Indian News Queensland - Dec 2017 Vol 1 Issue 3

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Dec 2017 Vol 1 Issue 3

Senate vote for marriage equality

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PAGE 3 ELECTION QLD

PAGE 8 RSL WAR MEMORIAL

PAGE 13 ASIA PACIFIC AWARDS

ustralia came one step closer to allowing samesex marriage when legislation was passed without amendment by the senate on Wednesday, November 29.

There were reportedly joyous scenes in the house as spectators delivered a standing ovation and senators hugged each other and applauded the passage of the bill. An overwhelming majority of them voted in favour with 43 approving, 12 against and 17 either abstaining or not voting for other reasons.

Dean Smith, the first openly gay Liberal senator who sponsored the final bill passed by the chamber, said the journey getting to this point had been difficult but the debate had been “good for the soul of” of all Australians.

"It has been good for the soul of this chamber and it will be good for the souls of LGBTI children throughout our great country," he said.

Labor senate leader Penny Wong who is also gay and has been fighting for many years to change her party’s stance on same-sex marriage said the passing of the bill was a cause for great celebration for many people across Australia.

"It says to so many Australians: this Parliament, this country, accept you for who you are. Your love is not lesser and nor are you. It says you are one of us," she said.

Several senators attempted to introduce amendments to the legislation including extending the right of religious ministers to refuse to conduct same-sex marriages to civil celebrants as well. Attorney-General George Brandis introduced an amendment to protect people from legal action for speaking out against same-sex marriage but all were defeated.

The legislation now passes to The House of Representatives which will begin debating it on Monday when the chamber sits again after being cancelled this week by

YES! Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. The reason given by Mr Turnbull was to give the Senate time to debate the bill before passing it to parliament.

A majority of MPs in the House of Representatives are known to support the legislation and it is expected to become law after being passed by them, probably by Christmas.

ASIAN AFRICAN

The results of the recent Marriage Law Postal Survey revealed that an overwhelming 61.6% of the votes received were in favour of allowing same-sex marriage with only 38.8% against.

Participation was extraordinarily high with 79.5% of the 16 million eligible Australians voluntarily casting their votes.

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Indian News Queensland | EDITOR’S WORDS PUBLISHER Dr Ram Mohan info@indiannewsqld.com.au EDITOR Allan Jackson editor@indiannewsqld.com.au ASSOCIATE EDITORS Ash Raina Smith Mehta Susmy Nair Duraimurugan Ramasamy (IT)

From the INQ Team We wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2018!

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Indian News Queensland | GOVT

Australia votes Yes in Queensland marriage equality survey State General Elections

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Equality rally in Brisbane

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ustralia has given samesex marriage a resounding Yes but some electorates with high immigrant populations voted No. A majority of people in every state and territory said Yes. The Yes vote was largely consistent, representing 60-65 per cent of the vote in all but two states and territories. In the ACT, nearly three quarters of the population said yes (74 per cent) while in NSW only 57.8 per cent was in favour of same-sex marriage.

More than three quarters of the Australia’s eligible voters took part, with the Northern Territory (58.7 per cent) the only state or territory to not reach that level. The highest percentage of no voters across the country was in the New South Wales seat of Blaxland at 73.9 per cent. Twelve NSW electorates were against same-sex marriage, compared with three in Queensland and two in Victoria.

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Queenslanders have overwhelmingly voted yes for the legalisation of same-sex marriage, with only three regional electorates voting against the decision. A whopping 60.7 per cent of Queenslanders who took part in the Australian Bureau of Statistics survey voted yes.

All states and territories recorded a majority yes response to marriage equality, the survey results released on Wednesday revealed. The Australian Capital Territory topped the list at 74 per cent, while New South Wales rounded out the bottom at 57.8 per cent. Brisbane residents voted above the national capital-city average, ahead of Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.

The federal seat of Brisbane, held by the Liberal Party, topped the state’s electorate list with 79.5 per cent voting yes, followed closely by the Labor-held seat of Griffith at 76.6 per cent, and Ryan at 72.7 per cent, held by the LNP. Residents in the

seat of Rankin, covering suburbs including Logan, Rochedale, Daisy Hill and Calamvale, were least in favour of voting for marriage equality across greater Brisbane, with 45.4 per cent against the move.

Queensland’s biggest no vote came from the regional seat of Maranoa, held by the Liberal Party of Australia, where 56.1 per cent of respondents were against the legalisation, putting it in the top 10 national electorates against the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Only two other Queensland electorates voted no - Kennedy (53.3 per cent), held

by Katter’s Australian Party, and Groom (50.8 per cent), held by the Liberal Nationals.

Hundreds gathered at an Equality rally in Brisbane have erupted in cheers and tears as the Yes result was announced. Rainbow banners with the word ‘Yes’ were held up by those who gathered to watch the result come in.

ueensland had the 2017 State General Election held on Saturday, 25 November 2017.

While Labor party will try and retain their government, Liberal party is going full steam and One Nation might come get some surprises too. 2.5 million Queenslanders voted for these elections and the final results will be out by this weekend.

Labor’s candidate Cynthia Lui is set to win the far north Queensland seat of Cook, and as of the latest count, Labor has won 44 of the 47 seats it needs to form a majority government. Cynthia Lui will become the first Torres Strait Islander to be elected to Queensland Parliament.

The Liberal LNP party has secured 36 seats, and as per sources, they are expected to win a total of 40. Rockhampton

looks likely to be won by independent candidate Margaret Strelow. The other independent in the parliament will be Sandra Bolton, who won the seat of Noosa.

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has won the central Queensland seat of Mirani, with candidate Stephen Andrew ousting Labor stalwart Jim Pearce, and might be the only One Nation candidate to win a seat, despite pre-election hopes

by Senator Hanson that her party could win as many as 10 seats.

A definitive result could be a couple of days away, with postal and pre-poll votes yet to be counted. The Queensland Electoral Commission confirmed 800,000 people voted before the election day.

Annastacia Palaszczuk returned to work on Monday and remains confident that she will win enough seats to form a majority government.

Annastacia Palaszczuk speaking at an event

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Indian International Film Festival of Queensland

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ndian International Film Festival of Queensland (IIFFOQ) was established in 2014 by artistic director and founder Mr. Chayan Sarkar with a vision to strengthen the creative industry links between India and Australia through cinema and creative collaboration. IIFFOQ encourages movies that endeavor to reach a global audience with strong independent messages and creative approaches. It showcases works of talented Independent Indian film makers who are based in Australia and helps to create opportunities for independent film makers, producers, film distributors in India and in Australia.

The IIFFOQ 2017 opening was on 12th November 2017 at Elizabeth Picture Theatre. The entire week constituted of screening of many versatile films such as Ribbon, Sound of Silence, Manjunath, The Sleeping Warrior, Chilekotha and The Color of Darkness and were

Models at IIFFOQ closing night ramp walk

thoroughly enjoyed by all those who watched it. The closing event was held at Elizabeth Picture Theatre on the 19th of November with the final screening and premiere of the movie 'Sameer'.

The event was attended by distinguished guests from the Queensland's screen industry and Indian community. IIFFOQ 2017 Head of Jury, Fashion Designer, Narendra Kumar, endorsed and applauded the creative vision of the festival and the selection of films.

Following the final screening, an exclusive gala 'after party' was held at Brisbane's iconic The Wheel of Brisbane. The after-party showcased a glimpse of Narendra Kumar’s fashion and was experienced by an exclusive audience of close to fifty people. Narendra Kumar and some well-known local models walked the ramp in haute couture to celebrate the last hours of IIFFOQ 2017 at The Brisbane Wheel.

Award Winners for IIFFOQ 2017 Best Feature Film: Chilekotha (Director: Premangshu Roy) Best Cinematography: M.J. Radhakrishnan (Sound of Silence) Best Actress: Kalki Koechlin (Ribbon) Best Actor: Ritwick Chakraborty (Chilekotha) Best Screenplay: Premangshu Roy (Chilekotha) Best Director: Dakxin Bajrange Chhara (Sameer) Special Jury Award of Encouragement (Feature): Ribbon (Director: Rakhee Sandilya)

Model walking the ramp during closing night of IIFFOQ

Guests attending the screening

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Indian News Queensland | PERSONALITY

Interview with Narendra Kumar

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ndian Fashion industry's storyteller Narendra Kumar in an exclusive interview with INQ journalist during his visit to Brisbane for Indian International Film Festival of Queensland (IIFFOQ). Nari, as he is fondly known, talks about fashion, new age films and what inspires him!

How would you define fashion?

Anything that keeps you happy and going in with the moment is Fashion. Fashion means different to different people, doesn’t mean you always have to be ahead of the fashion curve, unfortunately it has got the label of pushing you ahead but for me comfort is important. Comfort gives you confidence.

You have often said fashion is about storytelling, how did the transition from story teller on ramp to story teller on frames happen?

When I started my fashion career I had no money, I had to tell myself what is the best way to make the biggest impact with no money, and I found it is to enter deeply in people’s minds rather than their pockets. My production company is called “NO BUDGET FILMS”.

I want to tell stories and I have been doing so since long time to get more punch to my clothing line. I talk about stories which are not fantasy but rooted in reality. Stories as a designer artist that shows the spirit of the times we live in. All my shows reflect it whether it is about art, music, literacy or about my parents. My job as a designer is to bring people’s thinking together in one platform and connect them. Storytelling for me became so strong that clothes meant nothing without a story behind them and making films came as a natural extension to the story telling.

Tell us about your work in Bollywood?

I have always looked at Bollywood as an equal and never in awe. It was never the biggest thing. In Bollywood I have as much respect for my own work, as I have for actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar and others. I expect the same from them. I also understand that Bollywood is a huge platform to take my work forward, but I do it on equal terms, without any compromise with my principles, even though it has its own share of difficulties. I am happy to say that I have always hung in with my head held high in the Bollywood journey and earned my place and respect for my work.

When was your first break in Bollywood?

My first break was with John Abraham. I was doing clothes for Miss India pageant, where John was the special guest and we decided to do something together. I have also worked with all major brands in the country. I am really grateful to him for all the support he gave me for my Bollywood break in my career.

I am also grateful to all the actors I have worked with so far.

Do you believe that Bollywood as industry today has become keener on their actors’ look as compared to 80’s & 90’s?

Absolutely, if you see what happens nowadays is that months before the movie is released the “first look” poster is out, which is basically the styling of the character and becomes the selling point. However, the consumer nowadays wants much more from movies.

They want movies that indulge their minds and has a much deeper mes-

sage. You can see that with the trend of movie hits & flops.

I used to be a film buff however I stopped watching movies post 80’s because very few films engage you intellectually and I need to be convinced that my 3 hours of time I spent in the theatre is worth it.

I demand a lot from films. I have made three films - 2 short films and 1 long film, which is my interpretation of aesthetics, storytelling and perspective.

Co-incidentally, the result of same sex marriage survey in Australia, is a big step!

We are delighted to have you here in Brisbane for Indian International Film Festival of Queensland (IIFFOQ). How did that happen?

I met Chayan Sarkar almost 10 years ago in Mumbai and we have always been in touch.

He just picked up the phone and invited me here for the film festival.

And the kind of films I saw - Ribbon or The Sound of Silence - I think he has the courage to screen such films in IIFFOQ instead of mainstream films. And that is bold thinking!

– Narendra Kumar on defining what is fashion

Editor, photographer, Fashion nova, Director, when do we see Narendra Kumar as an actor? (laughs loudly) I was there in the movie didn’t you see?!!!

I may do it one day because I am not afraid. What is the worst someone will say? You can’t act! Big deal!

May be If I don’t find an actor for my movie and find some appropriate content I will do it myself!

I like having fun and take chance at everything and doing different things. I may end up an actor too.

Time will tell!

Fashion desginer Narendra Kumar with IIFFOQ founder and artistic director Chayan sarkar

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Anything that keeps you happy and going in with the moment is Fashion.

