Indian News Queensland Dec 2018 Vol 2 Issue 3

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DECEMBER 2018 Vol 2 Issue 3

Hon' Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk hosts Indian Community Reception PAGE 3-5 President of India visits Australia

PAGE 14 Meera show enchants all

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Indian News Queensland | PUBLISHER’S WORDS

FOR ENQUIRES Contact: Dr. Ram Mohan info@indiannewsqld.com.au Phone: 1 300 859 066 EDITORS Susmy Nair Elizabeth Dennis DESIGNER Tsai Min-Yi PHOTO CREDITS Akhil Joy Brian Sullivan Elizabeth Dennis

Dear Readers, One more eventful and memorable month has passed by. Indian News Queensland understands the requisite of self-improvising each day as we value our readers. The month of November saw many Diwali celebrations of various Indian Assoications. The first visit of the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind to Sydney, the reception hosted with the Indian community and few other business meetings, the premier reception with the Indian Community were the leaders could take part and the triumph of 3rd India Vs Australia T20 being the most auspicious occasions to cherish. The Meera show, The Australians of Indian Heritage War Memorial article and many other cultural and religious events made the event calendar memorable. We are extremely thankful for the reception from readers so far. INQ looks forward for opportunities to be the change.

We wish all happiness to everyone through the end of the year.

Thank you!!

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

The President of India Ram Nath Kovind unveils Gandhi Statue in Sydney on his first visit to Australia

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he President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, and his wife, Mrs Savita Kovind, arrive in Sydney on 21st November for a three-day state visit. The first ever visit by a President of India to Australia gives a fresh enthusiasm to bring harmony between the two nations.

India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Dr. A.M. Gondane, said that the President’s trip underscored the deepening engagement between India and Australia. “Bilateral relations between Australia and India are moving in a very positive direction whether it is in economics, investment, trade, science and technology, agriculture, defence and security,” he added.

On 22nd November, President Kovind unveiled a statue of the revered Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi in Parramatta, which is home to a large Indian diaspora. As the year marks the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi who is recognised as one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century. The life-size statue

is a gift from the Indian Government.

The Sydney statue is the same as one unveiled in Brisbane by PM Narendra Modi in 2014.

After leading the crowd in a chant from India's independence movement, Mr Kovind said the "great soul" of Gandhi belonged not just to India but the world.

"His universal teachings have a special resonance in all corners. In these times of strife his message of nonviolence and peaceful co-existence stand all the more relevant." Gandhi treasured many values Australians also hold dear, Mr Kovind added, including "the deepest regard and respect" for multiculturalism.

President Kovind had discussions with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Governor-General Peter Cosgrove. Dr Gondane shared a series of memorandums of understanding between Australia and India would be signed during the President’s visit covering trade, mining and education.

An announcement about the expansion of a joint India-Australia research program is also expected.

His universal teachings have a special resonance in all corners. In these times of strife his message of non-violence and peaceful co-existence stand all the more relevant.

President of India Ram Nath Kovind addresses Indian Community in Sydney

The President addressing Indian community

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he Indian Community leaders and dignitaries attended a reception with Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind hosted by Dr. A.M. Gondane, High Commissioner of India, in honor of the dignitary on 21 November Hotel Shangri-La, Sydney. The State reception was well attended by business leaders and government stake holders as well. Around 300 invited guests

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from across the country gathered to welcome the President to Australia.

The president in his speech emphasized the contributions and need of Indian diaspora to become a part of Australia’s transformational journey. Addressing the gathering, the President said it is a matter of pride that the Indian community is held in high regard and contributes to society and the economy in Australia.

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As entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, bankers and technology specialists, members of the Indian community are adding value to Australia.

The President said that Australia is also home to a large number of Indian students. They are excelling on campuses in academics and research, in fostering innovation and even on the sports field. Their hard work and talent is a symbol of the Australia-India Knowledge Partnership, he added.

DECEMBER 2018

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Australian Financial Review discusses boosting ties between India and Australia

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he President of India Ram Nath Kovind attended Australian Financial Review Summit in Sydney on 22nd November.

The President said that the international business community has responded to India's achievements with appreciable investment. In the financial year 2017-18, India drew almost US$ 62 billion in FDI. This was an acknowledgement of India's honest and reformist efforts – and of its high GDP growth.

The President noted that the big country and big friend that we not seeing as much of in the India investment story in Australia. This is a gap we need to address. Australia and India have too much at stake in each other to not up to their game.

We can collaborate and benefit from each other's expertise in fintech and logistics, in industrial design and biotech, in the capital markets and in the farm-to-fork management of the food chain – even in space tech and satellite launch services. India's longstanding space programme, the President said, will be happy to support the new Aus-

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tralian Space Agency.

The President said that Australian super-funds or pension funds have a reputation for careful, calibrated investment decisions. They will find the Indian infrastructure space worth their while – with long-term investments, steady to high returns, confidence in growing consumption, and security in contractual adherence.

Ending his speech on a lighter note, the President urged Australian businesspersons and investors looking to India to borrow from the methods of their cricketers. The most successful Australian batsmen in India, he said, have been those who have shown patience, read the conditions carefully, settled down for the long innings, nurtured dependable partnerships – and not fallen for a spin!

In his final engagement of the day, at the Australia-India Business Council event, the President praised the Council as a key driver of AustraliaIndia business and investment. He expressed confidence that the Council's members would further bilateral trade and engagement.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

The President of India addresses AIBC in Sydney

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ustralia India Business Council (AIBC) organised an event honouring The Honourable President of India on 22nd November at the AIBC Australia India Annual Address at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney. The pioneering event on the first ever visit of a President of India to Australia evoked pride to every Australian-Indians.

Jim Varghese, AIBC National Chair welcomed the Honourable President Shri Ram Nath Kovind His speech outlined the focused business approach that the council has in aligning its chapters to assist in the implementation of the IES 2035 Strategy. The Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne remarked

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that she believed that the relationship was in a good space and now should go much further with the launch of the IES Strategy.

The efforts of AIBC was well appreciated by her as the body is in a constant thrive to connect with businesses on the ground and wished AIBC the very best. The Honourable President's speech was highly valued in his positive message put forth for the Australia-India bilateral trade relationship.

The president shared his belief over the extended potential and appropriate time conditions that exists now to maximise opportunities.

He acknowledged AIBC's contributions and advised AIBC to drive

and facilitate the bilateral business relationship through its members and various initiatives which AIBC organises across the year.

The event was rather more delighted to have the Premier of NSW Gladys Berejiklian It reiterated the importance of Australian India Business relations.

AIBC National Vice Chair Sanushka Seomangal delivered the Vote of Thanks . The event was attended

by Business Leaders, Government Stake Holders, Immediate Past National Chair Sheba Nandkeolyar, all former National Chairs of AIBC, Chairman Emeritus, President of NSW Barbara Ward, President of ACT Sanjay Bhosale and AIBC Management Committee Members.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Hon' Queensland Premier hosted Reception for Indian Communities at Parliament House

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he Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for Trade hosted a reception for the Indian Community in Queensland on 12th November 2018 on the Speaker’s Green, Parliamentary Annexe.

The reception aimed at acknowledging the contribution the Indian community has made to Queensland, to provide networking opportunities and to enhance existing trade and international relationships.

Nearly three hundred guests attended the reception representing various Indian communities. The Premier expressed her pleasure in meeting a diverse and inclusive selection of representatives from the Indian Communities.

The program began at 5 pm Welcoming the attendees by the Protocol Queensland staff. The Honorable Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs served as the perfect.

The Honorable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for Trade thanked

everyone who made an effort to attend the reception. She also articulated that it is praiseworthy on Indian Communities to raise their families in Queensland, the countryside deeply rooted in culture. As the minister of Trade, she indicated that the export sector has made an increase of 70% after the beginning of the office which made a profit greater than the combined result of New South Wales and Victoria.

She looks forward to developing potential trade relations with India for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The Premier then congratulated Minister Kate Jones who has travelled to India to streamline Indian Strategy on Trade.

Mrs Archana Singh, Honorary Consul for India in Queensland rendered her felicity in having a comprehensive Indian community representation on the Premier’s reception.

Patron of Federation of the Indian Communities Queensland (FICQ), Patron of GOPIO and Chairman of the Springfield Land Corporation Dr Maha Sinnathamby said he is overwhelmed by the commendable participation on Indian communities and their activities. He also stat-

ed that the responsibility increases as the expectation on the community keeps growing.

DR. Ram Mohan President of FICQ, remarked that we are bonded in love with fellow Australians when share culture in the sunny state of Queensland. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the whole Indian community to take part in the growth and development of the Queensland. Dr. Mohan enunciated his wish to see more Indian representation in the coming years at the city, state and federal level of Government. He reinstated that since, each Australian-Indians are instrumental in building harmony and connecting two great nations.

The Premier was presented with the title of ‘Honorary Indian of the Year’ on behalf of the Indian community for her prodigious support well as being presented with a cheque of $4,400 to assist with the Queensland Farmers Drought Appeal by Mr.Robin Jaggessar and Mrs. Amitha Jaggessar..

The reception was enamored by the entertainment programs. The reception concluded with a grandeur dinner.

Honourable Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk receiving the Honoraray Indian of the Year Award from Dr, Ram Moha, FICQ President

Mr. Robin Jaggessar and Mrs. Amitha Jaggessar presents a cheque to assist with the Queensland Farmers Drought Appeal

The FICQ Team with Honourable Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk and Multicultuiral Minister Honorable Stirling Hinchliffe MP

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Australians of Indian Heritage War Memorial (AIHWM) Ceremony Re-dedication and First Fund Raising Dinner

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ustralia and India share a long and unique relationship.

Prior to colonisation of Australia (prior to 1770), there is evidence of ancient migration of Indians to Australia around 5,000 years ago based on DNA and language development in Indigenous Australians.

The ties between Australia and India again started immediately following European settlement of Australia in 1788. On the founding of the penal colony of New South Wales, all trade to and from the colony was controlled by the British East India Company. Several towns in Australia bear names originating from India.

In preserving the democracy that we all enjoy today, Indians were the largest single contingent of the defence force of all Britain’s colonies and dominions. The Indians also made an invaluable contribution to the Defence Force of Australia, which hasn’t been duly recognised.

However, the Indian diaspora in Brisbane, and the AIHWM Committee (AIHWMC) under the chairpersonship of Mr Surendra Prasad OAM established the Memorial in the memorial garden of Sunnybank RSL Sub-branch. The Monument was unveiled and dedicated on 18 November 2017. The role of Sunnybank RSL Sub-Branch is highly appreciated by AIHWMC and the wider Indian diaspora.

Re-dedication Ceremony One year after this historic monument being unveiled, the re-dedication ceremony was held at RSL Subbranch at 19 Gager St, Sunnybank, Qld. The ceremony started at 4 pm on 3 November 2018. The Master of Ceremonies was Mr Surendra Prasad OAM, Chairperson of AIHWMC. Mr Prasad welcomed all the guests to the annual re-dedication of the Monument to the Australians of Indian Heritage War Memorial at Veterans Memorial Gardens, RSL Sub-branch Sunnybank. The guests include the committee members of AIHWM, Australian of the Chinese Heritage War Memorial Committee (ACHWMC), Members of Sunnybank RSL Sub-Branch, elected representatives of Federal, State and Regional levels of the Government.

‘The abide with me’ hymn was sung by all the participants.

Mr Prasad requested Petra Milaudi, Honorary Chaplain of Sunnybank RSL Sub-branch to re-dedicate the Memorial to the service men and women of the Australians of Indian Heritage. Petra Milaudi also performed a prayer, followed by prayers of the priests from Sikh (Gyani Rajindra Singh), Muslim (Imam Syed Wadood) and Hindu (Sadhu

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Prasad) faiths.

The wreaths were laid by Hugh Polson, President, Sunnybank RSL Sub-Branch, Archana Singh, Hon. Consul of India; Dr Naidu Bodapati, Shyam Das and Rakesh Sharma representing AIHWMC; Lewis Lee OAM, Chair, ACHWMC; John Burgess, Envoy to RSL Consular Corps; Inspector Les Bullas of QLD Police Service; elected representatives: Graham Perrett MP, Minister Leanne Enoch, Duncan Pegg MP, and Cr Angela Owen; Jeneth Deen OAM of Qld Muslim Historical Association Inc; Dr Ram Mohan, President of the Federation of Indian Communities Association of Qld (FICQ) and Hindu Community; Rashpal Singh and Parnam Heir from Sikh Community; Imam Syed Wadood Janub and Ibraheim Malik from the Muslim Community, and others present at the ceremony.

