Indian News Queensland September Issue 12 Vol 1

Connecting Indian community Email: info@indiannewsqld.com.au Web: www.indiannewsqld.com.au Phone: 1300 859 066

FREE COPY

SEPTEMBER 2018 Vol 1 Issue 12

Australian Indians proudly celebrate 72nd Independence Day of India!

PAGE 12 Community Walk for Noble Cause

PAGE 13 Senior Week Celebrations

L: Indian High Commissioner to Australia Dr. Ajay Gondane hoists the National Flag at India House Canberra ...continued on Page 3 - 6 R: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls flag & addresses nation from ramparts of Red Fort, New Delhi on 72nd Independence Day.

GET

FREE

TIER

1

LS

PANE

QUOTE TODAY!

SOLAR SALE 6.6kW Tier 1 Solar System Package 24 x 275w High Efciency Solar Panels Massive 5kw Inverter (With Wi Tracking Apps) Includes Installation by accredited installer

SOLA MINE

Working For The Betterment

ONLY

$3799

Call Now : 1300

www.solarminer.com.au

contact@solarminer.com.au

ASIAN AFRICAN

285 885

*Terms & conditions apply, price valid with standard single storey pitched roof (Tile roof $300 extra) in 80 km from Brisbane CBD Only. Offer available until stocks last. Prices includes GST, Subject to approval from power distributor.

Electrical contractor License No: 78962.

ISLAND GROCERIES

07 3162 4318

Email: Indianspiceshopaspley@gmail.com

1349 - 1351 GYMPIE RD ASPLEY - 4034 Mon - Sat 9.00am - 8.00pm Sunday - Closed

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

1

Indian News Queensland | PUBLISHER’S WORDS

PUBLISHER Dr. Ram Mohan info@indiannewsqld.com.au Phone: 1 300 859 066 EDITOR Susmy Nair DESIGNER Tsai Min-Yi PHOTOS Credited FOR ENQUIRIES Contact Dr Ram Mohan info@indiannewsqld.com.au

From the INQ Team

Dear Readers, August was truly a multicultural month with many events. The Australian Indians celebrated Indian Independence Day with fervor.

It was great to see the Indian community come together for raising funds for Kerala Flood relief & Queensland drought. It is important for all of us to stand together during such times to help and contribute to society. Also, the multicultural awards raised the spirit of Queenslanders. Let us look forward to a colorful September!!

To add to it, and to run a quality newspaper, more time, effort and lot more resources are needed. We are counting on your support, along with that of our valuable advertisers, as it truly matters for the future of INQ. We promise to continue our mission of “Connecting Indian Community” and remain committed to providing you news and information when and where you want it of our Indian community. Also, if you have an interest in writing articles, proofreading or copy- editing kindly contact us. On behalf of all of us at Indian News Queensland, wishing all a very Happy Janmashtami, Teej and Ganesh Chaturthi!

Thank you for your continued support.

INQ Available @ Your Nearest Store City Brisbane

DISTRIBUTION Star Promotions Indian News Queensland Unit 49, 391, WICKHAM TERRACE, Ground Floor, Spring Hill, Brisbane, QLD – 4000 Web: www.indiannewsqld.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/IndianNews-Queensland

Gold Coast

Toowoomba Townsville

Cairns Central QLD Bundaberg Sunshine Coast

Stores Mirch masala Delights of Paradise Swades Foods Bombay bliss Sami Import & Exports Global Convenience Store KKN Spices Goa Indian Fusion Rasoi master Spice World Indian Grocery The Chilli Spice Curryhub Indian Aroma Townsville Indian Groceries Cairn Indian Groceries Flavourin, Rockhampton Roshni Indian Restaurant, Mackay Nilima Indian Restaurant Krishna Spice

ADVERTISEMENT

Nanny/Child Carer Required Looking for a nanny to help with 2.5 year old boy and 8 month old girl in Yeronga Suberb of Brisbane. The job is for for full-time, and exact hours will be discussed. Role will include cooking and some household chores.

Fluency in English, Qld driver’s licence, and child care experience are preferable.

Please phone 0411035673 for an interview.

1300 853 435 NEW CBD LOCATION

YOUR PARTNER IN

ORDER NOW AND RECEIVE · free set up on orders over 100 · free professional artwork mock up

N

EW

W EB

SI

TE

S

PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE HEADWEAR

URBAN SNAP FLAT PEAK

391 WICKHAM TCE SPRING HILL QLD 4000 ONLY PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS SUPPIER IN BRISBANE CBD

Email us to register for our newsletter and receive a free catalogue and pen!

1300 853 435

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

starpromotions.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

sales@starpromotions.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2018

2

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

72nd Independence Day: Why 15 August is celebrated as Independence Day in India India proudly stood free from British rule on 15th August 1947and the Indian National Flag was hoisted for the first time by ourfirst Prime Minister of Independent India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, above the Lahori Gate of Red Fort in Delhi. Here are the flag hoisting events in Canberra & Brisbane.

T

he mere mention of this date, 15th August, fills our heart with immense pride and acknowledgment of the lives sacrificed during the course of the freedom movement. We owe this freedom to our valiant freedom fighters who didn't hesitate for once to give up their lives, just so their future generations can breathe the free air of India.

As India proudly celebrates its 72nd Independence Day on August 15, countrymen in the country and rest of the world would cherish the idea of oneness and remember the sacrifices that freedom fighters made during their struggle against the mighty British empire. India got Independence after separation of India into two nations. Now the past is history and what remains is the glory of India’s struggle. August 15 is the day when India celebrates the day of its sovereignty from Britishers, but why was this particular date chosen as the day for this historical event? Here are the events that suggest the relevance of this day.

The British Parliament passed the

Indian Independence Act on July 5, 1947. It provided for two dominions states: India and Pakistan. King of Britain was retained as the head of the state until full transition to Republic state. The partition was painful, and it created a rift on the lines of religion. Riots and mass casualties were the most unfortunate outcomes of the two-nation principle. However, the two nations were a reality.

It was in 1929 when Jawaharlal Nehru gave a call for ‘Poorna Swaraj’, meaning complete independence from colonial rule. January 26 was chosen as the Independence Day and the Congress party even celebrated it from 1930 onwards till India’s independence.

However, August 15 became the Independence Day, the reason was the last Viceroy of India, Mountbatten. He was given the powers and mandate by the British parliament to transfer the power to Indians by June 30, 1948. However, August 15, 1947 was declared by the Britishers the day of end of British rule.

To this end, Mountbatten had said

Flag Hoisted at India‘s Independance Day Celebrations in Taringa Brisbane

that he was ensuring that there will be no bloodshed or riot. However, what happened in August 1947 is a recorded history, which proved Mountbatten wrong.

The Indian Independence Act which was passed by the British parliament was based upon the Mountbatten plan of June 3, 1947.

The Act clearly mentioned the date of independence, August 15, 1947.

However, there is another important event that is linked to the date chosen by Mountbatten for Indian independence. On August 15, 1945, Japan announced the surrender to the Allies. Mountbatten remembered the day when he was hearing the news of the surrender along with Winston Churchill in latter’s room. Therefore, this date became symbolically significant for the Britishers.

As quoted in Freedom at Midnight, Mountbatten said, “The date I chose came out of the blue. I chose it in reply to a question. I was determined to show I was master of the whole event. When they asked had we set a date, I knew it had to be soon. I had not worked it out exactly then-I thought it had to be about August or September and I then out to the 15th August. Why? Because it was the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender.”

The statement of Mountbatten clearly underscored his discretion to choose the date, which became more important to India as it was the question of independence from over 200 years of colonial rule.

Indian Independance Celebrations in Canberra

Indian Associations Head of all Australian states get together in Canberra for Flag hoisting

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Indian High Commissioner to Australia Dr. Ajay Gondane hoisting the National Flag on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day at India House

Indian Honorary Consulate Brisbane Mrs. Archana Singh at the flag Hoisting Ceremony on 15th August at Taringa

Indian Independance Celebrations in Canberra

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

3

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Celebrating India’s 72nd Independence Day at India Day Fair celebrations in Brisbane Photo courtesy: Krishna Chandra

Dignataries at the event

B

risbane got to spend a day as a part of one celebrating Indian culture and Indian Independence with Parades, Dancing, Music, Food and much more at India Day Fair, a yearly event organized by GOPIO Queensland. This year it was celebrated on 18th August 2018 at Roma street parklands celebrating India’s Independence Day and cherishing Indian roots.

The Days Program started with Bhajans (songs to bless the day), Children's & Classical dances and A Children’s fancy dress parade. It was followed by The Formal Ceremony of Flag raising, Singing the Indian & Australian national anthems, Speeches and Lifetime achievement awards ceremony.

The Day’s Activities were Folk dances from different regions of India, Traditional displays of costumes & dance, Kathak dances, Indian Traditional Songs, Kid's corner & face painting, Henna art, lots of food, sweets and drinks to try, Parade of Businesses, Community groups & Clubs.

The Show Stopper of the show was Pradeep Sran. At 6.00 p.m. the popular Indian singer entertained the crowd till 8. 30 p.m. post which the Fireworks display closed out the day's festivities.

All the performances throughout the day were all very high caliber and the stage was very well managed. The India Day parade had a longer run this year and he VIP reception in Sunset glade saw all Indian community leaders and key dignitaries being a part of it.

A variety of food stalls did roaring trade with customers lining up to be served. The venue has uneven surface which makes it very challenging. The stall holder’s benefit from the limited space available for stalls means less competition for them.

The grand finale fireworks were once again spectacular and well managed.

The event was supported by many local performers and volunteers.

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) is a nonpartisan, secular global organization engaged in promoting the well-being of people of Indian origin and enhancing cooperation and communication between Indian Diaspora around the world.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk speaking at the event

Hon. Minister Grace Grace speaking at the event

Team D4Dance performed Fusion at India Day Fair

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Chenda Melam (Drum roll) at the parade

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

4

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Vibrant Cultural India show, performed at India Day Fair

Classical Kathak Performance

Traditional Punjabi Dance at the event

GOPIO President Vinita Khushal and Business Council Chair Umesh Chandra with Host Kumud Irani

Vibrant Cultural India show performance at India Day Fair

I

Indian Independence Day Celebration Australians of Indian Heritage War Memorial Committee (AIHWMC)

ndia achieved independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947.

For the first time, AIHWMC celebrated India’s Independence day on Saturday, 18 August 2018 from 9.00 to 10.00am 19 Gager St, RSL Sub-branch, Sunnybank Qld to pay respects to the fallen Australian Soldiers of Indian Heritage (monument pictured below).

Several members of AIHWM such as Surendra Prasad (pictured be-

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

low), Dr Naidu Bodapati, Cr Kym Marx, Parnam Singh, Shyam Das, and Harry Claassen attended the ceremony. Other invited guests include Dr Ram Mohan, Anoop Nannuru, and Prof Prasad Yarlagadda from the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland, and Hugh Poulsen from RSL Sunny Bank Sub-branch. Indian women was represented by Dr Renuka Bodapati, and Indian children was represented by Ritya Nannuru.

The National Anthems of Australia

and India was played, a short prayer was performed from a Sikh priest, followed by laying of the Wreath.

Surendra Prasad spoke on the sacrifices of millions of Indians in the freedom fight, led by Mahatma Gandhi.

The committee decided to celebrate Indian Independence Day each year at a grander scale from next year.

Written by Dr. Naidu Bodapati, Public Relations Officer and Secretary, AIHWM Committee.

R-L Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda Naidu Bodapati Surendra Prasad OAM Shyamdas Dr. RamMohan & Dr. Renuka

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

5

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Independence Day 2018 HIGHLIGHTS: PM Modi announces healthcare scheme Ayushman Bharat, roll-out on Sept 25 This was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fifth and final Independence Day 2018 speech from the ramparts of Red Fort during his current tenure.

Indian Prime Minister at the event n his fifth and final address in the current tenure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of the NDA government in the last four years – Swachch Bharat, PMFBY, Mudra loans, GST. During the address, he also announced his flagship health policy –Aayuhmaan Bharat from the Red Fort. The ambitious Ayushman Bharat or National Health Protection Scheme aims to cover over 10 crore vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) and provide health cover up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. The scheme will be rolled out on September 25, on the occasion of Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s anniversary.

Referring to the torrential rainfall in Kerala, PM Modi said, “My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives due to floods in various parts of India.”

Modi began by congratulating the all-women INS Tarini team for circumnavigating the globe and paying tribute to freedom fighters and the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He said the recently concluded monsoon session of Parliament focused on social justice. Taking a jibe at the UPA government, Modi also added that the pace of development fasttracked in the past four years. Modi also announced the much-demanded permanent commission for women in armed forces. So far women were given short service commission in Army, Navy and Air Force.

Ahead of his speech, PM Modi unfurled the Tricolour and inspected the Guard of Honour. Also present at Red Fort were Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, LK Advani among other political leaders.

I

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Top quotes from PM Modi's speech at Red Fort: 1) On successful Parliament session: The recently concluded Parliament session was one devoted to social justice. The Parliament session witnessed the passage of the Bill to create an OBC Commission. Our Parliament has brought justice to the country.

Dalits, women and other weak sections of the society have been empowered: PM 2) On pace of nation's growth: We are proud of what we have achieved and at the same time, we also have to look at where we have come from. That is when we will realised the remarkable strides the nation has made. In 2014, the nation did not stop at electing the government.

The nation took on the task of nation building. If we had continued at the pace maintained till 2013 then it would have taken us 100 years to get where we have reached. The country is the same, but we are witnessing a power of development today. Construction of highways, agricultural products, building up of institutions, etc. have given a new direction to the nation: PM 3) On MSP, GST, OROP: The demand for higher MSP was pending for years. From farmers to political parties to agriculture experts, everybody was asking about it but nothing happened. With the blessings of the farmers, the decision on MSP was taken by our Government: PM Who did not want the passage of the GST, yet it was pending for years? Last year GST became a reality. I want to thank the business community for the success of the GST: PM The OROP demand was pending

for decades. The people of India, our brave army personnel had faith in us and we were able to take a decision on OROP.We will always take decisions in the interests of our nation: PM 4) On Indian economy at world stage: From being seen as among the fragile five, India is now the land of reform, perform and transform. We are poised for record economic growth.

