Indian Weekender - 21 august 2015

21 August, 2015 • Vol. 7 Issue 22 | www.iwk.co.nz

New Zealand’s first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

The Pulse of Kiwi-Indians

Auckland • Christchurch • Wellington • Hamilton • Palmerston North • Hastings • Invercargill

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CONTENTS

21 August 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Hindola festival celebrated in Swaminarayan Temple

Women who changed our world

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EDUCATION

INDIA

Young Kiwis to represent NZ at Harvard Model UN

Prime Minister Modi visits UAE

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I AM WOMAN

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BOLLYWOOD

Manoj Bajpayee shares his views on Indian cinema

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FACE OF THE WEEK The melodious journey of Vidya Teke

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All eyes on India I ¡¡Maya Shivam

ndian Weekender is proud to partner with the New Zealand India Research Institute based at Victoria University of Wellington. The conference will be opened by Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, Hon Steven Joyce.

Accomplished speakers from around the world will address the conference with key note addresses from stalwarts second to none in their fields. We feature some big names at the conference: Professor Subrata Mitra, director of the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore, who will consider democracy and the making of foreign policy in India.

Professor Ian Hall of Griffith University on the topic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the remaking of India’s normative power. Professor Ian Hall, B.A. (Hons) Modern History, University of Oxford; MLitt International Studies Studies,

PhD International Relations, University of St Andrews.

Ian Hall joined Griffith University in January 2015. His research and teaching interests include the history of international thought and Indian foreign policy.

He has published a number of books and articles in these areas, and is currently working on an ARC-funded discovery project on the evolution of Indian thinking about international relations since 1964. He currently sits on the editorial boards of Asian Politics and Policy and the Australian Journal of International Affairs.

Dr Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economic Policy) at the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) in the National University of Singapore. He is an economist specialising in comparative economic studies, political economy of international trade, regional developments and public policies. His current research is on China-India comparative economic development, trade and

Leading scholars from Singapore, India, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand will be taking part in a two-day conference on the emergence of India as a global power in the 21st century.

The conference will take place on August 25 and 26.

regional architectures in the AsiaPacific and political economy of economic reforms.

Dr Palit has worked in India’s Ministry of Finance for a decade and has handled India’s external sector, industrial and infrastructure policies. He has also worked in the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER).

He was on Advisory Committees of India’s Planning Commission and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). His books

include China India Economics: Challenges, Competition and Collaboration (Routledge, UK; 2011), Special Economic Zones in India: Myths and Realities (Anthem, UK; 2008, co-authored) and South Asia: beyond the Global Financial Crisis (edited;

World Scientific, 2011). His forthcoming book is The TransPacific Partnership, China and India (Routledge, UK). He has several publications in leading academic journals. A columnist for India’s Financial Express,

Continued on Page 4

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21 August 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Continued from Page 3

he writes for the China Daily, Wall Street Journal, Business Times and other leading global publications.

Dr Nicolas Blarel is an assistant professor of International Relations at the Institute of Political Science. He studies foreign policy issues, with a focus on security issues in South Asia.

His current research focuses on why rising powers choose to redefine their strategic objectives and means. Nicolas also studies India’s relations with the Middle-East and has a forthcoming book on The Evolution of India’s Israel Policy: Continuity, Change, and Compromise since 1922 at Oxford University Press. In addition, Nicolas published book chapters and articles on India’s nuclear policies, India’s relations with the US, India’s soft power potential, and India’s insurgent movements and state-making.

Nicolas has worked for the French Foreign Ministry’s policy planning staff (the Centre d’Analyses et de Prévisions) on questions related to Afghanistan, South Asia, and nuclear proliferation. Nicolas has been a visiting fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) in New Delhi. He was also editorial assistant at the peer-reviewed academic journal, International Studies Quarterly. Before coming to Leiden, Nicolas studied at Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Strasbourg, Sciences Po Paris, and Indiana University.

Professor Sekhar Bandyopadhyay is the Inaugural Director of the newly established New Zealand India Research Institute and Professor of Asian History at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. In 1992 he joined Victoria University, where he has been an Associate Dean (Research) and Deputy Dean in the

“The conference aims to address issues related to India’s foreign policy, as well as domestic politics, to understand what kind of power a rising India will evolve into.”

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Clockwise from extreme left: Professor Subrata Mitra, Professor Ian Hall, Dr Nicolas Blarel, Dr Amitendu Palit and Professor Sekhar Bandyopadhyay

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Before coming to Victoria he taught at University of Calcutta and Kalyani University in India.

According to Professor Sekhar Bandyopadhyay, people attending the conference will gain an understanding of what India’s arrival on the global stage means for her Asian neighbours, as well as for the world at large, including New Zealand.

“The conference aims to address issues related to India’s foreign policy, as well as domestic politics, to understand what kind of power a rising India will evolve into.”

Educated at Presidency College and University of Calcutta, Professor Bandyopadhyay’s primary research interest is in the history of nationalism and

caste system in colonial and postcolonial India. He is also interested in the history of Indian migration and the Indian diaspora.