Harry Claassen of RSL was the Flag Attendant, and Dick Martin, Life Member RSL delivered the Ode. One-minute silence was observed during the ‘Last Post’, followed by the ‘Rouse’.

All the guests, led by Hugh Polson, sang the National Anthem of Australia. Petra Milaudi performed the Benediction.

Mr Prasad thanked all present at the ceremony and concluded the service at 4.30 pm. Mr Prasad also invited all the guests to the fundraising dinner to be followed at 6:30 pm.

Fund Raising Dinner The first annual fundraising dinner started at 6:30pm at Michael’s Oriental Restaurant. About 150 people attended the event. The evening started with Dr Naidu Bodapati as the Master of Ceremonies, who has acknowledged the traditional owners of this land, and welcome all the guests. The guests include Cr Kim Marx representing Lord Mayor, Cr Angela Owen, Ambassador of the Indian Community of the Year, Graham Perrett MP, Federal Member for Morton; Archana Singh, Honorary Consul of India & her husband Dr Vagesh Singh; Hugh Polson President of Sunnybank RSL Sub-Branch, Wendy Taylor of RSL Queensland; John Burgess envoy to RSL consular corps, Lewis Lee OAM, Chairperson of ACHWMC and its members; Dr. Ram Mohan, President, and Anoop Nannuru, Vice-President of FICQ; Mr Manjit Boparai, editor of the newspaper, the Punjab; Jasjot Singh President of Brisbane Sikh Temple, and Prof Prasad Yarlagadda, and Mr Paramjit Sarai, Past President, and Vice-President of FICQ and Secretary Indoz Sikh Community, respectively.

The purposes of the fund-raising dinner are:

•

To celebrate the anniversary of the unveiling of the Memorial which was dedicated on 18 November 2017 to Australians of Indian Heritage who have served in all conflicts as members of the Australian Defence Force.

• The funds raised at this dinner will be used to provide student bursaries to primary schools in our region.

To our knowledge, AIHWMC is the only Indian group sponsoring the bursaries to the primary school students in the region.

The Grace was offered by Petra Milaudi, RSL Honorary Chaplain.

Mr. Surendra Prasad in his speech thanked the Federal Government for funding to construct the Monument. Most importantly, Mr Prasad said, “One 100 years after the sacrifices of Indian men and women, on 18th November, 2017 we made history in Brisbane by erecting the Monument. This will remain for ever in Queensland’s history, as the day soldiers of Indian Heritage were finally acknowledged”.

Mr Prasad on behalf of the Indian diaspora offered his gratitude to Sunnybank RSL Sub-Branch and its

By Dr. Naidu Bodapati, Secretary, AIHWM Committee.

President Mr Polson and Vice-President Mr Claassen for their support in building the Monument.

The other speakers of the night include Cr Angela Owen, Hugh Polson, Graham Perrett, Cr. Kim Marx, and Archana Singh. Stuart Seabrook, Secretary, Sunnybank RSL Sub-Branch offered the Toast to the Queen, and Harry Claassen, Vice-President, Sunnybank RSL Sub-Branch offered the Toast to the Ladies at the dinner. Parnam Heir, Treasurer, AIHWMC offered the Vote of Thanks for all involved in the event.

On behalf of the AIHWMC Mr Polson and Mr Prasad awarded mementos to Lewis Lee OAM, Chairperson of ACHWC and Dr Ruwan Fernando of Griffith University. Mr Lee provided much needed information on all aspects of the project based on their previous experience of Chinese Monument. Dr Fernando involved Architectural students to choose the design concept.

Dr Naidu Bodapati explained the significance of the Monument concept developed by Bianca Archer of Griffith University. The large sphere represents our earth and the unification of humanity. The weight of

this monument embodies a ‘heavy’ death toll with the cracks upon its surface representing the broken promise of British independence, and a damaged Indian culture. The missing piece of this sphere is intentional as it symbolizes the missing piece of history in which the story of the Indian Soldiers had been previously omitted. By ‘unearthing’ this piece of history, we are able to begin to reconstruct their place in history.

The guests were entertained by a folk dance by Mrs Chaitra Mahesh, and Bhangra dance by Ms Gunkirat Kaur.

The raffle prizes were sponsored

by Shyam Das of Targett Travels (a return ticket to Sydney), Michelle Allso of Robertson Garden Hotel (one-night accommodation), Jack Sun (Natural Pharmaceutical Products), Peter Zheng of Australian China Cultural Economic & Promotion Association (6 bottles of wine), and Ms Prabha (elderly care products).

The evening was a great success for the great cause of fund raising to support bursaries to primary school students on behalf of the AIHWMC.

Guests at the re-dedication ceremony of AIHWM

Mr. Surendra Prasad, OAM, Chairperson, AIHWMC Cr. Angela Owen Taylor before the War Memorial

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

The Glitzy Diwali Celebration at Westfield Garden City captivates the gathering

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iwali, the celebration of triumph of good over evil and one of the most significant celebrations in India celebrated by multitudes.

Westfield Garden City has a set a benchmark on celebrating the festival of prosperity with the threeday celebrations. Joining hands with The Federation of Indian Communities Queensland (FICQ), Westfield group had presented the vibrance of Diwali.

Starting from 7th of November till 9th, the celebration has incorporated events attracting people from all cultures and countries. Free Me-

hendi/henna tattoos were arranged outside the Myer on all three days for the visitors. On 8th, Garden city was overjoyed with the Bollywood Workshop followed by a Parade through various locations of the mall. The Bollywood dance performance and DJ attracted everyone gathered. The mesmerizing fireworks added to the extravaganza.

The concluding day had Special Bollywood Performances by popular dance groups in Brisbane- Dance Galatta, Praanah Dance Academy and D4 Dance. The dance party called it a night leaving memorable moments of resplendent Diwali to the viewers.

Gujarati Community of Queensland (GCQ) celebrates Diwali in all its Solemnities

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nce again Gujarati Community of Queensland (GCQ) celebrated yet another biggest Indian traditional festival "DIWALI (Festival of Lights) 2018� on 3rd November at Unidus Community Hall, Willawong.

GCQ, aimed at inviting Indian and broader Multicultural Communities to celebrate Diwali together.

The main attractions of the event were Solo and Group Bollywood dance performances from upcoming talents and Musical performances.

The celebration was made joyful by arranging activities like Rangoli (coloured sand art) Competition, Poly clay workshops, Mehndi (Henna) and Photo Session. Fireworks excited the crowd bringing the festive mood instantly.

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Kids entertainments like Jumping Castle and Face Panting engaged the little gang. In addition, yummy authentic Indian foods were available for purchase at very reasonable price and home decorative traditional items were available for sale.

Undertaking, organizing, and promoting Indian Culture and Festivals being the prime motive of the noble organization, GCQ fosters good relationship with other Indian organizations integrating with multicultural communities within Australia.

The community association upholds the cultural and linguistic heritage of the community at large through initiation of activities which include promotion of Indian culture, art, traditions and languages.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Tamil Oli sets family gathering at serene Bullocky Rest

By Rakesh Suresh ( Radio4EB Tamil-Oli Youth Broadcaster)

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amil - Oli is part of the community radio station Radio4EB, Tamil Oli started in 1986 running a 45-minute program. Then 1-hour program in 1997. Gradually grew to 2 hours program in 2007.

Since Oct 2016 it has expanded to broadcasting 7 hours per week.

It is broadcasted on GLOBAL all days expect Tuesday and Thursday from 7PM-8PM and on FM98.1 Friday 4PM-5PM and Sunday 9PM-10PM. Based on the “On Demand” statistics from Radio4EB, among the 50 ethnic languages supported by Radio4EB, Tamil Oli holds 1st place in terms of listening hours(GLOBAL-Digital broadcast) and is placed within the top-10 for the FM broadcast.

Recently, on the 28th of October Tamil Oli held their Broadcasters (BCs) family gathering at Bullocky Rest. The family gathering was set in a beautiful location right near a lake around a 40 min drive from Brisbane CBD; there was a range of fun activities which entertained not only children but adults as well.

The aim of the family gathering was for all the BCs to meet and share information, recognize family’s contribution to BCs, and encourage the young children to one day also become a broadcaster. This gathering allowed new young broadcasters to meet other broadcasters of TamilOli and gain some knowledge on what it is like to broadcast and what to expect when they begin to broadcast too.

BMA Celebrates 'Nammude Ulsavam'

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he Brisbane Malayalee Association (BMA) celebrated Diwali and Christmas is a unique style- Nammude Ulsavam 2018, on November 17th. Following the recent devastating floods in Kerala, the Australian Malayalees showed their solidarity and resilience by coming together, supporting each

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other and showing this through the celebrations of festivals Diwali, Christmas and Kerala Piravi (the birthday of the State of Kerala, India). Over 450 members attended the event, which came to life through the rich and vibrant cultural programs. The program also saw the launch of the, 'Container Refund Scheme'.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

The Fourth Nepal festival leaves remarkable impression in Brisbane

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he Fourth Nepal Festival was conducted by the Nepal Festival Organizing Committee on 17th November at King George Square Brisbane. Honoring the Australian Nepalese Community with the central theme “One Country, many stories” the event gave locals a taste of what Nepal is like and encouraged them to visit the country. Held every two years, the festival began with a cultural parade where Nepal’s ethnic diversity will be displayed through costumes and music by members of Australia’s Nepali community.

Starting in Brisbane, similar events are organized in Sydney and

Melbourne consecutively.

Many community leaders attended the fest. Nepalese Food Festival and Cultural Programs after the formal function attracted the audience. The festival conducted once in two years portrayed the best of its essence.

In Brisbane, the size of the local Nepali population there may not be as big as Sydney or Melbourne, but they conducted a mega event.

Santosh Kunwar, Queensland state coordinator for the festival, and the Vice President of Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) remarked that the festival parade was the best one. The culture and tradition of Nepal was well conveyed on the event.

The Merchants of Bollywood is a real filmy reflection staged at QPAC, Brisbane

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he Merchants of Bollywood, a theatrical dance spectacular, stages in Australia again following its worldwide success. The program staged in different venues across the country had three shows in Brisbane from 1st November to 3rd November at QPAC Brisbane.

Featuring a cast of more than 30 performers directly from Mumbai

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film City, the show charts the enchanting history of the world’s largest and most prolific film industry.

The tribute to the Bollywood cinema, the show portrayed a fictional story based on real life of Merchant Family- a choreographing dynasty who have been Bollywood’s leading figures in filmmaking, music and choreography for generations. The heroine, Ayesha Merchant, trained

by her grandfather in the ancient Kathak tradition, leaves home to become a choreographer for extravagant Bollywood musicals, before being drawn back to her artistic roots in Rajasthan.

The enormous show that depicted the very essence of Indian Tradition gave an exotic experience to the audience.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

BRIMM celebrates Diwali Recreating the Sage, Kabir Café with a musical treat at Brookwater and love for Cricket augmented musical experience

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andhi Salt March Ltd Presented Kabir Café, a musical juxtaposing philosophy and ideologies of Kabir Das attracted the crowd at Brookwater Golf & Country Club on 7th November.

The high-spirited five young talented musicians inculcate the very philosophy or Kabir Das into the Urban minds. They believe themselves as a chosen group of people. The neo-folk band beautifully blends the poetic excellence of 15th century Bhakti Saint in modern trend inspired

from Classical Carnatic music and Indian Folk music combining Rock and Reggae.

The event aimed at a noble cause of raising fund to support Kerala Flood Relief and Queensland Drought Relief was well supported by Confluence: A Festival of India in Australia.

Audience instantly received their elevating music, transcending energy and passionate love for Kabir’s poetry. Neeraj Arya, the founder of the group thinks there is a lot more than mainstream music when it is combined with Kabir’s poetries.

risbane Maharashtra Mandal (BRIMM) catered the real lovers of music this time with an exquisite program – A Musical Evening & for Cricket Lovers titled in Marati which referred ‘the Cricket God’Sachin Tendulkar. The evening on 17th of November at Our Lady of the Assumption School, Brisbane.

The program was followed by Diwali Celebrations. Instead of the routine pattern of celebrating the Festival of Lights, the association has aimed at promoting local artists who are talented singers. Sunandan Lele, the experienced sports journalist was the host of the show. He shared unique information on Sachin Tendulkar for the sports lovers. This unusual and interesting Diwali was well celebrated with a delightful Diwali lunch and light dinner.

