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MARCH 2019 Vol 2 Issue 6

Pulwama attack: Tributes and consolations pour in amid condemnations A

s India mourned the deaths of the CRPF troops martyred in the Pulwama terror attack, tributes and consolations started pouring in, from the celebrities, politicians, and masses alike. The terror attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans at Lethpora (near Awantipora) in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seen here at the wreath-laying ceremony, paid homage to the CRPF soldiers martyred in Pulwama attack on February 14. Later he wrote on his Twitter account: "We salute you, brave sons of Mother India. You lived for the nation and served the country with unparalleled valour.

We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families." ...Continued on Page 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the wreath-laying ceremony, pays homage to the CRPF soldiers martyred in Pulwama attack

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Indian News Queensland | PUBLISHER’S WORD FOR ENQUIRES Contact: Dr. Ram Mohan info@indiannewsqld.com.au Phone: 1 300 859 066 EDITORS Roshan Mohan Harpreet Bhagrath Dr Ram Mohan EDITORIAL SUPPORT Cosmos Media www.cosmosmedia.info WEBSITE DESIGN & MANAGEMENT Cosmos Media DESIGNER Tsai Min-Yi PUBLISHING & DISTRIBUTION Star Promotions ADDRESS Indian News Queensland Unit 49, 391, WICKHAM TERRACE, Ground Floor, Spring Hill, Brisbane, QLD – 4000 Web: www.indiannewsqld.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/IndianNews-Queensland

Dear Readers,

T

here usually is a lull before the storm. Things were looking up, even sanguine, in Kashmir, with terror activities slowing down and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan talking peace frequently. Then Pulwama happened. Now the tensions are growing with Pakistan on political, diplomatic, military and public levels. This was only to be expected after such a shocker of an attack, but the Indian diaspora here must keep calm and, as Indian High Commissioner to Australia Dr AM Gondane too suggested, not engage in rhetorical outbursts on social media. Most of the nations have expressed solidarity with India after this cowardly attack, and sympathies the world over lie with India. So keep calm.

International Women's Day is here and am I glad or what. I even like the ring to this title. This day tells me that the world is looking in the right direction. Women should be respected more, empowered more, freed of breast cancers, not be subjected to domestic violence and be given equality of position everywhere -- at homes, at workplaces, in the society in general. And their pay packages too need to be at par with men's. When they do just as much, if not more, why pay them less than men?

So the BrisAsia concluded on March 3. This good thing came to an end but not before hitting the crescendo with Holi celebrations the previous day. The council did a tremendous job with this festival, and everyone has only fond memories of the festival. We have amply covered this festival and the Holi with good photos inside.

I was there at the Holi celebrations in Seventeen Mile Rocks, and as I was looking at the crowd just mixing together and having innocent fun with each other, regardless of colour, age, social background, nationality, I had an epiphany. That two of the biggest themes that Holi encapsulates and reminds us of every year are relevant today more than ever: victory of good over evil and forgetting your differences and embracing each other.

Isn't that so?

If you have an interest in writing articles, eye for latest news, attending social events and celebrations, love to encourage achievements and proofreading or copy- editing thereby serving our Indian community kindly email us at info@ indiannewsqld.com.au or contact Ram Mohan at 0421652132.

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Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Pulwama attack: Tributes and consolations pour in amid condemnations

A

s the Indians back home and in Australia mourned the deaths of the CRPF troops, tributes, donations and allowances started pouring in, from the celebrities, politicians, and masses alike.

The terror attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans at Lethpora (near Awantipora) in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. As per JeM, the attack was carried out by their 20-year-old suicide bomber, and the police said the attacker was a Kashmiri local man Asil Ahmed Dar. He rammed his SUV packed with explosives into a vehicle that was part of the CRPF convoy on Srinagar-Jammu highway.

The horrible terror attack was condemned by most nations, including the United States, UK and France.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the brave jawans the next day and promised a befitting reply to the terror outfit. The CRPF also said the next day in a statement, “We will not forget, we will not forgive. We salute our martyrs of Pulwama attack and stand with the families of our martyr brothers. This heinous attack will be avenged.”

IAF retaliates, bombs JeM terrorist camps Sure enough, in an air strike that was the first by the Indian Air Force (IAF) inside Pakistan after the 1971 war, India bombed and destroyed JeM training camp, reportedly the

biggest such camp, about 80-km from the Line of Control (LoC), in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, early morning at around 3:30am on February 26, killing a "very large number" of terrorists, senior commanders and trainers.

Hours after the air attacks, PM Modi said at a rally in Rajasthan's Churu: "I assure you, the country is in safe hands. There is nothing above the nation."

Tributes, donations and allowances pour in "We salute you, brave sons of Mother India. You lived for the nation and served the country with unparalleled valour. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families," PM Modi tweeted on February 15.

CRPF personnel paid their tributes to the martyrs at CRPF Group Centre in Hiranagar, Jammu, and Ms Neetu Kumari, DIG, CRPF, even met with the family of Shaheed Naseer Ahmad, who made the supreme sacrifice in the Pulwama attack.

Not just the prime minister and high-level officials, people from all walks paid their tributes to the CRPF jawans in their own possible, and unique, ways. A textile mill in Gujrat's Surat designed sarees with printed images of CRPF jawans.

An ordinary man from Sridungargar town in Rajasthan's Bikaner, Gopal Saharan, got the names of 71 martyred soldiers, including the 40 CRPF soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in Pulwama attack,

tattooed on his body. That was his unique way to never be able to forget what the martyred soldiers did for the nation.

There have been no dearth of monetary compensation as well. In Chandigarh, up north in India, during the Rose Festival, Chandigarh Municipal Corporation gave Rs 25 lakh to the CRPF Commandant for “Bharat ke Veer” corpus fund. In the same festival, a local singer gave more than Rs 1 lakh for the same corpus fund.

In a huge morale booster for CRPF troops, more than 88000 CRPF personnel deployed in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) states and J&K will be given increased risk allowances (8100 per month increase to officers and Rs7600 to lower ranks) after the Modi government approved the raise in Risk and Hardship Allowance of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) on February 22. After this revision, the officers will get Rs 25,000 and lower ranks Rs 17,300 per month, whereas before the sum was only Rs 16,900 for officers and Rs 9,700 for lower ranks.

The high risk areas in Kashmir that the allowance applies to include the most terror-affected areas of South Kashmir like Budgam, Pulwama, and Anantnag, besides also the sensitive places like Baramullah and Kupwara. Also, new areas have been added to the list: Kulgam, Shopian, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban and Udhampur and one district in Telangana.

Ms Neetu Kumari, DIG, CRPF with the family of Shaheed HC-GD Naseer Ahmad, who made the supreme sacrifice in the Pulwama attack

Ms Neetu Kumari, DIG, CRPF with the family of Shaheed HC-GD Naseer Ahmad, who made the supreme sacrifice in the Pulwama attack

We salute you, brave sons of Mother India. You lived for the nation and served the country with unparalleled valour. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families -- PM Modi tweeted

Floral tributes paid to Pulwama martyrs at CRPF Group Centre, Hiranagar, Nagrota, Jammu Courtesy CRPF www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Floral tributes paid to Pulwama martyrs at CRPF Group Centre Hiranagar, Nagrota, Jammu Courtesy CRPF

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MARCH 2019

3

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Indian diaspora in Australia strongly condemn terrorist attack in Pulwama

7

00,000 members of Indian diaspora from all over Australia strongly condemned the barbaric terror attack on the Indian CRPF troops carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammad, the terror group that publicly claimed responsibility for the attack in Pulwama district’s Awantipora area in Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Federations of the various Indian associations in Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide organised events to mark respect to martyred soldiers and show solidarity with India.

In Brisbane, the congregation was organised by FICQ. Consul General Archana Singh on behalf of HCI Canberra Dr. A.M Gondane and Swami Atmeshananda of Vedanta Centre of Sydney - Brisbane Chapter, FICQ Vice President Anoop Kumar, FICQ event coordinator Navin

Kumar attended. Also present at the tributary congregation were community leader Mahadevan Shankar, Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, Dr. Ashutosh Misra with wife Sweta Misra and Muthuraj Guruswamy. Flowers were sponsored by The Flower Workshop QLD, which has been supplying flowers for last 10 years in Brisbane.