Comfort gives you confidence.

Narendra Kumar pays respect to Mahatma Gandhi in Roma Street

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Indian News Queensland | WORLD & GOVT

Australia’s stand on Manus & Nauru Asylum Seekers

Manus Island

Brisbane Protest

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anus Island and Nauru first became the locations for Australia’s offshore immigration detention centres in 2001, when former Prime Minister John Howard launched the “Pacific Solution”.

Labor reopened them in 2012 as part of a plan to prevent any asylum seeker arriving by boat from gaining resettlement in Australia. Since late 2014 there have been a series of bashings, robberies and rapes on asylum seekers and refugees, as locals blame them for “taking jobs” and bringing high-handed Australian expats to their island.

The United Nations warned of an “unfolding humanitarian emergency” in Papua New Guinea, as hundreds of asylum seekers barricaded themselves inside an abandoned detention center on Manus Island, choosing to remain inside the camp devoid of food and clean water, rather than relocate to alternative facilities in a city nearby.

By law, Australia will not resettle any migrants who approach the country by boat, a policy intended to discourage dangerous ocean crossings and human smuggling. Since 2013, Australia has paid Papua New Guinea, its closest neighbor, to house

hundreds of migrants caught at sea while trying to reach the continent.

About 600 migrants, all men, and mostly from the Middle East and Southeast Asia, remain at the center. Most of them have sought status as refugees or asylum seekers. Many of the men have already had their asylum claims vetted and approved by the United States and are awaiting placement there, according to American officials. But nearly 200 have been rejected, leaving them in legal limbo.

Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea had agreed in April to close the center by Oct. 31 2017 and that has resulted in some tension among the migrants. Water and electricity to the camp has been shut off, and detainees were supposed to move to temporary housing in Lorengau, a city close by on the island.

Many of the men refused, citing previous attacks by residents in Lorengau. Instead the migrants barricaded themselves inside, using solar power for their phones and digging wells for water as police cars circled.

Australia has pledged 250 million Australian dollars, or $193 million, for the men’s food and security at the facilities in Lorengau for the next year. Australia has consistently

said it will not accept the men for resettlement. They have all been given the option of permanent residency in Papua New Guinea, or applying to resettle in Cambodia or Nauru, the location of a second offshore facility run by the Australian government. According to some reports, none of the men still on Manus have accepted the offer.

American officials said dozens if not hundreds of refugees from Manus and Nauru would be accepted in the coming weeks and months.

About 50 men already moved to the United States in September under a deal brokered by former President Barack Obama. New Zealand’s PRIME Minister Jacinda Ardern has blasted Australia’s handling of the refugee crisis on Manus Island as unacceptable and continued to push New Zealand’s offer to accept 150 refugees and asylum seekers from Australia’s offshore detention centres. However Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull has declined New Zealand’s offer.

Hundreds of protesters with placards marched through Brisbane CBD on 10th November 2017, Friday evening, protesting the situation of Manus and Australia’s stand on it.

Asylum seekers sit on ground as they refuse to leave manus island detention center in PNG

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Brisbane Protest placards

Manus Island Tents

Men wash at a refugee camp on Nauru Island

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Simply Human’s super recognition event was a big HIT

Extreme Left – Mrs Amitha Jaggessar InTech Institute Of Technology & Extreme Right – Mr Robin Jaggessar Director – InTech Institute Of Technology with Unsung Heroes 2017 – Eleni Seitis (Founder Oasis Children Community Foundation), Christine Mudavanhu (Director Pick Up Australia), Belinda Adams (Liaison Officer Synapse), Janelle Miles(Reporter/Journalist News Corporation), Sergeant Jim Bellos (Qld Police)

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e have seen superheroes in capes or iron suits, we have watched them fight evil, and we have seen them fly like birds as fast as a plane or run with incredible speed on the road.

We have watched them save the day.

These are among the most iconic acts of every popular superhero we have seen onscreen. Real life superheroes don’t have to wear capes. Instead they may be the ones who prefer to wear aprons instead while cooking the favourite dish of their sons and daughters.

On Saturday, 4th November 2017, it was the official launch and fundraising dinner of “Simply Human Inc. – SuperHeroes without Capes”. The event was in support with Schoolgoers and recognised few such real life superheroes.

The event kicked off with paying homage to the traditional owners of the land by the Founder & President of Simply Human Inc - Ms Prerna Pahwa. Raffle prizes were donated by Mr Duncan Pegg - MP for stretton, Cr Charles Strunk - Forrest Lake Ward, Cr Kim Marx - Runcorn Ward and Dundee Kim - Director of Dundee Kim Boxing & Fitness. Special gift hamper was donated by Cr Charles Strunk, to the youngest cancer fighter Anmol - who is a 5 year old battling against lymphoma cancer.

Nonetheless, it was also mentioned that the event would not have been possible without the generosity of Skills Institute Australia, InTech Institute of Technology, Expert Education & visa services Brisbane, ASC Services, Galaxy Impex Group, Mars Hybrid TV, Expert Telechoice, The Royal Punjab Restaurant, Swades Foods, Oceania Immigration Advisory, Indian News Queensland, Knowledge Partner Professionals and Parnam Singh Heir and audiences who turned up in huge numbers.

We had Keynote speakers from different walks of life who have fought their own battles, overcame their weaknesses with sheer determination and courage, and are now making this side of our world a better place to live. www.indiannewsqld.com.au

SuperHeroes Belinda Adams, an advocate for those affected by brain injury and volunteers for Synpase (formerly Brain Injury Association of QLD), a not for profit charity, providing vital information and services for those affected by brain injury. In 2014 in recognition of her work Synapse made Belinda an official ambassador for the cause.

Christine Mudavanhu, an entrepreneur, advocate, public speaker and mentor. She is the founder of “Pick Up Australia”, a premium, supported transport service for people with disability. She has designed and delivered policy and program responses that support key human services areas of homelessness, domestic and family violence, procurement of social services and the reduction of red tape for social services.

Eleni Seitis, has set up the organisation “Oasis Children and Community Foundation. She works towards helping and provide therapy to children with special needs. She is a true inspiration to the community who herself despite being born 90% legally blind is working towards helping others.

Janelle Miles, a long term reporter/ journalist in the Queensland community, she has worked at the Courier Mail for 11 years mostly reporting on science, sports and health. She also writes news stories and has won series of awards for her reporting.

Sergeant Jim Bellows, the recipient of both the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and the Australian Police Medal for ‘Services to Multicultural Communities’. He has also been recognised at the “Queensland of the Year” awards twice. He has consistently demonstrated his capability to build opportunities and celebrates diversity, not just as a police officer but more broadly as an Ambassador of the Queensland Government.

Dundee Kim, director of Dundee Kim Boxing & fitness, and strengthening & conditioning coach of the world boxing champion Jeff Horn.

He also trains autistic kids to help them gain focus and strength.

All these Superheroes without capes were the keynote speakers for the evening and were honoured with ‘Unsung Hero Award 2017’ by Simply Human Inc. They shared their inspirational and heart touching life stories; which left the audiences teary eyed.

We also had the Directors of Schoolgoers, Ash Nugent and Daksha on the night, who have founded the charity “Schoolgoers” aiming at providing education to the most unprivileged and remote regions in India.

The fundraising event was to support Schoolgoers. Ash, the Founder & Director of Schoolgoers along with Daksha gave a brief overview of their mission on the night.

The evening was decorated by “Dream Style Decorators” and the event was voluntarily hosted by Himmy Kumar.

Food as usual was an integral part of the event and was provided by our official caterer and food sponsor, Curry Box (Camp Hill). Couple of entrees and dessert items were sponsored by Mahendra Indian Restaurant (Acacia Ridge). Everyone had a happy belly after the yummy Indian curries and desserts.

The event overall ended with good vibes, inspiring words and memorable night. The official launch of ‘Simply Human Inc. - Superheroes Without Capes’ and fundraising event in support of ‘Schoolgoers’ was a huge success.

To know more, be a part of the change and join the league, contact SimplyHuman at www.SimplyHuman.org. au, who always look forward for likeminded people to be a part of their journey.

Life’s difficulties are opportunities to be a super hero; Embrace your inner Superhero and stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone.

Mr Sandeep Menia – Owner Currybox with Unsung Heroes 2017 Eleni Seitis (Founder Oasis Children Community Foundation), Christine Mudavanhu (Director Pick Up Australia), Belinda Adams (Liaison Officer Synapse), Janelle Miles(Reporter/Journalist News Corporation), Sergeant Jim Bellos (Qld Police)

Mr Ruby Singh & Mr Harry Singh (Directors Of Skills Institute Australia) with Unsung Heroes 2017 Eleni Seitis (Founder Oasis Children Community Foundation), Christine Mudavanhu (Director Pick Up Australia), Belinda Adams (Liaison Officer Synapse), Janelle Miles (Reporter/Journalist News Corporation), Sergeant Jim Bellos (Qld Police)

Founder of SCHOOLGOERS - Ash Nugent & Director of SCHOOLGOERS Ms Daksha

L to R - Mr Avinash Shrestha, Mr Bipin Karki & Mr Anthony Shorten

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

RSL War Memorial dedicated to Australians of Indian Heritage

L-R: High Commissioner of Fiji Yogesh Punja, Honorary Indian High Counsel Archana Singh with AIHWMC CHairman Surendra Prasad, Designer Biance Archer, Major General Paul McLachlan AM CSC and other community leaders

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embers of the Australian Indian community recently came together to unveil a monument at RSL Sunnybank Garden in memories of Australian Indian heritage. The newly built monument was unveiled on Saturday, 18th November,2017 by Major General Paul Mclachlan AM, CSC. The design for the monument was selected through a competition conducted at Griffith University, Gold Coast and the design by Bianca Archer, winner of the competition was chosen.

The Sunnybank RSL is the first in Queensland to dedicate a memorial to Indian-Australian servicemen and women. The Memorial commemorates soldiers of Indian heritage who served the British Commonwealth in both World Wars. Very little is known in Australia about millions of services - men and women - of Indian Heritage, of pre-independence and undivided India, who fought on the British side in World Wars One and Two. In World War One, 1.3 million Indian soldiers fought and 74,000 lost their lives. At Gallipoli; 15,000 fought and 1,500 lost their lives. In World War Two; 2.5 million Indian servicemen and women fought and 87,000 lost their lives.

Indian soldiers were the largest single contingent of all Britain’s colonies and dominions.

The estimated cost to build the monument was in excess of $30,000 and funds were raised through various sources. An amount of $15,000 was raised from the first fundraising dinner on 28th May 2016. During the event Australians of Indian Heritage War Memorial Committee (AIHWMC) sincerely thanked Mr Nic Monsour and Mr Ross Vasta MP federal member for Bonner and the Queensland government for their kind contribution in terms of funding towards the memorial.

Even though several soldiers of Indian Heritage actually represented Australia, in addition to the millions who represented Britain, in the Wars, their contribution went unrecognized. The memorial is specifically devoted in commemoration of the Australians of Indian heritage who served the Nation in World War 1 and 2. A gathering of approximately two hundred marked the occasion.

The event was full of pomp and ceremony of a military parade.

The committee shared that this monument will serve as a reminder and tribute to all Australian Indian Heritage who served in armed forces and that after 100 years, this day will be remembered in Queensland history as the day sailors, soldiers and airmen of Indian Heritage was finally acknowledged.

War Memorial

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Fiji Seniors Multicultural Dinner

Community Leaders

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iji Senior Citizens Association of Qld Inc, has annually organised Seniors Multicultural Dinner for the last ten years for the young and old to come together and work in harmony for a better community. Australians from diverse cultures and backgrounds, through songs, music, dance and food come together as one nation to celebrate our diversity and unity.

This year too, it was held on Saturday, 11th November 2017 at Coorparoo Secondary College.