QTA parties an extravagant Dasara, Deepavali and Christmas celebrations

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ueensland Telugu Association (QTA) had a great opportunity to be entertained by famous Tollywood singers Mrs VijayaLakshmi Bhuvanagiri and Mr Praveen Kumar Koppolu on the occasion of QTA's Dasara, Deepavali & Christmas celebrations 2018 held on 17th November 2018 from 5 pm to 11 pm at Coorparoo Secondary College, Coorparoo, Brisbane Queensland Australia. Around 500 people have attended the event. Mrs VijayaLakshmi and Mr Praveen Kumar kept the audience mesmerized and spellbound.

The evening was enlivened by music and dance performances. Crowd were presented with a free raffle ticket each and there were more than 25 raffle prizes ranging from free dinner

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vouchers, cricket match tickets, movie tickets, Sarees, Cricket Australia accessories etc, attendees just loved to be part of it and winning these raffles.

Congrats to all the raffle winners.

The event was well attended by Mr Steve Biddle, Regional director, QLD - Dept of Home Affairs, Dr Ram Mohan, President, FICQ, Mr Ricky Lashand, Police Liaison Officer and Ms Mary Kenyi, Senior Police Liaison Officer. Mr Akella Raghavendra payed a visit from India to wish QTA on this occasion.

Highlights of the evening includes Sanskrit Slokas chanted by Telugu Badi kids, Christmas Skit from Telugu Christian Fellowship (TCF - Brisbane) kids, Swagatham krishna sharanagatham krishna dance by Sree Smrithi Buddhavarapu and Tollywood

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Training course: “Introduction to Aged and Disability Care”

By: Lorraine Angeli, Operations Manager Tradern Australia Care and Training Services

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radern Australia Care and Training Services has established a 3-part Training Course to assist people, with no previous qualifications, to learn about the Home Care Work Industry in Australia.

The provision of basic home care services and support, to people who are frail aged or who have a disability, is a fast growing industry and offers opportunities for people who enjoy caring for others, to gain employment in this area of care.

Getting a job can be difficult!

Although there are opportunities for employment in this industry, securing an interview and hopefully employment, can be a challenge for people, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

As a Manager having worked in many mainstream organisations, my role included the recruitment and training of in-home care staff.

During a recruitment drive I would receive dozens of resumes from hopeful applicants, outlining their many qualifications, talents and skills, but without the crucial information, understanding, or experience in home care services. This would disadvantage them during the interview selection process.

So what do individuals need to understand and know about home care work to improve their applications?

TRADERN AUSTRALIA CARE IS OFFERING A TRAINING COURSE: “Introduction to Aged & Disability Care”

that contains essential information about what is required to deliver basic Home Care Work such as: domestic assistance, companionship, transport assistance, meal preparation, and support to attend social, cultural and spiritual events.

The Course Includes: • Information on how Aged and Disability Care is delivered in Australia • Australian Legislation, regulation and work practices • Knowledge, information and skills to deliver home care services competently • Resources, notes, demonstrations, evaluations, 12 HOURS practical work experience • Assistance with a Resume that may help improve your chances of Interview • Certificate of Completion.

TRAINING COURSE: “INTRODUCTION TO AGED & DISABILITY CARE” (3 PARTS: 36 HOURS) Part 1: Care Worker Rights & Responsibilities (8 hours) • Applying for a Job in Home Care • Your Rights and Responsibilities • Your Resume • Employer Rights and Responsibilities • Employment Requirements • Workplace Health and Safety

Laws • Probationary Period • Privacy and Confidentiality Laws • Appraisals – what are they?

• Anti-Discrimination & Equal Opportunity Part 2: Delivering Home Care Services (8 hours) • Aged Care Services Explained • Infection Control • Legislation and Standards of Care • Safe Food Handling • Understanding the Ageing Process • What to do in an Emergency • Client Rights and Responsibilities • Fire Safety • Professional Boundaries • Emergency Evacuation Procedures • Appropriate Communication • Back Care & Manual Handling Techniques

Part 3: First Aid + CPR (8 hours) Part 4: Participant Practice (12 hours) Part 5: Evaluation Part 6: Certificate of Completion TOTAL: 36 HOURS

Elements such as First Aid; Manual Handling; Techniques and use of Disposable Gloves need to be undertaken with the Trainer.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Lorraine Angeli: 0413945078 to discuss any aspect of Tradern Care Services or the Training Course.

For Course Information and Registration, please contact: PR Duraimurugan TAUS CARE: Training and Sales duraimbne@gmail.com 0470 146 054

MULTICULTURAL HUB: Ekibin Park South

Flexible Delivery Options: Day or Evening Face-to-face Classes / On-line / Correspondence.

TAUS CARE OFFICE Level 27. Santos Place. Turbot Street.

Bala Utsav a true reflection of Hindu Dharma organised by Bala Samskar Kendra in QLD

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ala Samskar Kendra (BSK) the education wing of Vishva Hindu Parishad organised their annual concert Bala Utsav on 25th November at Acacia Ridge School. The students showcased their knowledge through drama and dance. The theme of the performance this year was ‘Vibhishana Sarangati’ from the great Hindu epic Ramayana. The students and parents of BSK had put up the play on the life of Swami Vivekananda commemorating him on the 125th anniversary.

The program was attended by community leaders as well. The teachings of BSK is intended to inculcate the ideologies of Hindu Dharma and rich ancient Hindu Scriptures in the young minds.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

MEERA enraptures multitudes at Home of the Arts GoldCoast

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he stage spectacular, MEERA The Production made its debut and world premiere in spectacular fashion at the Home of the Arts (HOTA) on Sunday, 4th November evening.

Boasting a cast and crew of more than 300, MEERA is the maiden venture from Aarti Bajaj's production house, Wild Dreamer Productions.

The production, which was conceived, written, directed and enacted by Ms Bajaj performed in front of a full house of 1,100 people, and was comprised of an entire cast of Gold Coast and Brisbane performers.

Ms Bajaj said the show’s concept was 14 years in the making with rehearsals taking 18 months of sweat and tears.

“I had the idea for the show 14 years ago but like all creative things, timing is everything,” she remarked.

Ms. Aarti added,“I had to take time to develop my style as an artist to fully realize that creative vision and I am so pleased with how it has come together.

A bold love story, it draws its plot from a 16th century Indian tale of a princess, the ardent devotee of Hindu Lord Krishna who firmly affirmed her life in love of him that she’ll go against all norms of society for it.

Ms Bajaj has made it her mission to

bring this burst of color to the Gold Coast and challenge any misconceptions about the art form.

“I wanted to take all of the religious aspects out, and only focus on the pureness of love in the story,” she said. Love is common for every living being, we all can have different religions and beliefs, but we all have one common expression, and that is love”.

She added “My goal is to break different boundaries using globalization and modernization, to shine a light on different cultures and art forms.

“There is so much more to explore in Indian dance, it is not properly propagated or spread in the wider world. The Indian arts is more than just Bollywood.”

Ms Bajaj said she flew to India to source costumes and jewelry to create an authentic feel to the production.

The show features theatrical and musical numbers, with narration, opera singing and storytelling.

The music in the show is composed by renowned maestros from India and features dance styles from ballet to Indian contemporary, African contemporary, tap, aerial, pole and Indian classical dancing performed by amateurs from all background and ages.

14 years in the making, Aarti plans to take MEERA around Australia and the globe.

There is so much more to explore in Indian dance, it is not properly propagated or spread in the wider world. The Indian arts is more than just Bollywood.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Brisbane Telangana Association & Telangana Jagruthi Australia celebrates The Floral Festival, Bathukamma

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risbane Bathukamma Festival (Floral Festival) organized by Brisbane Telangana Association (BTA) & Telanagana Jagruthi Australia, which is unique and official festival of Telangana state in India. The celebrations was held at The State Hokey Center, 400-420 Lytton Road, Brisbane on 13th October. Bathukamma is a festival that is celebrated for nine days.

‘Bathukamma' in telugu language, is to ask the 'goddess to come

alive'. Preparing a Bathukamma is a folk art. Women start preparing Bathukamma from the afternoon.

They cut the flowers leaving the little length base and arrange them on a wide plate, and stack them up in a conical mound, decorated with a Lotus or Pumpkin Flower on top of the stack along with goddess of Gowri, made of turmeric. Brisbane Telangana Association is Non-Profit Organization with huge members base.

Prof Sarva Daman Singh launches his latest book on Mahatma Gandhi at UQ

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rofessor Sarva Daman Singh launches his latest work: Understanding Gandhi-A Mahatma in the making 1868-1914 at the UQ Anthropology Museum, St. Lucia Campus on 20th November. The University of Queensland’s school of Historical a Philosophical inquiry organised the event.

This book on Gandhi gives praise where praise is due; and criticizes where criticism is warranted. The author treads in step with Gandhi as he reveals himself in his Experiments with Truth in an honest attempt to understand the Mahatma in the making.

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Gandhi's veracity is not in question; but his memory, and selection and omission of episodes, inevitably temper the tenor of truth! His equation of Truth with God can only be understood as justice and fair play analogous to sat or rta signifying the Cosmic Order. Page after page poses questions in a bid to understand Gandhi as he speaks, writes and acts.

The author relates how Gandhi discovered himself in South Africa; and formulated a new vocabulary of revolt; a new ideology of nonviolence and self-suffering to defeat racial injustice and tyranny; to rouse the corrective conscience of his oppressors. Deliberate defiance

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of unjust laws, self-effacing humility, unflinching acceptance of punishment, the unfading smile and unfailing forgiveness sum up the transformation of an otherwise ordinary mortal into a Mahatma, who identified himself with all downtrodden humanity! Ahimsā, satya and satyāgraha became the watchwords of his philosophy in action. The author explores the meanings of these words; and notes that at times Gandhi's ahimsā could be devoid of compassion, confined only to self-cleansing, not true to itself.

All proceeds from the book sales will be donated to charity.

DECEMBER 2018

15

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Bengali Society of Queensland celebrates three Day long Durga Puja Celebrations

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engali Society of Queensland (BSK) celebrated a blissful Durga Puja Celebration at Aspley State School 13th October.The three-day long Puja celebrations from 12th to 14th encompassed the essence of the puja in the best way. Beginning with the Puja preparations on Day 1 with a dinner the association showed the spirit of unity and brotherhood which should be improved with religious aspects. The Durga Puja started with Saptami Pujo and Anjali followed

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by Ashtami Puja and Anjali and Sandhya Arathi. Children’s drawing competition and cultural programs enhanced the whole day long celebrations. The last day of the celebrations commenced with Sandhi Puja followed by Nabami Puja, Nabami Anjali, and Dashami Pujo. Children’s fashion show and Talent Show, Sankh Competition, Dhunuchi Nach were the highlights of the concluding day. Every day was rejoicing with sumptuous Lunch and Dinner.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

The Muse, "Samarpan" Divine Dance Night

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t was the 5th annual concert of Lalitha Kalalaya school of Bharatanatyam, which saw over 100 students perform in groups on array of 23 songs.

The dance sequence was interspersed with informative commentary by the MC’s Nishreen and Karthik. The event started at 5:30 pm with the lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Mrs. Archana Singh, Mr and Mrs. Umesh Chandra, Mr. Palanichamy O Thevar, Smt. Malathi and Smt. Padmalakshmi Sriram. The event kick started with Mudras followed by Ganesha Slo-

kam by the junior students. Dance sequence was well planned not only to entertain the audience but also to bring the best out of the students at different levels of learning.

At regular intervals throughout the evening, Trophies were presented to Junior and Senior Students and special medals were given in appreciation of 100% attendance and dedication.

It was a well-attended evening by the audience, some described it as a 'visual treat' of beautiful choice of songs, choreography and vibrant costumes.

Lalitha Kalalaya stages an ecstatic Salangai Pooja

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alitha Kalalaya School of Bharatanatyam organized Salangai pooja on 3rd November at Acacia Ridge State School Auditorium, Brisbane.

It was an important landmark for students learning Bharatanatyam.

Salangai(Anklet) pooja is a special prayer and performance by students who have been learning Bharatanatyam for a few years and attained a good understanding of Taalam(beats) and is a preparation for their arangetram. It tests the initial ability of students’ stamina, sound understanding of thalam, the ability to face audience confidently

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and to prepare them for their arangetram in the later years. 10 students who had been learning this classical dance for the past 3 years were selected and given special training to showcase their talents to over 400 people.

Accompanied by their colorful costumes and adornments, the young dancers showcased one of their best performances supported by Guru Smt. Padmalakshmi Sriram (Nattuvangam) and live music by musicians Mrs. Susmitha Ravi (Vocal), Mr. Arthavan Selvanathan(Mridangam), Mr. Aswin Narayanan(Violin) and Mr. Mu-

ralidharan Ramakrishnan(Flute).