"We strongly urge all Australian to unite against terrorism and we are sending in our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families of our martyrs back in India. The Indian diaspora members stand united with the families of the martyrs," said a statement released by the representatives of Indian diaspora, besides welcoming the support India is receiving from USA. "Such a terrorist attack could have happened anywhere in the world, including Australia. All Indians in Australia have united to condemn this act of terrorism," the statement said further.

Pulwama tributary congregation of Indian community members on February 17 at Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane (photos Ashutosh Misra)

Dr. Ashutosh Misra (2nd from left), chief executive and founding director of Institute for AustraliaIndia Engagement, Brisbane, with wife Sweta Misra (4th from left), academic coordinator, University of Queensland, Mr Muthuraj Guruswamy (1st from right), director at Raj Business Consultants, and Mrs Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj (4th from right)

Indians in Brisbane at Roma Street Parklands paying tributes to the martyred CRPF soldiers (photos Ashutosh Misra)

Bravehearts of CRPF who made the supreme sacrifice and attained martyrdom in the Pulwama attack on 14-02-2019

GOPIO Qld organises community prayer in memory of Pulwama martyrs

Members of Queensland's Indian community gathered at Emma Miller Place, Roma Street, to observe a multifaith community prayer in memory of the martyred CRPF soldiers in the Pulwama attack. The prayer was organised by GOPIO Qld and GOPIO International Human Rights Council.

Among those present at the congregation were Umesh Chandra, Usha Chandra, Madhu Khanna, Kavita Chandwani, Dipakkumar Pathak, Reena Augustine, Navneeta Hinz and Vikas Sinha.

Brisbane Telangana Association expresses heart-felt grief at Pulwama tragedy "Being an Indian community deeply rooted in our ties with motherland India and the fellow Indians back home, we find it very hard to express our thoughts and feelings since we are all in utter grief.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. This is a very big tragedy for all Indians indeed.

"May the soldiers' souls rest in peace.

Bharat Mata ki jai!"

Brisbane Telangana Association www.facebook.com/brisbanetelangana

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

BrisAsia Festival enthralls Brisbanites

A

fter a promising launch on February 9 and taking the Brisbane residents through diverse live entertainment including music, performance, sports, food, dance, film screenings and visual arts events throughout the next three weeks and a fun-filled Holi celebration on March 2, the BrisAsia Festival 2019 concluded among much fanfare on March 3.

Providing the locals and the visitors alike with some wonderful opportunities to discover and celebrate Asian cultures in Brisbane, the festival showcased traditional and contemporary Asian arts and cultural events across the city and in the suburbs.

For the whole duration of the festival, streets, suburbs and designated areas of Brisbane transformed into cultural hubs and offered culinary delights with mouth-watering foods,

smells, songs, sounds and activities of Asia.

For the three weeks that the festival went on, Brisbanites took part in the fun and the festivities. They celebrated at the free Summer Party with colourful costumes, dance- and music-filled entertainment, and food trucks in Musgrave Park, enjoyed at the Lunar New Year Rooftop Party held at the rooftop of Sunnybank Plaza, walked around the exotic bazaar at the BrisAsia Festival Markets at the Seven Hills Hub and reveled in the colour-filled festivities of Brisbane Holi on at the Rocks Riverside Park.

Now in its' sixth year, BrisAsia Festival is one of the many festivals, events and markets Brisbane City Council helps organise each year.

Allan John (1st from right), BrisAsia community producer Paviter Kumar Noori, Cindy Song and Seerat Noori during the night of the BrisAsia Festival opening ceremony

Chinese dance performance at the BrisAsia Festival opening cremony

Paviter Noori: event organiser behind many BrisAsia events

P

aviter Kumar Noori, the Community Producer at BrisAsia Festival of Brisbane City Council, helped organise the various BrisAsia 2019 events. He comes with a long track record in events management, and before he organised BrisAsia 2019 events, Mr Noori helped city authorities/councils with Christchurch Diwali, Queensland Festival of Lights, and Queensland Festival of Colours over the last seven years to name a few.

Besides event management, he has managed firms and projects involving brand development, international education, and digital and so-

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

cial media marketing. He started his own educational institute, the Abacus Institute of Studies; a category 1 rated institute, in 2010 and expanded it to three campuses, before exiting the business by sale and by choice.

BrisAsia was celebrated from 9th Feb to 3rd March by the Brisbane City Council to encourage the intercultural connections and celerbrating Asian arts and cultures in Brisbane. BrisAsia program involved 100+ events throughout the Brisbane.

BrisAsia Festival Markets, Dumpling Day, Lunar New Year Roof-

top Party, Mini Festival of Indian Dance, Indian Masti (UQ Student’s Gala Night), Yatra Holi Sandhya, Brisbane Holi - BrisAsia Festival of Colours, For the love of the Game (Brisbane’s Multicultural Sports Festival) were some of the amazing festival which were celebrated under community program.

BrisAsia Opening Night at Cremorne Theatre, BrisAsia Symposium (Belonging), Firestorm, Jade, Summer Party, created so many opportunities for the Asian artists to showcase their talent, arts and traditions to the Brisbane communities and build stronger relationships.

Paviter Kumar Noori with wife Rajni Noori at the opening night of BrisAsia Festival

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Brisbane Holi: Festival of Colours celebrated in Brisbane Photos By: Kim Borg

G

oing by the crowd turn-out and their intense involvement in the revelry, Brisbane's official Holi day this time around was bigger and more colourful than last year's. Revelers danced to the music, threw colours at each other and had tons of fun till the dusk fell.

Brisbane Holi: Festival of Colours, Brisbane City Council's Holi event under BrisAsia Festival 2019, was celebrated at Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks, on March 2.

True to the Holi tradition of having fun with all and sundry, the day saw people belonging to various

communities, colours, ages, and social backgrounds color each other, dance and have fun together. For some, the colour throwing and the festivities at the venue went on well beyond 6pm, the official closing time for the event.

The event was made even more fun with live DJ music, Bollywood dance battles, multicultural performances, rain dance, and matki-phod competition, besides of course, delicious Indian food stalls.

The day, indeed, meant a lot of fun for families, men and women, young and old, everyone alike.

Revelers danced to the music and threw colours at each other till evening www.indiannewsqld.com.au

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

BrisAsia Festival Markets

S

even Hills Hub got transformed into an exotic bazaar on February 23, with Asian food stalls, handicrafts, mouthwatering fresh food, and stage performance during the afternoon.

Locals and tourists walked through the various stalls at the market set up as part of the BrisAsia Festival and got a taste of Asian food, arts and handicraft goods, besides enjoying the stage performances and fashion show at outdoor Amphitheatre in the evening. All-up, there were 13 food stalls, 14 merchandise stalls (arts & craft).

All-up, there were 13 food stalls, 14 merchandise stalls (arts & craft) Photo courtesy - Ecutas

Advantages of owning a home

H

ome ownership in Australia is a part of the Great Australian Dream and is considered a key cultural symbol for prosperity and stability.

Various Australian governments have encouraged broadscale home ownership through the First Home Owner Grant scheme (FHOG), which was introduced on July 1, 2000 to offset the effect of the GST on home ownership. It is a national scheme funded by the state and territories and administered under their own legislation.

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) in Australia is designed to encourage and assist home ownership across the country, and for eligible borrowers it’s a great start to life as a property owner. Following are the advantages if you own your home: • Stability • Greater privacy • Homes typically increase in value, build equity and provide a nestegg for the future • Your costs are predictable and more stable than renting because they’re ideally based on a fixed-rate mortgage • There’s pride in home ownership, which also closely ties you to your community • Affordable options exist, where you don’t need a deposit or need a very minimal deposit to purchase your first home

Locals and tourists got a taste of Asian food at the market Photo courtesy - Ecutas www.indiannewsqld.com.au

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Yatra Holi Sandhya - an evening of rang, raag and ras Photos By: Rupinder Sahota

I

t was indeed a musical evening at Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BMAC) on February 22, 2019, with close to 20 musicians and dancers putting on the brilliant show on the night of raag (melody), rang (colour) and ras (emotions).

