Indian News Queensland- May 2018 Issue 8 Vol 1

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

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MAY 2018 Vol 1 Issue 8

FICQ hosts reception to honour Commonwealth Games Indian Athletes PAGE 4-7 Wrapping up CWG GC 2018

PAGE 9 Brisbane Chariot Festival

DG Sports Authority of India Mrs. Neelam Kapur, Indian high Commissioner Dr. Ajay Gondane, Capt. Ajay Narang, Jim Varghese and Dr. Ram Mohan FICQ President ...continued on Page 3

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Indian News Queensland | EDITOR’S WORDS

From the INQ Team

PUBLISHER Dr. Ram Mohan info@indiannewsqld.com.au EDITOR & ASSOCIATE EDITORS editor@indiannewsqld.com.au Ashutosh Raina (Honorary) Susmy Nair DESIGNER Tsai Min-Yi PHOTO COURTESY Allan FOR ENQUIRIES, CONTACT: Dr. Ram Mohan info@indiannewsqld.com.au Phone: 1 300 859 066

Dear Readers, The Commonwealth Games has left us with an exhilarating experience. Australia winning the first place and India’s third best performance in Commonwealth Games by sweeping 66 medals doubled the happiness of Australian Indians. We have never been so proud of our culturally diverse yet united in spirit Indian roots!! This spirit was seen in Queensland in April also due to multiple regional New year celebrations happening within Indian communities; be it Punjabi Community’s Vaisakhi Celebrations, Tamilians Puthandu or Keralites Vishu- Easter celebrations!! ISKCON’s chariot festival and ANZAC’s day at King George square saw many Queenslanders come together. It is these moments which shows us the harmony of multiculturism. April was colorful indeed!! Now we look forward to an exciting May with many events in calendar.

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. Your assistance will help and shore up small business. It is for this reason we strive to be the voice for our region, and it allows us to evolve in a fast-changing environment. 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.

On behalf of all of us at Indian News Queensland, wishing all those fasting for Ramadan the blessings of the holy month!!

Thank you for your continued support.

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Indian News Queensland | CWG EVENTS

Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) hosts reception for CWG Indian Athletes

Indian High Commissioner to Australia Dr. AJay Gondane with FICQ President Dr. Ram Mohan, GOPIO Gold Coast President Pushpinder Oberoi and others

CWG GC 2018 Indian Athletes

F

ederation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) along with Indian High Commission (Canberra) hosted a grand reception in honor of Indian athletes participating in the Commonwealth Games 2018 on 12th April 2018 at RACV royal pine resort in Gold Coast. The guest of honor was Mrs. Neelam Kapur, Director General (DG) of Sports Authority of India and the dignitaries present were the High Commissioner of India to Australia, His excellency Dr. Ajay M. Gondane and Capt. Ajay Narang.

The reception started at 6.30pm with the floral welcome of the athletes and the lighting of lamp by the dignitaries Mrs. Neelam Kapur, Dr. Ajay Gondane and Capt. Narang. FICQ President Dr. Ram Mohan gave the

welcome speech. In his speech he appreciated the athletes for their hard work and spectacular performances in CWG GC 2018. He shared how Commonwealth games had provided all athletes a level playing field to compete in a spirit of friendship and fair play. And how it has acted as a catalyst for an increased sense of inclusivity, diversity and community pride within the Queensland communities.

The event was attended by many Queensland Indian community leaders including Honorary Consul of India (Brisbane) Mrs. Archana Singh, Mr. Jim Varghese AM also representing Dr. Maha Sinnathamby, Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda OAM, Mr. Surendra Prasad OAM, Dr. Naidu Bodapati, Mr. Palani Thevar,

Pushpinder Singh from GOPIO Gold coast and others.

The athletes were presented with garlands & medals for their achievements. There were light refreshments and entertainment- classical & semi classical dance performances by Nadananjali group and Punjabi Folk dance by Bhangra United.

Dr. Venkat Pulla, PRO of FICQ gave the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to Commonwealth Games for giving Indians in Australia the opportunity to felicitate India’s best athletes and to cherish the talent of culturally diverse India! On behalf of FICQ he thanked all the athletes & guests for their participation and making the event a grand success!

DG Sports Authority of India Mrs. Neelam Kapur with guests

Guests at the event

Honoring the athletes

Brisbane Indian High Consul Mrs. Achrana Singh with family

Guests posing with Athletes for picture at FICQ CWG Gala Reception

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Dance Performance at the event

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Indian News Queensland | CWG EVENTS

India celebrates third best Commonwealth Games performance ever!

Gold Coast Ambassador Induction

I

ndian athletes and fans continue to celebrate their third most successful Commonwealth Games outing, more than a week after the closing ceremony of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Team India achieved a total of 66 medals across 9 of the 16 sports disciplines the nation competed in, with more gold than silver or bronze medals and finishing at third place overall in the final medal tally.

Athletes and coaches were happy with the nation’s overall performance, with several Indian sportspeople showcasing their skills against some of the world’s top performers.

India’s M.C. Mary Kom made her Commonwealth Games debut on the Gold Coast this year and finished her boxing event with a gold medal.

In track and field, former junior world champion Neeraj Chopra defeated all odds and made history

by becoming India’s first ever javelin thrower to win gold.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Chairman Peter Beattie said of the event: “it’s been an overwhelming success. It has put the Gold Coast on a world stage in a way that’s never happened before.”

Mr Beattie said more than 1.2 million tickets had been sold and social media coverage had been ‘extraordinary’.

The Multicultural Community Ambassador Program comprised over 400 Ambassadors across 40 cultures who supported the competition through building awareness and encouraging community members to attend events.

Ram Mohan, President of the Federation of Indian Communities Queensland said: “It was a great honor to be a Community Ambassador. It really was an experience of a lifetime for all those who had a chance to be involved and one that will be remembered. It was great

to see the Indian community coming out to support the Commonwealth Games. The Indian Athletes achieved success that Indians all over the world can be proud of.

Reg Raghavan, Founder and Director of Red Elephant Group who managed the largest Multicultural Engagement Program, said “The Community Ambassador Program was the largest Multicultural program of its kind in Australian sports. We are certainly proud of the success of the program, which involved 40 nations (71 competing nations) across 23 sports. Thank you to all the community leaders, media and everyone involved for their unprecedented support of the Community Ambassador Program and the Games.”

Red Elephant is a Cultural Engagement Marketing agency that partners with governments, corporates and organizations to tap into Australia’s diverse multicultural audiences and connect brands with communities.

Dr. Ajay M Gondane Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Reg Raghavan Founder and Director Red Elephant Group & Dr. Ram Mohan FICQ President at the Indian welcome to Athletes dinner hosted by FICQ

Red Elephant GC2018 launch Indian ambassadros

Brisbane Ambassador Induction www.indiannewsqld.com.au

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Indian News Queensland | CWG EVENTS

India's Medal Tally in CWG GC 2018

Gold (26)

• Saina Nehwal clinched women’s singles gold in badminton.

• Boxer Vikas Krishan wins gold in 75kg category at Commonwealth Games.

• Manika Batra wins gold in table tennis women's singles, becoming the first Indian woman to do so.

• Vinesh Phogat wins gold in women’s wrestling freestyle 50 kg Nordic event.

• Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian javelin thrower to claim a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

• In the 52kg Boxing event Gaurav Solanki won gold.

• In wrestling, Sumit Malik claimed the gold medal in the men’s freestyle 125 kg.

• Sanjeev Rajput won gold in 50m Rifle 3 Position shooting event.

• M.C. Mary Kom won 45-48 kg category boxing event, claiming gold in her debut Commonwealth Games.

• Bajrang Punia won the gold medal in freestyle 65kg wrestling.

• Tejaswini Sawant won the 50m rifle position event • 15-year-old Anish Bhanwala bagged gold in men's 25m rapid fire pistol.

• In men's freestyle 74kg wrestling, double Olympic-medallist Sushil Kumar won gold.

• Rahul Aware added another gold medal to India's tally, winning in the Men's Freestyle 57kg wrestling event.

• In the double trap women shooting, India's Shreyasi Singh won gold.

• Shooter Heena Sidhu won gold in 25m pistol event to give India its 11th gold medal in the Games.

• The Indian mixed team badminton claimed gold for the first time in the Games' history.

• In the 10m men's air pistol event, India's Jitu Rai won gold. This is his second Commonwealth gold.

• In the women's table tennis event, the Indian team won its first ever Commonwealth gold medal.

• In 10m women's air pistol, Manu Bhaker won gold and added sixth gold for India at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

• Weightlifter Punam Yadav became the third woman to win gold for India, coming out on top in the women's 69 kg category at the CWG 2018.

• Weightlifter Venkat Rahul Ragala became the fourth Indian to claim a gold medal in the men's 85 kg category.

