but it's nor the same."

As the team statement says 'Our emphasis with Aurum was on speed, reliability and safety . . . it was designed to be the fastest solar car'.

The sleek Aurum is an entirely smdent run project. The team comprises of engineering students frorn d1e mechanical, electrical, aero-dynamic and strategy disciplines wim support from operations

and business divisions. With an entlrnsiastic race crew of 17, and drivers caking turns at the wheel, there was just one objective in mind: to get this 140kg baby co d1e number one spot.

Interestingly, there was a supporters group that had come all the way from dle USA for dle finish in Adelaide. There were the "M.ichigan Moms" including Julie and Tracy, rnodler and aunt, respectively, of me lead mechanical engineer, Joshua. Others included Ajit Naik, fad1er of Pavan.

Talking to Ajit gave an insight into rhe feelings of a parent of a participant in the race. Ajit cold Tndia11 Llnk, "Getting involved in the project has changed a lot of d1e perspective in Pavan. He has been really involved for the last two years. When his friends would be going to ball games he would be busy working on the project."

This was just an example of the dedication and passion shown by all taking

Above: The University of Michigan's Aurum Car; At the finish line celebrations; Pavan with his dad Ajit Naik; Celebrations In the Three Rivers Fountain part in the solar challenge. \Xlhen asked .if batteries were an issue for solar vehicles, Pavan replied, "No, me main issue is energy managemem, making sure your strategy is consistent and your vehicle reliable."

Ac me end of the race, Pavan said, "I am proud of my tean1; we'll be back in 2017 for a better result."

On an Lmforrunate note, the RVCE Solar Car Team from Bangalore worked very hard to bring their car to me race but technical problems prevented their start. Hopefully iliey'll be back ne.'<t rime too.

After such a gruelling race it was not sL1rpcising mac the celebrations were off the scale. Loud cheering and chanting continued as the winning cars rolled into the finish enclosure. Before we knew it, d1e Aurum team were running down Victoria Square to continue a tradition, to jump imo ilie Three Rivers Fotmtain as the sparkling wine fizzed into me sky. Later, a parade of cars .i.n d1e city, an Awards ceremony followed by a party brought chis event co a fitting conclusion.

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Goooooaaaaaaaallllllll!

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The Indian Super League has many keen fans in Australia, especially from the Goan community

BY FRAN KEY GERARD FERNANDES

I

magine staying up till 2am to watch Indian soccer and then waking up at 7am to get to school. It may not be an ideal situation, but for a dedicated group of youngsters in Australia, it's a sacrifice they are willing to endure for the lndian Super League (ISL) 2015 underway in far-away India.

A gro\ving number of Goans and other Indians here have been faithfully following the second edition of ISL either on Fox Spores TV or Llve TV with intensity and enthusiasm, even if it means going to bed in the wee hours and waking up a few hours later.

Hero Indian Super League is India's unrivalled football championship played du.ring the fomtb quarter of the calendar year. It is co-promoted by IMG­ Reliance (the joint venture between IMG and Reliance Industries), Star lndia and supported by All India Football Federation (AIFF).

India's leading industrialises and celebrities from sports as well as the Indian film industry have invested in owning the lndian Super League's eight franchises.

These are based out of Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahari, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune.

For the first rime in Indian football, globally renowned footballers have been playing alongside the best Indian talent.

With a mission to revolutionise the sport, Hero Indian Super League is positioned as a high quality and dynamic league that promises to elevate lndian football to an international level.

Eight teams including Atlerico de Kolkata, Chennai)rin FC, Delhi Dynamos FC, FC Goa, FC Pune City, Kerala Blasters PC, Mumbai City FC, North.East United FC are participating in the championship.

"It's a soccer treat tl1at comes just once every year and why would I miss tl1is one," justiEes Samson Fernandes (14) from Adelaide in Soutl1 Australia.

Samson still cherishes watching some matches involving FC Goa during the inaugural edition of ISL from tl1e stands at Fatorda stadium in Goa and also meeting his icon, Romeo Fernandes.

Considering that Adelaide is five hours ahead of Indian Standard Time, ISL matches are watched on television from midnight for the next couple of hours.

But Samson, his brother Shane and their mates here are prepared for the sacrifice till mid-December.

An ardent Chelsea fan in the Barclays Premier League, Samson feels FC Goa has a much better chance to clinch tl1e title this year and hopes to make the trip down to Goa, should FC Goa continue wid1 its winning ways. ''It's going ro be a treat to watch FC Goa play in the finals, considering that the finals are slated to be played at the Fatorda stadium," says Samson.