And the evening took the audience through a soulful journey (yatra), which took everyone out to the celestial world, and served as the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. Yatra took the audience through a journey of the world, since the beginning of time, by depicting stories across various time periods with music and dance.

For those present there, the evening

has been a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. An amazing evening of rang, raag and ras.

Sudha Manian, playing on her sitar, Ravi Singh and all the other artists put together amazing classical as well as contemporary music pieces.

Yatra Holi Sandhya sought to honor the Indian festival of Holi at twilight (sandhya), in celebration of victory of good over evil. The show, which was a part of Brisbane City Council's BrisAsia Festival 2019, brought together the passion and energy of various artists to produce dance and music that engaged the heart and mind.

And, sure enough, it was a Sold Out event.

Sudha Manian (on sitar) and others performing on stage Photos Rupinder Sahota

Sudha Manian on sitar with dancers performing in the foreground

Sudha Manian with sitar on stage

Sudha Manian (for sitar) after her performance at Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BMAC) Photo - Rupinder Sahota

Dancers performing classical dance on stage Photo - Rupinder Sahota www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Photo - Rupinder Sahota

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

For the Love of the Game

A

s a part of BrisAsia Festival 2019, Brisbane's Multicultural Sports Festival 'For the Love of the Game' saw 15 volleyball teams, 16 football teams and 8 cricket teams compete it out in the playground.

The sports festival hosted by Indian Cultural & Sports Club took place over the weekend of February 9-10 with local and interstate teams facing off at the iconic Eagle Sports Complex in Mansfield. Sports teams representing 16 nations and communities kicked, volleyed and scored goals despite the extreme conditions.

Black Rhinos and Winning Eleven each won the two football cups. The Black Rhinos claimed the championship cup by defeating Vietnam 4-3 in an epic penalty shootout. Winning Eleven of Hong Kong beat Korea 2-0 to claim the Challengers Trophy.

Teams from Melbourne, Adelaide, the Gold Coast competed with local teams for the championship across a range of sports including cricket, football (soccer) and volleyball.

Cricket finals were played at Tingalpa on February 10 with the Gamma Club winning the tournament.

Sergeant Jim Bellos of Queensland Police, who refereed some of the football games at the festival said, “It is tremendous to see so many people across the nation celebrating each other’s customs, traditions and cultures through football. Respect and harmony for all is the real winner today.”

Some of the notable Indian community members who put in their mite as the sports coordinators in this sports festival were Jagdeep Singh Bhinder, Amandeep Singh, Malkiat Singh, Ricky Lashand and Rohan (from Football Queensland).

These were the winning teams: • Sikh United Melbourne in volleyball • The Black Rhinos and Winning Eleven in football (Championship and Challengers Cup respectively) • The Gamma Club in cricket

Sikh United, Melbourne, won the volleyball trophy at the BrisAsia Sports Festival 2019 held on Feb 9-10 at Eagles Sports Complex in Mansfield

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Paviter Kumar Noori (holding the mike), Jagdeep Singh Bhinder , Jim Bellos, Rohan, Prerna Pahwa, Pinky Singh, Gurdawar Singh, Amandeep Singh on the festival's inaugural day

Singh Sabha, Melbourne, won the runners up position in volleyball tournament

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MARCH 2019

9

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

More than 13000 join RACQ International Women's Day Fun Run in Brisbane

M

ore than 13000 women and men took part in the 28th RACQ International Women's Day Fun Run, Brisbane’s biggest annual event to support women with breast cancer, on Sunday, 3 March, 2019.

The participants in this largest International Women’s Day celebration held in Brisbane came from all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels to run or walk Brisbane River loop.

One of the purposes of the fun run, which took the participating public through the scenic 5 km or 10 km inner-city river loop, was to raise $800 000 for the personalised and practical support services and life-saving breast cancer research at Mater, to show women with breast cancer that they’re not alone.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women today with more than 17000 women diagnosed and more than 3000 women dying from the disease in 2017.

Mater Foundation Executive Director of Philanthropy, Lesley Ray, emphasised research as the most important tool in the fight against breast cancer.

“Mater’s leading researchers are doing incredible work to improve our understanding of how, and why, breast cancer spreads and if this knowledge can improve breast cancer treatment and the survival rates,” she said.

“Community support of events such as the fun run go a long way to help fund incredible advances that can change lives,” she further said.

She also said it was fantastic to see their team members don pink and go above and beyond to help raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

"Team members have made a tremendous effort to support the cause, including a Rebel team of 54 people who will run in the event on Sunday,” she said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with others who took part in the RACQ Fun Run

The participants came from all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels to run or walk Brisbane River loop The fun run took the public through the 5 km or 10 km inner-city river loop www.indiannewsqld.com.au

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MARCH 2019

10

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Lunar New Year Rooftop Party

B

risbane's Chinese New Year celebrations ended with a rooftop party and spectacular fireworks display at the Sunnybank Plaza Rooftop Car Park at Sunnybank on February 16.

As part of Brisbane City Council's BrisAsia Festival 2019, the rooftop party was a delightful mix of colour and culture, with live music, K-pop dancers, traditional lion dance, lantern making, tea ceremonies, family

Photos: Jared Vethaak and Paviter Kumar Noori

games and calligraphy workshops.

As per the venue Sunnybank Plaza's management, it was their "biggest & brightest Lunar New Year Rooftop Party to date". And the community producer working with Brisbane City Council, Paviter Kumar Noori, couldn't be happier at the turn of events, "Thanks to my wonderful artists, performers, technical crew, photographers and Sunnybank Plaza for the wonderful job."

Fireworks display at the rooftop of Sunnybank Plaza

Chinese dance performance from the tiny tots

Photo - Jared Vethaak

Photo - Jared Vethaak

People enjoying live music and dance performances by local artists Photo - Jared Vethaak

Traditional lion dance of China performed at the rooftop party

Photo - Jared Vethaak

People walking through various food, merchandise and handicraft stalls Photo - Paviter Noori The rooftop party was a delightful mix of colour and culture

Traditional lion dance of China

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Photo - Paviter Noori

Photo - Jared Vethaak

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

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Indian News Queensland | AD

Opera Queensland presents an opera by John Adams based on a traditional Kannada folk tale translated by A.K. Ramanujan.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Kairali's 10th Tug of War Tournament held in Moorooka Kairali's 10th All Australia Tug of War competition was held on Saturday, March 2 at Brendon's Catholic Primary School, Moorooka.

Now in its tenth year, the Kairali Tug of War Tournament has always drawn good crowds and this year was no exception. Amid shouts of cheer throughout their final performance, winners Illawarra Titanz of Sydney won the tournament fair and square. Besides the trophy, they won $2001 as the prize money and the ever-rolling trophy. Runnersup Brisbane Sevens of Brisbane got $1001 as the prize money along with the trophy.

Tug of war is a contest in which two teams pull at opposite ends of a rope and try to drag the other team from the other side of the line to their own side. It's a real test of men's strength and is considered a very masculine sport. Kerala tug of war (Vadam Vali in Malayalam) is a traditional game played by both men and women during the festivals.

Kairali Brisbane has the history of organising the ‘tug of war’ sport successfully for the last ten years. Teams from all over Australia participate in this annual traditional sporting carnival.

Kairali Brisbane Kairali Brisbane Inc. is the formal incorporated organisation for all Malayalees in Queensland. It is a community and cultural organisation. Malayalees migrated from the state of Kerala, known as ‘God's own country,’ which is in the southern shoreline of India. They are also known as Keralites and speak the Malayalam language. In 2009, when the number of the Malayalee community increased, the need for an official forum was felt. After much contemplation, it was decided to form an association, which is now known as Kairali Brisbane.