India's voice is being heard effectively at the world stage. We are integral parts of forums whose doors were earlier closed for us: PM The discourse about India's economy has changed from Red Tape to Red Carpet, reform delays and policy paralysis have given way to reform, perform and transform: PM 5) On India's strides in scientific community and new manned mission: India is proud of our scientists, who are excelling in their research and are at the forefront of innovation. In the year 2022 or if possible before, India will unfurl the Tricolour in space.

By 2022, we aim to send an Indian, boy or girl, to space. Before India celebrates 75h Independence Day, an Indian will unfurl Tricolour in space. they will travel aboard an Indian space mission, built by Indian scientists: PM 6) On success of schemes under NDA govt's flagship schemes and future targets: With a 'Beej Se Bazar Tak' approach, we are bringing remarkable changes in the agriculture sector. The aim is to double farmer incomes by 2022: PM As important as economic growth is dignity of the individual. Initiatives such as Ujjwala and Saubhagya Yojana are enhancing the dignity of fellow Indians: PM

Due to Swachh Bharat mission, lakhs of children can lead healthier lives.

Even the @WHO has lauded the movement. Mahatma Gandhi led the Satyagrahis to freedom. Today, the Swachhagrahis have to ensure a Swachh Bharat: PM 7) On his fight against corruption and black money: The honest taxpayer of India has a major role in the progress of the nation.

It is due to them that so many people are fed, the lives of the poor are transformed. Credit of social schemes goes to honest tax payers. When the honest tax payer has a meal, his tax is feeding three poor families and it's credit goes to them: PM The rumors being spread about not paying tax payers hamper nation's development. Your tax is being used for nation's development, and we stand here to make sure that it is not wasted on corrupt practices and to benefit people with vested interests: PM We will not spare the corrupt and those who stashed black money. They have ruined the country. Delhi's streets are now free from power brokers. From the voice of power brokers, the voice of the poor is heard: PM 8) On Armed forces and AFSPA: On behalf of the people of India, I bow to all those great women and men who sacrificed themselves for the nation during the freedom movement: PM On one hand our armed forces help Indians during natural calamities, they also carry out surgical strikes on the enemy: PM I am happy to announce today from Red Fort that from now onwards women personnel recruited through short service commission to be given permanent commission like men in armed forces: PM

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

9) On India's daughters - progress, security and Triple Talaq: We are proudly celebrating Independence Day today as six women officers of the Indian Navy, circumnavigated the globe recently (on INSV Tarini): PM I am proud of the fact that three women judges in Supreme Court are delivering justice. Since independence, this is the first cabinet where so many women are a part of the cabinet: PM Incidents of rape are painful for the victim, but the nation must feel rape victim's pain a thousand times over.

There is a need to expedite the justice in rape cases. We have to free our society and country from the mentality of rape. Recently in Madhya Pradesh a rapist was hanged by fast track court.

We should spread this news and make people aware. Rule of law is supreme, no one can take law in their hands: PM The practice of Triple Talaq has caused great injustice among Muslim women. We are trying to end this practice but there are some people who are not wanting it to end. I ensure the Muslim women that I will work to ensure justice is done to them: PM 10) On internal security: There is a sense of international security in te country. I am happy to announce that due to continuous efforts of our armed forces the situation has come under control in sensitive regions and AFSPA has been removed form Tripura and Meghalaya. The Left-wing Naxalism has been reduced from 126 districts to just 90 districts.

In Kashmir, we have taken the path shown by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which is the correct path. We do not seek to walk the path of of bullets and abuses, but of peace and cooperation. In coming months, people in kashmiri villages will get a chance to elect their own panchayats: PM

SEPTEMBER 2018

6

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk hosts reception for QLD Multicultural Community

Q

ueensland Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk hosted a community reception for Queensland Multicultural community at the parliamentary annexure on Tuesday 7th August 2018. The event was attended by Multicultural Minister Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe, Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad and other ministers & MPs. Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk shared the importance of diversity and strength of multiculturism. She acknowledged the original custodians of the land and then shared how proud she is coming from a migrant family and talked about the initial struggles her father faced. She condemned the racist talks in media and asked all Queenslanders to stand up against racism. She congratulated all the award nominees before the photo sessions started.

L-R FICQ VP Srikar Reddy, President Dr. Ram Mohan, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk & Multicultural Minister Stirling Hinchliffe

2018 Queensland Multicultural Awards winners

T

he Queensland Multicultural Awards recognize the valuable contributions of Queenslanders who support and promote a united, harmonious and inclusive Queensland community.

The 2018 theme was, ‘Building a prosperous, fair and harmonious Queensland’.

2018 winners In 2018, a record-breaking 133 award submissions were received, and the government office shared that the calibre of nominees was inspiring.

The 2018 awards winners were announced at the Queensland Multicultural Awards gala lunch, held on Sunday 19 August at the Hilton Hotel, Brisbane.

• Outstanding Young Achiever, sponsored by IES College: Nkosana Mafico

• Outstanding Individual Achiever, sponsored by Queensland Rail: Faiza El-Higzi • Community award, sponsored by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services - QFES: Belong Community • Business award, sponsored by Commonwealth Bank: SBS Mandarin and Embodi Media (co-founded

by Journalist Amy Chien-Yu Wang) • Education, Training and Skills award, sponsored by Sarina Russo: Yeronga State High School • Government (local and state) award, sponsored by Telstra: QPAC • Multicultural Queensland Ambassador award, sponsored by QSuper Fund: Football Queensland • Minister’s Multicultural Award 2018: Townsville City Council’s Construction, Maintenance and Operations team

QMA 2018 Winners

Indian Community Leaders at the QMA event

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

7

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

QPS host community at Multi-Faith Dinner 2018

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart (3rd from Left) with Indian community guests at the event

O

ver 200 faith, cultural and community leaders once again graced South Brisbane’s Greek Club to attend the 12th Annual Queensland Police Service Multi-Faith Dinner on Thursday, August 16.

“This evening truly showcases the rich diversity within the Brisbane Region” Senior Police Liaison Officer Ken Rong said.

“Our faith, culture and community show no boundaries and this event continues to go strength to strength each year.”

The event featured several cultural performances, guest speakers and an inspiring keynote address by Harjit Singh, founder of Turbans & Trust.

Turbans and Trust is an initiative

started in 2012 to give people an opportunity to learn a little bit about the significance of a turban and to then to use it as a vehicle to open up a conversation about people, faith, difference and community.

“What we do is pretty simple. We tie turbans…for free!” Harjit said.

While the turban is a mandatory article of faith for a practising Sikh, it is also something held in high esteem by many others cultures.

Unfortunately due to certain events in the last decade, the turban has become an item associated with a threat, by some.

Sikhs, being the most prominent turban wearers around the world, have borne the brunt of the backlash that has ensued against the turban.

“Turbans and Trust hopes to turn that trend around, not just for Sikhs but for all people who are made to feel unwelcome because of what they wear,” Harjit explained.

“By unravelling the cloth together, we unravel preconceived notions.

We then tie a fresh new turban, together.”

Dr Brian Adams, the Director of the Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue once again shined as the Master of Ceremonies, alongside other speakers including the Police Commissioner, Ian Stewart APM, and the Minister for Police and Corrective Services, Mark Ryan.

Many thanks to all who attended this special event.

The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run 2018

This evening truly showcases the rich diversity within the Brisbane Region.

B

ridge to Brisbane is an annual long-distance fun run over a distance of 10-kilometre (6.2 mi) or 5-kilometre (3.1 mi) held in Brisbane in August.

The first race occurred in 1997 with fewer than 5000 entrants and each

year the event raises funds for charity. 2007 saw 24,350 runners participate. In 2018 the Bridge to Brisbane attracted a field of up to 30,000 runners. A total amount of $746,045 was raised with 2,347 Fundraisers.

Many members of Indian community were a part of the event.

Particpants at the event

Indian community participating in Bridge to Brisbane

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Bridge to Brisbane Start

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

8

Indian News Queensland | AD

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

9

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

New project launched to help family reunification and support emergency services In Case of Emergency

C

r Angela Owen has announced the launch of a community project to assist emergency services identify people in cases of car accidents and other emergencies, as well as assisting people from Non English Speaking Backgrounds be reunified with their families.

“Through the provision of funding from the Calamvale Ward Lord Mayor’s Suburban Initiative Fund to the Punjabi Welfare Association of Australia, a Pilot Project of 100 In Case of Emergency USBs are available for NESB elderly family members and people with medical conditions free of charge” said Cr Angela Owen.

“This is an important local community project as we have the most diverse multicultural community in the City of Brisbane here in Calamvale Ward.

“There have been a number of instances were elderly people from non English speaking backgrounds have become lost in the community

and they have had difficulty in communicating where they need to go home to and how family members can be contacted.

“Additionally this USB permits emergency services personnel to read a file which provides contact names and numbers for family members and can be easily updated if an address, a phone number or preferred contact person changes.

“For residents with medical conditions this USB can prove to be valuable as it allows emergency services personnel to ensure prompt recognition of any medical conditions and permit appropriate treatment.

‘As August is Dementia awareness month – this USB can be a support mechanism if a person with dementia becomes disorientated in a shopping centre or in the community.

“There has already been interest from families of Indian and Chinese backgrounds and people of all nationalities are welcome to apply to be part of the Pilot project”.

Pinky Singh, President of the Punjabi Welfare Association of Australia said “this USB will help in an enormous way for Police to reunite people with their families quickly if needed”.

“Having this USB will give older people a sense of confidence that they will have a means to find their way back to their families and will give other family members peace of mind, to know that they have a tool to assist in case of emergency.

“This is also a great support of multicultural diversity and the large numbers of family members who come to visit their family and may not be able to speak English well.

“Once distressed, it often becomes difficult for people from non English speaking backgrounds, with little English, to communicate”.

The USBs can be applied for by emailing info.pwaa@gmail.com No data relating to medical conditions of an individual is retained by PWAA.

Cr. Angela Owens with PWAA President Pinky Singh launching the services

Official Launch of Brisbane Indian Prestige Lions Club

Dignataries at the Lions Club Lauch

Brisbane Indian Prestige-Lions Club Members

Dignataries at the event

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

USB SOS

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

10

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

BAPS Brisbane Health Expo a huge success!!

H

ealth Expo was organized at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Brisbane on Sunday 19th August 2018.

The event was traditionally inaugurated by Hon Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development by lighting lamps along with Dr Sunil Sharma, Dr Vidya Gupta and Dr Neeraj Khanna.

The Health Expo begins with the speech of Hon Minister where she applauded the BAPS efforts for providing common platform to the doctors of different specialities to serve local community.

Hon Ministers’ speech was followed

by the informative presentation by the Queensland Diabetes speaker.

The presenters provide helpful insights in maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a variety of visual presentations and interactive sessions.

Eight experienced and prominent Doctors from various medical specialised fields like Cardiologist, Urologist, Orthopaedic, Gynaecologist, Dentist, and Physiotherapist contributed by providing very useful and important tips towards increasing general awareness of maintaining healthy lifestyle to the attendants in the one-to-one sessions.

The event was concluded with networking opportunity and a healthy lunch.

Hon Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Employment & Small Business, Minister for Training and Skills Development inaugurating the event

Culturally Appropriate & Technology Integrated In-home Aged and Disability Care (South-East QLD)

T

he Indian Community welcomes Tradern Australia (TAUS) Care and Training Services: Tradern Australia Care and Training Services (TAUS Care) is an in-home aged and disability care provider delivering services to Indian; other multicultural and the wider Australian community. The vision for Tradern Australia Care originated when Mrs. Prabha Sriram had the responsibility of caring for her aged parents and in-laws. Although there were services available for in-home care, there were extreme difficulties to find professionally trained workers who were from the same culture and who spoke the same language as her parents. This provided many challenges as her parents were reluctant to have carers come to their home to deliver services who did not speak their language and who were not familiar with their culture.

TRADERN comes from Traditional Values….Modern Methods…

Tradern Australia Care (TAUS) works with mainstream Service Providers: Tradern Australia Care has established links with mainstream Service Providers. Key personnel from several mainstream organisations, who have a multicultural focus, attended Tradern Australia Care’s inaugural Advisory Group meeting in May 2018. There was representation from Anglicare: Multicultural Program; Carers Queensland; the Multicultural Development Association; and Metro South Health: Cultural Diversity. Mr. Surendra Prasad, President of Fiji Seniors also attended. We are continuing to work with community organisations and service providers with the aim of having a Support Network www.indiannewsqld.com.au

for seniors participating from all communities and also individual community Support Network groups. The focus group will identify the concerns, issues and support needs of seniors within your community, discuss ways in which these support needs can be met; share information and resources and provide an opportunity for community members to link with major Australian Service Providers.

Tradern Australia Care (TAUS) provides culturally appropriate services: Mrs. Sriram realised that this is most probably the case for many Indian seniors. She understands that Seniors may be reluctant to accept help at home from people who they do not know or with whom they cannot communicate; even if they are struggling with daily living activities or feel housebound because they don’t drive. They can be further isolated because they are unwilling to ask for help from their busy adult children, who are probably both working and also caring for children. To help meet the needs of Seniors and those with a disability, within the Indian and wider Australian community, Mrs. Sriram established Tradern Australia (TAUS) Care and Training Services.

There are growing pressures on health and social care systems for seniors and people with disability.

Particularly, isolation of our elderly at home and their health care and how we address these in the busy life style is quite challenging for the family. In addressing these issues and to overcome challenging situations of isolation and safety at home and outside, we have introduced our fully integrated CONNECT CARE solutions that uses speciality care and environmental sensors.