The colourful atmosphere, the chanting of ''let's football" or "Viva FC Goa" accompanied by blaring music from the stands, the carnival-like atmosphere and the large cro,vds are some of die many memories that Samson and Shane have from the last ecl.ition of ISL. But the icing on the cake was meeting in person the many scars like Brazilian coach Zico, Robert Pires, former Sydney FC player Tolgay Ozbey and Goan duo of Romeo Fernandes and Mandat Rao. "My FC Goa edits on Facebook page or lnsragram Weers have been "liked" by many soccer players from FC Goa", states an elated Samson, who along witl1 his mates in Adelaide spends the weekends discussing

reviews of tl1e matches.

Adds Glen D'Souza from Brisbane, "The ISL has brought Indian soccer to homes in Australia. Siering in tl1e comfort of our lounges in Australia, it is great to be able to follow all the marches played, with many of tl1em shown live. The big expatriate Indian population is being able to watch the tournament with avid interest."

"As keen FC Goa supporters, our household watches all the matches played by Goa with keen interest. My son Elijah wears his FC Goa jersey \\�th a lot of pride. When Goa plays, he will even go to bed in it."

According to D'Souza, the popularity of the Brazilian team in Goa is no secret. "\Xlitl1 Zico at tl1e helm at FC Goa, it adds a new dimension to seeing our youngsters rub shoulders with some big names," he says.

He adds, "To see India draw some big names, albeit many brought back from retirement, is a pleasure. Players might get old, but their tricks will never disappear. To see more and more big names join this rear is impressive and proof of where Indian football has reached. Hence, it is no surprise that Fox Spores is streaming most of the marches live clue to the popularity of the sport here."

In Adelaide, the FC Goa Fan team comprising AJister Rodrigues (18), Kris Fernandes (17), Karrell Vaz (16), Samson Fernandes (14), Shaun Roswan (10), Kyrel Vaz (10), Leon Fernandes (10), Shane Fernandes (9) and Brisbane-based Elijah D'Souza (9) have a plan to make FC Goa a popular brand. And how do they intend to go about it, over 7000 kms away in Australia?

"If a Manchester United, Chelsea or an Arsenal fan in remote India can popularise the English Premier league, why can't we do the same for FC Goa and ISL from our new home," reasons om Samson, who plans ro wear the F C Goa colours during his social gatl1erings.

Even as the second edition of ISL is nearing halfway and the teams are getting a feel of the matches, tl1e young FC Goa fans in Australia have already predicted a fiual clash: FC Goa versus FC Pune.

Man)' may say it's too early to draw a conclusion on the finalises at the second edition of ISL , but FC Goa playing on home turf in the finals would be a mouth­ watering match for the )'Oung FC Goa fans, who have been staying up wa)' after bedtime here in Australia.

Wearing the Goa jersey with pride: Brisbane's Elijah D'Souza; Adelaide's Leon Fernandes, Samson Fernandes, Shane Fernandes and Shawn Roswan INDIANLINK

NOVEMBER 2015 27

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.Q._

food

Sweet Diwali treats!

Indulge your sweet tooth, but with a different, healthier form of sugar

BY GAU RAV MASAND

D

Jgar nee Duvall

hvali is the biggest Hindu festival and is celebrated on the . new moon night of the Hindu calendar month Karcik. The festivities and rituals typically ein:end for a 5-day period, signifying the victory of ligbt over darkness.

Ahead of Diwali, people clean and renovate tbeir houses, and shop for new clothes,

•••

••••• •••••

utensils, fireworks, earthen lamps and sweets. Festivities begin with prayers and are followed by the lighting of lamps or fireworks, and a huge feast consisting of a large variety of sweets and savories.

••• •

There are many natural and healthy alternatives co white sugar available on the marker. They give the same sweet flavour yec do nor pose the same health risks as artificial s,veereners. Some of the commonly used natural sweeteners include coconut sugar/palm sugar, scevia, erythrirol and J,.·ylitol.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Bengali Rasgulla Rasgulla is a syrupy dessert immensely popular in the Indian subcontinent. They are cottage cheese dumplings soaked in a light sugar syrup and served cold.

This traditional recipe can be made one or two days in advance and requires no oil. The syrup can be re-used for another batch if required.

The two most important things to make good quality Rasgulla are the softness of the cheese and the clarity of the sugar syrup.

edlenb 1 ½ litres full fat milk 2 tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice 250 gm palm/coconut sugar 6-8 cups water

Metho

Boil the milk and keep aside for 5 minutes so that it cools a little.