• Weightlifter Satish Kumar Sivalingam won India's third gold in the men’s 77kg category.

• Weightlifter Sanjita Chanu landed India its second gold medal, winning the top spot in the women’s 53kg category.

• Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu was the first gold medal winner for India, on the opening day, in the women's 48 kg category.

• Indian men’s table tennis team wins gold beating Nigeria 3-0.

Silver (20)

Bronze (20)

• P.V. Sindhu picked up the women’s singles silver medal in badminton playing against Saina Nehwal.

• Kidambi Srikanth settled for badminton silver.

• Dipika Pallikal Karthik and Joshna Chinappa settle for silver in women’s doubles squash.

• In mixed doubles squash, Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal claim silver.

• Boxer Manish Kaushik won silver in the Men's 60 kg category.

• India’s Amit Panghal won silver after losing a very close bout in the Boxing Men’s 46-49kg Final.

• Manika Batra and Mouma Das fought hard before going down against defending champions Feng Tianwei and Yu Mengyu to settle for a silver medal in the women’s doubles, a first ever for India in the Commonwealth Games.

• Anjum Moudgil bagged silver in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions event.

• Wrestler Pooja Dhanda made a late push in the women’s 57kg final bout to win silver.

• Wrestler Mausam Khatri failed to make use of his wealth of experience as he settled for a silver medal in men’s freestyle 97 kg event.

• Seema Punia came up with a best effort of 60.41m in the women's discus throw, which she did in her opening attempt to win her fourth successive CWG medal • Mehuli Ghosh won silver in the 10m women's air rifle event.

• In the 105 category weightlifting for men, Pradeep Singh won the silver.

• In 10m women's air pistol, Heena Sidhu won the silver and added second silver for India at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

• Weightlifter P. Gururaja opened India’s medal account on the first competition day, claiming a silver in the men’s 56kg category.

• Tejaswini Sawant won a silver medal in 50m prone finals in shooting.

• Wrestler Babita Kumari won silver in 53kg event.

• Manika Batra and G. Sathiyan claimed mixed doubles bronze in table tennis.

• Sharath Kamal claimed bronze in table tennis Men's Singles.

• Harmeet Desai and Sanil Shankar Shetty bagged bronze in the men’s doubles Table Tennis competition.

• Ashwini Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy win bronze at women's doubles badminton.

• In wrestling, Somveer claims bronze in Men's Freestyle 86 kg.

• In wrestling, Sakshi Malik claimed bronze in the Women's Freestyle 62 kg.

• Naman Tanwar won bronze in the boxing Men's 91 kg • Manoj Kumar won bronze in the boxing Men's 69 kg.

• Hussamuddin Mohammed won bronze in the boxing Men's 56 kg.

• Divya Kakran won bronze medal in the women’s freestyle 68 kg by outplaying Bangladesh’s Sherin Sultana 4-0.

• In the women's discus throw, Navjeet Dhillon grabbed the bronze with her final throw of 57.43m • In women's freestyle 76kg wrestling event, Kiran bagged a bronze medal.

• Delhi-born Ankur Mittal claimed the bronze in men's double trap shooting event.

• Om Mitharval won bronze in the 50m men's pistol event and in the 10m men's air pistol event.

• India's Apurvi Chandela won bronze in the 10m women's air rifle event.

• One more medal for weightlifting, Vikas Thakur added a shade of bronze to Indian weightlifters’ golden run at the Commonwealth Games, claiming the third position in the 94kg category by equalling his personal best.

• Ravi Kumar settles for bronze in men’s 10m air rifle event at 21st Commonwealth Games.

• Teenager Deepak Lather from Haryana became the youngest Indian weightlifter to claim a Commonwealth Games medal, clinching a bronze in the men’s 69kg category.

• Sachin Chaudhary did the country proud by bagging a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight category in para powerlifting of the XXI Commonwealth Games.

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Indian News Queensland | CWG EVENTS

Commonwealth Games Gold Coast 2018: Highlights and New Stars of India!!

T

he 2018 Commonwealth Games has become India’s third most successful CWG of all time, with a 200-plus contingent finishing third in the medals tally with 66 medals (26 Gold, 20 Silver and 20 Bronze).

Only Australia with 198 medals and England with 136 were ahead. India's 26 Golds was also third, behind Australia (80) and England (45).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates India's contingent at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast via Twitter on 15th April 2018 said that the competitors will motivate more youngsters to pursue sports.

India's combined 66 medals is its third best showing in the history of the Games. India's best remains 101 in New Delhi (2010), followed by 69 in Manchester (2002). India bettered its showing in Glasgow 2014, where we finished fifth overall, by just two medals. In Glasgow, India claimed 15 Gold, 30 Silver and 19 Bronze. India's best Gold tally of 38 came at home in 2010.

With the spotlight away from the hockey players who sadly returned empty handed, the focus shifted to the likes of paddler Manika Batra from Delhi, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra from Haryana and weight-

lifter Mirabai Chanu, who all led from the front to ensure that India’s national anthem was played 26 times, across seven venues, from the Belmont Shooting range in Brisbane to the Oxenford studios which hosted table tennis, squash and boxing.

The rarity of his achievement ensures that the ‘best Indian male athlete award’ of the Games should go to javelin throw champion Neeraj Chopra. On his way to gold, Chopra silenced the home crowd, which was rooting for veteran Australian Hamish Peacock. Competing in the hostile, packed cauldron of the Carrara Stadium would have been a tough initiation for Chopra, who proved he was made of sterner stuff, coming up with a series of massive throws that took the gold away from the hosts.

The same honor in the women’s section should go to another youngster table tennis champion, Manika. No one, not even her teammates, expected such a stunning show from the 22-year-old but the Delhi girl was in her own zone, beating higher-ranked rivals from Singapore twice during the course of the Games.

Seema Punia was expected to win the silver and she did just that, but no one thought Jinson Johnson would trouble the Africans in the

men’s 1500m final. Johnson ran the race of his life to better the national record set by Bahadur Prasad way back in 1995.

The weightlifters won a bag full of medals but the tone for the golden run was set by Mirabai Chanu, who set a new Games record in women’s 48kg. Wrestler Divya Kakran from Delhi stunned everyone with her stellar performance, despite being pitched against experienced players. Though the 19-year-old Commonwealth Games debutant had to settled for a bronze, it did not come without a tough fight with competitors.

India’s young shooters stole the limelight, setting the range on fire, but few veterans stood their ground and took the gold. Heena Sidhu, after losing to Manu Bhaker in the 10m, took the 25m gold while Tejaswini, the 2010 World Champion, won a gold and a silver.

15-year-old Anish Bhanwala is for a sure a star in the making. The young shooter sensational debut at the Commonwealth Games has become the talk of the town especially after he created history by becoming the youngest Indian gold medalist with a win in the men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event.

Mary Kom won her first CWG gold medal in Gold Coast

Heena Sidhu and Manu Bhaker

Neeraj Chopra

Badminton Team

Seema Puni and Navjeet Kaur Dhillon

Anish Bhanwala www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Manika Batra

Mirabai Chanu

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Indian News Queensland | CWG EVENTS

India's Performance Explained in Numbers

data courtesy: news 18

India won 7 out of its 10 CWG medals in the last five editions: In its eight-decade- old association with the Commonwealth Games India has won 504 medals. Seventy percent of these medals were claimed in the last five editions.

Also, India’s medal haul has been on a broadly upward trend.

Going for the gold: The second-high point of India’s performance at the Games has been the high number of golds. While India bettered its overall performance at Glasgow by two medals, its gold tally improved by 11. That’s a massive 60 percent!

Majority of India’s medals still come from few sports: Eight of every 10 medals won by India at Gold Coast were won in the games Indian sportspersons have historically excelled at. A quarter of all medals came from shooting. The success rate of the Indian contingent for shooting was quite impressive too with 16 medals coming from India’s 27 entries in the sport. That’s a success rate of almost 60 percent.

Women change the game: Traditionally men have dominated sports in India. Emergence of few star female players in the last few years has signaled a major shift in this sphere. GC 2018 saw some stupendous performance by female athletes: 50 per cent of all golds won by India were brought in by women players. Their medal victories were also quite diversified indicating emergence of great female athletes across categories.

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Indian News Queensland | CWG EVENTS

Indian Australian Chayan Sarkar in Dr. Bijukumar’s next International Film ‘Féerie’ "Very happy to announce a new movie. An entry into European film fraternity with a subject that is dear to me and very relevant to the current political situation around Europe. I am doing an international multi- country co-production movie entirely in French language", said award National award winning Indian movie director Damodaran Bijukumar.Bijukumar Damodaran, popularly known as Dr. Biju, has served as jury member of the International Film Festival of Kerala, Fair International Film Festival , National Film Award in 2013 and the 2015 Oscar selection jury member for best foreign language movie.