Kairali Brisbane is one of the most active Indian community organisations in Brisbane with many events conducted every year. With over 1000 members already, Kairali takes the responsibility of conducting traditional festivals such as Onam (main harvest festival of Kerala), Vishu, Christmas with overwhelming support from the Malayalees in Brisbane. The organisation is also a leading partner in the hosting of other cultural functions and sporting competitions.

Winners Illawarra Titanz of Sydney with their Tug of War tournament trophy

Runners-up Brisbane Sevens of Brisbane

Brisbane Sevens in action

Tug of war is a real test of men's strength www.indiannewsqld.com.au

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MARCH 2019

14

Indian News Queensland | FASHION

Multicultural Fashion Show brings out beauty in diversity

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he Red Carpet Functions' multicultural fashion show, held on 23 February, 2019, was an event full of colour, cultures and traditions. In this BrisAsia Festival event, models wore upcoming designers' creations showcasing the cultural backgrounds of the designers. It's not every day that you get to see fashion models wearing the traditional outfits while walking the ramp, presenting their culture through art, so in that sense it was an exceptional experience.

There were stage performances by different cultural groups as well, including a Bollywood performance, which was choreographed to perfection, a traditional Chinese act performed by the largest Chinese community in Brisbane, and a Korean performance that showcased the various traditional costumes of Korea, while the models danced on a traditional Korean song.

The show concluded beautifully by a Brazilian song sung by an exceptionally talented singer.

Multicultural fashion

shows like these help bring the various ethnic communities together by showcasing the beauty, the art and the culture of each community.

After all, there's immense beauty in diversity. And this diversity in the community and its beauty was amply accentuated through this show by the founder of Red Carpet Functions and organiser of the event, Ms Reena Augustine. Besides giving a platform to promising amateur designers, photographers and dancers, such shows help break down cultural barriers and forge unity among the various ethnic communities.

In her efforts to unite the communities through this fashion event, Ms Augustine was thoroughly assisted by the event coordinators who made sure that the show progressed as planned and the tempo of the event was maintained. Besides Red Carpet Functions' ambassador, Mrs. Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, who is ever present in such community events by the organisation to lend her hand, Ms Tanya D’Souza, Mr Kerion Wood, Ms Kelly Shorten and Ms Elaine Tolentino worked behind the curtains.

Multicultural fashion shows like these help bring the various ethnic communities together by showcasing the beauty, the art and the culture of each community.

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MARCH 2019

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Indian News Queensland | MUSIC

Ustad Parvez Khan performs live for classical music lovers in Brisbane

Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan receiving a bouquet of flowers on stage at BEMAC

Shri Hindole Majumdar (left, on tabla) and Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan (right, on sitar) are regarded as two of the greatest living Indian classical music performers today

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s part of the BriAsia Festival 2019, one of the world’s most prominent Indian classical sitar players Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan took the lovers of classical music on a sweet treat on February 23rd at the Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC), Kangaroo Point, Brisbane.

Accompanied on tabla by Shri Hindole Majumdar, the musical maestro performed live in Brisbane for the first time ever. The two of them together are regarded as the greatest living Indian classical music performers today.

Organised by Saikat Bhattacharya and BEMAC, the tickets cost only $50, and by the looks and passion of the audience present, were worth every cent of it.

The descendant of six generations of sitarists, Ustad Khan is one of the leading exponents of the Etawah Gharana, a musical tradition com-

mitted to this most-famous of Indian instruments, sitar. He was trained by his father and guru, Ustad Aziz Khan.

Shri Hindole started learning the tabla when he was only five and was inspired by his maternal grandfather, the late Sri Chittaranjan Roy, and his mother, the late Sunanda Majumdar.

Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan is privileged with both belonging to an illustrious musical family, and for achieving success in not only preserving the tradition but in pushing its boundaries to even greater heights. He is one of the most brilliant musical gems of the famous Etawah Gharana and belongs to the seventh generation of this musical lineage.

His family has produced the most revered and influential figures in Hindustani classical music, including Sahabdad Khansahab, Imdad

Khansahab, Enayet Khansahab, Waheed Khansahab and Vilayat Khansahab.

Few instrumentalists have been loved and admired by the musicloving fraternity worldwide as Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan. He is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Government of India's 'Padma Shri' and the 'Sangeet Natak Academy Award.'

He has performed in all the major musical festivals in India and abroad, including the Festival of India held in the US, Europe, USSR, Canada, Middle East, Africa and Australia, enthralling the audiences everywhere. With numerous audio and video recordings, a substantial global following online, and a distinguished performance career in India and around the world, he is widely recognized as one of the greatest sitar-players of the world.

Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan (left, on sitar) performing live at the Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre

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Indian News Queensland | AD

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Indian News Queensland | TRAVEL

Baltal – Service for All

Photo credits: Sarvjit Sabbi, Sharon Bath

Spending a couple of days in Baltal, the Amarnath yatra base camp, with its bhandaras, sadhus and the locals, is fascinating as well as spiritually fulfilling. Writes Sharon Bath Bhandara means treasure house, and by definition it is a feast given to devotees to invoke divine favour.

We frequented the bhandara that was organised by my friend’s cousin from Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. The langar provided free food, as well there were places to

Lord Shiva receiving food from Maa Annapurna at Bhandara, Baltal

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ocated 15 kilometre north of Sonmarg on the Sind River at the base of Zojila pass in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India, Baltal is a camping place for pilgrims. Every year the Indian police force make a base camp that they live in while the volunteers create a mini-city for the Shri Amarnath pilgrims (yatris) to use for the summer months.

The CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) do an amazing job, they

rest. The food was heavenly!

There was also a beautiful temple with statues of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, and there was a resident priest doing puja. There was also an Ayurvedic doctor kindly dispensing traditional medicine free to all who needed it. Plus Bhajans

of Lord Shiva were played, which really enlivened the atmosphere.

Some Bhandaras were very elaborate; decorated so colourfully. The people who worked at these Bhandaras were all volunteers and truly devoted to hard work and selfless service.

Bhandara entrance at Baltal

even create gardens and plant trees, as well as care for every pilgrim's safety. At the end of the season CRPF ensure nothing remains there, as this pilgrimage place is eventually covered in a very thick blanket of snow. On our pilgrimage to Amarnath and during our stay at Baltal the police force were very kind and helpful to us. We will never forget their smiling faces and respectful gestures.

Temple in Bhandara; A resident priest is seen doing puja

Maps of Amarnath Route During the time of our pilgrimage to Amarnath there was a curfew in place in Srinagar, and we stayed two days and nights at Baltal. There was never a dull moment, and although we spent a great deal of time roaming around, surely we did not see everything. We also took time out to rest and meditate in the wonder-

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fully charged atmosphere in such close proximity to Shri Amarnath.

Free food in bhandaras by volunteers There were bhandaras created from scratch by volunteers, and as the gentle army of Lord Shiva, their presence there is to serve everyone.

Memorable meeting with the sadhus On one occasion we sat with some sadhus, they had their camp near the hospital on a huge field away from the markets, the Bhandaras and the crowds. My friend and I sat with them while she asked them many spiritually orientated questions in Hindi, which they gladly answered. They were very gracious.

The conversation went on for a long while. A young boy came selling fresh apples and we purchased some for the sadhus as an offering. There was a lovely feeling between us, and we felt that they looked upon us not as women or foreigners, but as souls in another form. In fact, we sensed

no judgement from them at all.

They also had with them a holy man from the Sikh tradition who chose the sadhus to travel with. My friend loved that the sadhus embraced him and saw no distinction between religions. At the end of the talk, my arms rose spontaneously and I said “Har Har Mahadev” to which they responded the same and then we offered our respects in the Hindu manner, touching their feet. This was really a wonderful moment that occurred spontaneously.

Meeting the locals One truly charming experience was meeting local Kashmiri people. This came about because a young Kash-

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miri man wanted to show us his wares, handmade by his family. We told him that we had no cash and that was true; we had only 15 rupees left after buying the apples for the sadhus. We hadn’t expected that we would stay there so long. This young Kashmiri man invited us to his family’s tent anyway.