Mix 2 tbsp. of lemon juice/vinegar with ¼ cup water and slowly add to the milk as it starts to coagulate. Add more lemon juice

• •• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •

•• • •

••

• • ••

. .

• •• • •

1 large mango (or 1 ½ cup mango puree) ½ cup lukewarm milk ½ cup light evaporated milk 1 ¼ cup skimmed milk powder 2 tbsp. ghee 1/3 cup erythritol 2 tsp. stevia ½ cup shredded coconut 3-4 cardamom seeds/pods (powdered) 5-6 saffron strands 5-6 pistachios chopped

Method

Puree the mango pieces in a blender for 2-3 minutes with a dash of water/ milk if required.

Keep the saffron strands with 2 tbsp warm milk in a separate bowl.

Add rest of the warm milk, light INDIANLINK

evaporated milk, erythritol, stevia and ghee to a bowl and mix well.

Slowly add the skimmed milk powder to the mixture and combine well with a whisk.

Heat a pan and add the mango puree.

Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes on a medium flame.

Add the milk powder mixture to the mango puree and mix well for 2-3 minutes.

Add shredded coconut to the mix, this will make the mixture thicken a bit.

Add the saffron milk and cardamom powder to the mix, stirring continuously until a light dough forms and starts separating from the sides of the pan.

Turn off the heat, allow it to cool at room temperature.

Take some butter/ghee in your hands and mould the dough in small peda.

Garnish with pistachios.

•• • •

lneredlent

• •• • • •• •• • •• • •• •• •• • •• •• • ••

.. .. . . .

• ••

a ·ur roll

: : • • : : • : :

until 1 whistle in the pressure cooker, this will speed. up the purification process.

Mash the cheese on a plate for 4-5 minutes until smooth.

Roll cheese into 10-12 small balls of the same size.

When the syrup is boiling, add the balls one by one and cook on medium flame.

Reduce the flame and cook for 7-8 minutes after 1 whistle.

Keep the cooker aside until the steam cools.

Transfer the contents to a serving bowl.

Let it cool further in the refrigerator for a minimum of 5-6 hours.

•• • • • ••

: • : : : •

.

1n�edlen

• •• • •

Dates (Khajur) are a natural source of energy and are power packed with protein, dietary fibre, Vitamins 81, 82, 83, A and C. They are free from cholesterol and have high potassium and iron content.

This traditional recipe can be made one o r two days in advance. It requires no additional sugar and requires little cooking.

• :

Sugar free rnanqo eda

to the milk until the cheese and the water is clearly separated.

Strain coagulated milk in a muslin cloth.

Drain it in a bowl beneath the sieve. This will separate the chena or cottage cheese.

Pour a cup of cold water on the cheese to remove any bitter residue from the lemon.

Add 4-5 cups of water to palm sugar and let it boil in a pressure cooker.

Add 2 tbsp. milk to the syrup to remove any impurities in the palm sugar.

Continue this process until a clear base with light orange colour is visible.

Alternatively, you may add around ½ cup of milk to the sugar mixture and cook

1 cup dates pitted ¼ cup almonds ¼ cup cashew nuts ¼ cup shredded coconut 1-2 cardamoms 2 tbsp. ghee or unsalted butter 1-2 tbsp. milk 3-4 pistachios (optional)

Meth 1\.1 Heat a pan and dry roast almonds and cashew nuts for 3-4 minutes on a slow flame. Keep this aside.

Coarsely chop along with cardamoms.

Chop all dates in small pieces.

Heat ghee in a pan. Add the dates and cook on a slow flame for 3-4 minutes.

Add milk and keep stirring until dates become soft start sticking together .

Add the roasted nuts along with shredded coconut.

Let it cook for a few minutes, mix well until it forms a slightly sticky mixture.

Turn off the heat and let it cool.

Grease your palms with ghee, mould this mixture into a cylindrical shape by rolling in baking paper.

Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Cut the roll in small discs and serve on a plate .

Garnish with dry pistachios if desired.

. .• • NOVEMBER 2015 29

MATRIMONIALS SEEKING GROOMS Family invites alliance for 38-year-old daughter, Australian citizen working as Accountant (C.A) non-veg. Family seeded in Australia for over 35 years. Elder brother rnarried and settled in Australia. Professional march preferred. Please send bio data to rlm1263@ginai1.com Well-settled family in Australia invites alliance for 28-year-old, 5'7, Indian girl.

Australian citizen, working as a lawyer on good salary. Professional match preferred from Australian Citizen or PR scams. Please send bio data/ particulars ro fordsyd88@ginail.com.