President, Surendra Prasad said that the annual Seniors Multicultural Dinner again was a great success, and this was due to the support from organisations and individuals from diverse communities. The major sponsors were Lord Mayor’s Suburban Initiative Fund and Cr Ian McKenzie, Access Community

Services ltd, Dr. Maha Sinnathamby and Paul Scarr.

Mr Prasad said there was overwhelming support from the communities. Over 400 people from many different communities plus invited guests, Aboriginal Elders, politicians, Commissioner of Police, representatives from Immigration and Border Protection and Multicultural Affairs, other distinguished guests and community leaders attended the function.

Entertainment groups from diverse communities came forward whole heartedly to support the event. Different diverse communities performed their traditional dances on the night.

The Association believes in multiculturalism and sharing with others – one family as an Australian.

The Fiji Seniors sincerely thanked the donors for their kind thoughts and generous contributions.

Indonesian Dance group

Drums of the Pacific Dance Group

Hall of Attendees

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Surendra, FSACQ President _ Vaka, Roman, Toa - Certificate of Appreciation for Nukututaha support, many thanks — with Vaka Vakanofiti and Toa Nosa.

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Indian News Queensland | COMMUNITY

A little tender loving care can help a distraught Mother Earth

By Srimathi Narayanan

“More than 150 acres are lost every minute of every day, and 78 million acres lost every year! More than 20 percent of the Amazon rainforest is already gone, and much more is severely threatened as the destruction continues”.

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hese are just some of the most shocking statistics that have come out about deforestation. Trees are such an important being in our society. A mature tree can produce 117kg annually and two trees are enough to provide the necessary oxygen for a family of four.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Dr Kalam has left us to fulfil his dream in hope that we can repair mother earth. Though this will be a long process, the results will be seen by the future generations where our atmosphere has oxygen in more abundance and the ozone layer having a smaller hole, letting in less harmful Ultra Violet radiation.

As part of helping to keep Dr Kalam’s dream alive, the Life Tree Movement Group with assistance from likeminded community members had

Once, a wise man had told the people: “During our lifetime if we plant 10 trees and nurture them, we will have over 10 billion trees. These 10 billion trees can definitely contain the climate change problem.” That wise man was none other than our beloved Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

their annual tree planting ceremony to celebrate Dr Kalam’s birthday as well as to make his dream a reality. On the 12th of November, there was a great turn-out of people at North Booval’s Fail Park. The total count was 350 trees planted along the Bundamba creek stretch, helping to increase the oxygen count for the creek catchment and the atmosphere. The morning began with the tree planting where everyone gave a helping hand to plant native saplings.

Shreenithyaa (pictured on the left) addressing the gathering Shreenithyaa had outlined in her speech the importance of trees in society and the atrocities happening every minute with trees. One fact that she had mentioned in her speech really got me thinking: “1.6 billion trees are planted each year. Even though it’s a

small number, it’s worth a lot, but did you know that 7 billion trees are cut down to help with the housing and infrastructure with the earth’s great population growing at a rapid speed?”

I was taken aback by her words. The reality where there has been increased

flooding, earthquakes, landslides and many alike, it is a scary fact being brought to light here. We as a community need to rise up and continue to plant trees and create an interest amongst others to help us for this worthy cause.

The Life Tree Movement and the crew They say that “leaders become great, teering and the benefits of engaging in not because of their power, but be- such activities. He is someone I look cause of their ability to empower oth- up to and I hope to one day follow in ers.” This is so true for all members his footsteps to start a movement like of the Life Tree Movement Group, this and sustain it for many years to especially for Mr Sripathy Kathiresan. come. He should be celebrated beMr Kathiresan is a prominent figure cause he has started by taking a tiny within the community who is also a step towards fixing climate change by follower of Dr Abdul Kalam and gets planting 100’s of trees every year. From inspiration from his quotes. He is a the time we have started in 2015, 600 person who encourages the youth trees have been planted to date and we within the community to come out are aiming for 10,000 trees within ten and always do your part to give back years’ time. to the community.

This dream could have not been made He constantly preaches and informs possible if it weren’t for the Ipswich the youth on the importance of volun- City Council. We cannot thank the

City council enough for the interest they showed towards the ideology of our beloved Dr Abdul Kalam by providing the trees at free of cost and nurturing them.

After the informative speech and as reward for all their contributions to the environment, the volunteers were treated with a hearty morning tea which was organised amongst themselves. This definitely deserves a lot of recognition. They are people who are kind hearted and contribute to society whilst they are sharing it all with their warm food.

Hearty food, warm people!

Hard at work with planting trees After getting in the day’s exercise, people were enthralled into an informative yet enjoyable speech

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presented by 12yr old Shreenithyaa Narayanan.

“Most of us are used to moving at break neck speed in our life unfortunately rest of the species in our planet don’t work that way. Our planet cannot be commanded to fix itself.

Mother Nature does not have a cell phone, does not use e-mail, SMS or

Facebook. She takes her time. With issues like climate change, we simply cannot afford to take a wait-and-see approach. The longer we wait it will be an expensive and difficult problem to fix.”

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Let us all vow to plant 10 trees because for every tree we give a chance at life, they are giving us a chance as well.

If anyone would like to join us on this journey, please contact me, Srimathi Narayanan on 0431341677.

DECEMBER 2017

10

Indian News Queensland | EPITAPH

Our Countries

For Manmeet Sharma (1987–2016)

By Lesley Synge

You came to Australia to work.

Drove taxis at first and now this bus.

You’re twenty-nine, quite handsome.

The Indian community loves to hear you sing.

‘Future wife is a lucky woman,’ they tease at parties.

Your fiancée waits in your home village and within the month you’ll join her there, north of Amritsar, for the engagement.

The future is as bright, yar, as Diwali lights.

It’s Friday morning and you’re on a fill-in shift – Garden City to Fortitude Valley.

You stash your water bottle wipe down the steering wheel adjust the seat start the engine and tap the button that opens the door.

Passengers touch-on with their Go-cards and nod g’day.

Sikh bangle on your wrist you swing the blue and yellow council bus out of the shopping centre, under the freeway, and up the forested hill.

Smile at the memory of the boys back home who collect the rupees and sing Challo! Challo!

Our Punjabi man, our fellow citizen is now passing where the ironbark trees once grew in the days when the Jagera people would camp by the creek.

A bing sounds whenever a passenger wants to stop.

They touch-off with a thankyou driver or a ta mate.

Our driver is approaching the Moorooka shops.

It’s 9.00am, eleven on board.

Hush! close your eyes for a moment for the sun that lights up our earth here is yet to anoint the Himalayas.

Rejoice in the peaceful sleep of his parents.

Hold them in your hearts – hold them.

Mister Sharma, Brisbane bus driver, you reach out and tap the button for the door.

A man pushes in yelling.

A man is shouting.

(Something about a train station?)

And what is he carrying?

Later police will say he is ‘known to authorities’ has ‘mental health issues’.

‘The 125 doesn’t go there,’ you advise.

‘Cultural Centre, yar, the city – ’ In a fury the upset stranger throws a peculiar liquid at you and lights you up.

You burn, dear man.

Dear man, you are burned alive.

Mister Sharma twenty-nine and handsome engaged to be married loving son loved brother – you did not survive. Yet you live on.

You last minutes on our shared earth have seared hearts in both our nations.

Our memory of you is as radiant as sunlight as everlasting as our sorrow.

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DECEMBER 2017

11

Indian News Queensland | NRI NEWS

A chit-chat with Anisha Safaya, WINNER of Mrs India Universe 2017

By Ash Raina (President - Kashmiri Pandits Australia (KPA))

Do you remember about the place you come from?

Yes, Everything!, I was born in the most beautiful place on earth, Kashmir valley and bought up in the city of temples and land of great warriors. I spent my childhood in the valley in my "wooden tall house with cherry trees and rose shrubs”.

I remember my school bus and poems we would sing on the way to school, my schoolteacher Mrs Rita Bhan and

Anisha Safaya Namaskar & Hello from INQ, from Brisbane.

Namaskar Ash. To start with, tell me about your background, for our readers.

I am Anisha Safaya, I work in London, UK. I am daughter of J&K and the only child of my parents. My father's name is Late Sh. Chand Ji Safaya and my mother's name is Smt. Usha Safaya. Mummy has raised me as a single parent after my father's sad demise. I am married to a very humble and intelligent man, who is an amazing friend too. In Srinagar we used to live in Habba Kadal & I went to Walden School. After migration, we moved to Jammu where I completed my primary and secondary school at Model Academy, Jammu.

We have 2 specific things in common – one, we both are from Habba Kadal and two, I am an alumnus of CASET school, of which Walden is a part of. Great to know this! Is fashion/modelling full time for you or do you work in the corporate world?

HaHa – Fashion & glamour industry is not fulltime for me but it indeed is a new part of me. Before a fashion model, I am a Vice President working for one of the world’s leading investment www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Tell us more about your new identity.

A new identify, an identity of a beauty queen! Evert little girl growing up dreams of being a princess, a queen & having her very own crown & that dream has come true for me.

I would like to thank the organisers of Mrs India Universe 2017, Mr Tusshar Dhaliwal, Mrs Archana Tomer and others for setting this beautiful platform for all my co-contestants and me.

While we are talking about my new identity, since this has been a dream that relates back to my childhood I would like you all to be a part of my childhood where life was not only about playing with dolls or focusing on academics. Life for kids of my generation in J&K was beyond that; we had to deal with adversities of terrorism and yet we fought back. Yes, we were kids who spent a big part of our childhood in a war zone and faced its consequences too. It was not the childhood any kid would want to have but we didn't really have a choice. I am very proud all of us as we not only managed to complete our education, we have turned life into a big success for us. We all have a version of an inspirational story & the common mantra is that we keep moving on; head held high, making a place for ourselves, we grew, we evolve to the best version of us. And at this point, we are no less than that piece of gold whose purity is tested by rubbing, cutting, heating and pounding.

my best friend with whom I shared my nickname.

I also remember that suddenly we left everything behind and moved to Jammu.

I didn’t know what was happening then - all I knew was that we did not have a home and we were called migrants. I possibly didn’t know the meaning of migrant then, but my parents understood the life-changing meaning of this event.

You are taking me back to that phase of my life too – and for every Kashmiri Pandit, who has had to go through that ordeal. But let us know more about your journey after that.

Like any other Kashmiri pandit, my parents – because of their hard work, patience and resilience we began stabilizing our lives all over again from scratch, focussed on education, simplicity and good morals. No sooner had we learnt to get our lives back to some sort of tenuous stability, life threw another challenge at us. My father had started an unending journey of medical problems. However, what could have been an imminent disaster on our family, my dad the superhero survived through it. There was hope in my steps I could barely chase him during a morning walk despite his medical conditions. I cherish the time I spent with him during those few years and still keep all his advises and lessons close to my heart.

At the age of 18 when I lost my father, I saw a completely different view of the world that pounced at once on us but it did not fail the strong upbringing I had from my parents. I decided to rise above petty bickering to the level where I could convert all criticism into constructive feedback, hardships into opportunities and opportunities into success. I continued to win intercollege and state level debates, essay writing, storytelling and fashion shows including awards from the Chief Ministers of Punjab and of Haryana.

I knew, I probably wasn’t destiny’s fa-

vourite child but I knew what it took to make my own destiny. In whatever I did, I put in my 100%. I tried, I failed, I cried, I fell but I got back up and I tried again, I tried until I nailed it. At my workplace, my attitude and resilience were appreciated and rewarded with success. Above all, I have a proud mother & I am sure my dad will be smiling at me from somewhere in the heavens thinking “my princess gave life her 100%” and he definitely would be proud of me.

I heard that you are involved in some social/community work too.

Tell us about that too.

I always believed success is only as good as how many lives you are able to affect for the better, along with your own. There are some causes that are very close to my heart; spreading awareness regarding allergies, empowering women & young people who come from disadvantaged background & others who have become disillusioned and have taken path of violence. For several years, I have been able to help disadvantaged children pursue school & university education; education empowers them & puts them on a path leading to a better future for themselves and their families.