Tradern Australia Care (TAUS) Services include: Connected Care 24 hr, Nursing and Allied Health Services, Daily living Activities, Management of funding for Supports (Plan Management), Transport to medical and other appointments; Access to social and recreational activities (Innovative Community Participation); Personal mobility equipment; Care Plan Management; Coordination of supports; Information and assistance to access services within the community, and lots more!

Tradern Australia Care (TAUS) will provide employment opportunities: A key component of Tradern Australia Care is the recruitment of individuals within the Indian and wider Australian community and provide them with training to become carers. Seniors and others with a disability can recommend individuals to Tradern Australia Care for carer training. All Tradern Australia Care employees are screened and trained to deliver services in a professional manner in line with Australian Human Services Standards of Care.

Tradern Australia Care (TAUS) delivers government funded services: Tradern Australia Care plans to deliver services, through the government funded National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Private In-Home Care Packages for Seniors. Tradern Australia Care will also provide care to people who wish to customise their own services and pay privately.

The Tradern Australia Care (TAUS) Benefit: The greater benefit for clients that is unique to TAUS Care is that OUR CLIENTS ARE PROTECTED WITH 24 HR MONITORING

SERVICE included in their CONNECT CARE 24 HR package. Our Integrated care allows people with special needs to maintain their independence and confidence in the home or out and about, knowing that help will be available if and when they need it. The Care Consultants and Registered Nurses are from multicultural backgrounds and therefore people who do not speak English, can be assisted or the call be directed to consultants who speak your language.

Every call is treated with the same urgency and compassion. We use the opportunity to reinforce that TAUS Cares and is always available to help. In an emergency, Care Consultants stay on the line until help arrives, reassuring the client that help is on the way. Monitoring centres are quality assured and adhere to relevant industry standards, including ISO9001.

The benefit of receiving services from Tradern Australia Care

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

(TAUS) is that our case managers/ senior nurse trainers will take responsibility for the training and supervision of workers; and clients can choose which workers and services they want, either through a government funded package, or private payment for services. This will ensure that clients feel safe and comfortable with Tradern Australia Care staff.

My passion and purpose of Tradern Care is to better support the seniors and people with a disability in our community and wider community.

For more details, please contact : Mrs. Prabha Sriram, Managing Director or Lorraine Angeli, Operations Manager Phone: 07 3181 5655/ 07 3532 6991 Email: info@tauscare.com.au or by post PO Box 2264, Runcorn QLD 4113

SEPTEMBER 2018

11

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

A Night of Happiness at City Hall

W

hat an amazing evening, 22nd August turned out to be, for over 1300 people who came to City Hall Brisbane to see Brahma Kumaris Sister Shivani Verma. The weather was a slightly cool as the first of the many, who would become part of the audience, began to queue outside in King George Square. Sister Shivani, a recipient of Woman of the Decade Achievers Award (2014)

by ASSOCHAM’S Ladies League for her Excellence in Empowering Spiritual Consciousness, appointed as a goodwill ambassador in 2017 by the World Psychiatric Association; who is enormously popular and has a huge following on Youtube and Facebook, is the articulate face of the Brahma.

Kumaris, a spiritual speaker and Rajyoga Meditation teacher who has taken the Brahma Kumaris movement to millions of people both in India and abroad. Her book Happiness Unlimited is No.1 bestseller on Amazon India in Religious and Spiritual section.

Inside the foyer, the many volunteers

from the BK Auchenflower Meditation Centre were busily, but quietly, putting the finishing touches to the bookstand, the information kiosk and the stage decorations in preparation for the doors being opened.

Sister Shivani had, meanwhile, already started to meet with community leaders inside City Hall. This well attended event was organised by the BK Brisbane team with the invaluable assistance of Prerna Pahwa; President, Simply Human Inc. Sister Shivani gave an insight to community leaders that, through practices such as meditation, each one of us are able to choose to increase the happiness in our lives. And through them this message should reach to wider communities. This Brisbane City Hall event was the last in the series of Sister Shivani’s 8 city Australian tour. This was her first time in Australia and the feedback from the other cities had been good as Sister Shivani shared her practical spiritual knowledge on topics such as ‘Overcoming Overthinking’, Being Love’ and Brisbane’s topic, ‘Choosing Happiness’.

At 6:20pm the doors opened, and

the excited crowd strode into the venue past the smiling faces of the BK meditators who had now finished their preparations and were eagerly welcoming those who had travelled far and wide in order to listen to the sweet and gentle tones of Sister Shivani explaining easy methods to make their lives happier and more peaceful.

By 7pm, the audience was seated and eagerly awaiting Sister Shivani’s entranced on to the stage, to begin her talk. She walked onto the stage accompanied by Mr Charles Hogg, the Director of The Brahma Kumaris Australia. They both stood for a while in silence pleasantly smiling and gazing out at the audience and then ‘Charlie’ gave a brief introduction to Shivani. Amongst the audience, were also, Mrs. Archana Singh, Indian Honorary Consulate in Brisbane; Mr. Peter Clark, Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre, Auchenflower, Brisbane; Mr. Phillip Gough, meditation teacher and Coordinator of the Shivani Brisbane leg of the tour and Ms. Margaret Taylor, meditation teacher and Assistant Coordi-

nator of the Brisbane Team.

It is said that love can only be felt and so was the experience of every person on the day in the room.

It was amazing to see how Sister Shivani’s energy mesmerised the whole audience throughout the room and in a few moments of her appearing on the stage, her warmth spread very quickly.

Sister Shivani spoke for about 90 minutes on the topic of ‘Choosing Happiness’ whilst the audience listened intently and called out answers to Shivani when she interacted with them, in what was a light, humorous and yet very practical talk. BK Shivani was accompanied during the meditation commentaries that she spoke during her talk, by the artist and musician David Kilowsky, an Australian who has lived in the BK Headquarters in Mt Abu, Rajasthan for 22 years.

Then all too soon, it was over and Sister Shivani encouraged the audience of young and old, to leave quietly, row by row, and try to hold onto the peace they had obviously experienced during Sister Shivani’s talk. As they were leaving, the BK

volunteers who had worked so tirelessly to present this free community event, handed each visitor with a small card with an individual blessing written on it, accompanied by a beautiful smile. The audience then mingled in the foyer ‘snapping up’ the books and CD’s on sale and talking to the many BK meditators who were there to help and assist them.

BK Brisbane would like to thank all the volunteers from the bottom of their heart for all the time, efforts and help; the event was a huge success and it wouldn’t have been possible without volunteer’s support. BK Brisbane would also like to thank all the beautiful souls, who came to attend the event. Brahma Kumaris offers free community service, and the events organised by them are free of cost.

For more information about Auchenflower, Brisbane Brahma Kumaris Centre and their upcoming events, please visit: Website: www.BrahmaKumaris. org.au Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/brahmakumaris.brisbane/ Address: 347 Milton Rd, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Contact: 07 3368 2391

Kerala floods: Keralites face worst flooding in a century!

Residents face snake menace as waters recede

T

he worst flooding seen in a century has caused loss of life and destroyed homes and farmland across large areas of the southern Indian state of Kerala. While it is normal for Kerala to get some of the country's highest rainfall during monsoon season, the India Meteorological Department said it had been hit with 37% more than usual.

After the worst deluge, Kerala is gearing up to clear the debris and rebuild everything that was ravaged by the waters. The state is, however, facing a new challenge as receding waters leave behind a glut of snakes.

Reports said several hospitals in the worst-hit areas of the state had reported an increase in the number of patients seeking treatment for snakebites.

Though there are various kinds of venomous snakes in Kerala, experts

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

say the most common poisonous snakes after the floods are cobra, common krait and viper.

"I'm scared of the snakes. Many people who cleaned their premises told me that they found plenty of snakes inside their cupboards, under carpets and even inside kitchen utensils," Jaison Francis, an NRI from Australia said. Jaison has flown from Melbourne to Thiruvananthapuram after his home in Edathuruthy in Thrissur district was flooded.

His relatives had sent him photographs of his flooded house and now he is on 10 day leave to clean up the mess.

"We never thought that our house would be flooded. It's not the loss that's worrying us, but the task is to clean up the house," Jaison said.

Around 2,000 families were sent to the relief camps and most of them

lost everything. Hundreds of NRIs are coming to Kerala to assess their losses caused due to the floods. Indian communities across Australia are helping.

Indian communities in Brisbane came together to help in fund raising to contribute to Kerala Chief Minister’s Flood Relief Fund. Various initiatives were taken by the numerous Malayali community associations in Brisbane under Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ). This was supported by Brisbane City Council. Cr. Angela Owens participated in the Community Walk for flood relief organized by MAQ-Malayalee Association of Queensland.

There is a traditional Kerala meal organized to help boost the flood relief fund. INQ requests all to come forward and contribute in all possible ways. For more details visit Care For Kerala on Facebook.

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

12

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

New UAE exchange launched at Northlakes Branch in QLD

U

AE Exchange the onestop-shop for all your currency exchange & money transfer needs is excited to open a brand-new branch in Northlakes. In over 35 years of successful global operations, UAE Exchange has built the widest network in its class. We believe in offering convenience to our customers, thus expanding our branches to meet your financial requirements near you.

In Brisbane we have 5 branches which includes the new addition and 35 + stores across the country.

Our products and services include: • Foreign Currency Exchange – over 60+ currencies available across our branches with $0 commission or fee • Cash Passport card – Secure and convenient way to carry up to 11 currencies every time you travel • Bank Transfer – Send money directly to your beneficiary’s bank account in any part of the world • Money2anywhere – our online platform for sending money overseas

•

Remit2India – The cuttingedge online portal for sending money to India (no fees) • Xpress Money & MoneyGram – Instant cash transfer to any part of the world Details include: • Kiosk 22, Anzac Ave & N Lakes Dr, Westfield North Lakes QLD 4509 • Monday – Saturday: 09:00AM to 04:45PM, Sunday: CLOSED Please visit our website for more info: www.uaeexchange.com/aus

Launch of UAE Exchange Northlakes

Fiji Senior Week Tamil Senior Citizens Week Celebrations celebrated with pomp & joy!

F

iji Senior Citizens Assn of Qld again organised a successful Seniors Week Celebration on 19th August,2018 at Multicultural Hub in Annerley . The diverse communities came together and celebrated this important event along with other dignitaries such as Hon Mark Bailey MP Minister for Transport, Cr Ian McKenzie, Indian Consul Archana Singh, Prof SarvaDaman Singh, Anthony Shorten and others.

Mr Surendra Prasad said the program started with welcome to country by Aunty Peggy Tidyman, prayers by religious leaders for farmers affected by drought ,speeches and songs and music by Michael Pow followed by lunch. The lunch was provided by the members of Fiji Seniors.

We also organised raffles to raise fund for the farmers who are facing serve drought at some places

for last 9 years. We raised $325 dollars through raffles and was top up $1000 by one of our member Mr Ram Karan. Total fund raised was $1325. This raffle was possible through the kind raffle prize donations from Cornerstone Law Office, Targett Travel and Tours, Robertson Gardens Hotel and Coles and Woolworth.

Later in the program Prof Sarva-Daman Singh launch a book he wrote about Mahatma Gandhi . The prize $50 a book all money raised from the sale of books will be donate to charity. Please contact Surendra on 0413004100 for the book.

The Fiji Senior Citizens next event is Seniors Multicultural Dinner on 6th October, 2018 at Coorparoo Secondary College , Stanley East and Cavendish Rd, Coorparoo commencing at 5.30pm. for further information call Surendra 0413004100, Dan Singh 0413082262, Binesh Prasad 0466308314.

M

any joined the celebrations of Qld Seniors Week 2018 organized by Tamil Senior Citizens Association of QLD sponsored by QLD Govt and COTA of QLD on 25th August 2018. The occasion was an exciting milestone for the association and the event was filled with songs, dance, games and meals.

GCHCA - Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association get together for Senior Citizen Week Celebrations www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

13

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

"For anyone to grow up complete, art is imperative"

C

an anything be more powerful for a student’s nurturing and educational years than what Mr Richard W. Riley, Former US Secretary of Education spoke about children enthusiasm for life.

The Production Meera workshops that came to life at QAHS felt the same enthusiasm and spark in all the exciting kids. They were full of beautiful exciting energy, surrounded by clear aura and brains with a capacity to absorb and grow. Grow without and prejudice.

“The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic…music, dance, painting, and theater are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment.”

–William Bennett, Former US Secretary of Education And surely QAHS thinks for their

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

students and gives them a platform with a very futuristic approach.

In a very integrated fashion, Meera workshops went in full swing at the QAHS campus. From Indian Classical, contemporary dance workshops, acting workshops, stage etiquette we did it all.

Beautiful Classical singer Ms Barbara Prestia, showcased her mystical voice to enchant all and used her magic wand to guide all through her vocal productions workshop.

The auditorium was filled with creative enthusiasm and was bursting with ample amount of young talent.

Talent that need to be nurtured and respected. And that is exactly what Wild Dreamer productions philosophy is. Through Production Meera, the Production house aims to bring the platform to all those young talents who knows they have it in them, just want that one chance to show it to the world.

By: Paul Harvey We were all thrilled to see these amazing talented students bring all there infectious vibrant creative energy to PRODUCTION MEERA’s Understudy Auditions and get through them like a pro. “. . . the arts have been an inseparable part of the human journey; indeed, we depend on the arts to carry us toward the fullness of our humanity.

We value them for themselves, and because we do, we believe knowing and practicing them is fundamental to the healthy development of our children’s minds and spirits. That is why, in any civilization – ours included – the arts are inseparable from the very meaning of the term ‘education.’ We know from long experience that no one can claim to be truly educated who lacks basic knowledge and skills in the arts.”

– National Standards for Arts Education

I believe arts education in music, theater, dance, and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface. They (children) have an enthusiasm for life a spark of creativity, and vivid imaginations that need training – training that prepares them to become confident young men and women.