March required for 38-year-ol d Christian female, looking for someone co remarry. Separated after a brief marriage, no issues, Australian PR, working as a reacher, height 5"4, wheatish colour. Please send bio data co rattan_16@yahoo. com.

Well-settled Fiji lndian family in Melbourne invites alliance for 33-year-old, 6'2", Christian Indian boy, Australian citizen, well educated, family oriented, holds executive post. Looking for well educated, 25-30 years old, never married, kind, beautiful Indian girl preferably of Christian faith. Please respond with recent photo and profile to da.ndssi.ngb@tpg.com.au, contact 03 9545 L 164. [ apologise to those who called me previously. l couldn't respond to your calls as tl1ey were from lanclline numbers. I was on holiday cruising in Soud1east Asian countries. Back home now: Australian Citizen, 62, Punjabi, financially secured, seeking partner between 40-55 years old. If interested please call me on 0405 829 861. Many thanks.

March for PLrnjabi Arora Australian citizen, 5'-10", 28-year-old boy. Girl should be well educated and family oriented. Australia settled girl preferred. Please respond to the emai.l amnkathuria@gmail.com

Australia based orrh Indian parents invite alliance for '88 born son, 6ft rail, Chemical Engineer working in Oil /Gas industry from suitably qualified/ professional with good background. Caste no bar. Please contact with complete and full details to kashaust@gmail.com Snicable match for my sister, Hindu Sindhi, 5'1"beautiful, attractive, 1978 born, Masters degree in (Economics), family settled in Australia for 15 years. Seeks a professional candidate settled in Australia. Email details on: kumar1978@ oudook.com.au or phone 0490 046 022 March for beautiful, professionally educated female, 5'6"/48, slim, Lmmarried, well-settled in Melbourne. Seeks groom professionally qualified/working, settled in Melbourne. Respond with photo/biodata. Ph: 0405 307 794/0422 033 407 or sen_guddu@yahoo.com.au

SEEKING BRIDES \,'(fell-settled family in Australia invites alliance for 1983 born, 5"10, Sood Punjabi boy, Australian Citizen, B.Software Engineering (honours), working as a senior IT Consultant for Australian Govt. Seeking Indian girl (Australian Citizen /PR status preferred). Please send biodata/pictures to soodaust55@ginail.com

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foretell PREDICTIONS FOR NOV 2015

BY NANCY JADE ALTHEA

--------------------------------------ARIES March 21 - Apri l 19 This month may start with some ups and downs in your love life. There may be some misunderstandings and general unease may be present for the first few weeks. You will have some new ideas with regard to your work and perhaps enrolling in a new course of study. The cards are indicating a time when you will be assessing your finances and future work opportunities. There may be some concern relating to your children. Perhaps a change of school.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20 You will be thinking about your finances and work this month. You may be thinking of looking for another opportunity. There will be an opening to work in another city, but you will have to decide what steps you take.

Your relationship area seems harmonious and you will be thinking of taking a short holiday with your partner. Take care not to rush around - you may injure yourself due to carelessness. Make sure you get enough rest as you have been working non-stop lately.

GEMINI May 21 - J u ne 20 This month the cards are indicating a time when you will be feeling very connected with your partner and there will be a lot more closeness and greater understanding between you. Things across all areas have been stressful lately. Finances seem to be settling, you are looking at what you have achieved as the year comes to an end.

Work will be demanding and there may be some trips away from the family. This will be a busy time socially.

CANCER J u ne 21 - J u ly 20 You have been quite flamboyant lately, so you will need to be careful with finances this month. Work will have some issues with departmental reorganisation and changes in the work environment.

There may be a new manager and staff coming in. You may be offered a new position which requires you to work extra hours. Love will be a little eratic as you will not be sure of what you want. You need to take care of your health.

LEO J u ly 21 - Aug 22 This month you will be wanting to make major changes in your life.

You may decide to go travelling for a while and there may be a love connection meeting. The cards are indicating a time when you will be willing to jump in and enjoy new adventures. Work will be slightly draining and cause you stress, but you will be looking to starting something for yourself. Your health needs more attention - take more time for yourself.

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22 This month you will be looking at your joint investments. It seems that your partner may have spent a bit more than you would have liked.

There will be some discussions regarding money and you will come to a new arrangement. Work is going well, with new contacts and clients.

You will be looking at taking a week away to a health spa. This could .., be with a group of friends for a celebration.

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LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 The cards are indicating a time when you will be working on your ideas and finances. You will be looking at some long term investments and taking advice from friends and perhaps relatives.