What are you aiming in life?

A wise man once said that Life without an aim is like a ship without a rudder.

As time progresses, I aim to continue to grow as a compassionate person, help others, however, and wherever I can. At the same time, I aim to grow professionally by furthering my successful career to new pinnacles & using that to further catalyst my purpose of contributing to causes that matter to me.

At the end, on behalf of Kashmiri Pandits Australia (KPA), and Indian News Queensland, I would like to thank you and congratulate again for your success and wish you the very best in the future.

Thanks Ash – a pleasure to be connected to my well-wishers from Down Under.

banks, which I am very proud of and I aim to continue growing professionally. A part of me always wanted to do something for our youth (to start with J&K) & I believe Mrs India Universe 2017 gave me a platform to further work on those causes and be the voice of choices for our youth. And of course being crowned is a dream every little girl has growing up & for me this dream just became a reality when I won the Mrs India Universe 2017 crown.

What/Who has been the biggest influence on you?

To be honest everything in my life that I have come across has inspired me in some way. But some of them have really shaped me into what I am today; my parents – I have in me will power, hope, optimism and perfection from my father and resilience, selflessness, dignity and compassion from my mother. These two superheroes taught me the biggest lessons of my life.

Sir Martin Luther King Jr beautifully expressed the mantra of successful life in one of his speeches, which I always remember; “If you can’t fly, run, if you can’t run, walk, if you can’t walk, crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

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DECEMBER 2017

12

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

A win for Indian Actor Raj Kumar Rao at Asia Pacific Screen Awards!

Indian Actor Raj Kumar Rao at ASPA

A

sia Pacific Screen Awards (ASPA) was established in 2008 and represent the world’s fastest-growing film region encompassing 70 countries, 4.5 billion people and half the world's film output. This year the event was held at Brisbane where in 42 films from 25 Asia Pacific countries and areas were honoured across 13 exciting award categories from Best Performance by an Actress to Best Feature Film.

It was a moment of pride when Indian Actor Raj Kumar Rao won the Best performance by an actor for his movie Newton which tells the story of a government clerk on election duty in the conflict-ridden jungle of Central India who tries his best to conduct free and fair voting despite the apathy of security forces and the looming fear of guerrilla attacks by communist rebels.

The movie also won in the Best screenplay category.

Winners were determined by the APSA International Jury, headed by acclaimed Australian film editor Jill

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Bilcock, joined by Filipino writer/director Adolfo Alix Jr, Chinese actress He Saifei, Tokyo Film Festival Programmer Yoshi Yatabe and Kazakh writer, director and cinematographer Adilkhan Yerzhanov. The event was hosted by acclaimed Australian actor David Wenham and pop-culture-icon and journalist Lee Lin Chin. All the guest were in multicultural attire.

Films from Russian Federation and Georgia won three APSAs each at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards ceremony tonight, leading the winner tally at the prestigious event. The Achievement in Directing APSA has been won by Russia’s Andrey Zvyagintsev for Loveless (Nelyubov; Russian Federation, Belgium, France, Germany). Zvyagintsev’s previous film, Leviafan (2014) won the APSA for Best Feature Film, while Zvyagintsev was previously awarded a High Commendation for his direction of Elena (2011).

The winners of the APSA for Achievement in Cinematography

are Pyotr Duhovskoy and Timofey Lobov for Meshok Bez Dna. Timofey Lobov attended the ceremony and accepted the award on the night. One of two Jury Grand Prizes was awarded to Russian actor Aleksandr Yatsenko for his performance in Aritmiya (Russian Federation, Finland, Germany).

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards, the regions highest accolade in film, honouring cinematic excellence and the cultural diversity of the world’s fastest growing film region: comprising 70 countries and areas, 4.5 billion people, and is responsible for half of the world’s film output. 42 films from 25 countries and areas of the Asia Pacific region received APSA nominations in 2017, including the first nomination for a film from Bhutan.

Best Feature Film was awarded to Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country (Australia), produced by Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey.

BEST FEATURE FILM Sweet Country Australia BEST YOUTH FEATURE FILM The Seen and Unseen (Sekala Niskala) Indonesia, Netherlands, Australia, Qatar BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM Window Horses: The Poetic Persian Epiphany of Rosie Ming Canada BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM Last Men in Aleppo Syrian Arab Republic, Denmark, Germany Special Mention Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web New Zealand ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING Andrey ZVYAGINTSEV for Loveless (Nelyubov) Russian Federation, Belgium, France, Germany BEST SCREENPLAY Mayank TEWARI, Amit V MASURKAR for Newton India ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY Pyotr DUKHOVSKOY, Timofey LOBOV for The Bottomless Bag (Meshok Bez Dna) Russian Federation BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS Nata MURVANIDZE for Scary Mother (Sashishi Deda) Georgia, Estonia BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR Rajkummar RAO for Newton India Special Mention Navid MOHAMMADZADEH for No Date, No Signature (Bedoune Tarikh, Bedoune Emza) Islamic Republic of Iran CULTURAL DIVERSITY AWARD UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF UNESCO Dede Georgia, Croatia, Netherlands, Qatar, United Kingdom Directed by Mariam KHATCHVANI Produced by Vladimer KATCHARAVA, Samantha TAYLOR, Mike DOWNEY, Igor A. NOLA Co-Produced by Conrad ALLEBLAS, Jamillah VAN DER HULST Special Mention Lady of the Lake (Loktak Lairembee) India FIAPF AWARD Bianca BALBUENA Philippines YOUNG CINEMA AWARD Ilgar NAJAF for Pomegranate Orchard (Nar Bali) Azerbaijan ARTISTIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Abbas KIAROSTAMI for 24 Frames Islamic Republic of Iran, France

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DECEMBER 2017

13

Indian News Queensland | WORLD & GOVT

World needs Human Rights Migrants rejoice as citizenship bill is Day more now than ever! struck down H uman Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on 10th December. It commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Ever since that auspicious day it has stood as the first major stride forward in ensuring that the rights of every human across the globe are protected.

From the most basic human needs such as food, shelter, and water, all the way to accessibility to free and uncensored information, such has been the goals and ambitions laid out for the day.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was declared across the world by leading countries of the world, stating loud and clear that no matter where we live, what we believe, or how we love, we are each individually deserving of the most basic fundamentals of hu-

man needs.

Every year Human Rights Day marks conferences around the world dedicated to ensuring that these ideals are pursued, and that the basic Human Rights of every person is made a priority in the global theatre.

Human Rights Day provides an opportunity for all to renew with the spirit of humanity’s long struggle for rights and dignity and to mobilize against old and new challenges, in the shape of poverty and inequality, violence, exclusion and discrimination.

How can one celebrate Human Rights Day? The first and foremost way to celebrate Human Rights Day is to take some time to appreciate the effect that this resolution has had on your world and life. Look around your neighbourhood and see the effects on a local scale, the charitable works being done to promote the health and well-being of those who are less

fortunate.

The next step is to get out there and make a difference, whether it’s simply donating to one of the dozens of organizations that work towards this global purpose, or organizing a donation drive of your own to help those organizations fighting the good fight.

Unfortunately, world has plenty of humanitarian cases! Don’t think that your gestures must be grand, simply gathering enough to put together a bunch of care packages of simple needs and necessities and handing them out amongst your local homeless can go a long way to helping to support this cause.

The need is large, but is made up of limitless minor actions that can lead to a world-wide change in quality of life.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want the see in the world”. Let us work together to bring about some change in our own way.

M

igrants heaved a sigh of relief as the citizenship bill was struck down as announced by Tony Burke in Parliament. The controversial citizenship bill was struck down on Wednesday 18th Oct 2017 and the immigration minister Peter Dutton had until evening to bring the bill for debate in the Senate, but that did not happen.

Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Australia Tony Burke pre-empted the news with an announcement in the House of Representatives in the early afternoon, advising that “with the conclusion of government business in the Senate a few minutes ago, it means that the government’s citizenship bill will today be struck from the notice paper of the Senate and will no longer be before the parliament.”

Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Australia Tony Burke

said, “This is a great victory for every person who wants to pledge allegiance to this country and make a commitment to Australia.” “The delay where some people would wait more than a decade before they made a pledge to Australia, has been rejected. The demand for university-level English has been rejected.

“I would urge those, celebrating this moment, who were involved in the campaign all around Australia, this government will try again and if under current law, you are able to apply now, I would recommend you do so.

“And I recommend to the Department of Immigration those applications which are waiting, should now be processed.”

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton confirmed to ABC News that applications received after April 20 would be processed under existing laws. Migrants across Australia are celebrating the outcome.

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DECEMBER 2017

14

Indian News Queensland | NRI NEWS

NRIs contribute India plans to give voting and transform rights to Non-Resident their village near Indians Jalandhar I ndian government plans to increase the number of voters by giving proxy voting rights to over 25 million NonResidential Indians (NRIs). A country of 1.3 billion people, with more than 800 million of whom are eligible to vote, India takes pride in being the “world's largest democracy.”

No attempts have been made in the past to bring up a constitutional bill that can help non-resident Indians cast their vote either through postal or e-ballot, but that is soon going to change, if government has its way.

Narendra Modi-led BJP government is expected to make changes to “election bill” so that NRIs too can participate in the voting. The Union Government is all set to table the Bill in the next Parliament session, to extend the facility of e-voting to Non-Resident Indians (NRI), before the next General Elections.

As a result, a draft bill will be put before the union cabinet very soon.

The centre has informed this to the country’s Supreme Court, making

Nirmal Singh with delegates

S

anghe Khalsa village in Jalandhar district has scripted a new success story utilising government-public participation, and that too with active involvement of NRI’s.

An ultra-modern gymnasium, a sewage treatment plant, properly built roads, a separate storm-water and sludge sewerage system, absence of filthy ponds, potable drinking water supply and other facilities, have been some of the major achievements with active involvement of NRIs from the village, in which state government also pooled in.

A village near Nurmahal with a population of 700, Sanghe Khalsa has all modern civic amenities. It was around a decade ago, when departing from the usual practice of Punjab villages, to construct a memorial gate in the name of their forefathers at entry of village, a few NRIs decided to construct a gymnasium in their names to channelize energy of the youth. Now this gymnasium with modern equipment is catering to the needs of youths from nearby villages. Trainers paid by the NRIs impart world training to the youths at the gym.

As Jalandhar deputy commissioner, Varinder Kumar Sharma, visited the village on Sunday, NRI Nirmal Singh who was among those who conceived the development project in the village said that after the state government came up with partnership scheme for development of villages, NRIs of this village came forward to develop their villages on

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it official. This kind of voting is prevalent in various countries where people living in other countries can vote with various options like voting in Embassies, Postal Ballot, Online Voting etc. NRIs do have a vote in India but the Election commission insists on physical presence which has been a big hindrance for NRI participation.

The Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951 will have to be amended to allow NRIs to vote without having to fly down to their hometown during the elections. For NRIs to exercise their e-voting, they need to possess an Indian passport. There are 25 million NRIs estimated across the world, to utilise such an option.

Meanwhile in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra state, the Election Commission has already started collecting data of Non-Resident Indians (NRI), during the voter registration drive. Booth level officers (BLO) were instructed in this regard, while they visit houses in the locality assigned for them dur-

ing the registration drive.

Sanjay Shinde the resident deputy collector, said, "According to the election commission's directives, we would take up the drive from November 15 to November 30 in the district of Kolhapur. This is a nationwide drive and will be launched at the same time across the country.

There are 3,285 polling booths in the district and we have appointed one BLO for each polling booth to visit every house and register the voter in the list."

He added that this is first time that information will be gathered about NRIs present in the district. "The data compiled in the given format will be sent to the election commission," he said. The resident deputy collector appealed to people to cooperate with the BLOs and give them detailed information. "The final voter list will be published in January 2018. The drive aims to ensure that everyone is included in the voters list," he said.

priority and constituted an overseas committee for this purpose.