– Richard W. Riley, Former US Secretary of Education

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

14

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

IWPG Brisbane branch launched by Peace Ambassador of IWPG - Australia By: Kelly Shorten

P

eace – an altruistic ideal?

Way of life? Pathway to enlightenment? Inner state of being?

Whatever you perceive it to be, we all seem to be searching for it. Whether on a global scale or praying for that extra five minutes before the household awakes and the day’s agenda rolls into place, we as human beings have been searching for peace since the beginning of time. Wars have been held in its name and lifetimes have been dedicated to its cause - Mahatma Gandhi is one such fine example of a human being who stood for peace and nonviolence.

Where does it start and where does it end? These seem like lofty questions, however for some, these questions do not enter the mind as their heart places their feet one in front of the other on a faithful journey. A life long journey of dedication and courage towards the eternal quest for this seemingly elusive resting space of mind, body and spirit that has the power to unite all humankind. Ms Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj is one of these people.

When the world was braced with fear amongst real threats of a large scale war in 2017, Ms Prakruthi set out on a journey to the heart of the conflict zone, representing Australia as Ambassador for Peace in Seoul, Korea at

the 3rd Annual Commemoration of World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Summit. So passionate about the cause, her mind did not question her heart in this pursuit towards a goal bigger than herself for the good of all mankind. A member of HWPL and IWPG, Ms Prakruthi stated, “When we get the calling, we must go and trust that everything will be OK.” Courage in the face of adversity seems to be a quality of character that perhaps lifts us to a space where peace can be created. For this determined lady, it would certainly appear to be so. And courage she has in bundles.

Of the International Peace Summit, Ms Prakruthi surmised that it was an exhilarating experience of being part of great World Peace initiative and her inspiration flourished from the opportunity and experience. With this faith and dedication Pakruthi Mysore Guraraj (IWPG Peace Ambassador, Red Carpet Multicultural Ambassador, past Vice President of FICQ and past President of KSQ) launched the new branch of International Women’s Peace Group here in Brisbane on the 26th August, 2018 at 24 Arnwood Place, Annerly in the Fiji Senior Citizens Association’s Multicultural Hub. It is fitting that such a group would be launched in a multicultural centre, peace is already amidst this environ-

ment, given it is a place where intercultural exchange and celebration occur.

What a significant start. Within those humble walls that day, Ms Prakruthi and the eleven inaugural members (including Reena Augustine, Sukbir Chadha, Glenda Woodlock, Aruna Venugopal, Feleunga Tupou, Reshma Gowda,Tunde Kantor, Deepti Keshwani, Ruchaben Mitulkumar, Sukhdeet Singh and Varinda Singh) were witness to the historical introduction of IWPG Brisbane Branch. IWPG is an organisation that actively works towards realising World Peace through advocating for the enactment of an International Law for Peace, promoting Women’s Peace Education and implementing a ‘Plant Peace’ project as part of their enduring and ongoing work in the global community.

Upon hearing the journey of their founder, who expressed that “her vision and drive for this cause has been present within her since her childhood”, inspiration was abound and the first conversations of a new and powerful group began to take place.

Global citizens from dozens of cultural and religious backgrounds sat together around a common table exchanging values and deriving understanding through respect and a common vision towards a goal bigger than themselves One of the reasons IWPG centres around women is because of their family values.

In a world saturated with fast paced, shallow messages available to our youth through mass media and technological advancements, we are competing to influence their souls, hearts and minds in ways we have never had to before. For the family to thrive and therefore the nations and the world – according to Confucius - women must be supported by all members of society in teaching values of understanding, mutual respect, tolerance, compassion and service to the youth of today. This is necessary if we are to even begin witnessing the saplings of peace survive, cultivate and mature for the future generations of our precious world.

These values are central to Ms Prakruthi’s mission and vision upon launching the Brisbane based branch of International Women’s Peace Group. With her determined mind-

set, industrious character and zealous passion, I am sure we will be seeing great endeavours in the near future and beyond from this dedicated and compassionate woman. Pakruthi Mysore Guraraj – mother, sister, daughter, friend, nurturer, wife, colleague, mentor…….International Peace Ambassador for Australia.

So let’s look at our perception of Peace again. A lofty ideal or a daily practice?

A path of self-sacrifice or teachings to the collective for a better way of life?

Let the seeds of this wonderful group demonstrate its truth and I’m sure in the very near future we will have testimonies of ideals in action making real change in the world from these amazing women. Congratulations to the team members and wholehearted admiration towards your future endeavours. As the Irish Blessing hallows, ‘may the road rise to meet you and the wind always be at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall softly upon you fields’.God Bless and Peace be with you.

A Scarf of Many Colours

Red Carpet brings multiculturalism By: Kelly Shorten to the regions

“Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans” – John Lennon.

of unity and inclusivity that Red Carpet Functions aspires to and and deeply resonates the values held by the founder Reena Augustine that, “No one is left behind”.

The festival was a huge success, receiving thousands of visitors and involving hundreds of locals in the well renowned lantern parade finale, which Red Carpet was graciously a part of. As members carried lanterns made by local school children through the streets of Dalby, they felt the warmth and genuineness of the country people who invited multiculturalism to their hometown in Australia. Hearts were warmed, smiles embraced and a sense of belonging was intrinsically present.

Returning to our beginning…. if life is what happens when we are busy making other plans, we must all allow our plans breathing space. In a

D

uring a schedule of academic scholarship, faithful dedication, family activity and responsibilities, a young girl looked up at the planes crossing the sky above her home town in Gujarat (Bharuch) India and dared to dream!

Twenty odd years later we in Australia, and particularly Queensland, are blessed enough to witness and be a part of this beautiful dream of togetherness that has now become a colourful, inclusive and successful reality.

Four short years ago, Reena Augustine launched the first Red Carpet Multicultural Fashion Parade( https://www.facebook.com/ RedCarpetFunctions/) Scores of shows, numerous milestones, dozens of celebrations and many awards later, we now witness this beautiful myriad of cultural inclusivity cross the city boundaries and venture to

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

regional Queensland to perform at the Dalby Delightful and Delicious Festival, 2018.

The first gems of unity, peace and true multiculturalism came through the sharing of music on our long and dusty bus ride. Everyone was so excited to be able to play their cultural melodies and tunes because their music reflected a large part of individual heritage and identity.

Our dedicated DJ Meena Pathak , beautiful wife of our kind Mr Deepak Pathak the direcotr of (Namashkar Gujarat News paper) was joyfully playing each request, facilitating our diverse friends in celebrating each others’ uniqueness and culture - friends who later became like family thanks to the togetherness and understanding achieved throughout the two day road trip.

Three hours, a hundred wonderful songs, shared compassion for Australian farmers at viewing the absolute dryness across the country plains and numerous conversations of how the farmers can be supported, the bus arrived at its destination! A quick change and off the crew headed for the Dalby Delightful and Delicious Festival https:// www.facebook.com/deliciousanddelightful/ Backstage it was business as usual - pinning bright and diverse

costumes, applying make-up, styling hair and debriefing for stage requirements, before rejoicing our multicultural diversity and unity with the countryside folk.

The crowd was ‘wowed’ at the authenticity and diversity of Red Carpet Function models who displayed traditional attire from over 35 countries, including members as young as 3 through to seniors who have walked the earth for much longer. Even more awe-inspiring was the connection made with the locals via a symbolic sharing of cultures which, according to photographer Andy , saw the crowd well up with tears.

The symbol of connection came in the form of a scarf . As MC’s Reena Augustine, the Founder Director and founder members Walter Choo and Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, now the Multicultural Ambassador stated, all cultures wear scarves in different ways. Every culture and country represented that day walked INTO the crowd and handed a scarf to a person they had never met before, crossing cultural boundaries and uniting people through the gift of giving, while demonstrating respect for others regardless of background, creed or culture. This simple act illuminated the shared values

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

busy schedule we must never forget to pause, look around and embrace those opportunities for togetherness and multiculturalism that can be as simple as sharing a common thread.

Be it a humble scarf or a simple recipe from our home culture, a 5 minute walk with a co-worker from a different nationality at lunch or a weekend multicultural trip to Dalby - for true and meangingful connection to cultivate within our lives we need to stop, look up and connect with authenticity.

I am grateful to have been reminded of this adage thanks to Reena Augustine and her vision. Bless, and take a ‘multicultural minute’ this week to share a common thread with someone in your life - you may be surprised at the similarities that exist. And above all else……..dare to dream!

SEPTEMBER 2018

15

Indian News Queensland | ACHIEVEMENTS

Young Queensland Vocalist Mesmerises Sydney Music Fraternity!

M

iss. Roshini Sriram a proud Queenslander who is an upcoming Carnatic Vocalist from Brisbane was invited by Sydney Murugan Temple’s Cultural wing ‘Saiva Mandram’ in Parramatta to give a Carnatic Music Concert on.

Roshini Sriram who is an Engineer by profession is a well trained in Carnatic Music an ancient Art form of Indian Classical Music. Roshini started to learn Carnatic Music from the age of 7 and is well trained to give concerts by her Guru Smt. Rajyashree Josyer Shrikanth who is now living in Bengaluru India. Smt. Rajyashree was residing in Brisbane 9 years ago but Roshini has been learning the art through Skype using modern technology. Roshini gave her debut concert called Arangetram in Brisbane in May 2013. Ever since she has bene giving Annual performances in Brisbane and Sydney. This Sydney Concert

was her fourth performance in front of Sydney Audiences.

A well trained Carnatic Vocalist will sing songs that were composed by various song writers based on the traditionally established 72 Melakartha Ragas and Janya Ragas (variants of the main Melakartha Ragas). The singing involves Alapanai of the Raga or singing a Virutham that highlights the intricacies of the Raga and then sung with the lyrics and swarajathis or the notes that make up the Raga giving the listener a feast of the traditional music.

Roshini started her concert with a Varnam a traditional opener for any concert. The Varnam she chose to sing was written in praise of Lord Krishna. The main concert began with the Tamil song ‘Gajavathana’ in praise of Lord Ganesha followed by another one ‘Murugua Muruga’ in praise of Lord Muruga. Her rendition of Raga Ranjani and its variants was excellent and was equally

well received by the audience. She sang the very famous composition in Tamil ‘Eppa Varuvaro’ in praise of Lord Nataraja of Chidambaram.

She also sung a wonderful piece ‘Kapali’ in praise of Lord Shiva who is known as Kapaleeshwarar of Mylapore in Chennai India.

She concluded the concert with a Thillana, a traditional musical presentation used for dance performances followed by Mangalam the traditional end piece to complete the event with good ness and blessings from the God. Roshini was accompanied by Sri. Kranti Kiran Mudigonda on Violin and Sri. Sumukhan Jagadeesh on Mridangam the Indian percussion instrument used in all Carnatic Concerts. Mr. Jeyaprakash, Director for Culture Events Sydney Murugan Temple’s Saiva Mandram honoured the artists with mementos. He was quick to praise Roshini and wanted her to come back again to mesmerise them one more time.

Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards

B

risbane multicultural business community celebrated the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Dinner and Awards on Friday 24th August 2018 night! An outstanding group of business leaders from a wide range of cultural background making a great contribution to the city’s economy were part of the event.

The winners are: • Kim Zoulek from Oktoberfest Brisbane (Nick Zynias Multicultural Young Business Person of the year) • Fiona Kee from Australia Institute of Business and Technology AIBT(Multicultural Business Person of the year) • Matthew Tsin from 1 ICT (Multicultural Entrepreneur of the year) INQ congratulates all the winners!

Aussie Akshay Venkatesh wins 'the Nobel Prize of mathematics'

M

aths whizz Professor Akshay Venkatesh has become only the second Australian to ever be awarded the world's most prestigious mathematical award, the Fields Medal.

The 36-year-old, who grew up in Perth and specializes in pure mathematics and number theory, was among four mathematicians from around the world to be awarded this year's Fields Medal, which is of-

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

ten described as the Nobel Prize of mathematics.

Prof Venkatesh, who works at Stanford University in the US, received the medal overnight during an awards ceremony at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Rio de Janeiro.

After winning prestigious international maths prizes as a school student, he began a science degree at the University of Western Australia when he was just 13 years old.

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

16

Indian News Queensland | AD

What is an ECO Bag?

An ECO bag is a re-usable, non-single-use bag. By using re-usable bags, this helps to take more single-use plastic bags out of action, meaning that these bags won’t get into our beautiful waters, soil and animals. In Queensland alone, it’s said that nearly 1 BILLION plastic bags are used each year, with around 16 MILLION of those bags being discarded in landfill.

Non-Woven Description

Cotton/Calico Description

NWPP (Non-Woven Polypropylene) bags are made from melted polypropylene beads, which are then spun and then pressed into rolls. These environmentally-friendly bags are strong, lightweight, low cost and colourful. Great for groceries, picnics, sports events and tour groups – versatile, convenient and most importantly, are reusable, and are an amazing replacement for plastic bags.

Jute/Hessian/JUCO Description

Cotton is the one of the most common materials we come across, used for thousands of years by the human race, reliable, long-lasting, and economical.

All of our cotton and calico (unbleached, natural cotton) bags are manufactured for your use in ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) approved factories.

Jute, also known as ‘Hessian’, is another eco-friendly fabric that is completely biodegradable, unlike it’s plastic counterparts. This means that these bags will harmlessly and naturally decompose, without spreading the toxins that the widespread singleuse plastic bags spread, avoiding pollution and the harming of our wildlife.

Quantity

250

500

1000

2500

5000

Quantity

100

250

500

1000

2500

Quantity

50

100

250

500

1000

Price

$2.10

$1.58

$1.47

$1.37

$1.37

Price

$2.40

$2.22

$2.04

$1.87

$1.71

Price

$7.14

$6.99

$6.84

$6.69 $6.54

WEBSITE: Ecobags.com.au EMAIL: sales@ecobags.com.au PHONE: 1300 853 435 ADDRESS: 391 Wickham Terrace GROUND FLOOR, Spring Hill, 4000.