You are keen to improve your health as you have been walking a bit more lately. Your partner may be wanting to go away for a weekend, but you are not too keen. Property matters need to be sorted out and you may be thinking of changing your will.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - N ov 21 This month will be an interesting one, when you will be thinking of redecorating your house. The cards are also indicating a time when you need to be careful of liaisons that could lead to problems later.

Someone will be attracting your attention. You seem to be quite bored at work right now and need a new challenge. You are being urged to look for other opportunities. A reunion with an old friend will be very nostalgic and special.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 This month the cards are indicating a time when you are feeling disinterested in everything. You are waiting to hear about an opportunity you applied for, as you are desperate for a change and an increase in finances. Your relationship seems to be causing you stress as you may not be seeing eye to eye right now. Your general state of mind needs to be settled and you will feel better.

F inancially, you are looking at investments and the future.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19 You have set your mind to change things around you and you are on a mission this month. The cards are indicating a time when you will be single minded and very determined. There will be a change of house for you and you will be looking to travel. Romantically, you are ready to meet someone to complete your life. There are new friends to be made, new adventures to had, and a lot of exciting times ahead for you.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 There is a sense of urgency around you this month as you will be wanting to get a lot of things done. You seem to be in the mode of planning and organising. Work will be very busy and you have heavy demands on you to get things done. There seems to be a shortage of staff where you are. A personal project will also take off and you will be looking to expand at that level. Everything seems to be happening at once - tackle it head on!

PISCES Feb 19 - March 20 This month you seem to be a little confused as to where you want to be. It seems that you would like to move away from your current house. If you are looking for work this is a great time as there are a lot of opportunities coming your way. You may decide to make a relationship more official. The cards are ind.icating a time when you need to take time out and decide where you want to go.

NOVEMBER 2015 31

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entertainment ■

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TITLI

STARRING: Ranvir Shorey, Shashank Arora, Amit Sial, Shivani Raghuvanshi and Lalit Behl DIRECTOR: Kanu Behl �{ ;(

This is a dark neo-realistic film which takes you into the murky side of the lives of the working class of Delhi, exposing the animal instincts of human beings and how humanity gives way to

brutality when survival is in question.

The title Titli or butterfly, is used as a metaphor for the fluttering wings of the lead character (Shashank Arora) named Titli, who is restless and wants to break free from the shackles of his gory family and be set free into another world to find his paradise.

Ranvir Shorey as Vikram, the eldest of the three brothers in a dysfunctional family, is a frustrated man living his life in penury and readily awakens the beast

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in him to eke out a living for himself and his family.

He delivers a power-packed performance - whether it is mercilessly indulging in crime, getting into an uncontrollable fit of rage or craving for more time with his little daughter Shilpi.

Amit Sial as Bawla, the second brother, is again a natural before the camera, essaying his character of the partner in crime to make ends meet, with conviction and competence.

But it is the relative newcomer Shashank Arora, the youngest brother, who steals the thunder in a stoic yet powerful performance of a young man who lives life mechanically in the hope of realising his dream one day. His character is well etched, has a steady upward graph and Shashank matches that with his performance, sometimes controlled and indifferent and at other times, giving vent to his angst.

Shivani Raghuvanshi as Neelu, Titli's wife, is every inch the brazen, fearless Delhi middle class girl, who knows what she wants out of life. She does not bow down or let circumstances get the better of her. Yet, she is vulnerable. Shivani is a confident actor and renders Neelu effortlessly, with complete sincerity.

Lalit Behl as the patriarch of the family, the father of the trio, is battling his own demons and is effective through his silence and occasional outbursts.

The script, written by Kanu Behl and Sharat Katariya, is compact, never once digressing from the core issue, replete with dramatic moments. The performances are gripping and although there is no respite in the form of entertainment or humour, Titli keeps you glued to the screen.

It is the characters which are interesting and well written, which contribute significantly to the appeal of the fi lm.

Director Kanu Behl in his debut film, manages to disturb you and sets you thinking about how selfish and violent human beings can get, and how they can go to any extent in order to safeguard their own interests.

The stark dichotomy in the lives of the poor working class striving hard to make ends meet and the leap of urbanisation that cities like Delhi are taking, leave you uneasy.

Siddharth Diwan's cinematography ably captures both the poverty and the dark bylanes of Delhi with equal flair, taking you into their lives effortlessly.

Namrata Rao's sharp and seamless edits and Karan Gour's evocative background score does not let the mood of the film slip for a moment, making it a film which haunts you long after you leave the theatre.

Titli is a must-watch for lovers of meaningful cinema.

TROY RIBEIRO

Know Thyself as Soul

Who am 17 Where do I come f. om? Where am I go·ng?