The title of his new film is Féerie (Dreams of Wind). Four production houses from France, Australia, Senegal and India will be joining hands for this feature project. The story is about the relationship of an Indian driver and a Senegalese woman who both live in France.

She meets the Indian cabbie on a panic escape from police at the

streets of Paris. He realises that she is an illegal immigrant who escaped from the Calais (commonly known as “The Jungle” which is near the France-UK Border). She is trying to find a way to escape to UK. The role of Indian man is played by Indo -Australian French speaking actor Chayan Sarkar.

“I have worked with Sarkar with in my early career in my movie Raman. The lead female cast is not finalised yet but I am in talks with some lead French actresses including Aissa Maiga" said Dr. Biju.

The detailed cast and crew will be updated soon.The film will start rolling in 2019 after the English film 'Painting Life', which is under final post- production stage now.

Dr. Biju is currently filming the Malayalam film 'Veyilmarangal' in Himachal Pradesh. Brisbane based Chayan Sarkar actor / producer has confirmed his involvement in Dr. Biju's project as actor. Sarkar is also bound for Cannes Film Festival 2018 next week where he would

launch his new Indian Film Festival to be held in Paris. His Paris film festival has already received support from French Govt. authorities.

Dr. Bijukumar Damodaran

Chayan Sarkar

LEB1004

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Chariot Festival: ISKCON ‘Hare Krishna’ followers pull chariot through Brisbane Streets

T

housands of spectators flocked to King George Square following the loud and lively parade through the city streets to celebrate the Festival of Chariots, which began in India 5000 years ago.

A four-tonne rainbow wooden chariot was pulled through the heart of Brisbane on Saturday 28th April, as a celebration of joy and peace organised by the Hare Krishna community.

The day is a spiritual event that involves pulling giant statues of deities through the city and is symbolic of Krishna coming out of his temple to see his people.

Festival co-ordinator Chintan Gandhi said the "people powered" event had been running in Brisbane for the past five years and was also held in major cities across the world.

"The significance of it is bringing peace and joy to our hearts. It's practised in ancient India and now happens in all major cities in the world," he said.

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"The aim is to look at the culture, we are all about the community, we want to show them a bit of our culture.

"What we believe in is spirituality, to give that message we are not the body we are the soul, we are the same, we all speak the same language.

"To give you an example, as we were pulling the chariot through the street a lot of people didn't know what was happening, but we just saw a big smile on their face and that is the universal language, that smile and joy."

An estimated 3000 people celebrated the festival in Brisbane last year, but Mr. Gandhi said about 5000 were expected on Saturday - making it the most successful festival so far.

In addition to the spectacle of a fourton multi-colored wooden chariot, the festival also had free vegetarian meals, cultural dance performances, live music, vegetarian cooking demonstrations, markets, organic farming displays and henna tattoos.

The four-tonne chariot

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Nagar Kirtan and colorful parade by Sikhs in Brisbane

O

n Sunday 22nd April 2018, Sikhs in Brisbane converged in large numbers to take part in the annual Khalsa Day Parade complete with floats and martial arts as a part of Vaisakhi celebrations.

Vaisakhi is the most important festival that is celebrated by Sikh community across the globe as the Creation of the Khalsa. The festival marks the day in 1699 when the 10th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Sikh community. It also marks the onset of the harvest season and the Punjabi New Year.

The procession was led by the Panj Pyaras (the five beloved ones representing the spirit and body of the Guru) and followed by the holy scripture of the Sikhs (Guru Granth Sahib) placed on a golden palanquin, decorated with flowers. The procession was marked by rendering of holy hymns-shabad kirtan by

various groups of men, women and children.

What is interesting about the Sikh principles and very few people know is that the Khalsa is a collective of committed Sikhs – male & female- who are the leaders and defenders of the Sikh way. The Khalsa was created to fight oppression, uphold freedom and basic needs of food, clothing, health and education for all people. The reason Guruji gave the Khalsa, a distinct form of appearance is people to recognise them and ask them for help, when needed. The turban and Kirpan (sword) worn by Khalsa reflects their sovereign nature. As instituted by first Guru-Guru Nanak Dev Ji, all gurudwaras serve free food (langar) to all visitors irrespective of race, religion or social status. The main reasons behind this is to fight hunger, bring equality in action and teaching compassion in all.

Hon. Minister Stirling Hinchliffe with Sikh Community leaders

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Vaisakhi Grand Celebrations in Rocklea

Cr Angela Owen & Miss Pooja presenting award

O

n occasion of Vaisakhi, Five team entertainment had organized Brisbane Vaisakhi Mela 2018 at Rocklea Showgrounds on 14th April 2018.

The event was sponsored majorly

by New England College & Aussizz group. The highlight of the event was the performances by Jazzy B & Miss Pooja. Jaswinder Singh Bains more popularly known as Jazzy Bains or Jazzy B is a Punjabi language Bhangra singer-songwriter and actor. Gurinder Kaur Kainth popularly known as Miss Pooja is a Punjabi singer who has released duets with more than 100 singers making her the largest-selling female bhangra artist in India and overseas. The special guest at

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the event was Councilor Angela Owen accompanied by Ms. Pinky Singh, President of Punjabi Welfare Association of Australia. The event was attended by most of the Punjabi community in Brisbane.

Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, takes place each year in the month of April, either on the 13th or 14th.

There are two different elements to Vaisakhi – firstly it refers to the harvest festival in the Punjab region of India, and secondly it marks the day that Sikhism was born as a collective faith in 1699. This day is also observed by the farming community of Punjab as a day of giving thanks and paying tribute to God for their abundant harvest and praying for future prosperity.

Miss Pooja with Cr Angela Owen, Ms Pinky Singh President of Punjabi Welfare Association of Australia and others

Jazzy b with Perbender Hayer, Amninder Bhullar, Deepinder Singh and Jaswinder Ranipur Stage Sanchalak.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Singh Sabha Brisbane hosts Citizenship Ceremony during Vaisakhi celebrations

V

aisakhi celebrations were held by Singh Sabha Brisbane and the local Sikh community on 29th April 2018 at Sandgate Hawks Sporting Club. The Vaisakhi festival was a free event and the location of the event makes it easily accessible to all members of the local community.

The festival was promoted locally as a family friendly event which is open to everyone.

The celebration consisted of sports and cultural programs. There was also Citizenship ceremony conducted on the same day in the afternoon. Local councilors Jared Cassidy and Amanda Cooper, local state MP Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe, local federal MP Hon. Wayne Swan and the Hawks Football Club were part of this event.

The celebration was a fair style event with traditional dancing, music,

food stalls and fireworks. There were rides and games for everyone. Many Punjabi communities around the world celebrate Vaisakhi, and it is an important link for the community at Singh Saba Brisbane to celebrate this festival within the local community.

Community acceptance is extremely important for the Singh Saba community. The Vaisakhi festival is a key event in promoting cohesion and being accepted as part of the local community. This is the best way for the wider community to gain some understanding of the Punjabi culture’, said Parminder Singh, Company Secretary, Singh Sabha Brisbane. While the event being held at the local sports ground, spectators had opportunities to immerse themselves in the Punjabi culture, with all the sights, sounds and smells.

Hon Min. Stirling Hinchliffe with FICQ President Dr. Ram Mohan, Singh Sabha Secretary Parminder Singh and others

Citizenship Ceremony

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Varnam Cultural Society’s Grand Tamil New Year Celebrations

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arnam Cultural Society (QLD) Inc “Chithirai Kalai Vizha” Multicultural Tamil & Indian New Year Celebrations was held at Robelle Domain Parklands, Springfield Central on Saturday 28th April 2018. Varnam Cultural Society (QLD) Inc. was founded by Rajarajan Thennavan in April 2012 to promote the Tamil language, and its culture & significance and identify, support, encourage and provide opportunities to new and hidden talents within the Tamil community in Queensland. Varnam also assists community people with education, training, employment, counselling and sports and other fitness related activities as well as involve in organizing events and raising funds.

The event was attended by Mayor of Ipswich Andrew Antoniolli, Senator Claire Moore, Cr. Angela Owen, Federation of Indian Communities of QLD President Dr. Ram Mohan, John Paul Langbroek MP, Jessica Hugh MP, Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, Jim Madden MP and Cr. David Morrison The event had fun rides and dance performances on Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam songs. There were different folk and fusion dances. Multicultural stalls and games kept everyone entertained. The show ended with dinner and fireworks.