LEB1004

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

17

Indian News Queensland | SPORTS

Rhea Ripley becomes first Asian Games Australian woman to win a 2018: Medal wins WWE championship in various events

I

n the culmination of an actionpacked two-day tournament, Rhea Ripley became the first-ever NXT UK Women’s Champion at the NXT UK tapings at Insomnia, the U.K.’s biggest gaming

It makes Ripley the first Australian woman to hold a WWE championship. Buddy Murphy, from Melbourne, was the first man to do it when he won the NXT Tag Team titles with partner Wesley Blake in 2015.

It was an all-Aussie battle in the final with Adelaide-born Ripley defeating Gold Coast-raised Toni Storm.

However Storm is having her own successes at the moment, as she will battle Japanese star Io Shirai in the final of the Mae Young Classic at the WWE Evolution pay per view event festival, at NEC Birmingham. in late October.

Among the other NXT UK combatThe two-day NXT UK tournament ants battling to become the inaugural was taped as part of the upcoming champion were Toni Storm, Jinny, Isla NXT UK series.

Dawn, Millie McKenzie, Nina Samuels, Dakota Kai and Xia Brookside.

a proof of India’s rise in sports, says PM Modi

India registered a total of 29 medals at the Asian Games which include 7 Gold, 5 Silver and 17 Bronze medals

by Sunday, August 26, 2018.

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian athletes who won the medals at the Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia. Addressing the nation on his monthly radio broadcast programme Mann Ki Baat, the prime minister said, “The eyes of the nation are on Jakarta. We are proud of the medal winners in the 2018 Asian Games and wish those whose events are left the very best.”

PM Modi further went on to congratulate India for winning medals in sports in unrecognised sports such as Wushu and Rowing. “The Indian athletes are especially shining in Shooting and Wrestling, but our athletes are also winning medals in those sports in which we have not been at our best in the past – like Wushu and Rowing. These are not just medals; this is a proof of the rising stature of Indian sports and athletes.

Modi further stressed that the med-

al-winners include female athletes, teenagers, and athletes from remote areas. “The medal-winner at the Asian Games include a great number of female athletes. The medalwinners also include 15-16-year-old teenagers. It is also a really good indication that many athletes who are winning medals, come from remote and small villages and have achieved success after tremendous hard work,” he said.

In his address, the prime minister went on to urge Indian citizens to work towards building a healthier India. “I urge every citizen in the country to take part in sports and work towards being completely fit.

A fit India will lead to rich and prosperous India. When India will become fit, it will develop prosperous future for the country,” he said.

India have registered a total of 29 medals at the Asian Games which include 7 Gold, 5 Silver and 17 Bronze medals so far.

Asian Games Jakarta, Indonesia Neeraj Chopra threw 88.06 metres in his third attempt to clinch the gold. www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

18

Indian News Queensland | CULTURE & RELIGION

Hindu Cultural Hub at Clayfield

Courtesy: Sriram Gopalakrishnan

“Get Rid of all Obstacles with the Celebration of Vinayaka Chathurthi or Ganesh Chathurthi”

G

anesh Chathurthi the birthday of Lord Ganesh is celebrated all over the world on 4th day of the waxing moon on the month of Badrapatha (The full moon happening on either Poorva or Uthra Proshtapadha star) or Purattasi as called in Tamil. This year the celebration is on the 13th of September 2018.

The significance of worshipping Lord Ganesh has its roots deeply in the Hindu religion starting even from the Rig Vedic period. Lord Ganesha is believed to be the remover of all obstacles and is helping everyone with succeeding in their endeavours of life from small to humongous tasks. Both in the Saivite and in the Vaishanavite sects of the Hindu religion Lord Ganesha has been the prime deity of initial worship. He is called in Tamil Vaishnava Temples as Thumbikkai

Stay Connected: The Hindu Cultural Hub at Clayfield is a centre to congregate and promote spiritual, cultural and educational needs of local community and wider Hindu society in Brisbane. Devotees and friends assemble at the Bar-Jai Community Hall (178, Alexandra Road, Clayfield) last Friday of each month between 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

Our next cultural congregation falls on 28th of September 2018.

As a standard practice, we have the following program at the BarJai Hall:

Alwar (meaning Alwar or Saint with the Trunk).

The very appearance or the birth day of this Lord is celebrated as Ganesh Chathurthi. The Skanda Purana, Narada Purana and the Brahma Vaivarta Purana profusely praise him.

Even in the Mahabharata there is clear mention about Ganapati a Ganesvara and Vinayaka. In fact, it is mentioned that Lord Ganesh is the one who actually wrote the entire Mahabharata as narrated by the Sage Vyasa.

In India, Ganesha Chaturthi is primarily celebrated at home and in public by local community groups in the central and western states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa and in the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Eastern states of Odisha. The festival is celebrated by Tamils in Sri Lanka, • • •

Pooja by Hindu Priest Bajan and Kirtan by devotees Monthly religious updates / guest speakers on spiritual (or) on yoga techniques • Prasatham with vegetarian dinner served • Session conclude with relevant social justice updates and public notices.

We are currently interested in building our networks and relations with different communities around local and Brisbane area. If you are interested to get involved, please contact us on 0469016416 or 0427999129.

Malaysia and in other countries in the eastern parts of the world.

At every home, the festival preparation includes purchase of new Clay Vigraham or Murthi of Lord Ganesh and puja items or accessories. The Murthi is brought home either a day before or on the day of the Ganesh Chaturthi itself. Families decorate a small, clean portion of the house with flowers and other colourful items before installing the idol. When the Murthi is installed, the shrine is decorated with flowers and other materials. The ceremonial installation of the clay idol is done along with chanting of holy mantras and puja including bhajans during a certain auspicious period of the day. He is offered specially prepared sweet and sour Kozhukattai or Modhakam on the occasion.

Lord Ganesh is worshipped with the common grass called Durva in Sanskrit. Once there was an Asura (demon) named Analasura. He was so terrible that the earth would tremble by his voice and his eyes used to emit fire. So, everybody was very scared of him. Even the Gods were terrified. So,

all the gods prayed to Ganesha so he would rescue them from the clutches of Analasura. Lord Ganesh assured all the Gods that they would be saved from Analasura. Lord Ganesh started war with Analasura. At the end of the war Analasura tried to gulp Lord Ganesh but Lord himself took Viswaroopam and gulped Analasura to destroy but due to increased heat by swallowing Analasura in the body Lord Ganesh could not even lie down. He was restless. All the Devas applied sandal paste all over His body even then the body’s heat was unbearable. At this moment, all Gods decided to make a foundation of the moon on his head

and Ganesha is also known as “Bhalachandra”. Lord Vishnu gave his lotus therefore Ganesha is also known as “Padmapani”. Lord Siva removed a cobra from his neck and tied it to Ganesha’s hip. Lord Varuna, Rain God showered plenty of water. Even then the heat was not subsided. Some of the sages who came there with Durva grass and put on his head and a miracle happened. Lord Ganesha became all right. That’s how he is even now worshipped with the offering of common grass.

Let us all pray to Lord Vinayaka on his Birthday and seek his blessings to get rid of all obstacles in our life!

Modern depiction of Lord Ganesh writing Mahabharatha as narrated

by Sage Vyasa

APSQ Annual General Meeting 2018

A

rya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland had its Annual General Meeting at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre on Sunday 26 August.

Shri Jitendra Deo thanked all the members for their support for last 8 years in his capacity as the President of Sabha. He also thanked all the organisations for their continued support and donations. It was proud moment for the Sabha members as the Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre project phase one is completed.

The community hall has capacity for 300 people. The large open are for eating and socialising and plenty of parking makes the centre very attractive for variety of purposes. The president thanked all the members, well-wishers and other organisations for getting behind this project and making it successful.

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

The following members were elected in the executive committee for 2018 -2019. Patron: Pt Justice Devendra Pathik ‘Arya Ratna’, President: Mr Jitendra Deo J.P.(Qual), Vice President: Mr Arunesh Prasad, Vice President: Mrs Sushila Pathik ‘Arya Ratna’, Vice President: Mrs Shanjeshni Deo, Secretary: Mr Hari Chand, Assistant Secretary: Mr Rajesh Chand J.P.(Qual), Treasurer: Mr Mul Chand, Asst. Treasurer: Mrs Suman Chand, PRO: Mr Sunil Dutt, Committee members: Mr Dick Sen, Mr Lalta Prasad, Mrs Latchmi Singh, Mrs Nirmala Ray, Mr Sukarm Singh, Mr Dinesh Kumar, Mr Vijendra Ray, Mrs Kanya Pradhan and Librarian; Dr Sukhvir Singh.

The president thanked all the members for attending and taking part in deliberations.

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

19

Indian News Queensland | CULTURE & RELIGION

Holy month of Shravana – Simha or Leo

By Sriram Gopalakrishnan

A

s per Hindu Lunar Calendar this month is called Shravana and as per Solar Calendar Simha or Leo. The name of the month Shravana signifies the Full moon on the Shravana (Thiruvonam) or Sravishta (Avittam) Star which is historically an important day for the Vedic Scholars and Hindu Saints as that is the day when the Lord Hyagreeva (Horse Headed Sriman Narayana) appeared and brought back the Vedas which Lord Brahma lost while he was in meditation and taken to Rasatala Planetary System (one of seven lower levels of planetary systems usually occupied by demons as per Hindu Scriptures).

This month the Brahmins all over India celebrate the Upakarma, which literally means the act or preparatory work that must be performed before any main work or the Karma. Upakarma is the one that enables or permits a Brahmana to perform all ritualistic duties throughout their life. As we all know there are four Vedas but the Rig, Yajur, Sama Vedas are the three main divisions and the fourth Atharvana Veda is normally the arts and sciences for easy living such as Shilpa Sastra (Sculptures & Art of Construction), Jodhisha (Astrology), Samhita (Medicine) & Ayurveda (Pharmacy) etc.

The Rig Vedic Brahmana celebrate the Upakarma, on the Shravana (Thiruvonam) Star basis the renewal of their congregation with the removal of old Upaveedha (sacred thread of Brahmana worn across the shoulders from left to right) and by wearing new one. They Chant Vedic Hymns and meditate upon the Supreme Brahman (The Universal Super Soul) by chanting Gayathri Manthra.

The Yajur Vedic Brahmana celebrate their Upakarma, on the full moon day which is either on the same day or on the following day of the Rig Vedic Upakarma depending on the full moon appearing in Shravana or Shravishta (Avittam), which most south IndianBrahmanas call ‘Avani Avittam’ but in Sanskrit it is called the Yajur Upa-Karma.

The Sama Vedic Brahmana celebrate their Upakarma, on or around the day of Sri Ganesh Chathurthi.

This Upakarma event unifies all groups of Brahmana who are normally split based on their sect Saiva (Advaitam or Nondualists, worshippers of Lord Shiva following the Sampradaya or Philosophy established by Sri Adhi Sankara), Sri Vaishnava (Vishita-Advaitam Special Nondualists, worshippers of Sri Vishnu, following the philosophy of Sri Ramanujacharya) and Madhva (Dvaitam or Dualists, worshippers

of Sri Vishnu following the Sampradya established by Sri Madhvacharya).

It is contextual at this point to note the differences in these Hindu Philosophies as Advaita sect believes in “Nirguna Parabrahmam” calling everything that exists as appearing in material world are mere Maya or Illusion. Whereas the Sri Vaishnavites believe that God Lord Sriman Narayana the Paramatma is full of Gunas or numerous auspicious attributes and the existence of the material world is transitory and not illusion plus both Paramatma (Super Soul) and Jivatma (souls of living beings) are qualitatively one. While the Dualists believe that the Super Soul (Paramatma) and the Jivatma (living entities) are always separate and it is the duty of Jivatma to meditate upon the Paramatma. These three sects are very old based on the ancient philosophies called Shiva Sampradaya (Tradition as demonstrated

by Lord Shiva who doesn’t act as he explains in demonstration that all things happen as per the past times or leela of the Supreme God’s wish in His mind), Sri Sampradaya (Tradition as demonstrated by Goddess Sri or Lakshmi who is always active outside while residing in the heart of Lord Sriman Narayana) and the Brahma Sampradaya (Tradition as demonstrated by Lord Brahma who is always meditating upon Lord Sriman Narayana).

Saiva and Sri Vaishnava boys performing Upa Karma in Unison.

Janmashtami or Sri Jayanthi

S

ri Jayanthi or Janmashtami as celebrated by the Hindus all over the world and by the devotees of ISKCON (the Hare Krishna movement founded by Srila Prabhupada) is the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, the reincarnation of Supreme God Sriman Narayana on the earth. As eighth son of the couple Vasudeva and Devaki Sri Krishna was the most recent reincarnation by the Supreme God who departed from earth almost just before 5119 years ago since the start of current Kali Yuga, the Dark Age which is one of the four Yugas that repeat every few million years. As per Hindu calculation this current Kali Yuga is the 28th Chathur Yuga (i.e. 28th Cycle of four Yugas) in the Vaivaswatha Manvanthram in the Swedha Varagha Kalpam.

To understand this complex life of our universe firstly, we need to know the Hindu Cosmic cycle.

One Chathur Yuga = Sum of 4 Yugas (Krita, Treta, Dwapara and Kali) = 4,320,000 years. 1000 such Chathur (4) Yugas comprise a day-time of Brahma also known as a Kalpam.

The reigning period of a Manu is one Manvantharam. Each Kalpam is ruled by 14 Manus in succession.

The present Kalpam is called Swetha Varaha Kalpam since this earth was

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

taken out of water by Lord Sriman Narayana who incarnated as humongous Swetha Varaha or unmeasurable White Boar. The actual duration of a Manvantaram, according to the Vishnu Purana is seventy one times the number of years contained in the four Yugas, with some additional years, adding up to 852,000 divine years, or 306,720,000 human years There is an equivalent night-time of 4,320,000,000 years.