Sant Mat is a practical and natural path to self realisati on.

The meditation on the inner light UyotJ) and Sound (Naad) combined with an ethical lifestyle builds the foundation to experience and strengthen the connection with the inner core of our being, the soul.

Sant Baljit Singh teaches this meditation to people searching for a deeper meaning in life.

Weekly spiritual gatherings (satsangs} are available in most metropolitan areas.

Know Thyself as Soul Foundation is a non-profit incorporated association. It offers its servi ces free of charge.

Contact by Email: Ganesh1 23@optusnet.com.au

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entertainment

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

ACTORS FOR FARMERS

First i t was Nana Patekar, then Akshay Kumar, now it's Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Nawaz, a farmer's son, says he is aware of the hardships faced by farmers and so, he is urging his fans to help them.

Known for delivering scintillating performances in Bollywood films like Gangs of Wasseypur 2, Kick, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, the actor has asked people to join him and donate to help the farmers in the country.

"I am a farmer's son and I know the hardships they face. That's why I'm supporting #SeedTheRise. Join me and donate to help India's farmers," Nawazuddin tweeted.

The initiative is to help improve the lives of farmers across India. The official site of the initiative reads: "Betrayed by the weather and our indifference, these men and women are struggling and fighting against the odds every day. But no more. Together, we can turn things around for them by donating money to five impactful projects. So join us in helping the farmers of our country do what they do best, with their heads held high."

Great to see the help being offered by folk at tinseltown.

PRIYANKA CHOPRA IS AN ELEPHANT...

PRIYAN KA, JAM I E LEE CU RTIS VI E FOR FAVOU R ITE ACTR ESS AWARD

0

ur very own Priyanka Chopra is up against Hollywood stars like Jamie Lee Curtis and Emma Roberts for the 'Favourite Actress In A New T V Series' accolade of the People's Choice Awards. She has been nominated for her

role in Quantico.

Other nominees are Marcia Gay Harden and Lia Michele.

"Wow, my first nomination for #Quantico. Feel like a true debutante again.

Thank you @peopleschoice. Fingers crossed," tweeted Priyanka, who made her international T V debut with the show this year.

The former beauty queen plays the role of Alex Parrish, a FBI recruit with a mysterious past.

The show has also been nominated for Favourite New TV Drama award along with Minority Report, Supergirl, The Player, Rosewood and Limitless.

"Double whammy! #Quantico nominated too! Yay," PeeCee tweeted later.

What do you think are her chances at winning?

36 NOVEMBER 2015

No, truly.

No, no, relax, PeeCee hasn't put on weight. She couldn't have - have you seen all that exercise they make her do at Quantico?

The star of ABC T V's new show Quantico, has given voice to PETA's walking talking robotic elephant named Ellie, which will go on a school tour across US, Europe and India.

As children have a natural empathy for animals, the new campaign of the American animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, aims to help educate kids about elephants and captivity through Ellie.

Thanks to Chopra's voiceover, the 6.5-foot-tall Ellie "speaks" to students and shares her story, taking them through her painful separation from her mother as an infant, discussing the intimidation and physical punishment that she endured at the hands of her circus handlers, and finally detailing her happy life at a sanctuary after her rescue.

Ellie has already visited 3,000 elementary school students, who were captivated by the gentle giant. One student at Horace Mann Elementary in Oakland, California, asked, "Why don't circuses just use robots instead?"

"Ellie is teaching kids that elephants belong in the wild with their families, and that they suffer greatly in captivity, in which they're kept chained, forced to learn tricks, and deprived of all the

things that make them happy, like family and freedom,'' said Chopra.

"I'm pleased to join with PETA in bringing Ellie to life for children everywhere," Priyanka said in a release.

Chopra described elephants as "magnificent creatures who desperately need our help and protection."

... AND KANGANA RANAUT IS 85 YEARS OLD

Versatile actress Kangana Ranaut, known for her power-packed performances in films like Queen and Tanu Weds Manu series, says she has been offered the chance to play an 85-year-old woman in a Shekhar Kapur film.

"Yes I have been offered (such a role)," Kangana confirmed, but added, "We are still in talks ... The role is very challenging for me."

However, Kangana did not confirm if the role that she has been approached for is in Kapur's most ambitious project Paani.

Talking about the subject, Kangana said, "There is a pressure from the film industry and the society that an actress should look of certain age all the time.

We as women should accept ourselves the way we are. We actresses should stand for ourselves."

AWARD WAAPSI SEASON

In a dramatic development, many prominent filmmakers in the past month have returned to the government various awards and honours they have received, protesting impediments to freedom of speech and expression in the nation.