One of the family members made us delicious kahwa (Kashmiri tea) and smoked a hookah, while we looked at their amazing stock of pashmina shawls, stoles, etc. They also showed us a real treasure -- a piece of woollen cloth painstakingly hand stitched by their grandmother over several months or longer. It was so intricate and beautiful it would not MARCH 2019

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Indian News Queensland | TRAVEL be out of place on exhibition in a gallery. The warmth and hospitality of these people was endearing, and we found the Kashmiri people very happy to help.

On the way back to Srinagar, for safety reasons, we travelled in a convoy with thousands of vehicles.

When we arrived in the middle of the night at the old city of Srinagar, there were hundreds of rocks thrown all over the roads, yet there was no one to be seen. The driver needed to swerve around the rocks; he performed marvellously like some expert rally driver. We are still amazed at how we were literally untouched by negativity, despite being in close proximity to such a volatile situation.

Thanks to Bholenath, the kindhearted Lord, everyone we came into contact with was warm and welcoming. On the flight the next

day to the Punjab, we sat next to a local Kashmiri man who was studying in Chandigarh; we had a wonderful talk and shared our hearts and mutual longing for peace in the world. He said so sweetly that I was the first western woman he’d spoken to in such a way. We don’t remember seeing any western faces at Amarnath or Baltal and wouldn’t recommend other westerners to go there without someone who speaks Hindi; at least it would be much easier that way. These remote locations are not without their dangers and one needs to respect that.

For each unique experience, including darshan at Sri Amarnath, and for the love and care that we experienced in India, we are infinitely thankful to the Supreme Power. All names belong to Him, yet He is without name, all forms belong to Him, yet He is without form.

He is the one, the one alone, in Him all deities become One alone.

Sadhus camping near the hospital on a huge field away from the markets in Baltal

~ Atharva Veda

Pretending to smoke the hookah in the tent with Kashmiri locals displaying their pashmina shawls and stoles

Realise Yourself as Soul The spiritual path of Sant Mat

THE PRACTICE of Sant Mat is based on the meditation on inner Light and Sound, ethical values, service to others and love for all creation.

THE GOAL is to enable the soul to return and merge into its source to realise and enjoy its full potential.

Inner Light and Sound meditation, as taught

by Sant Baljit Singh, is practised around the world by people who are searching for a deeper meaning in life. There is no charge at any stage.

1800 462 193 www.knowthyself.org

For more information:

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Indian News Queensland | BOOKS & LITERATURE

Chacha Chaudhary to teach the legacy and relevance of Kumbh to children

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ecounting the cultural, historical and traditional legacy of Kumbh, Diamond Toons has recently launched a new comic book - Chacha Chaudhary and Kumbh Mela. In the comic book, Chacha Chaudhary, the legendary Indian comic hero, has described fascinating facts about Ardh Kumbh Mela being held at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The book details out the initiatives taken by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Aditya Nath to make this auspicious event successful.

This comic with Chacha Chaudhary aims to teach and make children of today's generation understand the objective, importance and story behind Kumbh Mela. It is the carnival of peace, and the world is fascinated by this unique congregation of people coming together. Being a big influencer among kids and adults alike, Chacha Chaudhary is an excellent medium to outspread this knowledge.

The comic has been translated in five major Indian languages, namely, Hindi, English, Bangla, Gujarati and Marathi.

Speaking on the launch of the comic book, Mr. Manish Verma, Director, Diamond Toons said, “Being the most favourite character of India, Chacha Chaudhary always comes forward in support of such initiatives. Kumbh is not only unique in its own way of celebration but also encapsulates social as well as cultural customs and practices, making it extremely rich in knowledge. Chacha Chaudhary will help in taking this intangible heritage to the maximum number of people across the country as well internationally.”

Diamond Toons is the creative division of Diamond Group of publications. The vision and dream is to involve the children, who have unlimited options of entertainment, by providing them not just entertainment but also education in a unique platform. As part of Diamond Toons, Chacha Chaudhary, Billu and Pinki are lovable comic characters in India. The Chacha Chaudhary comic series has captured the imagination of Indian children for over 40 years and still continues to reach out maximum number of people today.

Balance for Better and Commemorate International Women’s Day 2019 withThe Rose and the Thorn 2019 by Indrani Ganguly Price: $29.99 plus postage

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he Rose and the Thorn is the story of identical Indian twins – Mukti and Lila, and the very different ways in which they work to Balance for Better.

Born two and a half minutes apart, Mukti and Lila think and act in opposite ways. Mukti longs to move beyond the complex family structures, cocooned within the Indian customs while Lila is a dreamer.

Personal tragedy, the struggle to balance for better through a burgeoning national movement for in-

dependence and sweeping social reforms to address gender-based and other inequities propel both sisters into the world outside their narrow domestic walls. New relationships and a string of events challenge their loyalties while lives are uprooted as the world changes.

The sisters struggle to control their lives and loves as the sub-continent labours to give birth to a new nation. Nothing is permanent, yet everything is connected. The author challenges the reader to ask who is the rose and who is the thorn.

Set against the intriguing backdrop of India’s multifaceted society and travelling through nearly fifty years of history, the Rose and the Thorn seeks to also balance widespread perceptions of Indian women as being either exotic or oppressed and unable to be agents of change for themselves and others.

Copies of the Rose and the Thorn may be ordered directly from Indrani at iganguly@bigpond.com or through Boolarong Press at https:// www.boolarongpress.com.au/ product/the-rose-and-the-thorn/

INDRANI GANGULY

INDRANI GANGULY

The Rose and the Thorn

The Rose and the Thorn

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MARCH 2019

20

Indian News Queensland | HEALTH

Look at all the Lonely People

By Indrani Ganguly

The Silent Epidemic of the 21st Century ‘No man is an island entire of itself,’ wrote John Donne. Perhaps he foresaw an age where loneliness emerged as a global epidemic.

One would think that the technological advances of the past 150 years where people are more ‘connected’ than ever, would have banished loneliness forever. Sadly, loneliness has become a global epidemic, affecting people of all ages, genders and socio-economic backgrounds.

The Beatles poignantly summed up this problem in their famous song Eleanor Rigby: All the lonely people Where do they all come from?

All the lonely people Where do they all belong?

Susceptibility to lonelness Some groups are more affected than others. A report from the United Kingdom noted that women seemed to suffer more than men, particularly if they lived alone. This may also be because they are more likely to admit being lonely. Australian studies, however, showed women were more likely to find ways to reduce feeling lonely by chatting with a friend or family member. For older women, both separation and widowhood were associated with increased social network time.

It may not come as a surprise that older people, especially those aged over 75 years, are one of the two loneliest groups. But who would have expected young people aged 15-25 to be the other? Australian research found one in eight young people reported a very high intensity of loneliness. Studies in the United Kingdom support this, particularly among young who were renting and did not feel a sense of belonging to the local area.

What does loneliness come from?

Loneliness can stem from ill-health, fragmented families and communities, unemployment, inability to own a home, disability, lack of affordable transport, not knowing the language of the dominant culture or belonging to a marginalised group.

Loneliness is not just a Western phenomenon. The ten most lonely countries in the world comprise a mix of nations from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South Africa.

They are in order of perceived loneliness: Sweden, United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, United States of America, Canada, Russia, South Africa and Brazil.

What’s behind this disturbing trend? The answer is simple. Technology by itself cannot create or compensate for relationships with real people. It is a sad truth that the more we ‘connect’ with people through social media, the less likely we are to connect face to face.

'Skin hunger' is for real There’s much to be said for that face-to-face connection. You can’t hug anyone or respond to cues from www.indiannewsqld.com.au

body language on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or WhatsApp. You can see and hear people on Skype but you can’t hug them, share a meal or drink or just sit together in companionable silence. Connectivity is not the same as connection.