The day-night of Brahma together constitutes one Brahma Day (8.64 billion years). 360 Brahma days constitute a Brahma Year while 100 years represent the lifetime of Brahma which is the life of the cosmos.

Doing this simple maths gives the age of the cosmos to be 311 trillion years. Carl Sagan, the noted scientist says, "The Hindu religion is the only one of the world's great faiths dedicated to the idea that the Cosmos itself undergoes an immense, indeed an infinite, number of deaths and rebirths. It is the only religion in which the time scales correspond, to those of modern scientific cosmology. Its cycles run from our ordinary day and night to a day and night of Brahma, 8.64 billion years long. Longer than the age of the Earth or the Sun and about half the time since the Big Bang.

And there are much longer time scales still."

By Sriram Gopalakrishnan

Sri Krishna born literally in the dark underground jail in the Kingdom of Mathura, on the banks of river Yamuna in the present State of Utharpradesh in India, was transferred immediately to house of Chief of all Herdsmen Sri Nandagopa in Brindhavana on the other side of the river Yamuna. Sri Krishna grew up as cowherd boy in Brindhavana. The life history of Sri Krishna is part of the great Epic Mahabharatha. Sri Krishna who declares that he is the Supreme God of this entire Universe in his own words while instructing the famous “Bhagavath Gita” in the battle field of Kurukshetra.

Sri Krishna’s life as a child in Brindhavana and His past times (Leela) with Yasodha His foster mother and the Gopis of Brindhavana, then His creation of Dwaraka the city presently submerged in the ocean and His marriage with Rukmini, the reincarnation of Goddess of Wealth Sri Mahalakshmi and His involvement in the lives of Pandavas and His help to set the righteousness on the earth are very much narrated by in the Mahabharatha and in the Holy Srimadh Bhagavatham. Let us all Queenslanders seek the blessings of Lord Sri Krishna on this auspicious occasion of His Birthday!

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

20

Indian News Queensland | CULTURE & RELIGION

Gold Coast Chinmaya Mission Hindu Cultural Brisbane–Children’s Camp Association (GCHCA) News: The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) in partnership with Gold Coast City Council and Coconut Lagoon Restaurant, Pacific Pines hosted a breakfast in celebration of Queensland Seniors Week. Around fifty members and community elders gathered on Sunday,19th August 2018 at 900am and had a community gathering and conversation.

Free Indian styled breakfast was served. Everyone enjoyed the morning.

GCHCA Bhajan: GCHCA also planning to have their next bhajan on 21/9/2018 at Helensvale Community Centre at 715pm.

Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 2nd September: The Annual General Meeting (AGM)and election of office bearers will be held on 2nd September 2018 from 3:00pm onwards.

Date: Sunday, 2 September, 2018 Time: 3pm-5pm Venue: Helensvale Community Centre, 32 Discovery Drive, Helensvale 4212 GCHCA Navarathri Cultural Concert-October 2018 GCHCA is planning to celebrate the Navarthri night with cultural concert on Saturday 13 th October 2018 at Albert Waterways Community centre, Corner of Hooker Blvd & Sunshine Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218. Further details about the program and free booking of tickets will be announced shortly in our website - www.GoldCoastHindu.org.

How You Can Assist in our Hindu Cultural Precinct Building Construction: GCHCA like to express that they will continue to deliver the Hindu cultural events in South East Queensland and is planning to built the proposed Hindu Cultural Precinct in coming months.

As of 30th June 2018, following major milestones have been completed for the proposed GCHCA Cultural Precinct.

1. Submission of Building Approval documents for the initial stages of Precinct to private certifier.

2. Submission of to OPW (operational works) for the Precinct to Gold Coast City Council.

3. Submission of plumbing & drainage work for the Precinct.

Kids gaining knowledge on Godess of Knowledge from Swami Shrikarananda

T

he 2-day Chinmaya Mission Kids’ Camp this June holidays was on the topic “Goddess Saraswati”. There were lots of activities, learning, laughter and fun. We enjoyed listening to Swami Shrikaranandaji on the various leelas (stories) related to Goddess Saraswati.

We also watched animated stories on values during lunch on the first day. We learnt bhajans, did a lot of group activities, participated in fun games during the competitive BV Olympics at the park next door, created awesome Goddess Saraswati banners to take home, and the event culminated with role plays and convocation ceremony. Of course, no camp can be fun without delicious food – thanks to all the mothers for organising such yummy food and helping us all the time!

On Day 1, we played interesting games like heads and tails and scissors-paper-rock to introduce ourselves. We were then divided into 6 teams. We went through camp rules. Then each team had to act one rule out, as an icebreaker activity. We scored 20 points for this!

At each stage, the team got points

added to their score for good behaviour and participation. We had teenage helpers (JC bhaiyas and didis) as captains of our teams. They took good care of us and kept the team together throughout the various activities all through the camp.

We also had the Olympics , something like Little Athletics, where the competition was stiff, but the games so much fun, and in the end, it did not matter whether we were losing or winning!

On Day 2, we heard more stories about Goddess Saraswati, and did a quiz. More points for each team!

We also learnt the Goddess Saraswati mahamantra: Saraswatii namastobhyam, varade kaamrupiini Vidhyaarambham karishyaaami, sidhhir bhavatu me sadaa.

Meaning: Salutations to Devi Saraswati, Who is the giver of Boons and fulfiller of Wishes, O Devi, when I begin my Studies, Please bestow on me the capacity of Right Understanding, always.

We then had an arts session where each of us created a beautiful ban-

ner to take home. After lunch, we did role play based on what we had learnt during the two days. We also had convocation ceremony where we all graduated from the camp and the winning team was announced and got prizes! Our parents were invited to watch us perform that afternoon, and share in our learning.

We had so much fun and we so eagerly await the next camp.

The CMA children’s camp is an event not to be missed. In fact, the event is such a popular and an awesome annual event for children, that at the end of the camp, Swamiji announced that he will come back in September school holidays this year to conduct another such camp.

The September children’s camp is on Lord Matsya and Lord Kurma Avatars and is on 24th & 25th September 2018. It is open to our friends aged 4-12 years. So, what are you waiting for? For more details, please contact Priya auntie 0413490308 or visit https://www. chinmaya.com.au/brisbane/ to know more of our various programs or write to chinmaya.brisbane@ gmail.com.

GCHCA is also in a drive for more funds for the Gold Coast Hindu Education and Cultural Precinct. All monetary contributions of $2 or more to the GCHCA Building Fund will be eligible for a tax deduction. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost around 2 million dollars. We, therefore humbly appeal for your support. Any contribution would make a difference and every cent count towards helping our community realize its dream.

All tax-deductible donations ($2 or more) can be deposited into the following: Commonwealth Bank Account: The GCHCA Building Donation Account BSB: 064-474 Account Number: 104 88 900 Website: www.GoldCoastHindu.org.

Email: gchcan@gmail.com www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Chelea with Godess Sarawati artwork

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

21

Indian News Queensland | SCIENCE

Immune-System Therapy Eradicated Breast Cancer in New Breakthrough

A

n experimental therapy that extracts and multiplies powerful immune-system cells from inside tumors eradicated a patient’s breast cancer, a scientific first that could lead to new ways of treating malignancies that have resisted all other efforts.

Researchers at the U.S. National Cancer Institute gave the experimental treatment, which has since been licensed to Gilead Sciences Inc., to a 49-year-old woman whose cancer came roaring back after a decade in remission. The woman had tennis-ball-sized tumors in her liver and growing through her chest wall. Despite seven types of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, her disease was still growing.

Using a biopsy, researchers plucked rare cells custom-made by the immune system from inside tumors, but in numbers too small to help a patient on their own. They grew copies of the cells in the lab, multiplying them into billions over a period of weeks. They were then in-

fused back into the patient.

Two-and-a-half years after getting the new cells, the woman is cancerfree. The method, while still in its infancy, also shrank hard-to-treat tumors in six other patients with colon and cervical cancers, said Steven Rosenberg, chief of surgery at the National Cancer Institute where it is being studied.

“They are attacking their own cancers,” Rosenberg said in an interview. “It’s as highly personalized as a treatment can be. We are creating a new drug for every patient, targeting the unique mutations in that same patient’s cancer.”

Gilead’s Kite unit signed a development agreement for the experimental therapy, Rosenberg said.

The Foster City, California-based company is building out a pipeline of cancer drugs after years of success with treating viral infections such as hepatitis and HIV. Gilead shares gained as much as 3.7 percent in June, and were up 1.9 percent to $69.60 at 11:16 a.m. in New York.

The results were published in July in the scientific journal Nature Medicine.

Custom Therapy So far, the researchers have treated 40 patients, all with types of tumors that account for 80 percent of cancer deaths, according to Rosenberg. Seven have responded to the therapy.

It took about eight weeks to craft the therapy for the breast-cancer patient. Six weeks after getting it, the amount of cancer in her body had shrunk by half. Two and a half years later, all signs of her cancer have disappeared.

The immunotherapy field has seen major breakthroughs in the past year, including the approval of two so-called CAR-T treatments from Gilead and Novartis AG that extract T-cells from a patient’s blood and re-engineer them to recognize malignancies. Drugmakers have had less success using that technique on widespread solid tumors.

Inside the Tumor Rosenberg’s team takes a different tack. The researchers isolate rare T-cells that each patient produces in response to unique mutations that fuel the development of their cancer. Minute amounts of these natural T-cells infiltrate the tumor, though they aren’t present in high enough quantities to combat the growing cancer, Rosenberg said.

After extracting the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from a biopsy, his team can multiply the cells and give billions of them back to the patient.

The group is getting better at identifying the rare T-cells that can attack the tumor, finding three times more of them in samples than they were even three months ago, Rosenberg said. There is still a long way to go, he said, but it’s an approach that isn’t specific to a certain cancer type, meaning it could evolve into an effective therapy for many forms of the disease, he said.

“Part of the excitement is because all cancers contain mutations, it’s a technique that could potentially be applied to any tumor type,” Rosenberg said. “It opens the door to the treatment of almost any cancer.”

Study reveals Gene mutation causes infertility in 2-6% of 10.8 million infertile men

A

ndrologist and co-author Dr Vijay Kulkarni said when couples fail to conceive and approach infertility experts, this congenital disorder was rarely diagnosed.

What experts assumed was a negligible cause of infertility among Indian men accounts for a significant number, revealed a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Research in Reproductive Health in Parel. A CFTR gene mutation has been found to cause congenital absence of vas deference in males that leads to infertility in 2-6 per cent of 10.8 million infertile males.

Vas deference is a tube that connects testes with urethra to transport sperms. Its absence makes conception impossible and requires artificial reproductive technique (ART) to aid couples.

“The absence of vas deference in males is due to this mutation remains largely undiagnosed by doctors. If IVF procedure is allowed for such men, the gene mutation may pass on to their offspring making their male child also infertile. The research shows it is important to counsel couples suffering from this congenital defect,” said principal investigator at NIRRH, Dr Rahul Gajbhiye.

The research, conducted from 2011 to 2016, was published in the May edition of the Indian Journal of Medical Research. As part of the www.indiannewsqld.com.au

study, 76 infertile men from across the country, who suffered from this defect, were studied. It was observed that congenital absence of vas deference was present in 95 per cent of the men who had cystic fibrosis.

Andrologist and co-author Dr Vijay Kulkarni said when couples fail to conceive and approach infertility experts, this congenital disorder was rarely diagnosed. “The CFTR gene mutation can manifest in lungs, pancreas or other organs. In India, it was assumed that the mutation did not affect vas deference until our research proved otherwise,” he said.

The research revealed that the prevalence of the gene mutation that causes infertility was higher in India than Italy, Iran, Argentina, Germany, Taiwan or France. But India had lower incidence than Egypt and China in CFTR mutation causing absence of vas deference.

In March, a 35-year-old man was referred to Kulkarni by a Mumbaibased gynaecologist. “The man’s semen samples were taken and it had only 0.5 cc sperms. This is negligible,” he said.

On examination, Kulkarni found that the man had no vas deference.

“Counselling by geneticist was required to make the couple understand that if they undergo ART, the embryo will have to be diagnosed for CFTR mutation. This counselling happens regularly in the West.

In India, only a few specialised IVF clinics look into this gene mutation,” Kulkarni said. The andrologist receives two to three such cases every month, which are referred by various infertility experts in Mumbai.

Another andrologist Dr Rupin Shah, who consults at Lilavati hospital, said there is no known cause for this hereditary gene mutation.

The research also found that in 11-20 per cent of such infertile patients, there was only one kidney since birth.

The research revealed that the prevalence of the gene mutation that causes infertility was higher in India than Italy, Iran, Argentina, Germany, Taiwan or France. But India had lower incidence than Egypt and China in CFTR mutation causing absence of vas deference.

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

22

Indian News Queensland | BUSINESS

Mind Blowing Doodle!

G

oogle is a buzz word to find out whatever you wish to search.

Have you had a chance to find your brain? I lost my wallet in SpringHill Bus stop – Google!

Did you find mate? Heart beats "Lup and Tup" , Is that called inner voice or Instinct. Google! Please tell me? Whatever the crazy answer is going to be - I don’t care but I believe, the result of our creative mind is simply amazing. "Doodling" is the perfect example. What that means dude? Yes, I understand what you are asking.

In 1998, the concept of the doodle was born when Google founders Larry and Sergey played with the corporate logo to indicate their attendance at the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert. They placed a stick figure drawing behind the 2nd "o" in the word, Google, and the revised logo was intended as a comical message to Google users that the founders were "out of

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

By Durai.

office.". While the first doodle was relatively simple, the idea of decorating the company logo to celebrate notable events was born.

In the beginning, the doodles mostly celebrated familiar holidays; nowadays, they highlight a wide array of events and anniversaries from the Birthday of John James Audubon to the Ice Cream Sundae.