"We appeal to the people, not the government. We want to be party of the awakening that is happening around the country with scientists, artistes and writers returning their honours," noted documentary maker Anand Patwardhan said recently.

He spoke in reference to the decision of a string of writers, historians, filmmakers and others to return their national awards and honours to protest an atmosphere of "intolerance" in the country, such as the lynching of a Muslim man in Dadri of Uttar Pradesh over rumours that he had consumed beef, the murder of Kannada rationalist scholar M.M. Kalburgi, and the police "raid" in Delhi's Kerala House.

In recent days, however, there seems to have been a rethink on award-waapsi.

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What are artistes gaining by returning awards, asks veteran theatre, film and television actor Supriya Pathak, among others.

Have they been able to change anything? Who are they pressurising by doing this?

Meanwhile as social media fills up with bad jokes about the 'return-wallahs', many are following Kamalhaasan's stance and saying they won't return their awards.

And one Chandigarh street comedy group actually demanded that the government give them an award, so they could return it, just to be in step with the times!

OVERHEARD

Q: What is the name of Salman Khan's upcoming film?

A:. Prem and Ratan win the lottery (Prem Ratan Ohan Payo).

Oh dear.

SRIDEVI IN PU Li TROU BLE

The makers ofTamil fantasy drama Puli denied claims that they owe money to Sridevi.

Sridevi had filed a complaint at the Mumbai Producer's Council that the producers owe her Rs.50 lakh.

In a four-page statement, producers Thameens and P.T Selvakumar said they signed the veteran actress out of respect and agreed to pay Rs.2.7 crore as her salary along with Rs.30 lakh as service tax.

"In the final stages of production,

Sridevi's husband Boney Kapoor asked us to pay her extra as we were planning to release the film in other languages too," read the statement.

The statement said Boney Kapoor told the filmmakers that Sridevi would only come to the shoot if she was paid extra.

"After much deliberation, we decided to pay her 20 percent of the fi lm's Hindi satellite rights, which was Rs.55 lakh, and Rs.15 lakh for the dubbed Telugu version," the statement added.

It was at the behest of Boney Kapoor, who convinced them that Sridevi has very good market in Hindi, that the makers decided to release the film in Hindi.

"We had hired three costume designers for Puli, but Sridevi insisted that we sign Manish Malhotra, and we paid him Rs.50 lakh. She also convinced us to pay Rs.8 lakh for the marketing designer for the film's Hindi version," read the statement.

The makers said they spent crores just for the sake of Sridevi. Despite doing so much, she didn't even come for the film's audio launch.

AND HEMA MALIN! WANTS BACK IN TOO

The pull of the arc lights, they are difficult to resist, they are!

Aging Dream Girl Hema Malini has said she would like to direct again.

Hema's fi rst Bollywood directorial was the 1992 film Di/ Aashna Hai, after which she wielded the megaphone for the 2011 box office dud Tell Me 0

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Kkhuda, which featured her daughter Esha.

But since then, many women filmmakers like Zoya Akhtar, Gauri Shinde, Farah Khan and Madhureeta Anand have come to the fore.

Talking about them, Hema said, "I am so happy that there are so many woman directors doing good films. If an opportunity comes, I would like to direct a film once again. Currently, Mathura is taking lot of my time."

Hema is currently a Member of Parliament from Mathura.

What's NEIL NITIN MUKESH saying here?

Send in your responses to win@indianlink.com.au and win a surprize prize

KAJOL: ALL FOR MY BETI

Kajol says her daughter Nysa convinced her to do Di/wale.

Making her comeback with Rohit Shetty's masala entertainer Kajol says Nysa convinced her to do an entertaining film rather than her usual tea1erkers.

"She was like, Mom, I'm tired of seeing you cry in your films, do something fun," she told reporters.

Thankfully, she remembered in time to switch her brain back on, and said, "Of course, first and foremost the script was really awesome, and then Rohit and Shah Rukh together..."

She's either trying to do an Aishwarya, who puts in a mention of daughter Aradhya every time she opens her mouth, or she's trying to do a Shah Rukh, whose own baby son AbRam has been dominating the pre-release publicity, what with all that pouting and that car-driving...

WHAT TWEETY BIRD TOLD US THIS WEEK

Can you match the tweets to the stars who tweeted them?

Karan Johar, Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra,SRK My first nomination for #quantico. Only six episodes in. Let the voting begin Yours to love. From Team Di/wale ...

Hope you like it.. .. http://bit.ly/ Dilwa/eTrailerForYou ...