There is now research to back up what common sense and experience has always told us, that physical or skin contact is essential for our overall well-being. ‘Skin hunger’ starts right from when we are born. Babies who aren't hugged enough actually do experience a long-lived deprivation, without having any idea that this is what happened, or didn't happen, that caused their problems.

Remember the horrifying story of social workers in a former communist country finding halls of tiny babies lying in cots who had been left without human contact? The babies just lay staring at the ceiling for most hours. Once the social workers began to pick them up and hug and kiss them the babies began to put on weight and to experience more normal growth.

Adults too need the skin contact in everyday life. For those in strife, the healing process begins with a touch and embrace. Positive touch is the underlying philosophy of the different forms of massage and has led to the growth of healing touch therapies.

Decreasing friend circle, increasing isolation The risk of isolation is high in today’s world, with high mobility, ever-changing family structures and dynamics, and the general business which cuts into our capacity to cultivate meaningful relationships. The less real contact we have with our friends and family, the lonelier we become, even if we keep up-to-date with everything posted on social media.

Fragmented families and communities and a diminishing number of friends has become a very real issue for many people. A recent Omni poll survey of 1200 Australians showed that on average, people reported having just 3.9 close friends, whereas in 2005, they reported 6.4 close friends.

It’s not just the number of friends that makes the difference. The quality of those social connections is also important. Relationships need to be reciprocal, with those involved both sharing a sense of happiness, satisfaction and self-worth. In 2012, a team at the University of California published the results of a study that found significant numbers of older people who identified as lonely were either married or lived with others.

Loneliness an identified issue now Many countries around the world have recognised this ‘loneliness epidemic’. Governments, non-government organisations and concerned individuals are all working on how

“Going to work isn’t a panacea for loneliness as people change jobs frequently, leaving little time to develop meaningful networks.”

Remember the horrifying story of social workers in a former communist country finding halls of tiny babies lying in cots who had been left without human contact? The babies just lay staring at the ceiling for most hours. to deal with this ubiquitous issue.

In April this year, Britain appointed its first Minister for Loneliness.

Australia too is taking note. The Federal Government recently announced $46.1 million in funding for the national Community Visitors Scheme to help tackle loneliness and social isolation at home and in institutions.

One reason that governments are taking the issue of loneliness so seriously is that there is now enough research to show what a serious threat loneliness poses to people's physical health and the economic costs this entails. According to Brigham Young University in Utah in the United States, loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, is worse for a person's health than obesity, and increases the risk of early death by up to 32%!

The links to depression may not be surprising, but the idea that loneliness can be associated with poorer cardiovascular health and, in old age, a faster rate of cognitive decline and dementia is repositioning loneliness as a public health issue.

Step-wise solution The first step to meet this challenge would be to identify the factors that influence loneliness – at the level of the individual, the local community and the wider society, including the workplace – to get some idea, or a clue, as to where to look for solutions.

The next step would be to start thinking what could solutions could

look like. The most effective way to reduce loneliness is to make people feel connected to their community.

Connecting to one’s neighbours would seem to be an obvious start, but this doesn’t always work in today’s mobile world. Planning out suburbs so they are walkable and include social spaces where people can meet up, volunteering programs, befriending programs and media campaigns to raise awareness about loneliness are some other ways.

Some groups are using online tools as a complement not a substitute for face-to-face interaction. The Australian initiative Gather My Crew is a free, online rostering tool that helps family, friends and community members organise themselves to provide practical help, like lending a hand to someone who is in poor health by picking up their kids from school or doing their supermarket shopping. It can also include social visits or phone calls to a friend, family member or neighbour at risk of social isolation. Another innovative Australian online initiative is the Moderated Online Social Therapy program (MOST) that is proving useful for vulnerable young people experiencing mood disorders, anxiety and psychosis.

A well-known community initiative that tackles social isolation amongst men is the Australian Men’s Shed Association. Its CEO David Helmers jokes, "There are currently 130odd more Men’s Sheds [987 Sheds] in Australia than there are McDonald’s restaurants. Not that it’s a

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race!"

One of the most innovative strategies to combat loneliness is laughter yoga, a combination of laughter and yoga exercise, developed in India by Madan and Madhuri Kataria to help isolated people connect.

Laughter yoga has spread around the world. So next time you see a group engaging in what sounds like manic laughter, join in!

Going to work isn’t a panacea for loneliness as people change jobs frequently, leaving little time to develop meaningful networks. Both those who work long hours and those who work part-time are affected. Many workplaces have no lunchrooms, employees communicate by email even with those sitting close by and often don’t socialise.

The situation can be compounded for people experiencing bullying or who are marginalised though sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or disability.

Good ways to combat workplace loneliness include public recognition of skills and contributions, peer support networks and social activities. However, social activities are effective only if people engage outside existing cliques.

There is a creative, energising and healing side to being alone: it’s called solitude. To quote May Sarton, ‘Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is richness of self.’

Taking time out is not the same as being left out.

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Indian News Queensland | MIGRATION

International students educated about rights and workplace issues

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s part of the International Students Success Forum (ISSF) at Griffith University, international students were educated about their rights as well as given vital information on overcoming obstacles in an unknown country, avoiding workplace exploitation and dealing with workplace issues. The forum was organised by the Council of International Students Australia (CISA) Griffith University, the national peak student representative’s body for

international students studying at the postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational and educational training (VET), private college, ELICOS, TAFE and foundation levels.

As the panelist migration agent from Cornerstone Law Offices Migration, Reena Augustine, while sharing her journey as an international student when she first landed in Australia, spoke on the workplace issues and exploitation. "It's always a pleasure to support students and guide them," said Ms Augustine.

Panelist from Cornerstone Law Offices Migration, Reena Augustine (4th from left), with other panelists at the forum

Government deliversT new temporary Sponsored Parent Visa

he Australian Government will deliver on its commitment to introduce a new temporary Sponsored Parent visa, with sponsors able to lodge an application to sponsor their parent from 17 April 2019.

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) subclass 870 visa provides parents and grandparents with a new pathway to reunite and spend time together through having the opportunity to visit Australia for a continuous period of up to five years.

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There is also the opportunity to apply for a second visa for another five years after a short period outside Australia, meaning parents and grandparents will be able to spend up to 10 years in Australia.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said the new visa demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting migrant communities.

“This new visa will deliver great social benefits to families across Australia” Mr Coleman said.

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“Up to 15,000 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visas may be granted each year, ensuring reunions are possible for many families. This will make a big difference to many Australian families.”

Measures have been put in place to strengthen the visa framework, and require Australian sponsors to act as a financial guarantor for any outstanding public health costs incurred by the visa holder whilst in Australia, including hospital and aged care fees. This ensures taxpayers are not required to cover additional costs.

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Indian News Queensland | MIGRATION

Q&A session with our migration expert Question 1: S. K. Dalmia Currently, I am on business visit to Brisbane and I want to pursue an Australia PR and thereby this email and query. I am 42 years of age, married and live in Bangalore. I have 19 years' experience in IT industry as a business analyst, a software developer, an individual contributor and in project management and program management previously. Let me know the total points required and possibilities for my PR application to succeed and which will be the best PR visa for me.

Ans: Thank you for the email with CV attached. Please be noted that to apply for skilled migration on point base, you need minimum 65 points. We have assessed your qualification and job profile, and at this stage your guaranteed score is 45. We advise to get superior level English language test score (IELTS 8 each or equivalent) and kick-start skilled migration process to Australia. To apply for PR visas in Australia, the maximum age must be under 45. As we have no information about your wife’s academic qualification and career, we cannot comment further on claiming points for partner skills. Meanwhile, you are eligible for employer sponsored visas, provided you get a job offer from a prospective employer in Australia.

Question 3: G. G. Nair Dear Prathap, Attached is the link to the new visa condition shown in home affairs website. Please advise if this is something alarming. I was planning to apply for 187 visa soon. Could you please help? This same condition is showing on other PR visas too. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visadetails-and-conditions/see-your-visa-conditions?product=187-6# Ans: The link leads to Condition 8515, which states: Not Marry Before First Entry to Australia. This is a discretionary condition but is generally attached to permanent visas of holders who are of marriageable age but not married. It is applicable for offshore applicants when they are granted certain type of permanent visas, including subclass 187.