They said that the election of this overseas committee was held every year on Maghi and the eldest member of the committee was unanimously elected its president.

He said that after the formation of committee a primary school of the village with only one teacher was renovated and facilities like separate toilets for students and staff, computer lab, hygienic mid-day meal and others were provided.

"The NRIs not only gave funds, but also their land to enable the school campus to expand. Likewise, they also employed teachers at their own expenses to ensure that students of the village get uninterrupted education," he said.

A big pond spreading over six canals of land in the centre of village was transformed into a park and sewerage system was laid in the village and later a STM was also set up, and the treated water was later supplied to farmers for their irrigation usage.

Rain water harvesting system has also been laid, followed by an indoor sports stadium, Installation of CCTV cameras in the village has given a new meaning to security of the residents. First concrete and brick house of the village constructed in 1941 has now been preserved as 'Heritage house' of the village.

The Deputy Commissioner said that if any NRI comes forward to develop their villages on these lines, the district administration would ensure full support and cooperation to them.

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DECEMBER 2017

15

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Gold Coast feels the Indian magic of royal lifestyle of Rajasthan!

D

.r.e.s.s.e.d GC in collaboration with Goa Indian Fusion restaurant hosted an enchanting evening in support of Mercy Ships on 24th November 2017 at Goa Indian Fusion, Main Beach.

The event “India The Enchanter Charity Fundraiser� brought Rajasthani royal feel to Gold Coast for one night with amazing Indian classical dances, traditional Dholki drums played to welcome guests to the red carpet, captivating classical Kathak dances by Dr. Helen Joshi along with scrumptious three-course Indian dinner prepared by the brilliant chefs of Goa Indian Fusion.

DJ FastEddie swayed the guests to vibrant and entertaining sounds of Bollywood. Henna Bar was quite popular with guests. Esteemed guests for the event were Indian High Consulate for Queensland and Miss India Australia Raj Suri.

Indian Classical music performance

D.r.e.s.s.e.d GC is an exclusive social events group created for Gold Coasters who have a great sense of style and fashion who enjoy socializing and their goal is to raise the cultural and arts profile of the Gold Coast by creating unique events. India The Enchanter is their luxurious creation of the splendor of what once the lifestyle of the Maharajah of Jaipur Rajasthan.

Mercy Ships is an international charity and currently operates the largest non-governmental hospital ship in the world, providing humanitarian aid like free health care, community development projects, community health education, mental health programs, agriculture projects, and palliative care for terminally ill patients. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has mobilized some 35,000 volunteers working in more than 70 countries.

Commonwealth Gold Coast ambassador Pushpinder oberoi & family with Miss India Australia Aarzu Singh

Guest swaying to bolllywood tunes

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DECEMBER 2017

16

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Gold Coast’s 1st Gurdwara

O

n the 7th of October, at their Helensvale land site, The Gold Coast Sikh Council arranged a “soil turning ceremony” along with prayers, Kirtan and prasad. The historic event was attended by a few hundred community members including the local Councillor, the neighbouring church Priest, the President of Logan Gurdwara and Australia’s very first Sikh Priest from Woolgoolga.

Five respected Sikh men from the community Giani Teja Singh, Bhajan Bains, Beant Singh, Gajan Hayer and Jagatjit Ahluwalia, were selected to perform the “soil turning”.

Fundraising was continuing in the background as the project is estimated

to cost around $3million for a state of the art, architecturally designed Gurdwara. The aim is to have the Helensvale Gurdwara Inauguration around Baisakhi 2018. But, such a deadline can only be met with the financial support of many more. So, please dig deep and make a tax deductible donation (AU$2 or more for Australian taxpayers), by cash, eft, credit card, or direct debit, the details of which can be found @ www.goldcoastsikhcouncil.org.au/gift Please follow the progress of this Gurdwara project, and for all upcoming samagams/events visit www.facebook.com/gcsikhs, (Gold Coast Gurudwara, Sikh temple and community education centre).

GC2018 hockey draw announced

T

he match schedule for the preliminary rounds of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Hockey competition has been announced following the unveiling of the competition pools on 28th November 2017 at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre.

Sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the announcement saw the 10 competing nations for both men’s and women’s Hockey competitions divided into two pools of five based on their FIH World Rankings. Teams have been divided into pools in a snaking pattern from the top-seeded nation down to the 10th-sedded nation in order to evenly spread competing nations across both pools.

Each team will play every other team within their pool during the preliminary round matches from

5-11 April 2018 before the top two teams in each pool advance to the semi-final and medal matches from 12-14 April 2018. With the Commonwealth boasting some of the world’s best teams – and the fiercest rivalries – the action at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre will be fast, intense and extremely competitive.

India boast a rich history in Hockey, winning medals at each Commonwealth Games since 2002, highlighted by the women claiming gold in 2002 and the men winning silver medals in 2014 and 2010. At GC2018, the men look to overcome a tough pool including England and Pakistan, as they strive to go one step further in their quest for gold. The women are drawn in a pool that includes England and South Africa, as they aim to repeat their gold medal success from 2002.

Be Part of Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association’s Legacy

The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association Inc.

Donation Request

Incorporati on Number: IA 40338 Registered Charity: CH 2260

 Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association’s (GCHCA’s) mission is to build an Education and Cultural Precinct with a Place of Worship at Australia’s touris m capital, the Gold Coast.  Gold Coast City Council (Council) has given consent for us to build Phase 1, the MultiPurpose Hall (MPH) which includes the Place of Worship and the Community Square on Council leased land.  Council’s condition is we need to show significant building construction progress by June 2018.  We currently have $0.6m. We desperately need an additional $1.8m of donations/ grants/ sponsorships or loans to commence construction work.  GCHCA aims is to provide, promote and expand community programs in education and culture for the well being of the individual and the community.  If you want a Hindu Education & Cultural Centre, help us leave a legacy for your children and their children to practice and enjoy Hindu Education and Culture in this country we call home.  Your support and continuous contribution will help complete the construction and will enable the community to have a place, to learn, to grow, to enjoy and experience spiritual and physical well-being.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------I wish to support GCHCA’s Phase 1 build of Multi-Purpose Hall which includes the Place of Worship: Title: ___ First Name: ______________________ Last Name: ______ ____________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ _______________________ Phone: ______________ Email: ________________________________________ Signature: ………………………………….

Date: ___________________

 Donate - Phase 1 Construction ☐ $_______ GCHCA Building Donation Account - BSB: 064 474 A/C: 1048 8900 (donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia)  Donate $1 a day ☐ www.GiveNow.com.au/gchcan Credit card via: http://Culture.GoldCoastHindu.Org/Donations/  Give a Loan ☐ $_______ interest free,☐ $_______ or with interest. (a memorandum of understanding with GCHCA will be negotiated and signed)  Sponsor a Shrine ☐ $_______ estimated to cost $100,000 each GCHCA’s Common Bank Account: BSB: 064 474 A/C: 1048 8230 (swift code:CTBAAU2S) gchcan@gmail.com

www.GoldCoastHindu.org Ph: +61 401 207 221

ABN: 14 153 639 953

Support the noble objectives of Thank the GCHCA and Donate Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu You From The Management Committee Further details can be obtained by contacting our Secretary at gchcan@gmail.com

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Indian News Queensland | SPORTS

Queen’s Baton Relay in Oceania

Pupils with the Baton at Temanoku. primary school as the QBR toured around the island of Tarawa.

T

he Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) continues to connect the Gold Coast with the entire Commonwealth.

The Baton has already passed between thousands of people across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe and Asia, building excitement for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

The GC2018 Relay is the longest and most accessible in history, travelling through the entire Commonwealth for 388 days and 230,000 kilometres.

The Baton engages with all Commonwealth nations and territories of Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania for 288 days before it arrives in Australia for a further 100 days. The QBR has entered the Oceania region, the final region in its global voyage around the Commonwealth before returning to Australia. The Baton arrives

into Brisbane on Christmas Eve and approximately 3,800 baton bearers will carry it through every state and territory in Australia.

The Relay started on Commonwealth Day, Monday 13 March 2017, at Buckingham Palace when Her Majesty placed Her message inside of the Baton.

The distinctive design of the GC2018 Queen’s Baton captures the boundless energy of the Gold Coast. In form and inspiration, the Baton is a symbol of our past, present and future.

The Queen’s Baton arrives on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018, where HRH The Prince of Wales will remove Her Majesty’s message from the Baton and read it aloud to declare the Games open.

As the QBR visits the island nations in Oceania a mix of GC2018 sports

and traditional sports have been showcased, including lawn bowls in the Cook Islands, stick dances in Kiribati and coconut throwing in Niue.

Currently in the Cook Islands, the Queen’s Baton is bound next for Tonga, before it heads to Fiji, a behemoth in the world of rugby sevens.

Oceania is the final region the Queen’s Baton will visit before it arrives in Australia on Christmas Eve. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has revealed the list of approximately 3,800 Australians who will carry the Queen’s Baton on its 100-day journey across the nation in the lead-up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

Minister for the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones said the baton bearers were in for the experience of a lifetime - one that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. The Baton lands in Brisbane to start the final leg of its journey on Christmas Eve this year.

Karibwataake Katimiri, current Team Nauru boxing coach, (Manchester 2002 in athletics,100m) showing the Baton to pupils at at primary school as the QBR toured around the island of Tarawa

Batonbearer shot putter Awan Tannang and his daughter in traditional dress with the Baton at during a day-long relay all round the island country.

QBR off and racing

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Indian News Queensland | COMMUNITY

GOPIO Oceania holds International Forum On the Occasion of 10 years movement Oceania at the Gold Coast on 26 Nov 2017.

The GOPIO Movement - 10th Anniversary Celebration conference was organised by Suman Kapoor, GOPIO's International Coordinator for Oceania region with the help of Pushpinder Oberoi and his team of Gold Coast GOPIO Chapter. Mr. Shyam Das was awarded for his Meritorius Service to GOPIO and community in Queensland.

By Shyam Das, Conference Convener GOPIO International Oceania

G

lobal organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) was founded at the First Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York in the year 1989. GOPIO is an international network of People of Indian Origin, very actively involved in developing a new

Global Indian community outside India with a vision to mobilize professional, businesses and intellectual resources for their mutual advancement and for the bilateral relationship between Indian and their adopted home country. First time GOPIO international Oceania is holding a forum in Queensland at

the Gold Coast for the chapters in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji to discuss and review the activities of the chapters in the region and plan for the further activities, also celebrating in a grand way the 10years movement of GOPIO Oceania. The international CoOrdinator Oceania Mrs. Suman Kapoor

will chair the occasion and the host is Mr. Pushpinder Oberoi, the President of the Gold Coast Chapter. Come and Join us in the celebration. Dignitaries from different backgrounds will grace the occasion.

GOPIO Queensland AGM

G

OPIO QLD Chapter held it’s Annual General Meeting on 1 November 2017 at the Delights of Paradise restaurant in Woolloongabba.

A new executive committee was chosen and the team for the year 2018 is: Vinita Khushal as the President, Vikas Sinha as the 1st Vice President, Vivek Chopra as the 2nd Vice President, Pravinita Singh-Pillay as the Secretary, Ananya Kaushik as the Assistant Secretary, Gary Dhaliwal as the Treasurer and Raveen Bhairo as the Assistant Treasurer. Usha Chandra is the Immediate Past President.

The venue and times of such event will be posted on the GOPIO Qld website and Facebook page. In addition to these dates they will be hosting events held

by Women’s Council, Business Council and Youth Council, throughout the year.

Membership is open to the public and all applications will be considered. Students are entitled to free membership and we encourage everyone to join us in promoting networking opportunities, educating and empowering our people, promoting cultural events and promoting community acceptance and tolerance.

Important dates for the coming year: -

Girmit Diwas - 14 May 2018 10th Anniversary – 18 May 2018 India Day Fair – 18 August 2018 Gandhi Jayanti – 2 October 2018 Diwali Dinner – 9 November 2018

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Veena Merz, Vikas Sinha, Vivek Chopra, Pravinita Singh-Pillay, Gary Dhaliwal, Vinita Khushal, Ananya Kaushik, Usha Chandra.