Aap Sabhi Ko Prem Wali Diwali Mubarak Ho! Before the #DILWALE mania begins!

Here is the latest pouting DILWALA!!! #AbramK han

What is the chitchat here between SHAHID KAPOOR and ALIA BHATT? Shahid: Shaandaar indeed ... I'm so disappointed.

Alia: What are you talking about, dude?

Shahid: You haven't read the reviews, have you?

Sanjay Singh Ballarat Vic Sanjay wins a ticket to new release Prem Ratab Ohan Payo

NOVEMBER 2015 37

A --------backchat

Driverless cars are coming

But they may drive us mad

BY LP AYER

I

n the past few years, every time the 'Nlost liveable city in the world' survey comes out, marvellous Melbourne pips affable Adelaide at the pose. But it may not be for long. Next time Adelaide will zoom past its eastern rival by a country mile. What driving force will crank up this southern laggard to leap frog?

Driverless cars! Yes, automobiles that will soon become actually automatic. And it is Adelaide that has been chosen in the entire southern hemisphere to trial drivecless cars this November.

Why Adelaide of all phces? It was the only city with a one-way expressway connecting its southern suburbs to the city. An eadier cost-conscious government hit upon the idea of an expressway where traffic would Row in one direction cowards tbe city in the morning and the opposite direction in the evening to cope at peak­ hours. You may think it is the best way to drive the tax dollar further. Bue nor the Adelaideans. They let out a stream of crappy jokes in cruise control mode. Shock jocks jw11ped on the bandwagon to mock the 'one direction' road shov;, Taking out more loans co add more lanes, the current rulers have made it a dual carriageway giving it the right to push auto technology to a higher gear, trialling driverless Volvos.

The moment this plan was announced, it opened the doors for talk-back radio titans co have a tilt at the state of affairs saying "Driverless cars are a perfect fit for a government without direction". The dawn of driverless cars can bring a number of benefits and, on the Rip side, an equal number of unintended consequences.

Firstly, no more road rages, side-swipes or rear-end collisions. No need to fork out for drivers' licences. An enormous saving of time for everyone • on the way to work, keyboard warriors can tap on their tablets, women can put on their make-up, blokes can ccim tl1eir beards and tradies can tweet their mates • witl1 no worries about being

<7 love it) but I thought it was going to drive itself 11 pinged by police. The hospitality industry will hit the jackpot with puhs pulling in lot more cuscomers to booze up witl1out feat of copping drink driving fines. Cops will be confom1ded as tO who to issue a notice • man or machine? Aud no more carping comments on my driving from the back­ seat driver. The benefits are boundless.

Don't let your imagination go on a joy ride, though. If accidents are totally eliminated, tl1e first industry co crash will be the crash repair industry. But motor mechanics, take heart. Even during the lirnited trials in California some accidents have happened. It will become a battle of blame shifting between insurance companies when two driverless cars collide. Lawyers' picnics loom large. With disappearing driving licence fees and dwindling traffic fines, the State treasury may run dry.

They may work wonders world-wide, but

one counccy where dr:iverless cars won't be a sound success is India where only non-stop honking gets your car inches ahead. No driver, no honking, no move forward. Besides, those cars can't read tl1e sign "Please sound horn," on the back of every truck. The worst challenge for those computer-controlled cats is not bugs, but bovine bollards. How can tl1ey comprehend tl1e unmo(o)ving cows on lodian roads? If mey can't tackle animals standing still, what chances do these cars have of not hitting hopping kangaroos on Australia's outback roads?

The driverless concept will have dire consequences for tl1e new 1ndian migrants who, for want of opportunities, take up taxi driving until they land a job in their professional area. Another door slammed shut.

Honda hopes to have driverless cars on the road by around 2030, bur Volvo visualises

it sooner. So I need to start planning what brand to buy for Di,vali then. A Volvo? N o chance for anyone to sneer at.

With all the software giants racing ahead with tl1eir models, I am inclined cowards a Google 'gadi' since its search engine is considered tl1e best. Will I bave a soft corner for Microsoft if it makes one?

Umm ... l e may have too many Windows and require frequent updating. An Apple auto seems apt, as an Apple a day may keep an accident away. And when it gets very old, no one can call it a lemon.

Regardless of whatever brand I select, tl1ere will be one nagging worry. As tl1ese vehicles will be run by computers, sudden crashes cannot be ruled out. In an emergenc)� if I need to shut down tl1e engine, do I have to scare as with computers? Can't imagine the consequences.

The mind boggles. Driverless they may be, but they ace sure co drive LIS mad.

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