The live music enhanced the aural quality of this exquisite performance.

Every song was picked up and choreographed to bring the best out of students and make this event memorable for everyone. Special performance by little kids dancing to the tune of Mahishasura mardini added more graceful to the occasion. Six months of hard work and dedication from students was well received by the audience and appreciated the efforts put in, to make this event a grand success.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

KSQ binds cultures at Kannada Rajyotsava and Deepavali Celebrations

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annada Sangha Queensland (KSQ) Celebrated Kannada Rajyotsava & Deepavali Celebrations on November 10th at Coorparoo Secondary College. The program started at 4.30 pm was well attended by the community and the leaders of various communities.

Mr. Joe Kelly MP represented Hon. Minister Stirling Hinchliffe who was the proposed Chief guest of the evening. Senator Clair Moore and Mrs. Archana Singh, Honorary Consul of India were other prominent guests who made the day eventful.

Kannada Sangha of Queensland

Inc. (KSQ), is a not-for-profit organization that aims to promote and preserve ‘Kannada’ through cultural and linguistic activities and thereby educate the younger generation of the rich culture and heritage of Karnataka State in Southern India.

The main aim of KSQ is to promote art, culture, and heritage by involving local and wider community. It is a good opportunity for the local Australians to understand our culture and values. It will also be an opportunity for our community to showcase to the governments and the wider Australian society how we are contributing to strengthen the multicultural fabric of Australia.

Queensland’s first Syro Malabar Ayyappa Pooja 2018 Catholic Church inaugurated in Hillcrest, Brisbane

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t. Thomas the Apostle Syro Malabar Church, Hillcrest, Brisbane being the first one Syro Malabar Catholic Church in Queensland had their official inauguration on 4th November. Archbishop Mar Coleridge and Bishop Mar Bosco Puthoor Blessed the official ceremony.

Brisbane witnessed many Malayalee families migrating from India and various other parts of the world soon after the millennium.

In 2004, a few Malayalee Catho-

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lic families under the leadership of Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy M.C.B.S. began Malayalam masses in St Ignatius Church Toowong regularly.

Fr. Areekuzhy travelled all the way from Toowoomba to nurture and nourish the faith of people through monthly mass, prayer meetings, house visits etc. The year 2007 saw a high rate of migration of Malayalee Catholics to Queensland. Most of the migrants were health professionals and students. The migrants began to settle in different suburbs of Brisbane. The increase in num-

bers, geographical conditions, and the distance they needed to travel for their pastoral requirements demanded Syro Malabar Catholics to establish two main pastoral areas – Brisbane North and Brisbane South. Currently St Thomas, the Apostle Syro Malabar parish has around 300 Syro-Malabar families residing in and around Brisbane South which is a solid congregation of about 1000 members i.e. around 600 adult members and over 400 young children and teens.

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yyappa Pooja was conducted in Brisbane on 24th November 2018 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School Hall.

The Pooja began at 5.30 pm with Ashothara Namaveli, Deeparadhana followed by Bhajans by Sri Ayyappa Bhajan Group, Brisbane. Prasadam/ dinner was served for all the attendees. This year the pooja had more significance considering the controversies upon women entering Sabarimala and mixed reviews on the verdict of the Honorable Supreme Court of India.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Brisbane Tamil School presented 3rd Tamil Reading Challenge Awards

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risbane Tamil School's 3rd reading challenge award presentation ceremony was held on 17th November 2018(Saturday) between 2pm2:30pm in Holland Park State High School. The chief guest for this event was Hon. Mr. Joe Kelly, Member for Greenslopes, Queensland Parliament and the special guest was Dr. Ram Mohan, FICQ president and Director - Gandhi Salt March Limited (GSML). This event was well attended by the school students and parents.

Since 2016, Brisbane Tamil School (BTS) has been conducting the reading challenge to improve the literacy and encourage children to enjoy reading Tamil books. This year the challenge commenced on the world book day (23rd April).

Each student is given a reading

challenge record to record the book details that they read in 6 months until 20th October 2018. Based on the number of pages and books they read, winners were selected. The winners were presented with a certificate, gift cards as their prizes and all the participants with a certificate of participation and a gift bag sponsored by Dr. Ram Mohan to encourage them. Since the start of this competition, BTS has noticed a significant improvement in children's learning and comprehension skills in all our campuses among children who participate in this challenge.

The guests of honor delivered their speeches emphasizing the importance of reading especially language books. It was a delight to note that the minister said he wanted to discuss about the reading challenge in the parliament & inform to the premiere about this.

Australia India Business Council and India Vision Institute partner to Gift Sight underprivileged school children across India

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he Australia India Business Council (AIBC), the peak body for promotion of bilateral trade relations, has announced an important partnership with India Vision Institute (IVI) to support IVI’s Eye See and I Learn initiative for underprivileged children in India.

The announcement was made at an event at in Sydney on Thursday, November 21, which was attended among others by the President of India, HE Ramnath Kovind, Australia’s Foreign Minister the Hon. Senator Marise Payne, NSW Premier the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian, AIBC’s Immediate Past Chair Sheba Nandkeolyar, AIBC Chair Jim Varghese, and IVI CEO Vinod Daniel.

The partnership will help children across India to get their eyes screened and be provided with free spectacles to those identified with uncorrected refractive error.

Nearly 3/4th of a typical school day consists of reading and writing; the comprehension and performance of this is affected adversely by vision impairment. The partnership will bring light to children from underprivileged backgrounds in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and will also help them learn better and live better.

AIBC Chair Jim Varghese said, " We are extremely glad to support IVI's Eye See & I Learn initiative and we will be donating 1 AUD per child for each guest attending an AIBC event, dinners etc. We will continue supporting them through 2020."

AIBC’s Immediate Past Chair Sheba Nandkeolyar said, “We believe this partnership of providing access to screenings and spectacles will contribute to making a difference in the lives of children and their families.”

“We truly value the support offered

by AIBC for our cause. Without good vision, a child cannot get a good education and this severely hinders their future opportunities.

By providing spectacles through Eye See & I Learn, IVI aims to help them get good education, improve their quality of life and give them a chance for a good future," said IVI CEO Vinod Daniel.

Till date, IVI has conducted 374 vision screening programs in and around Chennai and other cities in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Pondicherry, West Bengal, New Delhi, Haryana and Mizoram. Over 1, 63,944 individuals from the underprivileged communities (including over 1, 19, 206 children) were screened and free spectacles were distributed to 19,513 individuals (including 9,650 children).

Sheba Nandkeolyar, Immediate Past Chair, AIBC, IVI CEO Vinod Daniel, and Chair, AIBC, Jim Varghese, after the announcement of the IVI-AIBC partnership in Sydney

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Celebrating vivid cultures at Red Carpet Recognition Night

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he Red Carpet Recognition NightCelebrating Multicultural Australia, held on November 10th at Brisbane Parliament House was yet another masterpiece of the team. This year the show was planned as a tribute to all the supporters of yesteryears.

The show was enriched by cultural programs and dinner along with the fashion show.

Representation of people from all walks of life made the show rather more meaningful. The host of the evening Reena Augustine, the recent Young Community Achiever of the Year in IABCA 2018 remarked that her team is the reason behind all success. The show was attended by community and political leaders

as well. The Councillor of Wishart, Jonathan Sri also shared his personal experience as a South Asian.

He added that one should never be petrified of being different.

Marking a humble beginning in 2015 with 200 amateur models from over 30 countries and 400 attendees, the show has tried to bring together the radiance of vivid cultures together. The participants of the show unlike others wear the traditional attires of the country of their origin. The noble effort to break the boundaries of culture makes the show stand out. Reena Augustine, the brain behind Red Carpet Event tries to break stereotype encouraging to appreciate the differences of people.

Lekky Wakely, Sing Chen, Maya Peres Bhatt, Arpit Singh, Elizabeth Dominguez, Anu Samra, Joi Burgoyne

Walter Choo, Councillor Jonathan Sri, Reena Augustine, Alex Ieong

Chaitra Mahesh, Sumi Rajan, Melody Hung, Stijn Potums, Reena Augustine, Pravinita Singh Pillay, Bob Pillay, Ivy Dang, Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, Walter Choo, Elaine Tolentino, Min-Kyeong Lee, Jong, Alex Ieong

Kerala P.O musical makes a pitch for Indo-Aussie connection

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erala P.O, a splendid musical phenomenon was released on 16th November in AIN'S Movie House YouTube channel.

The production crew has set afloat a new theme and tone in this venture compared to the usual settings of a short film which made it an exceptional one. Afin Mathews, Anwin George and Alckin Philip produced this musical Phenomenon under Indo-Aussie production company AIN'S Movie House, direction, editing and cinematography done by Arun Mohan, and Music & Scouring by Anuj Chandrashekhar. The whole setting and plot is unique and the story is vivid and rich with sensuous images.

It portrays the relationship of a

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foreign lady towards the sanctuary of Kerala and her motherly love between her Malayali husband's mother. Though the duration is 22 minutes one doesn't feel any lag while watching it. The main highlight is in the musical treat by Anuj Chandrashekhar and cinematography by Arun Mohan. Its uniqeness lies in the picturesque scenes and melodious songs that melts one's heart. Within this short time it gained more than 1 lakh viewers and continues gaining wider attention.

Dr. Christina Shubailka, the main protagonist is of Ukraine origin and has a special relationship with Kerala in real life too. She is director Arun Mohan's wife and speaks Malayalam really well. The story took its origin from scripts which were held

without shooting for 3 years and later was creatively knitted together to weave the thread for Kerala P.O. But these remain behind the curtain and is never known for viewers. It's musics and visuals has gone viral in social medias creating a visual treat for everyone. It's been shot in India, America and Ukraine. The beauty of Kerala is vividly portrayed throughout. Popular personalities from film industries became a part of Kerala P.O. Savitri Sreedharan who got recognised from the film Sudani from Nigeria, lyrics by Ajeesh Dasan who also wrote lyrics for Poomaram and Joseph etc. Sound mixing by Jithin Joseph. Technically and literally this small venture, Kerala P.O is highly spectacular. Thus, it is unanimously recognized as spectacular in social medias as well.

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Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

A Tribute to the cargo ship that saved 722 Indians from Kuwait in the year 1990

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eaman Fareeque Kapdi was 17 when MV Safeer, the cargo ship he was on, docked in Kuwait on July 31, 1990; he recalls the crew braving bombs and missiles to bring 722 Indians to safety.

The historic evacuation of 1.7 lakh Indians from war-torn Kuwait in 1990 is once again in the limelight, thanks to the recent release 'Airlift', but not many may know about another rescue operation in which 722 refugees sailed to safety on the Indian cargo ship, MV Safeer.

It was eventually the evacuation of the rest of the Indian population by Air India that won a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records, but MV Safeer’s rescue operation was equally unprecedented, as never before — or after — were so many passengers carried on a cargo ship that had been fitted up for just 30 people. The ship's crew of 22 are among the many unsung heroes of the international crisis that struck that year, when Iraq invaded and occupied Kuwait.

Flashback Fareeque Dilawar Kapdi was just 17 at the time and had barely spent a year exploring the high seas on MV Safeer when it docked at Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Port in the evening of July 31, 1990. Fareeque and his senior, Ashok Patel, were supervising as the ship's cargo of rice (from Kandla, Gujarat) was offloaded. Work went on smoothly, and no one paid mind to the booming sounds from the city. It was after the sailors went to sleep in their cabins around 6 am that they were disturbed by loud banging on their doors. The war had found them.

"Loud thuds on the doors of our cabin woke me up. When we opened the doors, soldiers stormed in and put their guns to our foreheads. Heavily armed men took us to the beach and others took control of the ship,’’ recalled Fareeque.

Information was scarce, and they were held on the beach for three hours before they learnt that Iraqi forces had pulled off a coup in Kuwait. They waited in fear, uncertain for their life, until the soldiers

By: Elizabeth Dennis

realized they were Indians. "Their stance softened; some Iraqi officers went up the ship knowing it would have food. The soldiers took us to the ship as well, but did not allow us free movement," said the Mumbai resident, who has since scaled up the career ladder to become captain of a very large crude carrier.

In September, they attempted the Himalayan task of the first-ever evacuation of Indians from Iraqoccupied Kuwait. Their feat — they carried 722 passengers, including 265 women and children on a cargo ship in a 48-hour haul to Dubai — remains unparalleled to this day.