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All dignitaries at the event

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Kerala New Year Vishu & Easter Celebrations in Brisbane

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he Malayalee community in Brisbane were enthused that there were many Vishu & Easter celebrations organized in Brisbane by various organizations. Out of the many Kerala community organizations in Brisbane, the popular ones are MAQ (Malayalee association of Queensland, Kairali Brisbane, OHM (Organization of Hindu Malayalees) and Brisbane Malayalee Association.

Vishu is the first day of the Malayalam calendar and is the call of a New Year in Kerala and the adjoining areas of Southern India. This day is celebrated with much ceremonial splendor among all family members, relatives and friends and is marked by feasting and burning of fire crackers. This day of Vishu is

the most important day in a Keralite's life. It marks the beginning of new hopes and aspirations and is celebrated widely all across the state.

People take a lot of care in fulfilling the rituals so as to bring prosperity and success in the coming year ahead. Whereas the Easter Festival is the oldest Christian Festival and is observed with great celebrations in the State of Kerala in the southern part of India. The celebrations of the Easter memorialize the central tent of Christianity, the resurgence of Jesus Christ.

Most celebrations had the traditional dinner of Kerala state called Sadhya. The events were filled with dance performances, group & solo singing and various other activities.

Cr Angela Owen with children

Indo Australian Association Student Winner Nudhara Yusuf visits Brisbane

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ndo Australian Association had conducted debate competition on the subject “Be Heard Down Under� for deserving speakerstudents. Nudhara Yusuf of Grade 12 A Level Cambridge from Vaels International School was declared as the winner.

Nudhara Yusuf spans her resume across the board from engaging in the field of speech and debate and is the acting president of the Vaels International School Debate Society. She was the only female member of Team India from the World Schools Debating Championships

Nudhara Yusuf

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2016. She has made frequent appearances in the International arena and has participated and gained victory in the Advance to Australia video making competition, World Scholars Cup, Yale Young Global Scholars Program and World Youth Chess Championships and participated in the likes of Bangkok, Malaysia, America, brazil and Australia.

Yet her rooted cultural engagement is seen through her love for dance and conscientious engagement with the student body. As a part of her competition reward she visits University of Queensland in Australia.

Nudhara at the competition

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MAY 2018

14

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Nadananjali School of Dance to perform again for a noble cause on 19th May 2018 “Nadananjali School of Dance” will be showcasing the talent of its students at a concert “Salangagyin Naadham” on Saturday the 19th of May at 5.30PM at the St John’s Performing Arts Centre, College Ave, Forest Lake. This event is in aid of the Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple in Brisbane.

Smt. Chitra Yogi Srikhanta, the director of Nadananjali School of Dance, started her training in Bharathanatyam at the tender age of five under the well-known Guru Smt. Vijayalakshmi Shanmukham Pillai in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In 1957, she became the student of Smt. Balasundari Prathalingam.

Over the past 43 years, Smt. Chitra Yogi Srikhanta has helped to promote the Kalakshetra style of Bharathanatyam in Australia, as well as in Papua New Guinea, by producing several acclaimed dancers and programmes.

Bharathanatyam is a portrayal of grace and agility through intricate body movements and facial expressions. “An Evening of Exquisite Dances” is a show that will encompass various dances, such as Pushpanjali, Thillana, Dance Drama and various Padams/Keerthanams (story-telling items). Each of these dances will showcase these different aspects of Bharathanatyam.

Dancers depicting Lord Mahavishnu resting on Sheshnag (serpent) with wife Goddess Lakshmi near his feet

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MAY 2018

15

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Meera on the coast- A Must Watch Show!!

Artistic director Aarti Bajaj, from the Gold Coast_s Navrasa Indian Classical and Contemporary Dance school, stars in an upcoming stage production called Meera.

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eera’ is inspired by a unique love story set in 16th century India. It is a love story which is beyond the need of physical presence. Many years in making ‘Meera’ is the creative, bold and beautiful interpretation of Aarti’s view of the character Meera who epitomizes unbridled faith that transforms into the greatest love of all. Meera is an interlude between a theatrical and musical, linked with the best of narration, opera singing and story-telling.

The production, to be performed in English, will feature a cast of 80 to 100 lead by Ms Bajaj as Meera.

“We will be bringing so many genres together to stage one beautiful story all about love,” she said. Ms Bajaj said the colourful work — “an interlude between a theatrical and a musical” — would incorporate dance styles including contemporary, ballet, jazz, Indian classical, Indian contemporary and pole, elaborate costumes and jewellery. and an original soundtrack. “It’s ambitious,” she said. “The entire story has been written by me. “I believe in it and I think it will bring a wider arts audience together. It’s close to my heart.” She said she hoped the

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work would “bring together the Brisbane, Gold Coast community and the Indian community”. “The story we are telling is from India,” she said. “It’s a stage musical style telling of an Indian story, about two different India’s with parts that will be in the 16th century musical style.

“It will have Indian and non-Indian people dancing in different forms and different ways.”

Meera premieres at The Arts Centre Gold Coast on November 4, 2018. Making its debut and world premiere right in the heart of Gold Coast at the HOTA, ‘Meera’ is not a performance to be missed.

Meera will be a mesmerizing treat to all senses, melodious original music composed by renowned maestros from India, and many other European countries to lavish glamorous costumes that befit Indian-royalty, the backdrop of the story, and everything from ballet, Indian contemporary, African contemporary, tap, aerial, pole, classical dancing performed by amateurs from all background and ages!

Think bold, beautiful, mesmerizing, inspirational, unique and breathtaking, Think Meera! Tickets on sale Sun 6 May at 9am.

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MAY 2018

16

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Brisbane enjoys an evening of Indian Classical Music!!

Ms. Kaushiki Chakraborty with FICQ President Dr. Ram Mohan

Vishwa Events Director, Ketaki Apte and husband with Ms. Kaushiki

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ishwa Events brought “THE QUEEN of Indian Music Kaushiki Chakraborty” along with a talented group encompassing string, harmonium and tabla for our entertainment and our learning, a very unique musical ensemble – unique in its home country India and even more extraordinary in Brisbane. On the evening of 15th April 2018, Queenslanders graced the Schonell theatre, St. Lucia in large numbers to partake of this rare and inspiring performance of Indian classical music. Kaushiki Chakraborty was the vocalist and she was accompanied by Mr. Ajay Jogalekar (Harmonium), Mr. Ojas Adhiya (Limca Book World Record Holder for the Youngest Tabla Player) and others.

There was a wide range of the audi-

ence which belonged to various communities not only from India but also from Japan, China and Australia. This wide group of music lovers proved that music doesn't need any language, has no barriers or boundaries. It was a wonderful combination of different cultures, languages and nationalities all under one roof to enjoy the melodious concert by Ms. Kaushiki Chakraborty.

The concert began by thanking the traditional owners of the land the program sponsors, supporters, media partners and with the blessings of Jejeshree. The team of performers were introduced by Ms. Ira Apte and they were felicitated by the team members of Vishwa events with a token of appreciation. This was followed by the magical journey into the ocean of music which started with Raag Bhimpalasi and then the Kahayls, Thumris,

and Ghazals. After a short intermission halfway through the concert, the Queen of Hindustani Music then sang the songs of the audience choice.

Kaushiki Chakraborty was very happy for the audience to take selfies and photos with her as she was touched by the welcome she received by the wonderful audience of Queensland and the fans who wanted to get some autographs from her. Not only were the audience mesmerized by her singing but even the security guards present at the time of the concert who had no clue of what Indian classical singing was, became fans of Ms. Kaushiki by the end of the concert.

Ketaki Apte, Director Vishwa Events, gave the vote of thanks and appreciated the wonderful audience and the team of volunteers who had helped tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event a grand success.

Mr Ajay Jogalekar (Harmonium)

Mr. Ojas Adhiya (Limca Book World Record Holder for the Youngest Tabla Player) www.indiannewsqld.com.au

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17

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

GOPIO Queensland's 10th anniversary and fund-raising dinner

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n 28th of April 2018 28th GOPIO (Global Organization of People of Indian Origin) celebrated its 10th year anniversary. GOPIO had also organized a fund-raising dinner for India Day Fair on the same day.

India Day Fair is an event hosted by GOPIO every year in lieu of India’s Independence Day celebration of 15th August. India day fair is a free community event. To keep hosting the event and make it sustainable and accessible for the wider public, the fundraising dinner was organized. The dinner was attended and supported by most community leaders.

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland organizes 108 Gayatri Maha Yajna

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rya Pratinidhi Sabha of QLD Inc. conducted 108 Gayatri Maha Yajna on 29th April 2018 at Willawong. This was a fund-raising event for the successful completion of Yajyashala community hall. All funds collected will be utilized in the construction of the community hall. Total of 370 people took part in the Yajna. Jitendra Deo, President of APSQ thanked all the contributions received and the grand success of the event. Havan Yajna ceremony is one of the most important rites laid down in the Vedic scriptures for householders and is part of the eternal Sanatan Vedic Dharm/ culture. Yajna is the cornerstone of the Vedic way of life.