In the case where you have Condition 8515 attached and you have married or entered into a de facto relationship with an Australian permanent resident or citizen, you will still be in breach of your condition, hence contact the DHA and they will facilitate your travel into Australia.

The applicability of condition 8515 in your case depends on your location, individual circumstance at the time of application and approval.

Question 2: J. Creamer Hi Prathap, I am emailing today with regards to wanting to bring my nephew over to Australia permanently from the UK. My mother was born in Australia, my sister and I were born in England but gained dual citizenship of both the UK and Australia, through naturalisation because of mother. My nephew is my sister's son. Unfortunately, my sister passed away in 2016. So now my nephew will not be able to gain citizenship in Australia because my sister had not lived in Australia prior to her death. My nephew was born in 2002, and I would like him to move here permanently and be in my care.

He wants to be an electrician and he cannot be an apprentice under an international student visa. The only other option I have been advised may be to adopt him. Please advise on this matter.

Ans: Please note that trade courses in Electrotechnology with campus delivery mode is not available for international students; however, he can pick a closely related trade course, if interested, and upon completion of such a course, he could try to get employed and settle in Australia.

Regarding adoption, the child must been under 18 years of age when adopted, when they apply and when the Department of Home Affairs make a decision on an Adoption Visa application.

Question 4: S. Devi Hello Prathap, Good Day! Hope you can help me. I have a Bridging Visa A, which is not active and my current 457 visa is active till 2020 November. Can I travel once in this April and come back to Australia in May 2019? I mean, while I have bridging visa, which is not active though, can I travel with my 457? Or do I have to take a BVB? Ans: You have no issues to travel on your current 457 visa. It’s a multiple entry visa and valid till November 2020. Your Bridging Visa A will come into effect only after the current 457 visa expires, if it is warranted.

Question 5: C. Silky Hello sir, I almost completed my 6 month of experience as Registered Nurse in aged care as I have started in September 2018. Now could you please tell me about 190 visa options in Queensland.

Ans: Thank you for the email with CV. At this stage, you may be eligible for 489 visa from Queensland (QLD) upon completion of 6 months' full-time employment there. Currently, Queensland has temporarily closed invitations for Expression of Interest for state nominations for skilled migration. It is expected to resume the process in July 2019.

PRATHAP LAKSHMANAN MA, LLB, LLM, GradDipLP (Lawyer & Migration Agent / Qualified Education Agent Counsellor) TN Lawyers & Immigration Consultants Email: info@tnlawyers.com.au Web: www.tnlawyers.com.au Skype: prathap.tnmc

Please note your eligibility for this visa is entirely dependent on employment status and respective state’s requirements at the time of invitation for such a visa.

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Indian News Queensland | HOROSCOPE

Horoscope March 2019 Aries

Mar 20 – Apr 20 Your ability to take the lead and push through obstacles is thwarted this month by numerous responsibilities. This can cause frustration and irritability.

For you, the March 2019 begins with one foot on the brake and one foot on the gas pedal. By the Spring Equinox, all stops are resolved and you can exuberantly express your passion to manifest a new reality.

However, be aware of important communications taking place three days on either side of the Full Moon. Call upon the power of patience, and you will have a clearer and stronger stance by March 2930, 2019.

The spontaneous, individualistic and courageous side of your nature is needed by those around you. You lead through example.

Taurus

Apr 20 – May 21 You like to be comfortable, and this dynamic trend of transformation may unsettle your senses. Cultivate present moment awareness, and you can be a strong anchor in the winds of change. There is a focus on career this month. New projects may be in the visionary stages.

You are given the blueprint, the big picture, for long term projects. Your talent to build, stabilize and beautify will be called upon as the year unfolds. Run all projects through your practical side.

Communication with family members takes on a new light – it is essential to be honest and resist the temptation to save people from their own dreams. The desire for peace can easily turn to keeping other people happy to the exclusion of yourself. Know that your natural common sense acts as a grounding force for your many friends.

Gemini

May 21 – Jun 21 Finances may be an area of delay and frustration, but you are in a position to resolve these issues as the month unfolds. Your easy-going and personable style can go a long way in career developments.

Exciting possibilities in this area can be tapped through your strong communication skills.

Slowing down to connect with another person’s perspective brings out new direction for both of you.

A unique, fun getaway can restore your nerves and rejuvenate your senses.

Stresses of recent months fade away, but it is still essential to stay grounded amongst the many people and activities you are involved in.

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Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 23 You are in the home stretch of a two-year challenge. Don’t quit! Assess your direction, implement decisions and find solace in contemplation. Especially curb frustration March 6 -9, 2019. Release what is not worth keeping. Yes, the Sun will come out from behind that dark cloud by the mid-Summer.

Use the New Moon on March 10 2019 to activate your strong intuitive skills, and plant new seeds of creation. Your hard work in providing security for others will pay off in the long run.

Exotic vacations in foreign lands live in your dreams this month. A brief respite or life-long goals, investigate what stirs in your soul.

Leo

Jul 23 – Aug 23 Your relationships are up for healing this month of March 2019, Leo. Your ability to take charge is hampered by hidden motives. Valuable insight comes as a result of looking beneath the surface of things.

You are in a better position to determine the truth. Remember, “All that glitters is not gold.”

Listen, truly listen, to the heart of another, and your lion-hearted nature will light the way for others to be more of who they are. The work area needs some organization, and you are up for the task at hand.

Your focus this month is on work, relationships and resources shared with others.

Virgo

Aug 23 – Sep 23 Your no nonsense approach to life is thrown for a loop. People come out of nowhere, requesting your services, and diverting attention to their needs.

The 2019 March horoscope predicts that although this month of March 2019 is a balancing act for you, there is much to learn and receive in the reflection of another’s life.

There is a tendency to over-commit, and work may stand in the way of social engagements. Keeping all in perspective, this month takes you out of the doldrums into a larger range of activity.

It is possible to develop alliances of appreciation, respect and support.

May your tendency to pick things apart be a healthy discernment of life direction in balance with your relationships.

tacts and alliances. Your natural social grace is enhanced in work and play.

Developments in the work arena are new and exciting. It is important to know where you really stand. Honesty begins with self. Give yourself a break, and fuel heartfelt dreams.

The home front calls for your attention. You intuitively know a house only becomes a home when mutual respect reigns.

Deepen your roots, and everyone benefits from your fair and equitable point of view. Developments in the work arena are exciting and new.

Scorpio

Oct 23 – Nov 22 Your home brings great comfort this month. Creative juices are flowing.

Children benefit from your deep sensitivity and intuition. This is the month to dream, play and explore your capacity for intimacy. Holding onto resentment does not get you where you want to go.

Stagnation gives way to movement and relief. Important communications take place. Remember to tell the truth with integrity and compassion.

The waters of your nature run deep, and this final phase of winter completes purification. This leads to greater emotional and mental wellbeing. Your intuition and gut felt hunches are clearer, and more reliable as the month unfolds.

Sagittarius

Nov 22 – Dec 22 Your gypsy days are over, at least until Spring Equinox. Problems revealed November – January 2018 are finally resolving.

Relapsing back into repetitive and

habitual behavior leads nowhere.

The powerful trend of transformation is re-making you from the inside out.

Truly, you are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Take some time to retreat into the inner sanctuary of your spiritual home.

Revelation, healing and understanding are to be found within.

Sag, remind yourself daily that this is a new year with new promise and possibility. Only then can you turn around and inspire others with enthusiasm and vision.

Capricorn

Dec 23 – Jan 20 Everyone deserves a break now and then. The only problem, Capricorn, is you may continue to run the treadmill.

If so, you can miss the opportunity for sweet reflection that leads to a new view of your life path. Avoid the temptation to be negative during the first ten days of March 2019.

Know there is a deep river of creativity within you. Ideas flow like water, and nourish the seeds of new projects.