There was the threat of bombs from the sky, and mines in the waters beneath, but when they learnt that the Indian government was looking for a vessel to carry refugees to safety, the ship’s owners proposed that MV Safeer could do the job. It was after Safeer’s successful journey between September 4 and 7, 1990, that the Indian authorities embarked on its air evacuation exercise.

Back in Mumbai At the time, one of the ship’s owners and director of Oyster Marine Management, Captain V R Kekobad was in Mumbai. "We did not know anything about Kuwait’s invasion until our agent there, Frank Rozario, called me to say that he had seen Iraqi troops marching on the streets.

That was in the morning of August 2, 1990. He told me he didn’t know what was happening," said Kekobad (64), who has been living in Australia for the past 16 years.

Kekobad, who is currently in Mumbai to see his ailing father, said it was on the news that he learnt of the Iraqi invasion. Meanwhile, the other owner, Mumbai resident Captain Ibrahim Modak, who was manning the company’s Dubai office, was also watching the news horror-struck.

"The first thing that came to our (Kekobad and Modak) mind was to arrange for the safe evacuation of our crew. By that time, their families had become immensely worried and asked us what we were doing to get their boys home safely," said Kekobad.

Communication lines with the ship’s master captain, Z A K Juwale, had gone kaput, and the only way to reach his people was through government agencies in India, Dubai and Kuwait.

"All of us in the company, including Capt Modak’s son Haneef (who now runs his late father’s shipping business from Mumbai), decided that we must not leave our crew to the mercy of foreign forces. Mind you, we could have sat comfortably at home and left the crew members to fend for themselves, as our ship was insured for very handsome amount," added Kekobad.

Kekobad and Haneef tried to persuade officials in the shipping, defence and external affairs departments in India, while Capt Modak held fort in Dubai, negotiating with authorities there.

Challenges Being a cargo ship, MV Safeer wasn’t legally allowed to ferry passengers. It was not equipped to facilitate a safe journey for more than 30 passengers — which was about the strength of the crew. The ship’s owners (which, like most vessels, was registered in Panama) would have faced penal action in case of a mishap onboard. However, even after Safeer was given a green signal, the crew faced many more tests.

The immigration office in the port area had been ransacked but the crew had befriended Iraqi forces and managed to get their passports back. Once all clearances were in place, Safeer’s crew started working to create makeshift facilities that the refugees could use during the short haul from Kuwait to Dubai.

It was of paramount importance to arrange for life jackets. Kekobad convinced the Indian government to deliver some 400 life jackets in Kuwait. "It wouldn’t have been possible without help from Indian and Iraqi authorities. We could pull off this exercise only because Iraq had great relations with our country," said Kekobad, adding that 14 rafts and additional life jackets were made available locally in Kuwait.

But how were they going to accom-

Mv Safeer, with 22 crew members, ferried refugees from Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait to Dubai after the Iraqi invasion www.indiannewsqld.com.au

modate the swelling number of passengers on a ship that had been fitted up for just 25-30? For one, there were toilets only for 25, no cooking facility and no air-conditioning.

Oil drums were cut and welded to make toilets, and gunny bags were used to create cubicles, said Nazir Mulla, the ship’s second-in-command. "We released sewage directly into the seas. We had ample stock of fresh water from Kuwait. We accommodated passengers after creating space by offloading the rice cargo. Sick passengers were made comfortable in the limited AC area," he added.

Passengers were asked to carry food for 2-3 days, as Safeer didn’t have much to offer. "Despite that, we cooked khichdi for those who didn’t have food with them," said Fareeque, who recalled how the passengers drove to the port and then handed over the keys to their cars to the crew. "They asked us to keep their cars as a reward. I was very young, but I could understand the pain of leaving their hard-earned belongings behind," said the emotional Captain.

When the ship finally docked at Dubai, the passengers were emotionally overcharged while disembarking, recalls second-in- command Mulla. "They thanked us profusely. It was team work that saw us through this tough task," added Mulla.

Airlift has got both brickbats and bouquets, but Captain Kekobad

wishes his mentor late Captain Ibrahim Modak was alive today to see how the Air India evacuation is now getting recognition, years after they did their own bit to bring the Indians to safe harbour. Kekobad insisted that his crew did not charge a dinar from the Indians for the journey.

Grateful government Kekobad’s prized possession is a letter of recognition he got from the then external affairs joint-secretary, K P Fabian. The letter reads: ‘This is to confirm that Government of India did not pay your company any amount towards evacuation of Indian nationals who were carried aboard MV Safeer. We are indeed grateful to you for having carried safely over 700 Indians from Kuwait under Iraqi occupation to Dubai.’

Passenger story Mumbaikar Tanweer Khalfay had been working as senior executive with a petrochemical company in Kuwait at the time of the invasion.

The 33-year-old lived there with his wife Sabiha and two-year-old son, Saif.

Amid the overwhelming trauma, it was the news of MV Safeer carrying Indians to safety that gave them hope. “Indian nationals were anxious to leave Kuwait because we were not sure about Iraq pulling out its forces. We were on the verge of losing hope when the Mumbai sailors came to our rescue,” Khalfay told mid-day from Kuwait, where he returned a year after the invasion.

Indian Refugees express their gratitude after the ship docked in Dubai

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DECEMBER 2018

21

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Dosahut unfolds a new Chapter in Aspley

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he epitome of South Indian taste in Brisbane, Dosahut has opened their third restaurant in Aspley, which is the fourteenth in Australia has proved the success.

With the passion to serve the best taste in their signature style, the founders work every day bringing varieties.

Their greatest plus point is the fact that they serve an array of Dosas that are different in taste yet mouthwatering to dig into. Dosa Hut, as the name suggests, is the hub to try out a myriad of types of Dosas with over 90 varieties served here

for Dosa lovers. From giving it a Chinese twist to creating a blend of chocolate and Dosa for those with a sweet tooth, they have it all at our establishment to give you the perfect dining experience out here.

Apart from Dosas, they are also known for the biryanis served, the Indo cuisine that people adore, and the lovely Indian Chaat dishes they create serves the true essence of Indian street food.

Dosa Hut Aspley Shop 6 & 7/46 Gayford St, Aspley QLD - 4034 Phone No:(07) 3863 2063

“Sooper Dooper” Colorful Diwali by Dance Galatta By: Duraimurugan Palaniappan Ramasamy

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ow! Variety of performances from DanceGalatta this time for FICQ Diwali celebration, happened in Brisbane CBD at Reddacliff Place on 26th Oct. Avni started with her cute solo performance around 5pm and Vinoth rocked the crowd next by singing AR Rahman super hit song “Antha Arabic kadaloram”.

Yeswanth did his as usual stunning performance and perfect move for the fusion music around 5:30pm.

His excellent dance pulled more crowd and clapped by many.

Dancegalatta jelly fish performed

their “yeh baby” Bhangra dance to showcase their talents. By the way, Jelly fish team is group of less than 6 years old kids. Thanks to Avni, IInilla, Sara, 2 Mishikas, Reva, Yathika for their effort and stylish movements.

Coral fish team came there for “End Yaar “Bhangra type song.

They amazed the audience with sticks and steps. Yashvi, Aashvi, Diya, Nishika, Bismath, Anaya and Akruthi.

Dance Galatta’s Adults group made a perfect song selection with magical choreo to cheer up the crowd. Nina, Reva, Deepika,

Saranya Priya, Trupti, Durai and Tejas.

It’s been a busy year this year for DanceGalatta. They performed in Indian day fair, Fund raising events, Westfield Diwali function and upcoming one is “EOYS 2018 and Xmas celebration” on 15th Dec on Princess Theatre. Congrats to DanceGalatta team. Wishing Sooper Dooper Colorful Diwali.

DanceGalatta is a BRISBANE based dance company. Primarily teaching Indian dances.

More information available at www.dancegalatta.com.au

EOYS 2018 and Xmas Celebration

Dance Galatta’s Final touch of this Year !

“Dance Galatta” is a Brisbane based Dance company, started in 2017. They are the regular performers in Indian Festivals.

Recently surprised the crowd in Upper Mt Gravatt Westfield Diwali function. Young kids were cheering up and danced together. Dance Galatta teaching primarily Indian Traditional dances to kids and adults, situated in Brisbane CBD. The perfect team will be celebrating their End of Year showcase “EOYS 2018 and Xmas Celebration” at “Princess Theatre” on 15th Dec 5pm-9pm.

It includes Dance Workshop, Puppet Show, Drama, Singing and Food. Recommended to go

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with colourful Indian attire. ofcourse, SANTA will be there for the surprise gifts!!

“Mansoru” Drama team first time coming up with their local talents to perform a comedy show “What the Hell” ( Emologa Ragalai in Tamil ) in this 130 years old historical building. So, It’s going to be fun filled and awesome evening.

For tickets , Please contact Revathi 0452-507-594 or Durai 0470-146-054.

Online tickets available at Eventbrite.com (google :“Eventbrite dancegalatta” )

DECEMBER 2018

22

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Howdy, the melange of cultures is all set to release

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orn and raised in the heart of Trivandrum, the city with the real spirit of Cinema, Jayesh Janardhanan aka Jay has nurtured the very dream of becoming a movie director. When the question of career arose, he kept his evergaining passion aside an took up

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the role of an Engineer. Decades after, here in Brisbane, he starts his voyage to fulfil the aspiration.

Howdy is the first Australian Television and web series which is directed by a Malayalee. The cast and crew boosts talents from all over the globe. Howdy, the brainchild of Jay came to him on an accidental note

during is brief break of six months before his first directorial debut in India. Based on the multiculturalism and culture shock in Australia, Howdy, the series in comedy genre is set to cater audience of all tastes. “Sit-coms were never my cup of tea. My screenwriter Derk gave me the confidence to move on with the idea of Howdy�, says Jay. Howdy episodes will be released in the coming months.

His longing dream is to direct a movie with actor Mohanlal on the lead role. Jay thinks Australian film industry has room for an artist to evolve.

Jay, has been settled in Brisbane for the past fourteen years. His wife Poornima and children Aarnav and Shanaya is his support to take up the bigger step- a full-fledged feature film.

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DECEMBER 2018

23

Indian News Queensland | SPORTS

6th Annual BSK Cup T20 Cricket Tournament conducted at Michael’s Oriental Restaurant

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he Brisbane Super Kings (BSK) cricket club is extremely delighted in successfully organizing the “6th Annual BSK Cup T20 Cricket Tournament”. The eightweek tournament ended on 18th November 2018, with the Gamma Desi Boys emerging as winners by beating Skill Punjab Warriors in a nail-biter. A grand award ceremony was held later in the evening at Michael’s Oriental Restaurant & Function Centre to recognize Brisbane’s amazing cricketing talent.

Mr. Harenderpal Singh bagged the man of the series award for some outstanding contribution and match winning efforts throughout the tournament.

At the Award ceremony, which was well attended by several community leaders and politicians, BSK’s Secretary Dr. Balaji Somasundaram, summarized that this year’s tournament brought together 32 teams, 512 players, 18 umpires, 8 nationalities and 12 different cultures to make this event a grand multicultural success. Under the leadership of Mr. Sathish Rajendaran, the passionate cricket club was committed to unite people together and to bring harmony in the community.

Representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councilor Angela Owen, appreciated BSK’s efforts in bringing the community together by using cricket as a platform. As a recognition to the good service to the

community, Councilor Owen also announced that BSK would receive its first home ground at Heathwood, a big step forward for the club. Mr. Paul Scarr, Federal Senate Candidate for LNP, recognized the contribution of Mr. Ayyapann Kaliidass by presenting a memento signed by the legendary Indian cricketer Mr. Sunil Gavaskar. Mr. Peter Russo, Member for Toohey and Mr. Duncan Pegg, Member for Stretton presented the BSK trophy to the winning team to end the impressive award ceremony.

Overall, this year’s tournament was an outstanding multicultural success. BSK is grateful to all the sponsors and supporters for this year’s success and is looking forward the 7th Annual BSK cup.

India wins in third T20 International by six wickets

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he 1-1 stalemate is a "fair reflection" of how India and Australia performed in the three-match T20 International series, visiting captain Virat Kohli said Sunday. After the first match in Gabba Stadium, Brisbane cricket lovers returned home in a bad note. The lion-share of the stadium was the Indian crowd.

India won the third T20 international by six wickets to end the series at 1-1 after the second game was washed out. Australia had won the first match.

"A level series is a fair reflection of how the teams have played," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The skipper lauded the performance of his bowlers, who restricted Australia to 164 for six after the home team was 68 for one in 8.3 overs, and his batsmen alike.