He has written seven books, edited or coedited eight books, and published more than 40 book chapters and journal articles.

Some of his recent books are Caste, Protest and Identity in Colonial India (Second edition, OUP, 2011), Decolonization in South Asia (Routledge, 2009), Caste, Culture and Hegemony: Social Dominance in Colonial Bengal (Sage, 2004), From Plassey to Partition: A History of Modern India (Orient Longman, 2004). He has recently edited Nationalist Movement in India: A Reader (OUP, 2009) and India in New Zealand: Local Identities, Global Relations (Otago University Press, 2010).

He is currently engaged in a research

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project on ‘Dalits in the history of Partition in eastern India’. It is funded by a Marsden research grant from the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Professor Bandyopadhyay is Associate Editor of the New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies. He is an Inaugural Fellow of the New Zealand Academy of Humanities.

In 2009 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand. He has been a visiting fellow at University of Chicago, Australian National University, National University of Singapore, School of Oriental and African Studies (London), International Institute of Asian Studies (Leiden), Curtin University of Technology, University of Calcutta and Rabindra Bharati University (India).

Topics to be covered will include India’s relationship with China, its influence on climate change negotiations, its soft power in South East Asia, and its influence in the Middle-East and the Indian Ocean region.

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Auckland celebrates I-Day

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Celebrations of the 69th Indian Independence Day in Auckland

Members of the Auckland Indian Association celebrate India Independence Day at Mahatma Gandhi Centre last week

Mahatma Gandhi Centre ¡¡Rizwan Mohammad

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he Auckland Indian Association organised a grand Independence Day celebration last week with more than 350 people attending the event.

August 15 is remembered as the day India attained freedom from the British rule in 1947.

The programme commenced in the morning at Mahatma Gandhi Centre with the introduction speech by the President of the Auckland Indian Association Parshottambhai Govind, flag hoisting by Hirabhai Miruben Bhana followed by the national anthem and prayer by a group of children from Gandhikul Gujrati School clad in colourful ethnic wear. The programme also included a speech by Sunny Kaushal, one of the

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senior activists and an active member of the Kiwi Indian community, Harshad Patel President of New Zealand Indian Central Association and the President of the Auckland Indian Association.

The cultural programme started with a classical dance by Jessica Coria, a dancer from the Caribbean, who had come especially for the celebration. This was followed by a patriotic skit and dance by the children from Gandhikul Gujrati School showcasing the Indian freedom struggle in their performance. Labour leader Andrew Little and Labour MP Phil Goff also graced the event.

The cultural programme was continued by dandiya and other dance performances by group of students from University of Auckland Indian Society.

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Bhartiya Samaj pays tributes to freedom fighters Red

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elebration of freedom were in full swing at Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan, where Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust along with Roopa Aur Aap charitable trust celebrated the 69th Indian Independence Day at Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan with much festivity and fervor.

The India Independence Day is an occasion to celebrate the freedom of India’s great democracy, while we remember with solemn reverence the sacrifice that thousands of our valiant countrymen made for this cause. The tributes were paid to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to gain the freedom for India.

The celebrations started with the hoisting of the Indian tricolour flag by Roshan Nauhria, President Bhartiya Mandir followed with the national anthem of India and New Zealand by the Bal Vikas (BSCT language and cultural classes) children. Furthermore the sound of dhol exhilarated hearts and feet to dancing and celebrate the 69 years of freedom.

The celebration was followed by many cultural performances from various organisations, reflecting the diverse and rich cultural side of India with great zest and pomp. The celebrations were a joint effort of the organisations involved that included Auckland Tamil Association, NZ Telugu

Above: (left) Bhartiya Samaj senior members dancing to the beats of dhol and (right) Senior citizens give a patriotic performance.

Below: Roshan Nauhria, President, Bhartiya Mandir, hoists the Indian tricolour

Creation group singers, Exotic Group, Indian Weekender, 0800Mandap, India Gate, Bhartiya Mandir, Bhartiya Samaj Seniors and Bhartiya Samaj’s Bal Vikas Children.

Association, Punjabi Cultural Association, Auckland Marathi Association, Nepalese Association, ISKCON, Lucky Bhangra Group, Bolly Beats Academy and

Dignitaries gracing the occasion were Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Minister of Ethnic Communities; Hon Andrew Little, Labour Party Leader; Nigel Haworth, Labour Party President; Hon Ron Mark, NZ First Deputy Leader; Members of Parliament Hon Phil Goff, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Dr Parmjeet Parmar, Mahesh Bindra; Race Relation Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy.

Representatives of community organisations and community leaders were also present.

Every moment spent on the India Independence Day celebrations planted patriotism and happiness deep in the soul of each one present.

The turnout of this event made it evident that the interest is high in

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the cultural heritage restoration among our next generation. Despite of different cultures, religions and languages everyone came along with each other to spread love and brotherhood.

SIT celebrates Independence Day

SIT’s Indian Independence Day celebrations for 2015 that were held on August 14.