The 2019 March horoscope says that when you take a time out to release expectations, you can revise goals with greater clarity. While you are usually the practical one, your life path benefits from sharing responsibility.

This lightens your load, and frees your attention for a new lease on life.

Aquarius

Jan 20 – Feb 18 You are on a roll Aquarius. Despite conservative trends, you are in the right place at the right time. Trust your vision for a humane future. Your global perspective is enhanced by strong intuitive energies. But, resist

the temptation to save others. Peace really does begin with you.

Genuinely love yourself, and you are free to sow seeds of compassion in your world. You are called to develop financial security in miraculous ways.

While the area of financial improvement is strong, you can benefit from a second opinion.

Please be sure to run ideas by someone that is grounded in practical affairs.

Manifestation is a co-creative process, and you are in a perfect position to learn new ways of being in the world.

Watch the trends, catch the wave, and freedom is yours.

Pisces

Feb 18 – Mar 20 Happy Birthday Pisces! With Uranus in your Sun Sign for the next seven years, creative juices are flowing. March is the month to recognize your dreams and let them unfold in new directions.

Be on your toes, and open to positive surprises. Universal guidance is very strong, and at your fingertips.

In order to receive, activate your Divine gift of receptivity. This is the month to illuminate ideals, hold them to your heart, and don’t let present reality get you down.

Magic is in the air, and because you believe, miracles happen. While you have spent plenty of time playing the victim game, you are waking up to a new life.

Everyday, remember that complaining will get you nowhere. There is a new world ready to be born through your vision!

The current buzzword ‘intention’ speaks to you. Pisces, March is your month to embrace the full ramifications of this potent concept. The wind is finally at your back lending a new freedom in being exactly as you are.

Libra

Sep 23 – Oct 23 You are running in different directions this month trying to keep your world in balance. If you only focus on keeping other’s happy, you may miss the gifts of personal growth.

This year brings benefit in new con-

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Indian News Queensland | PHOTO FEATURE

Ras / Flavours of Baltal Photo credits: Sarvjit Sabbi, Sharon Bath

Some of the moments captured by Sharon Bath in Baltal, the base camp for Amarnath yatra in India. Baltal valley is a day's journey away from the sacred cave of Amarnath and is situated 15 km north of Sonamarg on the Sind river at the base of Zojila pass in Jammu and Kashmir. This little valley provides a shorter highaltitude alternate route to Amarnath.

Board displaying heights of various location points till the holy cave at 13,500 feet

Camp life at Baltal – helping one another

Farewell to Baltal - devotees at the bhandara

Local men selling beads, malas

Glacial stream in the Baltal valley

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Physically weak or tired pilgrims have the choice available of professional carriers

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Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

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Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

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

Newsletter 146-18

Panguni/Phalguna Month (mid-March 2019 to mid-April 2019) Festivals Dear Sri Selva Vinayaka devotees, Hindu Ahlaya Sangam Qld Inc (HASQ) cordially invites you to Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple Brisbane (South Maclean) for Panguni/ Phalguna Month Festivals.

Sri Ayyapan Meena Rasi Masa Abishekam/Panguni Maasa Pirappu (Phalguna month starts) on Friday 15 March 2019 Lalitha Sahastranama Stotram Chanting on Sunday 17 March 2019 Pirathosha Viratham on Monday 18 March & Tuesday 2 April 2019 Panguni Utharam on Thursday 21 March 2019 Powrnami & SathyaNarayanar Poojai on Wednesday 20 March 2019 Sankatakara Chathurthi on Sunday 24 March 2019 Sri Selva Vinayakar Mahotsawam starts with Kodi Eatrum on 7 Sunday April 2019 Mahotsawam-Mambala Thiruvizha on Friday 12 April 2019 Mahotsawam-Vettai Thiruvizha on Saturday 13 April 2019 Mahotsawam-Chapara Thiruvizha 14Sunday April 2019 Sri Selva Vinayakar Chariot Festival /Hindu New Year Vihari Varusham Starts on Monday 15 April 2019 Mahotsawam-Theertham Thiruvizha on Tuesday 16 April 2019 Visit Brisbane Sri Selva Vinayakar (Ganesha) Temple and get the Blessing of Lord Ganesha.

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

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

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Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Hotel Mumbai

Indian Movies Coming Soon

RELEASE DATE: 14 March, 2019

An Australian-Indian thriller film directed by Anthony Maras and written by John Collee and Maras, Hotel Mumbai tells the true story of the 2008 siege by Islamic terrorists on Mumbai’s Taj Hotel. In this riveting story of heroism from commoners, Chef Hemant Oberoi (Anupam Kher) and a waiter (Dev Patel) risk their lives for their guests. In 2008, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai had become the target of a deadly attack by Islamic militants, and dozens of hotel guests were held hostage as fire engulfed the hotel building.

From Bleecker Street and ShivHans Pictures, it is based on the 2009 documentary Surviving Mumbai about the terrorist attacks in 2008 at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, India. The film, which is a fictionalized account of the Mumbai attacks, stars Dev Patel, Armie Hammer, Nazanin Boniadi, Anupam Kher, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Jason Isaacs, Suhail Nayyar and Natasha Liu Bordizzo.

Distribution and release

On 13 May 13 2016, The Weinstein Company came on board to handle North American and UK rights to the film, but in April 2018, it was announced that The Weinstein Company would no longer distribute the film. In February 2017, the first still from the film, featuring Patel, was released.

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on 7 September 2018, and had its Australian premiere at the Adelaide Film Festival on 10 October 2018. It is scheduled to be released in Australia on 14 March 2019.

In August 2016, principal photography on the film began in the Adelaide Film studios, run by the South Australian Film Corporation. Filming continued in India in early 2017. www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Cast Dev Patel as Arjun Alex Pinder as Butler Jim Armie Hammer as David Nazanin Boniadi as Zahra Anupam Kher as chef Hemant Oberoi Tilda Cobham-Hervey as nanny Sally Jason Isaacs as Vasili

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Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

BADLA

Mere Pyare Prime Minister

RELEASE DATE: 15 March 2019 (Aus and NZ)

Mere Pyare Prime Minister is an upcoming Indian, Hindi-language, social-drama film directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Starring Anjali Patil, Om Kanojiya, Atul Kulkarni, Makrand Deshpande, Niteesh Wadhwa and Rasika Agashe, the film was the only Asian film screened at the Rome Film Festival.

The story revolves around four children living in a Mumbai slum. 8-year-old Kanhu living in a Mumbai writes a letter to the prime minister after an ugly incident happens with his mother. Will the Prime Minister meet him? The film highlights the relationship between a mother and son and stars national award-winning actress Anjali Patil in the mother's role.

Sonchiriya

RELEASE DATE: 8 March, 2019

A young dynamic entrepreneur finds herself in a locked hotel room next to the body of her dead lover. She hires a prestigious lawyer to defend herself, and over the course of one evening, they work together to find out what actually happened.

Guddiyan Patole

RELEASE DATE: 1 March, 2019

Sonchiriya is an Indian action film directed by Abhishek Chaubey and stars Sushant Singh Rajput, Bhumi Pednekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey and Ashutosh Rana. Set in Morena in the Chambal valley, the film follows the story of a band of vicious and warring dacoits who once terrorised the Indian heartlands.

ZOYA FACTOR

RELEASE DATE: 8 March, 2019

Guddiyan Patole is an upcoming Punjabi movie scheduled to be released on 8 Mar, 2019. The movie is directed by Vijay Kumar Arora and will feature Sonam Bajwa, Nirmal Rishi and Gurnam Bhullar as lead characters.

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RELEASE DATE: 5 April, 2019

Based on the 2008 novel of the same name written by Anuja Chauhan, South Indian actor Dulquer Salmaan’s Bollywood film with Sonam Kapoor has been directed by Abhishek Sharma and bankrolled by Fox Star Studios. The screenplay has been penned by Neha Rakesh Sharma, and the dialogues are written by Pradhuman Singh.

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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.

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

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

Jacob Varghese CEO, Maurice Blackburn

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

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

Proud partners of

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