"Overall, skill wise, we were better

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on the day than Australia. With the ball, we were more professional today. I thought it was a 180 wicket."

"When our openers get into the zone they're difficult to stop. Things become pretty easy when those two guys (Rohit and Shikhar) do the job for us," Kohli said.

Australian T20 captain Aaron Finch said: "India batted extremely well in the power play. It's always tough to bring it back from 1/67. The way that we fought was brilliant. Rohit and Dhawan are totally different styles of batsmen which is tough for bowlers. That's why they've been such a good opening combination." However, Finch added that the home side is headed in the right direction and are looking forward to the Test series.

"Still fair bit of work to do but we're going in the right direction which is nice. Feeling good for the Tests.

Will get down to Brisbane and prepare for 5-6 days."

Man of the Series Shikhar Dhawan, who scored 76 and 41 to provide India with a blistering start in the both the innings, was delighted to have salvaged the series with a win.

"As a batsman, when you score it always feels good. It's good that we were able to draw this series.

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DECEMBER 2018

24

Indian News Queensland | CULTURE & RELIGION

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple celebrates Diwali & Annakut Festival

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iwali & Annakut Festival on Sunday, 11th November at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple.

The Chief guest for the morning session was Hon Shannon Fentiman, Member for Waterford (ALP) Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development.

Along with Hon Minister community leaders such as Dr. Maha Sinnathamby,Chairman, Springfield Land Corporation, Mr. Surendra Prasad, Fiji Senior Association President, Dr. Ram Mohan, FICQ President, Mr. Palanichamy O. Thewar, Mr. Umesh Chandra and Mrs. Usha Chandra were present at the function to celebrate the most auspicious festival of Diwali.

The event was started with Thaal (Devotional Bahajns), Aarti and Chief guest speech.

Along with Guest around 800 devotees take part in the holy ritual of “Nilkantha Abhishekam”.

The event was concluded with “Maha prashadam”.

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In the evening session The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Brisbane has donated $1600 to the Rural Aide Ltd to support the farmers affected by the natural calamity of Drought.

The cheque was presented by Pujya Swami Vimal Seva Das to the federal Member of Rankin and shadow Minister for finance Dr Jim Chalmers.

Dr Jim Chalmers appreciated BAPS’s efforts in supporting the affected farmers says, “BAPS is not only a spiritual organisation but always accepted the social responsibility and standing by the local community and work shoulder to shoulder whenever need arises like currently Drought situation we have in our country.

I must appreciate the efforts of BAPS volunteerism and contribution in helping local farmers not only financially but also providing moral support and the most importantly by praying for them.”

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DECEMBER 2018

25

Indian News Queensland | CULTURE & RELIGION

Skantha Sashti pooja piously celebrated

by The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association

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he Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) celebrated the Skantha Sashti Pooja in Gold Coast during Sashti (November 8-13) on Saturday 10th November 2018 at Helensavle Community Centre in Gold Coast.

The celebration included the Bhajan and prayers. The highlight of the evening was the Sashti prayers for Murugan’s Holy Vel (Spear of Lord Murugan). The Vel of Murugan, which is identical with Him, is a mystic divine weapon with which He destroyed the Asuras. The Vel, which is Wisdom-Absolute, also annihilates the inner Asuras or Enemies of Avidya, Karma and liberates the Jiva (Soul) from transmigration. It is not surprising therefore that the emblem of this divinity, Vel, is the object of worship in some of the shrines of Murugan.

The special invocation prayers to Murugan/s Vel was conducted by Siva Sri Naguleswara Gangadhara Gurukal, Former chief priest Sri Selva Vinayagar Temple Brisbane. The

priest blessed the proposed Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Precinct in Arundel and prayed for the project foundation work to happen soon.

More than hundred devotees from Gold Coast, Brisbane &Southern New South Wales gathered to the pooja and got the opportunity of taking the blessed Lord Murugan Silver coins to their home for prosperity and happiness.

Few more blessed Lord Murugan Silver Coins are still available for purchase and anyone interested to get one for their home can contact the GCHCA committee via email to gchcan@gmail.com. Each coin is priced as $51 dollars. Only limited number of blessed coins are available at present such devotees are advised to contact the GCHCA as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Month of December Function: Date: Friday 21st December 2018 Venue: Community Centre Hall, 31 Discovery Drive, Helensvale, QLD 4212

The splendid Diwali celebrated at Hindu Society of Queensland Inc.

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indu Society of Queensland Inc.’s Deepawali function was held on Saturday 3 November 2018 from 5:00pm.

The function commenced with Diwali Pooja attended by Mr and Mrs Anup Kumar and conducted

by Aachaarye Praveen Shandil from 4:30pm. After which dinner commenced and finally the live show program for 3 hours.

The function was well attended from people as far as Logan and Ipswich. The guests for the night were Cr Amanda Cooper, the Councillor for Bracken Ridge and Cr Jared Cassidy, the Councillor for Deagon. The acknowledgment

of the land and the welcome to the Country was performed

by Aunty Peggy Tidyman. The live performances program was a mixture of cassical and Bolloywood dances, bhangra, DJ and vocalists was played by Sargam Orchestra lead by Nirbhay Chand.

The students of Iscon Temple played a Jayanthi Drama. A huge crowd that attended the function thoroughly enjoyed the dinner, sweets and the live program. The Master of Ceremony for the Night was Dinesh Goundar and Muskan Attri. The function also included 8 raffle prizes and 13 Lucky Door prizes.

Hindu Cultural Hub at Clayfield By: Dr Naren Kumar

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hiva is one of the Hindu trinity, the destroyer of creation. While this sounds so drastic, He is revered as most compassionate, the one who destroys our sorrows, suffering, sins and also bestows good life, progeny and all the good things man is entitled to enjoy in his lifetime. In Hindu tradition, flowers are used to worship a deity (idol), which is considered as a representation of the Supreme, omnipresent, formless source of creation, preservation and destruction of the unexplainable phenomenon known as life on earth. The offering of flowers is a mark of respect, love and devotion to the Supreme Lord Almighty, humbly submitted by the bhakta (devotee).

In the case of Shiva, according to Hindu traditions, the sages and seers have discovered a few aspects in nature (occurring naturally), that indicate and induce certain behaviour in human mind or lifestyle – a particular bhaava (feeling/strong resolve/belief ), in the devotee, who seeks self-realisation through affection to the favourite form of the infinitely manifest multifaceted Supreme Lord.

Chanting the Shatarudriiya (from Taittiriya samhita of Krishna Yajurveda), is preferred by the sages

to worship Shiva during the abhishekam (ablution by pouring an unbroken flow of water on the Shiva lingam) – which constitutes the essence of Shiva worship. However, following this, Shiva, (who is considered as a cordial guest invited by the devotee), is joyfully served in many myriad ways that depends on the tastes and vibrant shades of bhakti (devotion) of the devotee.

At this point, sage Bodhaayana has recommended worshipping Shiva with certain flowers that promote the devotee to Shiva bhaava (divine consciousness). He has in his Mahanyaasa khanda, specified the use of Arka (Calotropis gigantea – also known as Arka, Ekka, Erikkam, Ankhade etc), Champaka (Magnolia champaca – Champak), Punnaaga (Calophyllum inphyllum – Indian laurel), Nandyaavarta (Tabernaemontana divaricata – Pinwheel flower), Paatal (Stereospermum tetragonum / Bignonia suaveolens – Trumpet flower tree, Yellow Snake tree), Brihatee (Solanum indicum – Poison berry), Karaveera (Nerium oleander/indicum) and Drona (Leucas aspera – thumbe / thummi / thumbai) flowers chiefly for Shiva worship. Most of these are commonly found in India and most parts of the world, and are even ignorantly considered as weeds by today's generation.

While all of them are used in Ayurveda for medicinal applications, most are poisonous and cannot be ingested directly. Samsara (attachment to human lifestyle) is considered as a hindrance to self-realisation. Poison to Samsara is considered in Hindu thought as a divine elixir leading to salvation. For example, the last flower in the above list is Drona (Leucas aspera), which is used medicinally as an astringent and is also known to possess qualities such as antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial etc. This is used to clear phlegm (kapha) - related ailments such as asthma, coughs, cold etc, and boosts the immune system to be tolerant to allergies that cause over production of respiratory mucus. This plant is abundantly available especially in unmaintained land and requires very little water and no maintenance. In the traditional Hindu thought, the sages have indicated that worshipping Shiva with Drona flowers aid us to attain salvation through His blessings along with our saadhana (penance).

In a way this can be seen in a different light (at this stage at least), that similar to mucus that binds and blocks the respiratory tract, Samsara (attachment to lifestyle), is also a thick viscous bonder, which is removed by the aid of such divine charactered flowers.

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 December 2018.

As a standard practice, we have the following program at the Bar-Jai Hall: • 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. www.indiannewsqld.com.au

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DECEMBER 2018

26

Indian News Queensland | BUSINESS

Migration Acharya Question 1: J.George This is an enquiry regarding my wife's bridging program. Currently she is doing her masters in Australia . Now she received an offer letter from another university for doing bridging program for Registered nurse. The bridging program is for 15 weeks but in the offer letter it states the duration of program 0.5yrs.

We are anyway planning to take 6 months break from masters course.

But we have a doubt regarding the CoE for bridging program.

My concern is that do we have to face any trouble in the future as we receive 2 coe at the same time.

Ans: Thank you for your email.

Please note if you are taking a break from the current course on medical reasons, and joining another course at the same time, it may have impact on your Student Visa conditions.

Normally, it is not permitted to undertake two different full time CRICOS courses at the same time with various education providers.

Question-2 J.Joseph Hello, sir, I am J. Joseph, I would like to apply for TR. I have completed my 2 years course (BNOQ) this month at an Australian University. Moreover, I would like to

I

know about TR process, IELTS or OET score requirements, fees, and insurance. How many weeks need for T R process? If I am complete my PTE before February is it affect TR process? and my visa validity till March 15 ?

Ans: Thank you for your email. You need IELT 6 overall and individual 5 for applying TR. There is a mandatory requirement that you must apply for this visa, subclass 485, within 6 months of completion of an eligible course successfully.

Regarding fees, insurance and other criteria, you may go through the following link: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/ visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/ temporary-graduate-485

Question-3 S. Singh Dear Sir, My Friend told me to contact you regarding oversea Nursing application Process. One of my friends , she did 1. Diploma in general Nursing and Midwifery, 2. Bachelor of science in Nursing (post Basic) Could you please let us know what we should do to recognise this study in Australia.

Ans: Thank you for the email. She needs to complete English language test initially, She must get OET B for all, or equivalent in other forms of tests. Thereafter, she must apply with AHPRA for registration as a Registered Nurse (RN). As she is an overseas qualified professional, she would have to complete a bridging program, namely, EPIQ, successfully in Australia. Subsequently she will be eligible for registration RN in Australia. Please check AHPRA website for all requirements including recency of practice, character etc.

Question-4 (A.Kumar) Hi sir, Last week I was contacted you to enquire about getting a sponsorship visa from an electrical company.The details about the company are attached .Could you please check the details and let me know whether the company is eligible for giving the visa ?

Ans: In your case, to assess the eligibility of the business to nominate you in a position, we need to know few basic things. Primarily, there must have a genuine need for such a position to carry on its business operations. The business’ financial viability is very important to nominate you in the said position. The business’ history of prior or current nominations under Em-

ployer Sponsored visa schemes are also considered during the process of such a Nomination.

As far as Visa part is concerned, you have to satisfy all requirements of a class of visa applies following a successful Nomination by the business.

Question-5 AM Peter Respected sir, I am AM Peter. I would like to know about the details of ditetian’s migration. I have master qualification in Clinical Nutrition and 2-year experience. I would like to give you my resume to assess for dietitian migration. Please advise about the procedures.

Ans: Thank you for the email.

Please be advised that your occupation, Dietitian, is not eligible for independent skilled migration under subclass 189. However, it is an eligible occupation for State Sponsored migration and Employer Nomination Scheme visas.

The skills assessment for Dietitian, which is mandatory for Skill Select visas, is a multi-stage process, and you would get more information from the following link https://daa.asn.au/becoming-adietitian-in-australia/recognition-of-dietetic-qualifications/ overseas-educated-dietitians-assessment-stage/

Question-6 S.Francis My brother sent me a news clipping from Kerala that Australia issue Backpacker Visas which allows three-year work rights in Australia.

Can he apply for the new visa?

Ans: Please be noted this is not a new category visa introduced recently. The subclass 417 and 462 visas are widely known as Backpacker visas. However, Indian citizens, are not eligible to apply for these popularly known ‘backpackers visas’ to Australia. Citizens around 20-25 countries globally are only eligible to apply for this visa.