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DECEMBER 2017

19

Indian News Queensland | SPORTS

Australian cricket team donates bats for charity Gesture will assist IVI undertake vision screening underprivileged children

Melbourne Cup: “Rekindling” wins 2017 Cup

No. 22 Rekindling winning the race

Australian ODI captain Steve Smith presents the autographed bat by his squad to Vinod Daniel, CEO, India Vision Institute (left). On the right, Australia’s Consul General for South India, Sean Kelly.

T

he Australian one-day cricket team recently donated two autographed bats to the India Vision Institute (IVI).

“The bats will be auctioned, which will assist IVI undertake vision screening of 7,000 children from underprivileged backgrounds in and around Chennai,” said IVI’s CEO Vinod Daniel.

The autographed cricket bats were presented to Mr Daniel by the Aus-

tralian Cricket Board (ACB) at a reception hosted for the team by the Australian Consul-General, Sean Kelly, in Chennai.

“It is a laudable gesture. I thank the Australian cricket team, the ACB and the Australian Consul General for it,” Mr Daniel said.

“I am sure Indians will appreciate this gesture by the team. I wish them a good season in India. It is a good opportunity for cricket lovers

to acquire the bats autographed by the cricket stars,” he added.

Mr Sean Kelly said “I am pleased that the autographed bats will go towards a noble cause.

“There can be no greater gesture than supporting underprivileged children to lead better lives.

“I thank our team and also applaud IVI’s initiative in undertaking the vision screenings.”

R

EKINDLING has won the 2017 Melbourne Cup for trainer Joseph O'Brien.

About 100,000 spectators braved one of the coldest Cup days in years, shivering through early showers and brisk southerly winds.

The youngest horse in the field, Rekindling gave 24-year-old Joseph O'Brien something his successful father is yet to achieve — a Melbourne Cup victory.

The British horse came in first ahead of Johannes Vermeer and Max Dynamite over 3,200 metres at Flemington.

Rekindling, one of 11 foreign horses in the field but not one of the favourites, made a late charge down the straight, narrowly edging Johannes

Vermeer in the final 200 metres.

Cismontane, Boom Time and Gallante made the early pace but were soon reined in. Favourite Marmelo and Tiberian chimed in at the 800, but it became a two-horse race by the finish, and it was the younger of the O'Brien boys who would leave with the Cup. Aidan O'Brien was not on course to see his son triumph. He is preparing for the Breeder's Cup in the United States. But Joseph O'Brien said he had already called his father, who was "delighted" by the news.

The junior O'Brien becomes the second Irish trainer to win the Melbourne Cup, following Dermot Weld's victories in 1993 (Vintage Crop) and 2002 (Media Puzzle).

About India Vision Institute: India Vision Institute (IVI) is an independent, not-for-profit registered trust established in 2012. It is focused on supporting and promoting eye health awareness, research, education and technological development in Indian Optometry to advance capacity in vision correction, and prevention of eye disease and blindness.

Website: www.indiavisioninstitute.org For additional details, contact Shekhar Nambiar, ph.+919810154167

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DECEMBER 2017

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Culture

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Christmas Fever Around the World

C

hristmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, over 2000 years ago. Most people know the story of Joseph and a heavily pregnant Mary arriving in Bethlehem, only to find that there was nowhere for them to stay. An innkeeper gave them shelter in a stable, at the back of his inn.

This is where Jesus was born and placed in a manger. Many modernday traditions are a result of this event, including gifts and placing a star at the top of a Christmas tree.

The Christmas traditions include: Gift giving Exchanging gifts is probably the most popular Christmas tradition.

This represents the ‘spirit of giving’ for which Christmas is known. As well as giving to friends and family, it is important to think of people less fortunate than ourselves at this time of year. Many people choose to donate to charities that support work with families who will not receive gifts at Christmas.

Sharing a meal Another common Christmas tradition is sharing a meal with family or friends. A traditional Christmas meal might consist of a cooked turkey or ham, roasted vegetables and Christmas pudding. This meal originated in countries where December is in winter. There are also other treats to enjoy at Christmas, such as mince pies, candy canes and marshmallow-filled chocolate Santas.

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Putting up decorations Many people decorate their house at Christmas time. The most popular decoration would definitely be a Christmas tree with tinsel, ornaments and maybe even lights. Some people even decorate their whole front yard with lights and encourage people to walk past at night to enjoy them.

Another interesting Christmas decoration is mistletoe. The original mistletoe custom says that if you find yourself and someone else standing under the mistletoe you have to give them a kiss. Traditionally, if a man wanted to kiss a woman beneath the mistletoe he would have to pluck a berry from the sprig. However, if there were no more berries left, there would be no more kisses!

Christmas Day is celebrated all around the world and there are different ways of celebrations. Although traditionally it is a Christian holiday, but people from all countries and cultures celebrate Christmas.

Australia We enjoy a hot summer Christmas, rather than the cold European and North American white Christmas.

Instead of sitting inside by the fire, Australians enjoy the sun by having pool parties and barbeques, or by going to the beach, where we build sandcastles instead of snowmen.

Seafood is also very popular, instead of a hot roast turkey.

India The Christian community in India has many Christmas traditions that would be familiar to us, such as attending church services, singing carols and exchanging gifts. However, they do not decorate a traditional Christmas tree: instead they decorate banana or mango trees.

They also make sure that they have a large stock of home-made sweets for visiting family and friends and often place clay lamps on the roof of their house to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Greece In Greece, Christmas Eve marks the end of 40 days of fasting. It is celebrated with the baking of ‘Christopsomo’ or ‘Christ bread’. Families decorate the crust of the large, sweet loaves with symbols of their professions. Christmas trees are not traditional in Greece. Instead, most houses have a bowl with a piece of wire across it. They tie a piece of basil to the wire and fill the bowl with water to keep the basil alive.

Sprinkling the water from the bowl around the house is thought to keep bad spirits away.

Egypt Did you know that in Egypt (and some other countries) Christmas is celebrated on January 7, not December 25? Egyptian Christians will fast for the 40 days before Christmas (eating no meat, poultry or dairy).

They break their fast after midnight mass on Christmas Eve with a meal known as ‘Fata’ (bread, rice, garlic and boiled meat).

Denmark In Denmark, and many other European countries, presents are exchanged on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. The presents are opened after a big meal has been shared and everyone has danced around the Christmas tree. In Denmark, children know Father Christmas as ‘Julemanden’ which means ‘Christmas man’.

Ethiopia Ethiopians call the Christmas celebrations ‘Ganna’ and celebrate Christmas Day on January 7. Traditionally, Ethiopians fast completely on Christmas Eve (January 6) and then get dressed in a special white garment called a ‘shamma’ at dawn and go to a church service to celebrate. Christmas food in Ethiopia includes a traditional dish called ‘wat’, which is a thick and spicy stew containing meat, vegetables and sometimes eggs.

Japan When Christmas arrives, the Japanese embark on an extensive springclean, and they sort out a new wardrobe for the New Year. On the 31st of December, Omisoka (New Year) is celebrated. When the New Year arrives as the clock strikes midnight, the Japanese head to a Shinto shrine.

Italy On the 24th and 25th of December, leave biscuits and milk near the chimney for Father Christmas, and celebrate the 25th with the family,

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opening all the presents under the Christmas tree in the morning. On the 31st of December the ‘cenone di capodanno’ takes place – this is a great big family dinner, where they eat lentils (which supposedly bring good luck) waiting for the New Year.

Russia Christmas isn’t celebrated on the 25th of December, but on the 7th of January, which was when Jesus was born according to the calendar that the Orthodox Church follows.

On this day, a meal made up of 12 dishes and beetroot soup is served.

Instead of Father Christmas, children are brought presents by Ded Moroz (the Ice Grandfather).

Spain Christmas period starts on the 22nd of December with the traditional Lottery Draw. Two days after, on the 24th of December, Christmas Eve is celebrated with a family dinner. The following day, the 25th of December, Christmas officially starts. The typical food eaten on this day includes lamb, stuffed turkey and desserts such as polvorón (a type of shortbread biscuit) or turrón (a type of nougat). It’s a day spent with family and friends. And when the end of the year arrives, and the clock strikes midnight, it’s traditional to eat 12 grapes, one with every chiming of the clock.

DECEMBER 2017

21

Indian News Queensland | HEALTH

Super Foods for Super health

E

ating healthy is one of the very best things you can do for your body and mind. The foods you choose to eat every day determine how you’ll feel that day. If you eat a variety of fresh, organic and raw foods, you’ll feel more energetic and even optimistic than when you ate poorly.

When you eat a kaleidoscope of different whole, raw foods, you’re giv-

ing your body the nutrients it needs to function and thrive. This is key for feeling good not just daily, but in the long run, too. If you put a lot of junk food in, don’t be surprised if you lack energy or get sick easily.

Eating healthy foods regularly, engaging in regular exercise will help to decrease stress and keep your joints fluid and mobile.

What are superfoods?

While there is no official definition for the term 'superfoods', natural foods that contain a high concentration of nutrients fall into the superfood category. These foods are believed to have health benefits beyond those of 'common' foods due to rich phytochemical and antioxidant content.

Antioxidants are known for their ability to fight against the harmful effects of free radicals, which damage DNA and cells, contributing to the process of ageing and the development of heart disease and cancer.

But purely focusing on antioxidants overshadows the broad array of other important nutrients that are found in many foods.

Supercharge your diet Snacking on a handful of berries or including a piece of broccoli with dinner may provide you with a range of antioxidants, but it's not going to provide everything you need for optimal health.

Becoming too fixated on one antioxidant or one nutrient in food can make you lose sight of a really important point: nutrients in one

food or a combination of foods can work together in synergy to benefit your health. Food synergy is a simple way to look at healthy eating: consume a variety of wholefoods each day for optimal health instead of the 'food of the moment'. Wholefood is food eaten in as near as possible to its natural state, with minimal processing.

1. Flaxseed: Also known as linseed, Flaxseed is one of the world’s best plant based sources of omega-3s. In addition, it is high in fibre, protein and is rich in antioxidants. The ingredients in Flaxseed may be beneficial for helping maintain heart health.

2. Berries: Various berries including goji berries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries are wonderful for the body due to their high levels of antioxidants per gram as well as the vitamins they contain 3. Chia Seeds: Native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. Especially high in Omega-3 fatty acids, they are most well-known for helping to reduce food cravings due to their high soluble fibre content.

4. Nuts: Packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, and vitamins and minerals, which makes them a great source for energy. Try activated nuts which have been soaked and then dried to increase their nutrient value.

5. Avocados: Naturally nutrientdense and contain healthy fats as well as dietary fibre. They contain almost 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients all beneficial to your diet.

6. Salmon: This fantastic fish is very high in Omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids and protein.

Omega-3 Fatty acids help in

supporting heart health. Omega-3s are also good for joint health and can improve the appearance of skin and hair.

Virgin Coconut Oil: Although coconut oil is largely a saturated fat, it’s made up of predominantly medium chain triglycerides which are believed to have many applications in healthy foods and skin care, as well as being a great source of energy.

Coconut oil also provides cosmetic benefits and can be used as a moisturiser for both skin and hair.

Beans: An easy way to pack protein into your diet! Beans are beneficial to people who might want to omit meat from their diet without sacrificing the body’s protein levels. They are also high in fibre for healthy cholesterol levels and to help maintain bowel health.

Maca Powder: A root found in Peru that has been consumed for thousands of years. Most commonly found in a powder form, Maca Powder has traditionally been used to improve energy and stamina.

Acai: The berries from the Acai Tree, a specific type of palm tree indigenous to the Amazon rainforest. These berries are loaded with antioxidants, amino acids and omega fatty acids.

Antioxidants are thought to be able to defend cells against free radical damage.