The benefits of the Havan are multidimensional.

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Families performing Yajna

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MAY 2018

18

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Sri Selva Vinayakar Mahotsavam 2018 By: T.Sivanathan(Vice President-HASQ)

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indu Ahlaya Sangam Qld Inc (HASQ) organized ‘The Mahotsavam’ (Grand Festival) for Lord Ganesha at Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple Brisbane starting on Friday 6 April 2018.

This is the 3rd Mahothsavam for Sri Selva Vinayakar in this temple since the Kumbabhishekam (installation of the deity) was held in May 2015.

Selva Vinayakar temple Mahothsavam is a ten days festival fixed for the Ratha festival to be celebrated on the ninth day – the Tamil New Year day. Usually it falls on the 14th of April each year. On each day of the festival, both morning and evening Pradaksana or procession of the deity, with Umbrella, Chowri, and deepam, singing, dancing and playing various instruments. The thaalas to be played in the course of the procession are prescribed. The

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celebration of Mahothsavam commenced with hoisting the flag of the main deity on this day – symbolising creation. Festivals from the second day on to the eighth day symbolises sustenance. The Ratha or chariot festival on the ninth day – New Years’ day is regarded as the grandest event of the Mahothsavam. This festival symbolises destruction. Theertha on the tenth day marks the end of the festival. This ceremony begins with the usual preliminary rites. Thereafter the deity is taken to the Theerthasthanam.

The Astrarajah, who serves as the substitute for the main deity, is first bathed with the abisheka dravyas and then immersed in the water which has been already sanctified by purifactories. This ceremony in the morning symbolises concealment.

The Avarohana- that is lowering of the flag and the silent procession in

the evening symbolises bestowal of His grace to the devotees. The Mahothsavam concluded with Poongavanam on the eleventh day. This marks the celebration by the devotees on obtaining His divine bliss.

Feeding the devotees, known as Maheswara Puja (Annathaanam) during festivals is a custom honoured and carried out on a grand scale by the devotees with much care and devotion in saivite temples. On 14th April, on occasion of Tamil new year there were more than 3000 devotees at the temple for blessings.

Many volunteers came forward to render their service to the temple Management Committee during this grand festival period. The temple authority thanked all wellwishers for their participation and success of the event.

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MAY 2018

19

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Indian Guru Asaram Bapu sentenced to life for rape crime A self-styled Indian spiritual guru who claims millions of followers worldwide has been given a life sentence for raping a 16-year-old girl. Asaram Bapu was convicted of the 2013 attack on the girl, a devotee at his ashram in Jodhpur, by a court in the city's jail. He is expected to appeal. The guru, who is 77, has 400 ashrams around the world where he teaches meditation and yoga. He is also on trial in another rape case in western Gujarat state. The judge delivered his verdict from the city's jail in Jodhpur because of concerns that it could provoke riots. Two of the guru's aides were also convicted and given 20-year jail terms. Two more were acquitted. Asaram was arrested in 2013 after a case of sexual assault was filed against him by two of his followers, who alleged that he had

assaulted their daughter. Police say that the couple, who had sent the girl to one of his ashrams for spiritual lessons, were summoned to see her as she was "under the influence of some supernatural ghostly powers". They were then told to take their daughter to Jodhpur to meet the guru. The family reached the Jodhpur ashram on 14 August. The following night, Asaram called the victim to his room on the pretext of "curing" her.

He then raped the victim while her parents waited outside chanting his prayers, police say. Police say the guru forced the victim to perform sexual acts on him and threatened to murder her family if she spoke about the incident. The victim told her parents what had happened the following day. They tried to confront Asaram but were refused entry to his ashrams.

Asaram is far from being the first self-styled Indian holy man to be accused and found guilty of crimes.

In 2017, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for rape. He has also been investigated for murder and has been accused of forcing followers to undergo castrations to "get closer to god". Baba Rampal is currently in jail facing a number of serious charges, including murder, attempted murder and sedition. He was accused of operating an illegal abortion centre in his ashram where a number of weapons were also confiscated. Swami Nithyananda was charged with obscenity after a video apparently showed him engaging in a sexual act with a film actress. He said he was innocent and the video was a fake. He was detained in 2010 but released on bail. He's still awaiting trial in several cases.

Australian Indians show support to help the cause of Rape victims in India

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he call for justice that has roared in India against the repeated rape cases in the country has been echoed here in Australia last month.

The Indian diaspora has always been concerned about their home country.

The Indian Australians shared that people think that it’s their duty to speak up as they are connected by blood and India is their motherland.

Since the public protest after the 'nirbhya' case few years ago, there have been a series of protests in India and also overseas. Violent crime against women has been on the rise in India despite tough laws enacted in 2013. In 2012, the fatal gang rape of a young woman in New Delhi triggered massive protests by hundreds of thousands to demand stricter rape laws in the country.

India's government has prescribed the death penalty for people convicted of raping children under

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12 to help combat an increase in violent crime against women. An ordinance was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet. The ordinance will require the approval of Parliament within six months in order to become law. But in the meantime, suspects can be prosecuted using the ordinance. The government enacted laws doubling prison terms for rapists to 20 years and criminalizing voyeurism, stalking and the trafficking of women.

Indian lawmakers also voted to lower to 16 from 18 the age at which a person can be tried as an adult for heinous crimes.

With the ordinance declared and passed by the Indian Parliament, there is hope that there would be some behavioral bend in the animal kind that treat themselves through such dastardly activities. The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland had planned for a candle light vigil on 22nd April however in the light of the outcome and action from Indian Government, the solidarity candle light vigil was withdrawn.

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Indian News Queensland | FINANCE & WEALTH

Commonwealth Conference “Sustainable Peace and Development in a Polarizing World”

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he conference organized

by Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue explored the normative and practical leadership roles of faith communities, universities, and the Commonwealth of Nations itself under the theme: “Sustainable Peace and Development in a Polarizing World: Perspectives and Contributions from the Commonwealth of Nations.”

In a period of tumultuous change across the globe driven by factors such as the far-reaching impacts of climate change, political and economic upheavals of Brexit, US withdrawal from international leadership coupled with the rise of Chinese transnational organizations, persistent international terrorism, and widening political and social polarization, this wave of change is restructuring how the world works.

The conference was for three days with an opening inaugural session

on the evening participants arrived followed by two days dedicated to discussions and dialogue with internationally recognized leaders from business, politics, media, education, religious communities and civil society. The key speakers at the conference were Maha Sinnathamby, Prof.

Singh, Brian Adams, James Christie, Munir Khasru, Senator Claire Moore, Carol Angir, Hassan Saeed and others.

Conference presentations and working group sessions were focused on Role of Commonwealth of Nations Today, Academic Freedom and Extremism: How to support free thinking while combatting extremists, Interfaith/Intercultural Dialogue and Economic Development, Sports and Interreligious Understanding, Conflict Resolution, UN Sustainable Development Goals and Religious Strategies for Countering Youth Radicalization.

L-R: Ms. Veena Merz, Mr. Shyam Das, Mr. Palani Thevar, Mr. Jim Varghese, Indian High Consul Mrs. Archana Singh, Swami Atmeshananda, Mr. Surendra Prasad OAM, Brian Adams and Prof. Singh

India’s Ascent Trade 2018 by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

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trade and investment seminar invaluable to business leaders keen to explore bilateral business opportunities was hosted by the Queensland Government, City of Gold Coast, Australia India Business Council and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry at Commonwealth House, Gold Coast on Friday 13 April 2018.

The event provided Commonwealth countries an insight into why India should be prioritised as a target country for business, which Australian sectors have the best opportunities for growth and how to leverage local networks to grow your business with India. The event also provided an opportunity to engage with business and government leaders to build new relationships, forge bilateral trade relations and explore bilateral opportunities in Australia.

The event comprised on highlighting areas of opportunity in India and links with Commonwealth business.

The speakers at the event were India High Commissioner to Australia Dr. Ajay Gondane, Rebecca Hall-Executive Director International Education

Discussion panel at the event www.indiannewsqld.com.au

and Training, Trade & Investment Queensland, Chris Deveney- Global CEO and a Director of Favco Queensland and Favco USA. A session on India-Australia Trade Relationship and the significance and importance of continuing to support the two-way trade and investment/ business relationship with India was lead by Mr Peter Varghese AO, Chancellor of the University of Queensland followed by discussion on the development of Australia’s India Economic Strategy.

Special guests from Australia and India’s premier business organisations were facilitated by one of Australia’s most experienced and authoritative interviewers, Ms Maxine McKew, in an engaging discussion on what the future holds for doing business with India.