For more information contact PRATHAP LAKSHMANAN MA, LLB, LLM, GradDipLP (Lawyer & Migration Agent / Qualified Education Agent Counsellor) TN Lawyers & Immigration Consultants Suit 6, 34 Campbell Street Bowen Hills, QLD 4006, Australia.

M: 0401 866 578 P: +61 7 3194 8816 Email: info@tnlawyers.com.au Web: www.tnlawyers.com.au

Recent Changes with State Sponsored migrations in Australia

n Australia, different states have own requirements and conditions apply for skilled nominations for overseas citizens. States such as Queensland, NSW and Victoria are more popular destinations for skilled migrants from overseas in Australia. The participating states change criteria for state nominations depends on various factors, such as skill shortage, labour market demand, changes in state economy, availability of places for nomination etc.

Recently Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is being introduced a new system of selection process for their state sponsorships for skilled migrants, and the Queensland state has suspended certain occupations from their list for state nomination.

ACT: New Matrix System On 29 November 2018, the ACT is replacing the current first-in, firstserved system with a merit-based assessment matrix that will moderate supply and demand throughout the year and more effectively address the ACT’s skills needs.

The 190 programs will continue to

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focus on occupations that are listed as ‘in-demand’, and assess a range of factors that support successful settlement and contribution to the ACT economy, such as previous residence and other ties to the ACT, English proficiency, and employment in the ACT. As per the new system, ACT 190 nomination is a two stage process, in which an applicant must formally express an interest in applying for nomination by completing a scorebased ‘Canberra Matrix’ where applicants will be getting points on different criteria. The applicant who gets minimum 20 points and above will be ranked.

The highest ranked candidates under the scoring system will then be selected and invited to apply for ACT 190 nomination.

Queensland: Removal of occupations Queensland is a state relatively doing faster processing of state nomination applications for various occupations. Hence, numerous aspirants apply for state nomination in this state. As the current financial

year nearly completes five months in the first half, the state has removed the following occupations as they received many expressions of interest for these occupations and has filled the quota.

Those who have not received an invitation yet, BSMQ will no longer able to issue any new invitations in these occupations.

• • • • • • • • • •

Registered Nurse (Aged Care) – 254412 Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) – 254415 Civil Engineer (233211) Electrical Engineer (233311) Mechanical Engineer (233512) Developer Programmer – 261312 Software Engineer – 261313 Finance Manager-132211 Accountant (General) (221111) Engineering Technologist (233914)

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DECEMBER 2018

27

Indian News Queensland | FUN

Goes Around, Comes Around

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The Conversation of Love and Marriage

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student asks a teacher, “Why often people marry a different person then they fell in love with?” The teacher said, “in order to answer your question, go to the wheat field and choose the best wheat and come back. But the rule is that you can go through them only once and cannot turn back to pick.”

The student went to the field, went through the first row, he saw one big wheat which he instantly liked, but he wonders that maybe there is a bigger one further. Then he saw another bigger one, but again he thought that maybe there is an even bigger one waiting for him.

Later, when he finished more than half of the wheat field, he started to realize that the wheat is not as big as the ones he let go off, he started to realize that he had missed the best one in the search of a bigger. So, he ended up going back to the teacher

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with an empty hand because he just wasn’t able to forgive himself for letting go of the best wheat and described what happened. The teacher told him, “You kept looking for a better one while letting go of the best one and later when you realize that you have missed that, you can’t go back. This is the mistake often made by people who fell in love and lost the best person they could have in their life”.

So, the student said, “Does that mean, one should never fall in love?”

The Teacher replied, “No Dear, Anyone can fall in love if they find a suitable person. But, once you truly fall in love, you must never let go of that person due to your anger, ego or comparisons with others”.

“How do they end up marrying someone other than they loved?” the student asked. The teacher said, “in order to answer your question, go to the corn field and choose the

ne day a man saw an old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn’t look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold.

He knew how she felt. It was those chills which only fear can put in you.

He said, “I’m here to help you, ma’am. Why don’t you wait in the car where it’s warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.”

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn’t thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Bryan just smiled as he closed her

trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, “And think of me.”

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn’t erase.

The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but

biggest corn and come back. But the rule is same as before, you can go through them only once and cannot turn back to pick.” The student went to the corn field, this time he was careful to not to repeat the previous mistake. When he reached to the middle of the field, he picked one medium corn that he felt satisfied with and went back to the teacher. He described how he made a choice. The teacher told him, “This time you didn’t came empty handed. You looked for one that is just nice, and you had put your faith that this is the best one you can get. This is how one makes a choice for marriage.”

The student stood confused. The teacher asked, “What is bothering you now?” The student replied, “I am wondering which would have been better, marrying a person you love or loving the person you marry”. The teacher replied, “It’s a very easy answer, only if you are willing to admit it to yourself ”.

Moral: Life is like a basket of fruits. Either you have to make a choice of eating the fruit you love or be content with something that is healthy! Choose wisely else you may have to spend your life wondering, what if. As long as you stay true to yourself and honest, you can’t go wrong with any of these two choices.

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she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan.

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be.

Then she noticed something written on the napkin.

There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: “You don’t owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I’m helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.”

Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard….

She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, “Everything’s going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.”

Moral: What Goes around Comes Around. You do good, You will get good in return. Always be Helpful.

Sudoku Solution

DECEMBER 2018

28

Indian News Queensland | TRAVEL

Unveiling the Tallest Statue of the World!!

T

he Statue of Unity is unquestionably the best travel destination of the season. A 182-metrehigh monument created by Michael Graves Architecture and Design, which is four times the size of the Statue of Liberty, has been officially inaugurated in Gujarat state, India.

The Statue of Unity which is nearly 50 storeys tall, and together with its three-level base measures 240 meters, making it the world's tallest statue.

Designed by Indian sculptor Ram V Sutar, the statue was made from scrap metal collected from around the country and is clad in bronze.

The structure, which took four years to build, required a total of 210,000 cubic meters of cement, 25,000 tons of steel and 1,700 tons of bronze and cost 29.8 billion rupees (£314 million), estimated the Guardian.

Lifts going up to a 153-metre-high viewing platform will be able to transport up to 15,000 tourists a day when the attraction opens on 3 November 2018.

The gigantic sculpture depicts founding father of the Republic of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Patel, who was born in Gujarat, was a key player in India's struggle for independence and instrumental in uniting it as one nation after the country freed itself from British colonial rule in 1947.

With sandal-clad feet and exposed ankles, the statue is thinner at the base than at upper levels, the opposite of what is typically done. Two reinforced concrete cores containing the lifts form the center of the statue, with two mass dampeners at chest height to control the sway in high winds and protect the statue during earthquakes.

A steel space frame is attached to this core, from which the 22,000 square meters of individually formed bronze panels creating the sculpture's shape were hung. The sculpture's "skin" weighs over 2,000 tons.

Along with the world's tallest statue, the complex includes an exhibition hall in the base of the statue topped by a memorial garden, a visitor center and guest lodgings, a pedestrian and road bridge connecting the statue's river island to the mainland, and a 2-mile road to the town of Kapadia. Scrap iron was collected from around the country, in reference to Patel's nickname of India's "Iron Man". Earth was also collected from all the country's states and districts to form a rammed earth wall backdrop to the flag, and the base, visitor center and landscaping uses locally quarried stone.

The statue got its so-called name owing to the fact that Iron Man Sardar Patel is credited with uniting all 562 princely states in the pre-independent India to build the Republic of India. For quick fact checks, here are some unmissable points.

• The Statue of Unity is the tallest in the world, standing tall at

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

a height of 182 m. It is almost double the height of the Statue of Liberty in the United States of America, and 23 m taller than China’s Spring Temple Buddha statue.

• Three and a half years went into the building of this statue; 3000 workers, including 300 engineers were involved in the building process.

• Padma Bhushan recipient sculptor Ram V Sutar built the Statue of Unity, whereas the intricate bronze work was done by the Jiangxi Toqine Company (JTQ), a Chinese foundry.

• The viewing gallery, at a height of 153 m, has the capacity to accommodate 200 people at a time and also offers an expansive view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam. • The Statue of Unity is a threelayered structure and can withstand earthquakes and severe wind velocity.

• Once the statue open for public, it is expected around 15000 visitors will visit it every day.

The museum has 2000 photographs, 40000 documents and a research centre dedicated to the life of Iron Man Sardar Patel.

• Iron was collected from all over the country to build this Statue of Unity. Further, the entire structure is composed divided into zones; here are the details.

Zone 1: Three levels including a mezzanine floor, exhibit floor and roof comprise this zone. As per the reports, it will have a museum and a memorial garden.

Zone 2: This zone will extend till the statue's thighs.

Zone 3: This zone goes up till the viewing gallery, which has the ability to accommodate 200 people.

Zone 4: This section comprises the statue’s head and shoulders, both not accessible to visitors.

India will hold its position of having the tallest monument of the world for so long. The Statue of Unity won't hold the title of world's tallest statue for very long. A 212-metre high statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji, India's 17th century warrior king, astride a horse is planned to open in 2020 off the coast of Mumbai.

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Indian News Queensland | HOROSCOPE

Horoscope December 2018 Aries

Mar 20 – Apr 20 Plenty of raw energy is available this December 2018, but it will be up to you to refine it and define how it affects you and those around you.

Jupiter reaches the midpoint of your house of relationship this month. Jupiter offers the energy of expansion and good fortune, but with the potential for pushing too hard and loss of perspective. Keep this in mind as the South Node enters your house of relationship on the 27th. Issues may crop up around an old, unwelcome relationship pattern.

Patience with others may not be easy this month, but it will come. Mercury retrograde in your 9th house tangles communications and undermines understanding until the 20th. Mars enters the same house on the 25th giving you an opportunity to choose tolerance over self-importance.

Taurus

Apr 20 – May 21 As the month begins, Neptune, the planet of delusion and confused thinking, forms a harsh angle to willful Mars and materialistic Venus in Scorpio who are opposing your Sun. This is the astrological recipe for passion but not necessarily the kind you might be hoping for.

It would be more apt to call this ‘passionate upheaval.’ The energy crescendos somewhere between the morning of the 8th and noon on the 10th when the Moon transits through Scorpio which is its sign of debilitation. Oh, tenacious one, check your ego at the door and leave your passive aggressive self at home.

Fortunately, retrograde Saturn is in your third house of communication helping you to find a new way of articulating what you believe and what is important to you. Jupiter’s transit of your 6th house is favorably aspected by Neptune and may have you thinking and dreaming about your future. There is something special in the air, but the uncertainty of change may be scary. Read a book or go to a workshop that supports you in a new, more relaxed, less defended state of mind.

Gemini

May 21 – Jun 21 Mercury, the ruler of your Sun sign, is retrograde in the 7th house of relationships. Communication with your significant other or clients is not what it could be. There is lots of conversation but not enough understanding.

Saturn casts an aspect on Mercury which will help you get to the root of the situation, however. Allow your heart to become your organ of speech and hearing. Saturn is retrograde in your 2nd house of talents, self-esteem, and money. Between now and Spring, create a game plan to bring forth those talents that are more at the core of who you really are. Decide what would help you to feel free and whole and let it percolate. www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Money conservation and budget scrutiny are important now. Jupiter’s 5th house transit continues to raise the possibility for romance as well as creative expression particularly from the 16th onward.

Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 23 Your Sun sign is the site for Saturn’s retrograde transit. The next several months will involve personal inventory taking to decide which beliefs and patterns are ‘keepers’ and which are not. Don’t hesitate to dream, but ‘a day at a time’ is what you need to focus upon. Your houses of romance and relationship are highlighted this month.

There is some uncertainty or confusion that needs to be sorted out. Is someone not being straightforward about their needs or acting ‘needy?’ There is passion there, but let it be used for blissful experiences rather than ‘crabbiness.’ The 12th to 14th may be the toughest days in this regard.

As Christmas approaches home life – your favorite area – and relationships are positively supported. The Full Moon this month happens the day after Christmas in your Sun sign. Be with family. Take care of others. Feed and revel with friends. You likely to meet interesting new friends or contacts before month’s end.

Leo

Jul 23 – Aug 23 Expanded thinking and communication are major themes this month as Jupiter continues through your 3rd house.

Not only is this a good period to take the lid off of limited thinking, the Sun, Mars, and Venus transit of your 5th house is likely to inspire your creative self. Venus’ presence here bolsters the possibility of romantic encounters mid-month and afterwards.