Here's the story of my Indian friend how she started this meaningful scribbling! Who knows, she may paint her Big picture in Brisbane Walls to be proud of, “A couple of months ago, having said good bye to my country - I was having my lunch at new home in new city. I felt unusually lonely and bored. A pen and a Paper in front of me, grabbed my attention - I started to scribble something, and hours passed by with intention to kill time. I would sit for hours and scribbled an art called doodling” Harshitha, Brisbane based doodler.

Kalakkal (Super Awesome) Performance by Dance Galatta in India day fair 2018

G

OPIO Queensland organised Independence day celebration on 18th Aug at Roma Street

Parkland.

DanceGalatta's Mersal kids (KIDS team) and Sema Folkies (ADULTS team) performed fun filled 'fusion' type dance in the park’s amphitheatre. It was the second time DanceGalatta participating in this iconic event.

Energetic Kids were dressed up with lehenga and performed first with "Ghoomer" song at 11:45am.

Their cute movement and smiley

faces were much appreciated by the morning crowd.

Beautiful ladies danced next for "Vachinde" song. After that, action packed Solo was performed by Yashwanth. He thrilled the audiences with his special moves.

Finally, Group dancers end their performance in fusion style and made the crowd to clap for a longer time.

Dance galatta team also actively joined the multi-cultural Parade by 12pm. Kids to Elders joined and danced together throughout the parade with Indian flags.

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

DanceGalatta's director Revathi thanked kids parents, Family, Friends and her team mates for the successful outcome and their continuous support.

Mersal Kids (KIDS Team): Mishika, Sara, Tanvi, Kavya, Reva, Avni, Safeena, Diya and Iinilla Sema Folkies (ADULTS Team): Harshitha, Priya, Revathi, Yeswanth and Durai.

Are you excited to enrol participation for the upcoming events? Please contact DanceGalatta via Website: www.Dancegalatta.com.au or by email at dancegalatta@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER 2018

23

Indian News Queensland | FUN

The Kite without a thread

O

nce a father and son went to the kite flying festival. The young son became very happy seeing the sky filled with colorful kites. He too asked his father to get him a kite and a thread with a roller so he can fly a kite too. So, the father went to the shop at the park where the festival was being held. He purchased kites and a roll of thread for his son.

His son started to fly a kite. Soon, his kite reached high up in the sky.

After a while, the son said, “Father, It seems that the thread is holding up a kite from flying higher, If we break it, It will be free and will go flying even higher. Can we break it?” So, the father cut the thread from a roller. The kite started to go a little higher. That made a son very happy.

But then, slowly, the kite started to come down. And, soon it fell down on the terrace of the unknown building. The young son was surprised to see this. He had cut the kite loose of its thread so it can fly higher, but instead, it fell down. He asked his father, “Father, I thought that after cutting off the thread, the kite can freely fly higher. But why did it fall down?”

The Father explained, “Son, At the height of life that we live in, we often think that some things we are tied with and they are preventing us from going further higher.

The thread was not holding the kite from going higher, but it was helping it stay higher when the wind slowed down and when the wind picked up, you helped the kite go up higher in a proper direction through the thread. And when we cut the thread, it fell down without the support you were providing to the kite through the thread”.

The son realized his mistake.

Moral: Sometimes we feel that we can progress quickly and reach to the newer heights in our life if we were not tied up with our family, our home. But, we fail to realize that our family, our loved ones help us survive the tough time in our lives with their support and encourage us to reach higher heights in our life. They are not holding us, but are supporting us. Never let go of them.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

24

Indian News Queensland | TRAVEL

Through the eyes of an international student Brisbane-First impressions

T

ouching down on Brisbane, the first thing I noticed from the plane was, “Wow, how big is this city.’ The whole city was lit with sparkling lights and the area was so expansive, way more than the other cities I have been to. But also another thing caught my attention, ‘Where are all the big towers?’

The city seemed to have expanded horizontally but not vertically. I assume it is because there is so much space compared to the number of people that live here, the city expanded horizontally.

After landing at the airport I was greeted by the friendly airport staff and the journey through immigration was smooth. The next day I went to visit my university and register with them. I was roaming around the city in the evening and I was wondering it’s Friday night, where are all the people? Sure the restaurants, bars and pubs were full of people having a good time, but there were not that many people on the streets. That is when I realized I am not in my home country, Bangladesh anymore, where I am used to busy crowded streets with lots of people, I am in Brisbane now.

My first impression about Australians was that they are very friendly and polite people. They welcome and embrace diversity. I love how they greet the bus drivers once they are on the bus and how they thank them while leaving. It’s such a simple but wonderful gesture to appreciate someone for the work they do. It goes on to show how Australians appreciate and value the work people do and the contribution they make to the society. Also where I come from people are not used to smiling at each other for no reason. But here it’s considered polite or simple courtesy to smile at people even if you meet someone on

a lift or just passing by.

Saturday morning I went to the Farmers Market at Kelvin Grove. I love the atmosphere at these markets. People come in with their families and pets, roam around the many stalls, buy fresh produce and eat and revel. It’s such an amazing vibe. I love how the farmers market caters to the tastes and preferences of a vast array of multicultural people who come to shop here. The quaint little shops selling breakfasts and local fares are great too as it enables us to have taste of the local cuisine.

At night I went to South Bank for the first time and ‘my oh my’ it is beautiful. I loved the water. I loved the paved walk by the river. It’s so wonderful to see city lit at night and finally I got to see the tall buildings and a lot of them in the heart of the city. South Bank is a lovely place for a walk by the river. It is scattered with lots of cafes, restaurants and little places to eat. After a quick dinner and dessert at the famous Max Brenner, it was movie time at the Cineplex because the new Spiderman movie just released. After having a hoot at the cinema, it was time to call it a day and conclude my first two days in Brissy.

Moving to a new city can be quite a big challenge and things can get confusing and overwhelming. I am so glad I got to meet Reena. She has been so supportive and helpful through this transition, helping me understand all the visa intricacies of Australia.

Reena Augustine is a former international student herself and now a fully Registered Migration Agent working at Cornerstone Law Offices Migration. You can get in touch with Reena via email on migration@cornerstonelawoffices.com.au or by phone on 0414 109 654 for customized visa guidance.

With the international and domestic students

“We Will Beat Any Genuine Quote”

INDIA, SRI LANKA, NEPAL, BANGLADESH, PAKISTAN, FIJI AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.

WE SPECIALISE IN: Escorted tours to INDIA / NEPAL / SRI LANKA and other parts of the world

Shyam Das has been serving the communities for over 25 years Please contact us at our new location.

Plenty of parking and easily accessible by public transport.

Shyam | Anna | Manuri

Registed Migration Agents -Walter Choo, Reena Augustine and Alex Ieong

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Pacific Centre Level 1 Suite No. 41 223 Calam Road Sunnybank Hills Qld 4109 Phone No. 07 3272 2825 Mobile No. 0412 031 301 Email : targettt@bigpond.com Website : www.targettraveltours.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

25

Indian News Queensland | HOROSCOPE

Horoscope September 2018 Aries

Mar 20 – Apr 20 Mars, your ruler, continues its journey through Taurus, the area of your chart connected with your possessions and your income and during this lengthy period, this is where much of your energy is likely to be expended. What you own assumes a greater importance to you and you will fight to keep what you feel is rightfully yours. But partnerships are also important to you at the moment and it is in this area of your chart that the beneficial meeting of Venus and Jupiter occurs at the beginning of September 2018, ensuring that all your close relationships are at their most pleasant and happy.

In the second half of the month, however, Jupiter first aligns with Pluto, indicating that you are likely to be putting much energy into achieving greater freedom for yourself. It then makes a tense aspect to Uranus and you could experience a sudden opportunity that creates a profound change in your life before the month is out.

Taurus

Apr 20 – May 21 As Mars continues in your sign you may prefer to be left alone to get on with your own projects and because of your preoccupation with what needs to be done, you could be somewhat insensitive to the needs of others.

But with Venus, your ruler, meeting with Jupiter in Libra, both work relationships and health matters should benefit. During the second week of the month, however, Venus moves on into Scorpio and all your close relationships benefit from your amiability and willingness to compromise.

At the same time, however, an alignment between Saturn and Pluto could produce difficulties within your home and family, or with jointly owned property and shared resources. And during the third week, when Saturn aspects Uranus, you may have to cope with difficult new circumstances in the home.

Gemini

May 21 – Jun 21 Mercury, your ruler, moves out of Leo, fairly rushes through Virgo and ends the month in Libra, meaning that for you, for most of the month, it is your home life which is the focus of your attention. The New Moon here on the 3rd suggests that new beginnings are possible, and it is a very good time for you to discuss your plans and options with your family or those with whom you share your home.

During the second week of the month, however, a difficult aspect between Saturn and Pluto indicates that you may be driven to make changes where a partner or a close

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

relationship is concerned, which will not be easy.

In the third week, Jupiter aligns with Pluto, pushing you further in this direction and giving you the impetus to gain greater freedom for yourself. And finally, not only the Full Moon, but also Jupiter, accepting Uranus, implies that you can expect a sudden opportunity where your career or public image is concerned which could prove fortunate.

Just be careful that in your quest for greater freedom, you consider your options first and you don’t act too impulsively!

Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 23 Your social life will have a buzz to it for most of the month and the New Moon in Virgo suggests that you could find yourself in a new locality or spending time with new friends.

Venus, meeting with Jupiter in Libra, continues to make your home a very pleasant place to be, but can also encourage excess, so be careful you don’t overspend on re-decorating or indulging the family!

It won’t help that Saturn, restricting your finances somewhat, makes a tense angle to Pluto in the second week of the month, possibly creating even further need to curb expenses or make changes to your budget.

Balancing the accounts could become even more nerve wracking in the third week of September, when Saturn makes an uncomfortable alignment with Uranus.

A possible solution may come to you before the month is out however, when Jupiter aligns with Uranus and sudden change is offered to you, with the Full Moon in Pisces shining its light on the route you need to take.

Leo

Jul 23 – Aug 23 This is not going to be an easy month for you, although you will see more clearly your way forward by its close. Although Venus and Jupiter continue to make your social life very pleasant, with Saturn in your sign your current responsibilities are likely to be heavy. And in the second week, when Saturn makes a tense aspect to Pluto, both circumstances and people around you combine to frustrate you, in some way preventing you from accomplishing what you want to do. Then, in the third week, when Saturn aligns with Uranus, you are likely to find it difficult to adapt to new circumstances, although the hard work you put in now could certainly be to your long term advantage.

And finally, with Jupiter in aspect to Uranus just after the Full Moon, expect a sudden opportunity to appear that can have a profound effect on your life.

Virgo

Aug 23 – Sep 23 The New Moon in your sign on the 3rd enables you to make a new start or turn over a new leaf and with both the Sun and Mercury, your ruler, in your sign for most of the month, you are once again at the top of your form, ready to share your views and expecting to be listened to!

And financially, the meeting between Venus and Jupiter at the beginning of the month indicates good fortune, although you will have to resist the urge to spend.

A difficult aspect between Saturn and Pluto in the second week of the month, however, suggests that changes are occurring within your home or family which are beyond your control.

Or it could be that you want to make changes and are frustrated in this by others. In any case, Jupiter combines with Pluto after that, to give you both the energy and the opportunity to begin to make the changes you want to make.

Even so, when Saturn aspects Uranus in the third week, there is likely to be conflict in partnership matters, or where a close relationship is concerned, although the Full Moon here on the September 18th suggests that a resolution to any problems between you is possible. And finally, the difficult aspect between Jupiter and Uranus again highlights tension in financial and partnership matters and could mean the occurrence of a sudden opportunity that changes your life.

Libra

Sep 23 – Oct 23 Venus, your ruler, meets Jupiter in your sign at the beginning of the month, indicating a very pleasant interlude, although you should guard against going to excess in anything. In the second week, Venus moves into Scorpio, which has the effect of drawing possessions and income to you, but can also make the urge to acquire possessions simply for the joy of owning them too hard to resist.

Then, as Jupiter aligns with Pluto in the second half of the month, it signifies a time when you should grab the opportunities to make the changes in your life which will give you the freedom you need.

The Full Moon on the September 18th 2018 heralds a resolution to a workplace or health issue and finally, Jupiter makes a tense aspect to Uranus and your urge for freedom becomes overwhelming. If you can resist the urge to act impulsively and make your plans carefully, then you will succeed in realising your dreams.

Courtesy: www.horoscope2018.guru

Scorpio

Oct 23 – Nov 22 Venus moves into your sign on the 11th, so the effect of having Mars, your co-ruler, in the area of your chart connected with partnerships, which creates tension between you, is mitigated by your amiability and your desire to compromise. The second week of the month, however, can be a difficult time for you where your career or your financial position is concerned.

Saturn makes a tense aspect to Pluto, your ruler, and you feel blocked in your need to make changes in your life, either by circumstances or by other people. Consequently, the changes you have to make in the way in which you earn your income may not be of your choosing.

And later in the month, when Saturn forms a difficult aspect to Uranus, you may find it hard to adapt to the new circumstances which are forced upon you. Whilst it may be tough going, be reassured that the changes could be to your long term advantage.

Sagittarius

Nov 22 – Dec 22 September 2018 starts with Venus and Jupiter combining in Libra and all your meetings, with friends, acquaintances or business colleagues are imbued with warmth and affection. And although the New Moon at the beginning of the month allows you to make a new start where either your career or your public image is concerned, aspects to Pluto in your sign suggest that September is not going to be the easiest of times for you.

In the second week, Saturn combines with Pluto and finds you frustrated because you seem to be prevented by circumstances, or by others, from making the changes you want to make.

Matters should improve by the third week when Jupiter, your ruler, aspects Pluto and you have the energy you need to start making those changes. And then, towards the end of September 2018, the Full Moon in Pisces, together with an alignment between Jupiter and Uranus, makes for sudden opportunities that could change your life for the better.