The seminar was attended by Australian and India trade organisations, Exporters, Investors, Australian and Indian government officials and Commonwealth industry representatives.

The seminar proved that “A love of sport isn’t the only thing Australia and India have in common – both share a keen interest in education, training and the growth of industry and business.”

President Nik Senapati, National Chair Sheba, National Vice Chair Jim Varghese, Abhay Mehta representing CII and AIBC QLD Management Committee members Akshay, Nishant, Rajesh and Kritika at the Trade Engagement 2018 India Ascent program and round table organized by AIBC, QLD Govt, FICCI and CII.

Hon. Consul Mrs. Archana Singh, Usha Chandra and others at the India's Ascent - Trade 2018 Gold Coast Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

MAY 2018

21

Indian News Queensland | SCIENCE & HEALTH

First prototype of Smokeless Fire Crackers made in Mohali, India

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he aim to create pollutionfree firecrackers in time for Diwali this year has got a major boost, with the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali developing a prototype in which there is light and sound, but no smoke. Further testing can pave the way for the mass production of crackers that significantly reduce the harmful after-effects of Diwali, particularly in Delhi and other north Indian cities.

“The prototype that we have developed, produces only sound and dazzling light. There is no smoke. Unlike a traditional firecracker, which produces a range of noxious gases that add to air pollution, this firecracker produces droplets of water on combustion. It is also reusable,” said Samrat Ghosh, assistant professor of chemical sciences at IISER, Mohali who led the team that developed the prototype.

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Last year, the Supreme Court had banned the sale of firecrackers in the National Capital Region, where poor air quality has forced authorities to declare public health emergencies for the last three winters.

The IISER, Mohali prototype is made up of a plastic bottle loaded with a combustible gas. It is mounted on a handheld device, which is basically an improvised gas lighter.

When triggered, the lighter produces a spark and the gas is ignited. It produces a dazzling light and loud bang. Unlike traditional firecrackers, it can also be fired when it is raining, scientists said.

The prototype has a second version that can be fired from a groundbased launcher, akin to the traditional ‘rocket’ firecracker. “We have not decided on the price yet. But as the bottles can be refueled, just like your LPG-gas cylinder. We are sure that it won’t cost much,” said

Ghosh, adding that the IISER team has initiated talks with some entrepreneurs to go for mass production.

Meanwhile, researchers at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are also working on smokeless prototypes, which are expected to be ready in the six months with the aim that they will be on the market before Diwali this year.

“The one which has been developed by scientists at IISER, Mohali appears to be based on some chemicals, which need to be ignited. We are developing a different type, which will actually be an electronic firecracker,” said Santanu Chaudhury, director of CSIR’s Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI) in Pilani, Rajasthan.

Traditional firecrackers are highly polluting because manufacturers use a range of compounds that use metals such as barium, antimony, cop-

Professor Samrat Ghosh and his students show the prototype of ‘smokeless smart crackers’ in Mohali per and lithium, which emit toxic fumes. Delhi suffered its worst smog in 17 years after Diwali in 2016. In 2017, despite the Supreme Court ban on the sale of crackers, there was again a spike in pollution levels, triggered by crackers procured from outside the region, experts said.

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“It is a welcome move. All kinds of innovations in the field of developing smokeless firecrackers are invited. Efforts are also on to make smokeless and electronic firecrackers. We are expecting some results in the next two to three months,” said Rakesh Kumar, director of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.

MAY 2018

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Indian News Queensland | TRAVEL

Incredible hidden places to visit in India

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he world is home to many incredible destinations that have yet to be overrun by tourists. India has got many interesting and unexplored places. India is like a deep tunnel, where you could dig in to explore deeper and still you find something new, every moment. You can visit from North to deep down south and find so much to delve into.

Here are the best less known travel destinations in India.

1. Kurnool, Seemandhra: Historically yours...

History, locales and sunny climes punched into a single place. Who wouldn’t want that for an offbeat vacation? Kurnool is home to a number of temples such as the Peta Anjanyeswami temple, the Venugopalaswami temple, the new Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. Other offbeat tourist attractions are the Belum caves, Birla mandir, Oravakallu Rock Garden, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary and the Tomb of Abdul Wahab. When to visit: November- February, as the summers tend to get very hot and the monsoons are quite wet. The cooler months are a better time to lose yourself in this pretty little unexplored place in Seemandhra.

2. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh: Explore the Unexplored…

A lesser known offbeat place in the crown of the North-East, Ziro is one of those places which boasts of agreeable climate throughout the year. Observe the beautiful green patches and rice fields, feel at home with the Apa Tani tribe and let your camera stretch its legs. All this and more. Enjoy! Best time to visit: Throughout the year. The weather is pleasant and soothing for an offbeat holiday.

3. Manas National Park, Assam: Unity in Diversity!!

Manas National Park is one of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites in Assam. It boasts of an Elephant Reserve, a Tiger Reserve and a biodiversity reserve. Neat and clean, well-kept and not crowded like a Mumbai local during peak hours, this tends to a be a great choice for a peaceful holiday place. The best time to visit Manas National Park are from October to April.

4. Champaner – Pavagadh, Gujarat: Wrapped in history!!

This is one of those UNESCO World Heritage Sites that will blow your mind away with its historical appeal. It is said that the Pavagadh hills are nothing, but a chunk of the Himalayas carried over by Hanuman during Ramayana. A town with historical ruins set in the lap of the Pavagadh hills, this is a surefire offbeat place to visit. October to February are the best months to visit Champaner Pavagadh. The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is open all year and is a delight to visit for its Hindu and Islamic styles of design.

5. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh: Paharon ki Mallika!!

Famous as the “Mini Switzerland of India”, Khajjiar is a beautiful, sleepy hill town near Dalhousie that’s replete with hills, lakes and meadows, a la Bollywood Ghost Movies. Visitors, a part of reveling in the quiet mystery of this glorious, yet underrated hill town, can also partake of various adventure sports like paragliding, horse-riding, trekking and the like. Khajjiar can be easily visited throughout the year. However, during the cold months, roads are often sealed off due to heavy snowfall. This may end up being a trip spoiler. However, if you’re an adventurous traveler, carry heavy woolens.

6. Halebid, Karnataka: “Ruined” beauty!!

Halebid is a city famous for its ruins of Hoysala architecture. It is agog with a lovely bunch of temples and shrines and other delectable pieces of architecture. A city famous for its spiritual appeal, it is home to the Hoysaleswara temple, Belur, Shantaleswara temple, Kedareswara temple and a number of Jain temples. October to February is the best period to visit Halebid. A trip during Mahashivratri and Diwali can be an equally enchanting experience in Halebid.

7. Shivanasamundram, Karnataka: “a cascade of gifts” A town situated on the banks of the River Kaveri and known for its Hydel Power Projects, Shivanasamudram is famous for its pristine waterfalls. The most popular ones are Gaganachukki and Shivanasamudra waterfalls. A great offbeat place. August to February is the ideal time to visit Shivanasamudram. However, the weather is pleasant all year round with the exception of light rain during monsoons.

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Indian News Queensland | TRAVEL

“We Will Beat Any Genuine Quote”

8. Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh: The place where it all began…

Bhimbetka is home to the beginning of the South Asian Stone Age. Bhimbetka was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, and it contains the earliest rock paintings, as old as 30,000 years old, the first proof of human life in the Indian subcontinent. October to April is the best time to visit Bhimbetka. These offbeat caves are closed during the monsoons.

9. Lonar, Maharashtra: Lone Ranger!!

The quaint little town of Lonar is huddled around the lake which was formed due to a meteorite that hit this spot 52,000 years ago. It is the only salt-water lake formed in basaltic rock in the world, making it a hot-spot for scientific research. There are a number of temples in Lonar too, which further the beauty and importance of this town. October to March is the best time to visit this offbeat beauty.

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Plenty of parking and easily accessible by public transport.

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10. Talasari Beach, Odisha: Come, rejuvenate…

This is one of those few beaches in Odisha which are untouched and unspoilt by man or time. Take a two-day offbeat trip to Talasari beach, Odisha and relax in the refreshing waters and chill on the virgin beaches. October to March is the best period to visit Talasari Beach. The summers and monsoons are best avoided for the hot and humid climate that Talasari faces during these months.

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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

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Indian News Queensland | FUN

Temper control

Sudoku

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O

nce upon a time there was a little boy who was talented, creative, handsome, and extremely bright. A natural leader.

The kind of person everyone would normally have wanted on their team or project. But he was also selfcentered and had a very bad temper.

When he got angry, he usually said, and often did, some very hurtful things. In fact, he seemed to have little regard for those around him.

Even friends. So, naturally, he had few. “But,” he told himself, “that just shows how stupid most people are!”