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DECEMBER 2017

22

Indian News Queensland | BUSINESS & FINANCE

What are the major differences between home loan lenders?

A

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ustralian financial institutions include banks, credit unions and building societies, as well as non-bank lenders. All these financial groups offer home loans.

But, they are very different to each other in other ways.

religion

Banks Australian banks, including the ‘Big Four’ – ANZ, CommBank, NAB and Westpac – are the major lenders in the mortgage market. In fact, according to data, the CommBank and Westpac hold some 50% of Australian home loans.

Most Australian banks are wellestablished. Plus, they offer a wide range of financial products such as credit cards, savings accounts and mortgages.

The advantages of using a bank are: • This type of financial institution offers a range of lending products to suit a variety of situations.

• Added security, with banks adhering to the Consumer Credit Code and regulated by the Australian Prudential regulation Authority (APRA).

However, banks may not offer the most affordable options when it comes to home loans. Therefore, it pays to shop around and compare lenders. You may also find that you don’t receive a personalised customer service from a bank. So, if you’re seeking better service, then you may wish to look elsewhere.

Building Societies and Credit Unions While building societies and credit unions are very different to banks, these fall under bank lenders. This classification applies to these institutions as they are Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions regulated

by APRA. So, how are they different to banks?

These lending institutions are: • Share based rather than publicly-listed – Run to generate a profit for shareholders, credit unions and building societies are member-orientated. So, rather than passing out profits to shareholders, these financial institutions pass their profits on to members. These offers often include better interest rates and lower fees.

• Member orientated – With a customer ownership structure, building societies and credit unions require member-

•

ship before you can take out a loan. Some building societies and credit unions charge a fee for membership, while others don’t. So, be sure to ask about charges before signing-up.

More personalised – Offering a broad range of home loan products, building societies and credit unions have competitive rates. Plus, their service is more customer-centric with reduced fees.

Non-Bank Lenders Non-banks lenders are those without a banking license. These lenders offer home loans, but don’t fall under the same classification as banks, credit unions and building societies.

Other differences include: • Private ownership – Non-bank lenders have private ownership.

Therefore, they offer competitive interest rates and fees in comparison to larger lenders.

• Security – While APRA regulates banks, the Australian Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates non-bank lenders. Plus, they must also abide by the Consumer Credit Code. So, while these are different regulators to that of banks it is still safe to borrow from non-bank lenders.

• Lending criteria – Due to ASIC regulating non-bank lenders, they have simpler lending criteria. Thus, it is easier to get a home loan with these lenders.

• Tailored loans – With a different lending criterion comes a broader selection of home loan choices.

These home loans can be personalised to meet specific requirements with niche-market loans.

Which is the Right Lender for Me? To find the right home loan for you, compare various lending groups to each other. Look at bank, building society and credit union loans, as well as non-bank loans. Compare interest rates, features, fees and customer services. Then, decide which fits your needs the best. Just remember that cheapest is not always ideal.

Also, make sure you look at your needs and circumstances.

Do you want to know more about bank, building society, credit union and non-bank home loans? Then contact us, we can help you find out if you’re eligible. We also have access to 100’s of home loan products. So, we’ll find you the right mortgage.

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Indian News Queensland | BOOKS & LITERATURE

11 Indian books you would want to read!

O

ne of life’s greatest pleasures is opening a good book for the first time and not putting it down until you’ve excavated everything inside of it. However not all books live up to the expectations of the readers. And there will always be books that establish themselves in due course of time. India has a unique literary history and tradition that extends beyond 3,000 years. Indian English literature may have a relatively shorter history, but is nonetheless rich with award-winning and critically acclaimed masterpieces no book lover should miss out on.

If you have a flight coming up or a long commute to work, one of these 10 Indian books might be a great new companion.

The White Tiger Arvind Adiga’s Booker Prize 2008 winning debut novel was widely acclaimed for its refreshing take on social class disparities and contradictions in contemporary India. The book is a thrilling first person narrative told from the perspective of Balram Halwai, a poor young man from a poverty stricken small village who moves to Delhi to work as a chauffeur for the elite.

Palace of Illusions Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s awardwinning novel retells the Hindu mythological epic Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi, its lead female character. Draupadi or Panchaali is famous for having married all five of the Pandava brothers – the protagonists of the Mahabharata – and is an ever present, central character through their journey into exile and war. However, little is told from her perspective or about her motives and thoughts in the original epic, which Divakaruni tactfully reclaims in Palace of Illusions.

A Long Dream of Home Siddhartha Gigoo and Varad Sharma ‘s “A Long Dream of Home: The Persecution, Exodus and Exile of Kashmiri Pandits”, published by Bloomsbury India, memoirs in this anthology belong to four generations, who share their stories about the re-discovery of their past, their ancestry, culture, and roots and the moorings. Twenty-five years ago, in the winter of 1990, about four hundred thousand Pandits of Kashmir were forced to leave Kashmir, their homeland, to save their lives when militancy erupted there. A must read to know and understand what happened in one of the most beautiful part of India.

Nectar in a Sieve Acclaimed author Kamala Markandaya’s debut novel, Nectar in a Sieve, is the story of rapidly changing mid-20th century India, told from the perspective of Rukhmani, a woman from rural and impoverished India. From her arranged to marriage to Nathan, a farmer, to the changes brought about by the advent of a large tannery into their village, the novel covers a rich range of subjects with uniquely gripping prose.

Great Indian Novel This satirical novel by Shashi Tharoor recreates the Hindu epic, Mahabharata, within the context of the Indian Independence Movement and its following decades, to become one of the most exciting reads in contemporary Indian literature. Recasting figures from India’s freedom struggle and politics, as mythological characters from a 2,000-year-old epic, Tharoor’s work is a powerful read regardless of how familiar you are with the country.

Train to Pakistan This historical novel by Khushwant Singh was widely revered during its release in 1956, for bringing a human perspective to the partition of British India, into India and Pakistan. While most accounts of the partition at the time primarily focused on political aspects, Singh recounted the event in terms of human loss and horror. Train to Pakistan is an essential read for anyone looking to explore Indian literature or history.

The Last Song of Dusk Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi’s Man Asian Prize shortlisted debut novel tells the story of Anuradha, who in 1920’s moves to Bombay from Udaipur to marry Vardhmaan. The novel follows their blossoming marriage through its highs and lows and is a tale of fate that will haunt your heart like an old and beloved song.

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The Guide R.K. Narayan is among the most read and celebrated authors in Indian literature. Based on the famous fictional town of Malgudi in South India, “The Guide” follows the story of a Railway Raju, a corrupt tour guide and the odd sequence of events which go on to make him a spiritual guide and eventually a revered holy man in the country.

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God of Small Things The Booker Prize winning debut novel by Arundhati Roy tells the story of a family in 1960s Kerala.

Delving deep into a range of issues from the caste system to the state’s encounters with communism, the story follows two fraternal twins, their parents and extended family as they navigate life in this highly acclaimed work by the famous activist and writer.

A Fine Balance Set in 1975, against the backdrop of the central government declaring a State of Emergency throughout India, Rohinton Mistry’s literary masterpiece tells the story of four strangers from different walks of life. Shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1996, this book is a gripping account of political, social and economic forces that drove India through the later 20th-century to its current form.

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A Suitable Boy Vikram Seth’s acclaimed work follows the story of four families in newly independent and post-partition India. Primarily revolving around the journey of Mrs. Rupa Mehra to find ‘a suitable boy’ for marriage to her daughter, the book meditates on a range of issues from postpartition politics, Hindu-Muslim strife, caste and class tensions to changing family relation. At 1,349 pages, Seth’s work is among the longest English language novels published in a single volume.

DECEMBER 2017

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Indian News Queensland | ACHIEVEMENTS

Nobel Prize Karnataka student Winner of 1983: develops tool to protect S Chandrasekhar small businesses

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Karnataka student with his team at the Edith Cowan University (ECU), Australia, has developed a sophisticated early warning system to protect small businesses vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Kashyap Vijay, who hails from Karnataka, is part of a five-member team at the Edith Cowan Security Research Institute in Perth that worked on the project to develop the tool, a release here said. Termed as 'honeypots', the Modern HoneyPi network is a defensive tool which

Nobel Prize Winner of 1983: S Chandrasekhar

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hy did Google honours him with a doodle on 19th Oct 2017?

The animated Google Doodle in S Chandrasekhar’s honour illustrate what the search giants call "the most important of all of S. Chandrasekhar's contributions to our understanding of stars and their evolution".

Chandrasekhar was widely known as the Chandrasekhar limit which is his calculation of the maximum mass of a stable white dwarf star he had discovered at an early age of 19.

Who was S. Chandrasekhar?

Subramanian Chandrasekhar was born in Lahore, the then part of British India, to a Tamil family on October 19, 1910. A child prodigy, Chandrasekhar published his first paper and developed his theory of star evolution at an age of 20.

At 26, Chandrasekhar was recruited as a deputy Professor by the University of Chicago, where he spent the rest of his career. Though his theories and equations on the structure and evolution of stars were initially met with scepticism, they received wide acclaim later on.

During World War II, he performed research for the US Army He was also invited to join the Manhattan Project which was involved in the production of the world's first nuclear bomb. However, Chandrasekhar could not contribute over delays in the project.

His achievements: In 1944, at the age of 34, he was elected into the prestigious Royal Society of London, just one of the dizzying array of honours he received during his lifetime. When Chandrasekhar was 43, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society.

At 56, he was awarded with the Na-

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tional Medal of Science for his contributions to stellar astronomy, physics and applied mathematics. He was also honoured with the Draper Medal from the US National Academy of Science for demonstrating unparalleled leadership major contributions to the field of astrophysics.

In his book, Truth and Beauty, he offered his advice to aspiring scientists. While describing the role of scientists, he said, "What a scientist tries to do essentially is to select a certain domain, a certain aspect, or a certain detail, and see if that takes its appropriate place in a general scheme which has form and coherence; and, if not, to seek further information which would help him to do that."

However, Chandrasekhar’s most decorated achievement is undoubtedly the Nobel Prize in Physics, which he won in 1983 alongside William A. Fowler for his theoretical studies on the physical processes in the structure and evolution of the stars.

In his autobiographical sketch for the Nobel Prize ceremony, he described what motivated his scientific quest. He reminisced, "When, after some years of study, I feel that I have accumulated a sufficient body of knowledge and achieved a view of my own, I have the urge to present my point of view, ab initio, in a coherent account with order, form, and structure".

The decorated astrophysicist died of a heart attack at the University of Chicago hospital at the age of 84.The forgotten world scientist’s extraordinary life will serve as an example for budding scientists for years to come.

can be used by cyber security professionals to gather intelligence and monitor attacks aimed at their organization, it said. They are connected to a company's network looking like a high-value target for cybercriminals, but they actually collect data about possible attacks, it said.

The release said they can also be connected to an internal network, for devices which have been compromised. The early warning lets cyber security professionals act as soon as criminal activity is detected and hopefully put a stop to any attack.

The data collected on potential cyber-attacks is also shared with law-enforcement and intelligence services, the release said.

"The Honeypot-pi system comes at a fraction of the price of employing a trained cyber security professional," Vijay Kashyap, Research Assistant, ECU Security Research Institute.

The project was part of a work on integrated learning placement for a group of students studying in ECU's cyber security program. The group is already in discussions with potential investors about commercializing their project, the release added.

Miss India Manushi Chillar crowned as Miss World 2017

Manushi Chillar

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0-year-old Indian Medical Student Manushi Chhillar was crowned Miss World title 2017 in the 67th edition of the pageant which occurred in Sanya, China. Around 126 women across globe took part in pageant.

Manushi is the sixth Indian winner of the contest. Reita Faria was the first Indian woman to win the title in 1966, then Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 1994, Diana Haydon in 1997, Yukta Mookhey in 1999 and Quantico star Priyanka Chopra in the year 2000.