Asteroid Chiron in the last degrees of your 6th house through February, 2018 provides the opportunity to expand your knowledge of healing or to consider a healing practice. Any health issues should be tended to now with professional advice.

Libra

Sep 23 – Oct 23 Philosophical, probing Jupiter is reaching the halfway mark in your Sun sign where it will spend another 10 months.

Jupiter rules your 3rd house of communication and the mind and helps you to formulate whatever you might want to teach, speak, or write about. It is also a favorable time for expanding business horizons.

A favorable, creative aspect from Neptune to Jupiter on the 1st supports these activities, but Mercury retrograde in your communication house may have you tongue tied or at least muddled in your thinking for a brief period. Once Mars enters the 3rd house on the 26th, you can more easily turn thoughts into written words or action.

If you are looking for an opportunity to transform your relationship with your family the last week of the month could hold an opportunity for breakthrough. There is an old issue or two to lay to rest so that you can restore much needed peace and harmony within yourself.

Scorpio

Oct 23 – Nov 22 The transit of Mars and Venus through your Sun sign is already in progress as the month begins. This has ignited your intensity and passion.

Neptune now sharply aspects these two – the God of War and Goddess of Peace and Love. All this makes for a disorienting entry into the merriest month of all. Actually, this period can be a wonderful lesson in tolerance and understanding of others if you don’t take things too seriously. Are you looking for more disillusionment or joy during the holidays?

There is great power to heal and uplift in what you have say and share with others. You are at a turning point in accessing the self-trust that will allow to more freely express that part of you.

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanza with your tribe, it will be a very special time for you.

Courtesy: www.yearly-horoscope.org

Sagittarius

Nov 22 – Dec 22 Happy Birthday to visionary, fun loving Sagittarius! Jupiter, the ruler of your Sun, is now arriving at the midpoint of your house of friends.

This is your time to mix and mingle and inspire others with your ‘big picture’ view of life. In the first week of the month Neptune’s favorable relationship to expansive Jupiter guides you to envision things as they could be and say “Why not!” That being said, do remember that Saturn, the lesson bringer of the zodiac, is lurking from your powerful 8th house of change, reminding you that the best strategy for inspiring and being inspired is to keep your feet on the ground.

Fiery, energetic Mars moves into Sag on the 25th ratcheting up your intensity, so be cognizant of your impact on those around you. There is a Full Moon in your 8th house of transformation on the 26th. You are in store for a powerful shift in the last week of the month.

Capricorn

Dec 23 – Jan 20 In the first week of the month, benevolent, expansive Jupiter transits the heart of your 10th house of career and receives great support from the Sun and Neptune. Creative opportunities are abundant. If you have artistic or healing talents this is a great time to expand them or consider turning them into a career.

Whatever your dreams and aspirations in career might be, don’t put any limits on them now. Just allow them to percolate and let the miracle unfold on its own.

Miracles happen by allowing them to happen and not by making them happen. Saturn’s retrograde transit to your 7th house puts relationship rebuilding in the spotlight through March, 2018.

This transit is not so much about tension with others as it is about acknowledging and understanding mutual needs and renovating the relationship accordingly.

Around the 27th you will likely get more perspective on this.

Aquarius

Jan 20 – Feb 18 New talents and interests are beginning to percolate now to be revealed and will be revealed in their fullness over time.

Your 6th house… health and healing as well as job and life direction… is highlighted this month. Saturn retrograde in this house until March asks you to consider these areas of your life more deeply.

This will be a great period to problem solve health issues, to develop a preventative health approach, to focus on diet, to start an exercise routine, and so on.

On the other hand, uncertainties about your job may surface. Because Saturn rules your 12th house of spirit it is important to go within for solutions. Events or realizations in the last days of the month will help you to see things with greater clarity. Socialize some at month’s end. You never know what important connections you might make. Read that new inspiring book you heard about to stoke the fire in your belly.

Pisces

Feb 18 – Mar 20 Themes of freedom and creativity abound, but perhaps not according to your ideal. Saturn’s retrograde passage in your 5th house of creativity is about developing strategies for your creative part. Not to worry, Saturn, the lesson bringer of the zodiac, will ultimately bring you what you are looking for as you get closer to Spring.

For the time being it guides you within to do whatever you need to do to make room for the fulfillment that will come. Still, there is magic afoot for you. In the first week of the month, Jupiter forms a helpful, creative aspect to Neptune who is ruler of your Sun and located in your 12th house of spirit.

There are healing energies and opportunities all around you. Use your sensitivity for healing and magic rather than sweating the small stuff you have no control over. Jupiter in Libra in your 8th house offers a choice to expand your intuition or get lost in the drama so choose with awareness.

Virgo

Aug 23 – Sep 23 Benefic, expansive Jupiter, now at the heart of your 2nd house of money, will be joined by the South Node on the 27th.

Start early to examine spending and saving habits that might be taking you in the wrong direction. There is plenty of inspiration at the beginning of the month to consider developing new talents or skills that can add to your creative fulfillment. While you may love order and shun surprises, this is a magical time for spontaneity of creative expression. Your thoughts and words carry a lot of passion this month.

With Mercury retrograde, however you need to be satisfied in your own wisdom and truth without expecting others to ‘get it.’ Be patient… particularly later in the month and especially with family members.

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DECEMBER 2018

30

Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

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DECEMBER 2018

31

Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Indian Movies Coming Soon in Queensland Odiyan

RELEASE DATE: 14/12/2018

Odiyan is an upcoming Indian Malayalamlanguage fantasy thriller starring Mohanlal on title lead film directed by V. A. Shrikumar Menon in his feature film debut. It was written by Harikrishnan and is based on the legend of Odiyan, who in Kerala folklore are men possessing shapeshifting abilities, who could assume animal form.

Zero RELEASE DATE: 21/12/2018

Shah Rukh is playing a vertically challenged man Bauaa Singh. Born to a wealthy family and raised in an environment of affluence and indulgence, Bauua was never failed by Meerut or its people. But when he meets two women (Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma), his experiences with these women take him on a journey to complete his ‘incompleteness' and broaden his horizons to find a purpose he never knew he had.

The Accidental Prime Minister

RELEASE DATE: 07/12/2018

The Accidental Prime Minister is an upcoming 2018 Indian biographical political drama film directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte and written by Mayank Tewari. The film stars Anupam Kher as Manmohan Singh, the economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 under the United Progressive Alliance.

The film is based on the 2014 memoir of the same name

by Sanjaya Baru.

Kedarnath

Simmba RELEASE DATE: 28/12/2018

Simmba is an upcoming Bollywood movie directed by Rohit Shetty and produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. It stars Ranveer Singh, Sara Ali Khan and Sonu Sood in lead roles. The film is a remake of 2015 Telugu film Temper.

Adanga Maru

RELEASE DATE: 07/12/2018

Featuring Sushant Singh Rajput and debutante Sara Ali Khan in the lead roles, it tells the story of a wealthy Hindu girl who takes a pilgrimage to the historic Kedarnath Temple in the Uttarakhand mountains, where she meets and falls in love with a humble Muslim boy who becomes her guide.

RELEASE DATE: 21/12/2018 As their relationship grows closer along the journey, the Adanga Maru is an upcoming 2018 Tamil action thriller film Written and directed by pair face many obstacles, including familial disapproval and debutant Karthik Thangavel. The film stars Jayam Ravi and Raashi Khanna in lead contrasting backgrounds; when the sudden rains of the roles alongside Ponvannan and Sampath Raj portraying supporting roles. The film's 2013 Uttarakhand floods devastate the region, the couple score and soundtrack was composed by Sam C. S. while cinematography and editing are forced to survive against the elements and face the was handled by Sathyan Sooryan and Anthony L. Ruben respectively. ultimate test of their love. www.indiannewsqld.com.au

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DECEMBER 2018

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Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Veteran actor Nafisa Ali diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer, shares news on social media

E

minent Bollywood actor Nafisa Ali has been diagnosed with cancer. She revealed that she has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer.

In an Instagram post which also had her sharing a picture with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Nafisa wrote: “Just met my precious friend who wished me luck & to get well from my just diagnosed stage 3 cancer.”

A native of West Bengal, Nafisa made her film debut as a young ac-

tor in late Shashi Kapoor’s Junoon in 1979. Nafisa went on to star in a number of Bollywood films including a few recent ones like Yamla Pagla Deewana and Tigmanshu Dhulia’s gangster drama Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3. In the past, she was also seen in films like Major Saab and Life in a Metro in which she starred opposite Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, respectively.

Nafisa also had a short stint in politics, having contested the 2009 elec-

tions on a Samajwadi Party ticket.

She is now a member of the Congress party. She was also the chairperson of the Children’s Film Society of India in 2005.

Nafisa is married to Arjuna awardwinning golfer, Colonel Sodhi and has three children.

This year has seen two other Bollywood actors getting diagnosed with cancer. While Sonali Bendre has been undergoing treatment in New York, Irrfan Khan is being treated in London.

Ranveer - Deepika Amitabh Bachchan setting out the Wedding to clear debts of Season in splendour!

1,398 farmers

I

t was one of the most-awaited weddings of the year. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone tied the knot in Lame Como, Italy, and the dreamy photos are finally out. While the two declared their dates and wedding card to the world on social media, they were successful in keeping the nuptials a family affair, with the addition of some of their closest friends. The bride and groom looked resplendent in their wedding outfits designed

by Deepika’s favourite designer

Sabyasachi. The couple first had a wedding as per Konkani rituals, and later as per Sindhi traditions. Both Ranveer and Deepika look much in love, as they celebrate their union as man and wife. They hosted their first wedding reception in Bengaluru.

The couple partied with their friends and extended families in the city’s Leela Palace Hotel on 21st November evening. The Couple has announced three more receptions in Mumbai on November 24,28 and December 1.

Line of Glam Celebrity Weddings to look up to

W

hen Priyanka Chopra is expected to get married on December 2 and 3 in Jodhpur. Priyanka's beau Nick Jonas is already on his way to India for the wedding festivities which starting from November 28 to December 3, reportedly. And now we hear that Hollywood actress Freida Pinto, best known for playing Latika in multiple Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, might soon get married. Sources told them that Freida is contemplating marriage with boyfriend adventure photographer, Cory Tran in a small, intimate wedding sometimes next year. Although Freida is extremely guarded about her personal life, she has never shied away from acknowledging her relationships.

But she definitely wants her wedding to be a close-knit, private affair.

Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal is all set with her wedding preparations to take place on December

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

8 and 9 in Udaipur. The Ambani and Piramal families will partner with artisans and craftsmen to integrate local culture and traditions into the festivities. The Ambanis and Piramals are throwing a lavish two-day party for their close friends and family members in Udaipur on December 8 and 9. Several Bolly-

wood stars are expected to perform at the two-day festivities. Reports also say that American pop sensation Beyoncé will entertain guests at the sangeet ceremony. On December 12, the grand wedding is to take place in Mumbai. The Ambani residence, Antilia, will most likely be the venue for the couple's wedding.

B

ollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has cleared more than $560,000 worth of debt owed by farmers, amid a wider agricultural crisis that has forced many rural workers into extreme poverty.

In a blog post on Tuesday, he wrote he had "taken care" of 1,398 farmers in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, where Bachchan was born, by paying off their debt.

"Gratitude leans across to the desire of removing some of the burdens that farmers continue to suffer from...and the inner peace it generates when the desired is completed," Bachchan wrote.

He added that banks had issued the farmers with a one-time settlement document and certificate.

More than 50% of India's population is involved in the agricultural and allied sector, which contributes 18% of the country's GDP. Indian farmers have battled against a variety of hardships in recent years, brought about by a combination of monsoon-damaged crops, rising fuel costs and lack of adequate state support.

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As a result, thousands of farmers have fallen into debt. Government data indicates that 11,772 farmers across India committed suicide in 2013, the most recent available data, equal to 44 deaths every day.

Considered a national institution, "Big B" as he is known across India, has starred in over 200 movies.

He also hosts the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and recently spoke about his intentions to help farmers in Uttar Pradesh after a farmer appeared as a contestant. "...recently in Maharashtra, I have ensured that the loans of around 360 farmers have been paid off to the banks. My next step is to help clear loans of approximately 850 farmers in Uttar Pradesh," Bachchan said on the show.

"I would urge people to understand the plight of our 'anna-data' (farmers) and the kind of hardships they are facing. I do not want to boast about myself, but I want everyone to help our farmers who face the shortage of even having basic necessities," he added.

DECEMBER 2018

33

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Indian News Queensland | AD

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.

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

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