As he grew, his parents became concerned about this personality flaw, and pondered long and hard about what they should do. Finally, the father had an idea. And he struck a bargain with his son. He gave him a bag of nails, and a BIG hammer.

“Whenever you lose your temper,” he told the boy, “I want you to really let it out. Just take a nail and drive it into the oak boards of that old fence out back. Hit that nail as hard as you can!”

Of course, those weathered oak boards in that old fence were almost as tough as iron, and the hammer was mighty heavy, so it wasn’t nearly as easy as it first sounded. Nevertheless, by the end of the first day, the

boy had driven 37 nails into the fence (That was one angry young man!). Gradually, over a period of weeks, the number dwindled down.

Holding his temper proved to be easier than driving nails into the fence! Finally, the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all.

He felt mighty proud as he told his parents about that accomplishment.

“As a sign of your success,” his father responded, “you get to PULL OUT one nail. In fact, you can do that each day that you don’t lose your temper even once.”

Well, many weeks passed. Finally, one day the young boy was able to report proudly that all the nails were gone. At that point, the father asked his son to walk out back with him and take one more good look at the fence. “You have done well, my son,” he said. “But I want you to notice the holes that are left. No matter what happens from now on, this fence will never be the same.

Saying or doing hurtful things in anger produces the same kind of result. There will always be a scar.

It won’t matter how many times you say you’re sorry, or how many years pass, the scar will still be there.

And a verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. People are much more valuable than an old fence.

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They make us smile. They help us succeed. Some will even become friends who share our joys and support us through bad times. And, if they trust us, they will also open their hearts to us. That means we need to treat everyone with love and respect. We need to prevent as many of those scars as we can.”

A most valuable lesson, don’t you think? And a reminder most of us need from time to time. Everyone gets angry occasionally. The real test is what we DO with it.

If we are wise, we will spend our time building bridges rather than barriers in our relationships.

Solution

MAY 2018

26

Indian News Queensland | HOROSCOPE

Horoscope May 2018 Aries

Mar 20 – Apr 20 You begin this month by feeling stronger than you have for quite a while.

Then that leads to a kind of wanderlust and you have the urge to travel to faraway places. Maybe you just need to get away from it all for a while.

Would you settle for a long weekend?

You may need it because things are going to accelerate quickly and you’re going to feel like you’re “fighting” on all fronts! Don’t let this paralyze you because you may move into a state of overwhelm! Just let things settle down around you and don’t try to do it all.

Just do enough to keep yourself from sinking into a depression. You’re going to need your energy to help someone close to you who is going to be feeling pretty awful in May. You may want to do some rescuing and that’s all right, if you stay aware of what you might be getting into. By month’s end, you’ll be back to your old creative, productive self. So, it’s a learning and growing month for you!

Taurus

Apr 20 – May 21 Remember, dear Taurus, that we manifest that which we think we want or need and sometimes, that “thing” causes us pain, so this a month where the old adage of “be careful what you pray for, you just may get it” fits for you. So, think things through carefully this month before you start thinking you really want it. (or him/her) It seems that your family situation is going very well in May and some problems that have come up around a young person will be resolved. This will be a cause for celebration all the way around.

There may have to be some “sacrifices” around this by others, including you, but it’s surely worth it in the long run.

So, this month is one of careful planning and helping someone else. I show that it’s a “victory” month for you, so enjoy the success you help to create!

Gemini

May 21 – Jun 21 Work is going to cause you some serious problems in May. This looks unfair to me because I see that you’re very good at what you do! Subconsciously, you know what’s going on, but it may cause you a few sleepless nights wondering what went wrong.

You feel as though you went above and beyond the call of duty, and indeed you did; however, it doesn’t seem to be appreciated. Someone in your support system is going to help you with patience in this situation and then you can look forward to a new start either where you are or at a new position. You may have to change a few of your old ideas of how to do things. And, this may be difficult for you because you tend to do things rather quickly and sometimes without thinking them through. It wouldn’t hurt to be more thorough. So, your “watchword” for this month is to be more careful in ALL your endeavors and then everything will be all right.

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Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 23 You’re going to be tempted to crawl into your shell at times this month.

That special friendship that you thought you had is going to turn out to be less than you’d hoped for. It seems that you have different philosophical beliefs and that’s what causes the problem. But, you’re wise to hold on to what you know to be right! Be careful not to move on to another friendship that will also be heartbreaking. Let yourself heal from this current one first. On another issue, it seems that there may be a financial windfall coming your way about midmonth! It appears to come out of the blue and not something you were expecting at all, so that’s the bright spot for you in May 2018!

Leo

Jul 23 – Aug 23 It seems that someone very close to you thinks s/he is in love and plans to get married or move in together and this is going to cost you emotionally and possibly financially.

Now, you want the best for this person, but you know some things about the other partner that are less than flattering and you don’t know whether to tell or not. This is going to cause you a great deal of pain. So, your decision is whether or not to let the secret out. It’s a difficult one but my guess is that you will decide not to. This is one of those situations where free-will is in play. I suspect your course of action will be to bury yourself in your work and try not to think about it. This may be the way to go and the decision is yours, of course. Just remember that everything is in Divine Order.

Libra

Sep 23 – Oct 23 It’s time to look at your part in your most serious relationships. Remember all the old sayings that say in essence that it takes two to. . . The moment of truth will come when you admit that you also have “baggage” from your past that can be influencing your closest relationships. If you drop yours, it’s just possible that the other person will do the same.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to face our own issues and just blame the other person and I know you have the intrinsic fairness to be willing to do that if your consciousness is raised to do it! So, meditate on this and be willing to face whatever it takes to improve your life situation all the way around! You can do it, dear Libra. You have what it takes!

Scorpio

Oct 23 – Nov 22 I see your month beginning with a certain amount of sadness but that will soon dissipate and be replaced by some fresh starts for you and your family! It appears that your intuitive abilities are at the forefront in May and you will be able to help yourself and your family whether it’s your biological one or your extended family. Your new beginnings seem to be focused on work situations and with this new-found strength, you will be very successful at almost anything you try! On another subject, the cards indicate that you would improve your health (even if you think it doesn’t need improving) by spending more time outdoors. It appears you need to stay in touch with Nature more than you have been. This will be beneficial all the way around for you!

Courtesy: horoscope2018.guru

Sagittarius

Nov 22 – Dec 22 What looked like a disaster in the area of legal/money matters will finally be settled this month. Not quite as lucrative as you had hoped but at least it will be over and enough to give you a fresh start! With some creative thinking and investing, you can parlay this into something very positive! As the month progresses, you will find that your intuition is playing an even bigger role in your life than you had previously realized. It will be central to an increase in appreciation by those close to you and those acts that you thought had gone unnoticed will be recognized in both word and deed. You will finally get the gratitude you deserve!

Capricorn

Dec 23 – Jan 20 This could be a rather difficult month for you, Sag. It’s one of those “growth” months that we all have from time to time. I know. I know. Sometimes, you feel as though they’re ALL growth months, but you know that’s not true.

The good news is that the month ends on a positive note; however, in-between there are a number of trials you are going to be enduring. At times you may feel like you just need to get away from it all but know that no matter how far we go, our problems go with us. And, at baseline you are aware that you are pretty well-balanced. So, hang in there and know that you’ll be fine even if some others aren’t doing too well. Anyway, by the end of May, you’ll KNOW that you are more of a spiritual person then when it began, and you’ll feel happy with your progress!

Aquarius

Jan 20 – Feb 18 This is an interesting month for Aquarians because Uranus (one of your strong planets) and Neptune are in your solar 1st house of personality the whole month. These energies give you chances to take on new projects. Avoid deceptions on the 28th. It’s a month when you need to be well-informed. Read, sign up for courses, consult experts in your field. Your home life benefits from this creative flurry. Family members seek your advice. When you’re not busy studying and helping others at home, there is some extra time for pursuits you do for pleasure and creative expression. It’s a great month for romance. Also, you can make serious gains toward long-term ideals. Stay in touch with organized groups.

Pisces

Feb 18 – Mar 20 After careful thinking, you’re going to just charge ahead, aren’t you? And, you know that’s not such a bad idea. It’s not usual behavior for you so it’s time you did. Just take any situation and be assertive with it! You tend to feel like a failure from time to time and this is NOT the month to let those thoughts in! Just keep charging! You’ll see, Pisces, you’ll be better off in every area of your life. You’ll see your relationships improve and your finances too! It’s always been easier for you to plant your seeds in the garden of life, and then stand back and watch the plants grow. Well, I want you to feed them and water them. In other words, follow up with people and situations to make them turn out the way you want! It’s assertion time, dear Pisces!