Capricorn

Dec 23 – Jan 20 The meeting of Venus and Jupiter in Libra at the beginning of the month occurs in the sector of your chart connected with your career, professional life or public personna and never have you been held in such high regard nor has your reputation been better. In the second week of the month, however, an aspect between Saturn, your ruler, and Pluto suggests a difficult few days when you may not have the resources to cope with the sudden pressure under which you find yourself.

This is followed by a tense aspect

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

between Saturn and Uranus when your need to adapt to new circumstances could be both strenuous and nerve wracking. It will be hard work, but worthwhile in the long term and the Full Moon in Pisces echoes this, suggesting that a resolution to the tension you have been under is on its way.

Aquarius

Jan 20 – Feb 18 Mars continues its journey through the area of your chart connected with the home and family, creating a certain amount of tension, particularly if there is opposition to your ideas and plans. And with Saturn in Leo the demands made on you by your partner or those close to you may be heavier than normal. In the second week of September, Saturn forms a tense aspect to Pluto which could make life even more difficult for you, frustrating your plans and throwing up obstacles to your need for change.

Following this, Saturn aligns with Uranus, your ruler, indicating that concerns over finances or property become more of an issue, creating conflict between you and someone close.

Then Jupiter forms a tense aspect to Uranus and your impatience with restrictions may get the better of you, so that you push for change regardless of the consequences. In fact, a sudden opportunity may arise at this time that significantly changes your life for the better.

And even the Full Moon promises that a resolution to your financial or property concerns is on its way.

Pisces

Feb 18 – Mar 20 Venus and Jupiter combine in the area of your chart connected with jointly owned property and shared resources, bringing good news in this respect. But you may also be tempted to overspend at this time too, as these planets between them can encourage excess. And while the New Moon in Virgo heralds a new beginning for you where close relationships are concerned, Uranus in your sign makes tense aspects to both Saturn and Jupiter in the latter half of the month, producing a difficult period of sudden changes when you will have to adapt to new circumstances which may not be of your choosing.

Although a sudden opportunity, possibly connected to your shared property, may completely change your life, there is a danger that you will jump at the chance of change simply to gain more freedom of choice and if you act too impulsively you may end up with the wrong results.

However, even the Full Moon in your sign indicates that you are about to make up your mind oneway or the other.

SEPTEMBER 2018

26

Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

27

Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

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

Newsletter 140-12 Purataasi/Bhādrapada Month (mid-September 2018 to mid-October 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 Purataasi / Bhādrapada Month Festivals.

Sri Lalitha Sahastranama Stotram Chanting on Sunday 16 September 2018 Purataasi Maasam-Bhādrapada month starts /Sri AyyapaSwamy Kanni Rasi Masa Abishekam on Monday 17 September 2018 Sani Pirathosham / Puratasi Sani Vara Navakraha Abishekam on Saturday 22 September & 6 October 2018 Full moon / Powrnami & Sathya Narayanar Poojai on Monday 24 September 2018 Sankatahara Chathurthi on Friday 28 September 2018 Puratasi Sani Vara Navakraha Abishekam on Saturday 29 September & 13 October 2018 Sri Vishnu Sahastranamam & Paaraayanam on Sunday 7 October 2018 Navarathri Viratham starts on Tuesday 09 October 2018 Chathurthi Viratham on Friday 12 October 2018 Saraswathy Poojai starts on Monday 15 October 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 Vice president Mr: M.Surendra on Mobile-0407753991

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

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

28

Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Indian Movies Coming Soon

Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se RELEASE DATE: 31/08/2018

Inheriting from the ancestors, the legacy of the Ayurveda panacea 'Vajrakavach', a famed and effective remedy for all ills, the brother duo Pooran and Kaala use the kavach with varied intentions. While Pooran who is good-hearted puts in use his heritage to help people, Kaala looks out for his interest in money.

Imaikkaa Nodigal RELEASE DATE: 31/08/2018

Mar Gaye Oye Loko

Imaikkaa Nodigal (lit. Blinkless Seconds) is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language thriller film written and directed

by R. Ajay Gnanamuthu starring Nayanthara, Atharvaa, Raashi Khanna and Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap. The film is produced by C. J. Jayakumar of Cameo Films India.

RELEASE DATE: 31/08/2018

Margaye Oye Loko is an upcoming Punjabi movie scheduled to be released on 31 Aug, 2018. The movie is directed by Simerjit Singh and will feature Gippy Grewal as lead characters.

Happy Phir Bhag Jayegi

Chekka Chivantha Vaanam

RELEASE DATE: 03/09/2018

RELEASE DATE: 28/09/2018

Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (English: Crimson Red Sky) is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action crime thriller film co-written and directed by Mani Ratnam. The film features an ensemble cast including Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swami, Silambarasan and Arun Vijay as the lead actors, with the lead female cast led by Jyothika, Aishwarya Rajesh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Dayana Erappa.

Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi is a Bollywood comedy film directed by Mudassar Aziz and produced by Anand L. Rai and Krishika Lulla. The film is a sequel to Happy Bhag Jayegi (2016). It stars Diana Penty returning as the eponymous character RELEASE DATE: 21/09/2018 Kapoor will now be seen in Batti Gul Meter Chalu, a and Sonakshi Sinha. film based on the theft of electricity in the rural parts of India. Besides him, it stars Shraddha Kapoor and Yami For more details contact: Gautam. It has been directed by Shree Narayan Singh https://www. and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Nishant Pitti and eventcinemas.com.au/ Krishan Kumar.

Batti Gul Meter Chalu

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

29

Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Shruti Haasan: I worked with my father, Kareena Kapoor Khan’s fun trip to Dubai with her Kamal Haasan several times, I would girl gang will make you say, ‘Why should boys have love to act with my mum, Sarika all the fun?’

K

A

ctress Shruti Haasan says she would love to act with her mother, veteran actress Sarika, in a film.

“I want to work with my mum.

We run a production house and we just started working together…

I worked with my father several times, I would love to act with my mum,” Shruti shared.

Being the daughter of talented actors, has it ever been pressurising for Shruti to deliver an impactful performance on screen? “No, It is my life, I wanted to make them proud and I knew they’d be proud that she’s working hard and that’s important. I have followed the beat of my own drum because the comparisons are really impossible for me to compete with. They both started when they were four-years-old, so, it’s difficult to even get into that head space…” she said.

The 32-year-old actress says she doesn’t take the comparisons on her.

“I always knew there would be comparisons, but I never wanted to take

it on board,” she said. (Also Read: [Pics] Shruti Haasan’s boyfriend wouldn’t want to complain about the gloomy weather because look, he’s got sunshine by his side!)

Shruti walked the ramp at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 for designers Saaksha & Kinni’s line called “Raas” on day 4. The actress sashayed down a voluminous ensemble that was dipped in earthy tones and featured exaggerated kaftan-styled sleeves. Her garment had triple layers, which were flared wiih metallic accents.

On the film front, Shruti has completed over a decade. She says she has seen a lot of growth in herself and has also evolved as a person.

“This business teaches you a lot about patience, to stay true to who you are. I really learned by losing myself and finding myself again… I am thankful that I have stuck it out as long as I have and enjoyed myself.

I didn’t plan any of this. I think it’s very divine and I feel blessed,” she added.

Will Parineeti Chopra steal Nick Jonas’ shoes during his wedding to Priyanka Chopra?

The actress answers…

S

tealing the groom’s shoes is considered a ritual in India during weddings. These family events are all about coming together and having fun apart from blessing the couple.

Not letting the groom have his shoes until he coughs up an insane amount of money to his sistersin-law is one of the customs. And it seems Parineeti Chopra already has a plan in her mind for Nick Jonas. When someone on Twitter asked her if she will steal his shoes, Parineeti said, “OF COURSEE.”!!!

Already started negotiating my deal with him. And she’s my witness @ priyankachopra.” Clearly, Nick is not going to get spared. We wonder how much he will pay her… trust us, the amount matters.

Parineeti’s post for Priyanka and Nick on the day of their engagement was one of the most heartfelt ones we have ever read. She had written,

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

“Today I witnessed magic and a fairytale … When we were kids, mimi didi and I used to play “ghar ghar”.

We would pretend to be shy brides, have imaginary children, and serve tea to our husbands! Cheesy, but its because we always believed in the magic of love and hoped we would both find that perfect man for us one day!! Today there was no pretending. I cant think of a more a perfect man for her. Like I said this morning, there are two ways of judging a human being. One – travel with them, and two, eat with them. Nick, I have done both with you. And so I know you’re perfect for her!! Love her, because she loves you like mad! Protect her, because shes strong, but a soft soul inside.

I love you both and wish you all the happiness forever!!!!! HAPPY ROKA AND FUTURE WEDDING!!

areena Kapoor Khan had a gala time in Dubai.

The actress was off to the city to attend a store launch event, but she was not alone.

Kareena knows how to make her work fun and her girlies are always there to support her idea. The girl gang included Amrita Arora Ladak and Karisma Kapoor, who made Bebo’s trip interesting and the pictures they shared on social media are proof.

From flaunting an olive green attire to donning casuals, Kareena was snapped making the best of her fashion statement in Dubai.

Their pictures will make you cheer for Kareena’s real life ‘veeres’. Both Karisma and Amrita shared clicks from the trip and made us gush over them. Kareena’s makeup artist, Mallika Bhat was also seen accompanying the stars on this trip.

Finally, they are back to the bay and their airport looks are nothing less.

The Kapoor sisters, Kareena and Karisma looked uber cool as they returned from their fun all-girls trip from Dubai.

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy first look: Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara’s royal avatars will leave you spellbound

M

egastar Chiranjeevi’s lavish project Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy is easily one of the most awaited films of the year. A Few days back, Shahenshah of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan, who is doing a cameo in the film shared his thickbearded look, which impressed everyone. Now the first look of the lead characters – Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara which definitely leave you stunt. The couple’s royal avatar looks apt and definitely raises our excitement to the next level for its release.

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy marks the 151st project of Chiranjeevi as an actor. He was last seen in Khaidi No 150 that marked his comeback to the silver screen after a decade.

The film was the official remake of Kaththi. It’s dual role and the massy

quotient struck gold at the box office and helped it gross over Rs 100 crore globally. On the other hand, Nayanthara also enjoyed great 2017 with the huge box office success of Aramm and Velaikkaran. With these two power stars in one frame, we definitely expect the film to set new benchmarks at the ticket windows.

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy is reported to be a trilingual film which will be released in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi languages. Based on the life of Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy, the film is made on a lavish budget of Rs 150 crore and also features Jagapati Babu, Kiccha Sudeep and Vijay Sethupathi in pivotal roles. The film is produced by Chiranjeevi’s son Ram Charan and is directed by Surender Reddy. The film is expected to hit the screens next year.

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

30

Indian News Queensland | AD

2.5g PAMP Minted Ganesh Pendant 999.9 Gold

5g PAMP Minted Ganesh Pendant 999.9 Gold

5g PAMP Minted Lakshmi Pendant 999.9 Gold

1g PAMP Minted Bar Gold

2.5g PAMP Minted Bar Gold

5g PAMP Minted Bar Gold

5g PAMP Minted Lakshmi 9999 Gold

10g PAMP Minted Lakshmi 9999 Gold

1oz PAMP Minted Lakshmi 9999 Gold

50g PAMP Minted Lakshmi 999.9 Gold

1oz ABC Bullion Eureka Minted Coin Silver

22ct Yellow Gold Trace Chain 40cm Gold

22ct yellow gold chain 45cm Gold

1oz ABC Bullion Diwali Festival Coin Silver

Ph: 0421 652 132 sales@zenithgold.com.au www.zenithgold.com.au

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

31

Indian News Queensland | AD

I’m very pleased that the Federation of Indian Communities Queensland and its member organisations have partnered with Maurice Blackburn to launch a hotline for Indians or people of Indian origin in Queensland to call when they need legal help.

We live in times where migration, migrants and multiculturalism are being attacked. Yet migration is the bedrock upon which this great state, and country, have been built. In these testing times we need to bond together to ensure equality and access to justice. Partnerships, such as the one between Maurice Blackburn and the FICQ are an example of a bond that fights back against these attacks and ensures access to justice.

Maurice Blackburn is a well established top tier plaintiff law firm with extensive reach in Queensland, and Australia. We have 13 offices across Queensland and visit many areas as well. I was born in India, and am a migrant as are my parents. So were the parents of Jacob Varghese our CEO. We are here to help Indians in Queensland access justice.

We have a wide range of services, particularly if you have been injured in some way and need access to compensation. We have negotiated and won some of the biggest outcomes for injured motorists and workers in Queensland.

We have lawyers and paralegals that speak Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu and other languages.

Please tell your family and friends about our helpline so that we can help them and you. Simply call 1800 247 771 for free legal information.

Giri Sivaraman Principal Lawyer, Maurice Blackburn

We’re here for you A dedicated legal helpline serving our Indian community Giri Sivaraman Principal Lawyer

Starting with the earliest settlers, Indian migrants have been a part of the Australian landscape for centuries. As our community has grown, our unique culture and heritage has positively contributed to the greater Australian mosaic.

We’re your doctors, your teachers, your engineers, your cabbie and your favourite local restaurant.

But when it comes to defending your rights as a worker, a student and an everyday citizen, why do you hesitate to find out more?

Maurice Blackburn is committed to providing access to justice, and feels the law should serve everyone, not just those who can afford it.

Jacob Varghese CEO, Maurice Blackburn

With roots in the Indian community we want to support your rights and give you a better understanding of your entitlements. So if the day comes when you need legal help, you’ll know where to turn.

We’ve established a dedicated legal helpline for the Indian community. If you’re struggling to navigate issues at work or in your day-to-day life and need legal help – we’re here for you.

Proud partners of

1800 247 771 mauriceblackburn.com.au www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

SEPTEMBER 2018

32