She hails from the state of Haryana and won the Miss World crown after 17-year dry spell for India in the pageant. Her win brings India level with Venezuela as the countries with most victories in the history of the pageant. In the question-andanswer round after she was shortlisted among the top five, Manushi was asked: "Which profession deserves the highest salary and why?"

She said a mother deserves it most.

Manushi is a trained Indian classical dancer, enjoys painting and hopes to open a chain of non-profit hospitals in rural areas.

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The young medical student’s success quickly became a trending topic on Twitter as people came out to congratulate her win including Super Star Amitabh Bachchan, former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, Former Miss World Priyanka Chopra and Cricketer Virat Kohli.

Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was announced the first runner up, while Miss England Stephanie Hill was declared the second runner up at the event.

DECEMBER 2017

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Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

SRI SELVA VINAYAKAR KOYIL (GANESHA TEMPLE) BRISBANE (South Maclean)

Newsletter 131-3 Maarkali/ Pausha Month (mid-December 2017 to mid-January 2018) Festivals Dear Sri Selva Vinayaka devotees, Hindu Ahlaya Sangam Qld Inc (HASQ) cordially invites you to Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple Brisbane (South Maclean) for Maarkali / Pausha Month Festivals.

Maarkali Maasa Pirappu (Pausha month starts) on Saturday 16 December 2017 Aanjaneya Jayanthy /Sri Lalitha Sahastranama Stotram Chanting on Sunday 17 December 2017 Chathurthi Viratham on Friday 22 December 2017 Sri AyyapaSwamy Thanu Rasi Masa Abishekam on Saturday 23 December 2017 Vinayaka Shashti / Kajamuha Samhaaram / Thiruvembavai starts on Sunday 24 December 2017 Vaikunta Ekathasi on Friday 29 December 2017 Sani Pirathosha Viratham on Saturday 30 December 2017 Full moon/ & Sathya Narayanar Poojai on Monday 01 January 2018 Natesar Abishekam / Aaruthra Tharisanam on Tuesday 02 January 2018 Sankatahara Chathurthi /Monthly Bajans on Friday 05 January 2018 Sri Vishnu Sahastranamam & Paaraayanam on Sunday 07 January 2018 Visit Brisbane Sri Selva Vinayakar (Ganesha) Temple and get the Blessing of Lord Ganesha.

For further information please contact our Temple on 07 5547 7302 or the president Mr: M.Surendra on Mobile-0407-753991

Temple Website: http://www.sriselvavinayakar.org Follow us on (click the icons): 4915-4923, Mt Lindesay Highway, South Maclean, Queensland-4280, Australia, Phone: +61 7 5547 7302

SWAMIE SARANAMAYYAPPA

Dear Devotees, For the past few years we have been doing the AYYAPPA POOJA in Brisbane and with your support and grace it has been progressing successfully. This year we have decided to do the Pooja on 16th Dec. (free entry) and the details are as follows: Date: 16th Dec. 2017 (Saturday) Pooja Time: 5.00pm to 8.30pm. Dinner/prasadam will be served from 8.30pm onwards.

Venue: Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School Hall - 9 Hurdcotte Street, Enoggera, QLD 4051 (Entry from Southpine Road and Hurdcotte Street) We kindly request you all to attend the pooja with your family and friends to get blessings from Lord SWAMI AYYAPPAN. Please forward the flyer to your friends as well.

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DECEMBER 2017

26

Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

ECCQ present 1st annual

Ellalan cup 2017

Ttournament 1

16 teams

Entry fee

400$

Registration open now

Date: December 24 to 31 1st price

2nd price

1500$ + trophy

750$ + trophy

For Further Information

mr. Ruban ph: 0406454184 mr. Muky ph: 0433269188

Indywood Film Carnival 2017

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ndywood is organizing the third edition of prestigious Indywood Film Carnival 2017 (www.indywood.co.in) at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad from December 1 - 4, 2017.We are sharing below the event details provided by the organizers for your reference.

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For three years, the Indywood Film Carnival has been a platform to meet, connect and showcase the best of Bharat’s numerous film industries with national and international stakeholders of cinema. It is where film makers, production houses, technology providers and aspiring artists converge to make the dream

of a unified Bhartiya film industry a reality.

The event shall comprise of the All Lights India International Film Festival (ALIIFF), Indywood Film Market, Indywood Talent Hunt and an array of Excellence Awards.

Indywood Film Carnival is a representative platform for showcasing

the entire gamut of cinema making, ranging from pre-production to skill development, production, technical support, post-production, distribution, marketing and release, among others.

Mr. Sohan Roy and Indywood Team will be delighted to have your presence at the event.

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Please register for this carnival at: http://www.ifm.co.in/registerdelegate For any further information you may please contact Shri Mukesh M Nair at +91 9539009983 /+91 9846094947.

DECEMBER 2017

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Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

10 Bollywood cult classic films you cannot miss!

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cult film is one that may or may not have achieved commercial success, has a small to medium devout fan following, mostly made on a low budget. We have seen that in Hollywood as well, several movies like ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, ‘Fight Club’ and so many more. Bollywood too has some movies which, though they flopped at the Box Office initially, acquired a loyal fanbase and are now regarded as some of the greatest movies to have ever come out.

Andaz Apna Apna (1994) Probably the favorite comedy film (now) of majority of movie lovers across India, no one’s really sure why this awesome comic caper was a box-office disaster way back in 1994. But years after its release, this Aamir – Salman starrer is undoubtedly the most loved cult movie, played innumerable times on cable, laptops and DVDs. Enough said already, everyone now knows about AAA.

Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) With an ensemble cast of Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapur, Satish Shah, Satish Kaushik, Neena Gupta, Bhakti Barve and Ravi Baswani, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro is a dark satire on our corrupt political system and media. Who can possibly not enjoy the situational comedy during the “Draupadi Cheer Haran” scene from the movie? Who knows who played the role of Dushasana in this movie?

Shaan (1980) Shaan gave us one of the most unforgettable villains of Bollywood: the bald, sadistic Shakaal, played to perfection by Kulbhushan Kharbanda, who sent shivers down our spines every time he said, " Mera naam Shakaal! " The character was based on James Bond villain, Blofeld. Kharbanda even received a Filmfare Award for this role. Besides the many flavours of a typical Bollywood blockbuster, Shaan was also equipped with a great soundtrack featuring evergreen hits like Yamma yamma and Pyaar Karne Waale. And yet it bombed at the Box Office, because it was expected to match up to Sippy's earlier film, Sholay. Only much later did people see Shaan for its own merit and then, there was no denying it was a gem.

Lamhe (1991) On the occasion of the Centenary of Indian Cinema in 2013, Lamhe featured among the Top Ten Romantic Movies of 100 years. Yash Chopra has called Lamhe his personal favourite. Sridevi's double role in Lamhe won a her Filmfare Award and it is widely considered her best performance. The movie did well in UK, but was not received well in India due to a theme that was considered subtly incestuous. That changed in time with people's mindsets, and Lamhe went on to become a classic.

Gunda (1998) Gunda, starring Mithun-da & directed by the “great” Kanti Shah is so bad that it’s good. A fellow wiser than we rightly said, “There are three kinds of movies in this world. Good, Bad & Gunda” – Ancient Chinese Proverb.

Who can forget those rhyming monologues, those nonsensical dialogues and wait a sec, the acting (or the lack of it).

The Angrez (2006) The Angrez was a trend-setter in portraying the local dialect of the Old City, Hyderabad, colloquially referred to as the ‘Hyderabadi’ language. The film revolves around Ismile Bhai (and gang) who goes berserk after two Angrez (NRI) ‘insulted’ him in his own area. The film has a distinct local flavor & the inanity of the plot leaves the viewer in splits.

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Silsila (1981) Everyone had very high expectations from Silsila. There are many reasons for this. For starters, it was loosely based on the real-life love triangle between the three lead characters, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri and Rekha, that was much talked about at that time. With songs like Neela aasmaan so gaya, Dekha ek khwaab, Yeh kahaan aa gaye hum and Rang barse, Silsila was one of the most romantic films from the Yash Raj banner. And yet it failed.

This was the last time Amitabh and Rekha would be seen onscreen together. It took some time, but Silsila found a way into people's hearts and stayed there, earning the status of cult film.

Pakeezah (1972) Upon its release, Pakeezah was declared a flop. One of the reasons for this was the long duration of 14 years it took for the film to complete. There's a melancholic beauty about the story of courtesans Nargis and Shahibjan, played by Meena Kumari in a double role, that was crafted to perfection by Kamal Amrohi. Meena Kumari is popularly known as the Tragedy Queen. Pakeezah was her last film. And ironically enough, she went to her grave knowing it to be a flop. It gained popularity because of her death, and went on to become an unforgettable Cult Classic. It's as though the world said its farewell to her by honoring her as the Tragedy Queen.

Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008) Oye Lucky! is undoubtedly Dibakar Banerjee's finest work. Based on the real life of renowned chor, Devinder Singh, the film's subject is very different from anything we have seen in a long time. Manjot Singh's stellar portrayal of a young Lucky growing up in a dysfunctional family won him a Critics' Award for Best Actor. The offbeat film got a very lukewarm response from audiences, but it has won a National Film Award and has a cult following amongst the youth.

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DECEMBER 2017

28

Indian News Queensland | CINEMA

Bollywood Movies Coming Soon

Middle Class Abbayi RELEASE DATE: 14/12/2017 MCA (Middle Class Abbayi) (English: MCA - Middle Class Boy) is an Indian Telugu-language film. It is directed by Venu Sree Raam and will be produced by Dil Raju under his banner Sri Venkateswara Creations. It will feature Nani and Sai Pallavi in the lead roles. Music will be composed by Devi Sri Prasad.

Velaikkaran RELEASE DATE:22/12/2017 Velaikkaran (English: The Worker) is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Mohan Raja. Featuring an ensemble cast including Sivakarthikeyan and Fahadh Faisal in the main lead.

The film has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander and cinematography by Ramji. Produced by R. D. Raja.

Tiger Zinda Hai RELEASE DATE: 22/12/2017 Tiger Zinda Hai (English: Tiger is Alive) is an upcoming Indian action film directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. The film stars Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Sajjad Delfrooz. And Angad Bedi, Kumud Mishra and Nawab Shah in supporting roles. It is the second in the franchise after 2012 Ek Tha Tiger and the second installment of Tiger film series. The film is based on the 2014 abduction of Indian nurses by ISIL.

Padmavati RELEASE DATE: Dec 2017 Padmavati is an Indian epic period drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, based on the epic poem Padmavat (1540) by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. The film features Deepika Padukone in the title role as Rani Padmavati, alongside Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji, with Aditi Rao Hydari and Jim Sarbh in supporting roles. The film is based on story of Alauddin Khilji, the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty and his obsessive love for the queen Mewar, Padmavati renowned for her beauty, intellect and courage.

Fukrey Returns RELEASE DATE: 15/12/2017 Fukrey Returns is an Indian buddy comedy film, directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The film is the sequel to 2013 film Fukrey.

Bhaskar Oru Rascal RELEASE DATE: 01/12/2017 Bhaskar Oru Rascal (Bhaskar is a rascal) is an Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film written and directed by Siddique. A remake of his own Malayalam film Bhaskar the Rascal (2015), the film features Arvind Swamy and Amala Paul in the lead roles, while Baby Nainika play supporting roles.

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DECEMBER 2017

29

Indian News Queensland | PHOTO FEATURE

Unveiling of war memorial for Australians of Indian heritage

Indian International Film Festival of Queensland (IIFFOQ)

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DECEMBER 2017

30

Indian News Queensland | PHOTO FEATURE

Kannada Rajyothsava And Deepavali 2017 by Kannada Sangha QLD

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DECEMBER 2017

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Indian News Queensland | Dec 2017 Vol 1 Issue 3

www.indiannewsqld.com.au CS819 Ticketing IndianNewsQLD.indd

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DECEMBER 2017 20/11/2017 4:14:40 PM