Virgo

Aug 23 – Sep 23 Some new projects you’ve begun will pay off in May but be careful that someone else doesn’t take the credit that belongs to you! It looks like you won’t let that happen especially if you’re aware of possible betrayal in this department. I don’t want you to become too suspicious of everyone around you…just stay alert and carefully and tactfully let the appropriate person(s) know that it was your work that made the project successful. Your attitude this month is one of a winner and that’s good! Continue to create your reality as only you know how, and you’ll come out on top. Later in the month expect a message with good news! And, as the month ends, be prepared to do some serious thinking around how much you’ve grown and changed!

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Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

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

Newsletter 136-8

Vaikaasi/Vaisākha Month (mid-May 2018 to mid-June 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 Vaikaasi / Vaisākha Month Festivals.

Vaikaasi Maasa Pirappu (Vaisākha month starts) on Tuesday 15 May 2018 Monthly Chathurthi Viratham on Friday 18 May 2018 Sri AyyapaSwamy Idapa Rasi Masa Abishekam on Saturday 19 May 2018 Sri Lalitha Sahastranama Stotram Chanting on Sunday 20 May 2018 Pirathosha Viratham on Sunday 27 May & Monday 11 June 2018 Vaikaasi Visaakam festival on Monday 28 May 2018 Full moon/ Powrnami & Sathya Narayanar Poojai on Tuesday 29 May 2018 Thirugnanasampanthar Guru Poojai on Thursday 31 May 2018 Monthly Bhajans and Religious talk on Friday 1 June 2018 Sankatahara Chathurthi on Saturday 02 June 2018 Sri Vishnu Sahastranamam & Paaraayanam on Sunday 3 June 2018 Visit Brisbane Sri Selva Vinayakar (Ganesha) Temple and get the Blessing of Lord Ganesha.

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

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

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Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Indian Movies Coming Soon

Mahanati RELEASE DATE: 09/05/2018

It is Nadigaiyar Thilagam in Tamil, is an Indian Telugu -Tamil languages biographical period film, based on the life of South Indian actress Savitri, directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by C. Ashwini Dutt for Vyjayanthi Movies. It stars Keerthy Suresh in the titular role, Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha Akkineni, Vijay Devarakonda, Naga Chaitanya, Anushka Shetty, Mohan Babu, and Prakash Raj.

Daana Paani RELEASE DATE: 04/05/2018

Daana Paani explores the early days of 1962, when a timeless thought is considered... If it’s meant to be, it will be.

Bestowed with the honorable responsibility of personally informing the family of a martyred Lance Naik of his wartime demise, Hav. Mehtaab Singh follows his daana paani & encounters an oppressed young village woman, Basant Kaur. The trials & tribulations of their unexpected attraction sets each on a course of life carrying repercussions for themselves & their families.

Parmanu

RELEASE DATE: 25/05/2018

Parmanu- The Story of Pokhran is an ode to the Indian army and scientists, who although ordinary people, accomplished truly extraordinary feats in the face of adversity.

It salutes, celebrates and truly embraces the slogan - Jai Jawan Jai Vigyan. While the premise of the film is based on true events, the characters are fictitious. It stars John Abraham and Diana Penty.

Na Peru Surya

Raazi

RELEASE DATE: 04/05/2018

It is an Indian 2018 Telugu language action film produced by Sirisha and Sridhar Lagadapati under the RamaLakshmi Cine Creations banner and written and directed by Vakkantham Vamsi. The film was shot in Telugu and is slated to be released along with the Tamil version and Malayalam dubbed version. The story is about an army officer with anger management issues, played by Allu Arjun.

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RELEASE DATE: 11/05/2018

Raazi is based on a true story of a young girl, who was sent to Pakistan in 1971, to source out any information she could, as war was becoming imminent between India and Pakistan. It is the journey of an ordinary Indian girl, in extraordinary circumstances. It stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.

MAY 2018

29

Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Arjun Kapoor on Sanju: Rishi Kapoor: Ranbir Kapoor has done Observation is the an amazing job tool for becoming good actor, not gymming

A

ctor Arjun Kapoor praised filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani for his upcoming movie Sanju and said that no one could have been a better director for the biopic based on actor Sanjay Dutt’s life. Arjun said this while interacting with the media at the 19th edition of the IIFA awards Voting Weekend.

“When someone makes a film on Sanjay Dutt’s life, he is under tremendous pressure. There could not have been a better director than Rajkumar Hirani who could have shouldered such a huge responsibility,” Arjun said.

“Looking at the teaser I can say that

the film will make you laugh and cry. The film will tell everything that we have either read or heard about his life. I am sure that everything will be shown in the film. Every chapter of the man’s (Dutt) life,” the Half Girlfriend actor said.

Arjun also praised Ranbir Kapoor for portraying Sanjay Dutt in the forthcoming biopic. “I think Ranbir has done an amazing job. He is an amazing actor that goes without saying but there is a lot of pressure when doing roles like these.”

Arjun Kapoor will soon be seen sharing screen space with Sanjay Dutt in historic war drama Panipat and the actor says he is excited.

“Of course, I am excited, the nervousness will happen when I finally reach the sets. When films of these scales are announced, you look forward to them as an actor, because you have grown up wanting to do such films.”

“Sanjay Dutt is a benchmark when it comes to the action genre and to do a proper action film with him is very exciting. I hope to enjoy more,” he said. The period drama, which also features Kriti Sanon, is based on the third battle of Panipat that took place in 1761.

Currently, Arjun Kapoor is shooting for Namastey England and Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar.

Anil Kapoor on Sonam Kapoor’s wedding: We will share everything at the right time

A

nil Kapoor, while avoiding to confirm or deny the reports suggesting his star daughter Sonam Kapoor’s wedding is next month, said the media will be informed about everything “very soon.”

Anil’s comments came days after Sonam reacted to the marriage rumors, saying that she would talk about her wedding “all in good time.”

There have been reports since March that Sonam is set to tie the knot with beau Anand Ahuja in the first week of May. Also, Anil’s house was decorated recently, fueling the rumors. When www.indiannewsqld.com.au

asked about it, the actor, who attended the 19th International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) voting weekend, said, “Media has always been with me and my family when we began our careers. We will share everything at the right time.”

“Very soon you all will know. We won’t hide these details. You will know why there is lighting outside the house,” he said.

At the event, Anil also spoke about his upcoming professional commitment, the Salman Khan-starrer Race 3.

“Salman is producing Race 3 with Ramesh Taurani. So, both are experienced producers. Salman has done things whole-heartedly. When you

R

ishi Kapoor said the fact that aspiring actors are more focused on gymming than the craft, makes him feel disheartened. The 65-year-old veteran actor, however, said he is in favor of joining film schools or getting trained on the sets, as he believes an actor can do well by 'observing' their seniors.

"I am observing that to become an actor, people say, they want to join gym. Why join a gym? Why don't you join an institute where they teach you how to act? You must work with a good director and work in a film where you have good actors, so you should observe the actor and understand things," Rishi told.

Citing example of his son, Ranbir, who worked as an assistant director on Sanjay Leela Bhasali's 'Black' before making his acting debut with 'Saawariya', the actor said, "Observation is a big tool for any actor.

You observe, and you bank it in your mind. I don't know why all these actors think going to a gym or riding horses or learning how to

fight are the steps to becoming an actor. It is absolutely bulls*** and nonsense."

He added that Bachchan, who earned the sobriquet of 'Angry Young Man' in the early '80s, "never had the body, he never had the muscles", and yet went on to become one of the biggest action stars of Hindi cinema through hard work and dedication. "There is no technique (to my acting). I am a natural actor. I try to keep it spontaneous as far as possible. That is my mantra," he added.

When Rishi made his debut with 'Bobby' in 1973, he was immediately slotted in the 'lover boy' category. The actor, however, said being 'jacketed into an image' worked as a disadvantage for him.

"My image was that of a romantic, soft hero. It worked as a disadvantage for me at a time when action heroes were more successful. But there's one thing, non-actors will not survive.

They will have to be good with their craft and skills," he said.

will watch, you will realize it. We have made a very entertaining film.”

On reuniting with Salman after 13 years (they last worked together in Anees Baazmee’s No Entry), Anil said being on set with the Tiger Zinda Hai star never feels work because he is so much fun.

“I have done many films with Salman saab. And people like those films.

When I am working with Salman saab, it doesn’t feel like I am working.

He works as well as has fun. So, it’s very entertaining working with him.”

Race 3, also starring Jacqueline Fernandez and Bobby Deol, will arrive in theatres this Eid.

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MAY 2018

30

Indian News Queensland | PHOTO FEATURE

Australian Athletes Reception

Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

Owners of the Land Dance Performance

Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

Indian Atheletes Honored

ANZAC Day parade

Punjabi FolkDance by Bhangra United performance at FICQ CWG Gala reception

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Indian News Queensland | AD

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