Left: Nunshi Malik, Yogesh Sharma and Tashi Malik lead the Indian national anthem after raising the flag Right: SIT international students and staff gather around the flag pole to celebrate

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www.iwk.co.nz | 21 August 2015

Historic Indian miniatures from New Delhi tell an epic tale at Auckland Art Gallery

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uckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see an exquisite collection of rare Indian miniature paintings that depict the epic Sanskrit tale of Lord Rama.

The Story of Rama: Indian Miniatures from the National Museum, New Delhi will make the final appearance of its world tour at Auckland Art Gallery from Saturday, September 5, 2015 to Sunday, January 17, 2016. Entry to the exhibition will be free.

Auckland Art Gallery Director Rhana Devenport says the Gallery is honoured to exhibit The Story of Rama.

“This is the largest collection of historical Indian art ever shown in New Zealand and an absolutely rare occasion to see these astonishingly beautiful miniature paintings in this country. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer this exhibition free of charge to our visitors,” she says.

One of the most important stories in Indian culture, Ramayana, or journey of Rama, is a tale of love, loyalty and the triumph of good over evil. It recounts the life of the hero Lord Rama, a model prince and the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, whose character to the current day is admired for his honour, courage and compassion. Credited to the sage Valmiki, Ramayana dates back as far as the fifth to fourth centuries BC, and is the earliest and most significant work composed in Sanskrit. The selection of miniatures from the National Museum, New Delhi features 101 paintings that represent 24 regional Indian miniature painting styles dating from early 17th

Indian filmmaker shortlisted for Grand Teton Award ¡¡IWK Bureau

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Left: Portrait of Rama, Basholi style, Pahari Right: The great battle between Rama and Ravana, Guler style, Pahari

to 19th centuries. The exhibition is arranged to reflect the traditional division of the story into seven kandas (cantos or books), which follow the life of Rama from his birth as a prince of Koshala to his marriage to the beautiful Sita, their exile from Koshala, the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana, and her rescue by Rama with the help of his brother Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman, the monkey general. At the end of the sixth kandas, Rama and Sita return home triumphant to a joyous celebration lit by thousands of beautiful oil lanterns. For many, Rama and Sita’s homecoming marks the origin

of Diwali, the festival of lights. “We’re proud to present this exhibition in Auckland during the festival of Diwali. By sharing the rich cultural and artistic heritage of India through this exhibition, we’re able to demonstrate our commitment to reflecting Auckland’s dynamic and rich cultural diversity,” says Devenport.

Dates: Saturday, September 5, 2015 to Sunday, January 17, 2016 Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Christmas Day Where: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki Corner Wellesley and Kitchener Streets Auckland, New Zealand Admission: Free

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documentary film based on the Kiwi native parrot Kakapo is now in the run for Grand Teton Award.

The 15-minute documentary named Sirocco—How a Dud became a Stud has been shot in New Zealand and also won the prestigious Wildscreen Panda Awards also known as the Green Oscar last year.

The science and natural history filmmaker from West Bengal, Ashwika Kapur (27) says, “It’s an honour even being shortlisted for the Grand Teton Award and I am praying my documentary wins.” Kapur graduated in science and natural history filmmaking from the University of Otago, New Zealand, after her schooling and college in Kolkata.

Kakapos are critically endangered bird species native to New Zealand. There are so few Kakapo parrots surviving on Earth, that all of them have names. The documentary tell the “rags-to-riches” story of Sirocco, the Kakapo parrot, who was so popular that the New Zealand government made it the country’s official spokesbird for conservation. This is the bizarre story of his rise to stardom.

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21 August 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Refugee movie star to give inspirational talk for migrant women

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inmama Oo Leota, former Burmese refugee and star of The Girl from Glenn Innes will be giving an inspirational talk at a free health and wellbeing celebration for migrant and refugee background women at the Avondale Community Centre on Saturday, August 29.

Leota will be sharing her story of her journey from a refugee background schoolgirl to becoming a community leader, working with refugees. Former refugee Burundi self-made business woman and driving school owner Odetta Ntezicimpa will also give a rousing talk about her journey. Organised by refugee and migrant women’s community project, the WISE Collective, the exciting event, which celebrates women’s well-being, also boasts a host of fun activities including zumba, laughter yoga, belly dancing, bellyrobix, competitions and prizes, free massages and beauty sessions, and a free healthy lunch by the WISE Collective.

There will also be a chance for women to have blood pressure checks thanks to the Avondale Medical Centre, and service providers including the CAB Language Link, Community Health, English Language Partners, Family Planning and Inner City Women’s Group will also be on hand to provide information about their services and support. It is hoped that the Auckland Council funded event will help inform migrant women of the different ways they can turn exercise a fun part of their daily lives and to encourage women to look after their health. WISE Project Coordinator

Heather Tanguay says, “This event is for migrant and former refugee women to celebrate health and wellbeing with a day of information, exercise, dance, music and friendship. We want to show women the benefits and fun of the exercise. It can be fun and inexpensive. It does not have to be formal like joining a gym, it can be informal like having a dance.”

The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m. For a gold coin koha, transport will be available to drive women to the event from Massey Community Centre car park on Don Buck Road, Henderson Baptist Church car park at 319 Great North Road, Wesley Community Centre at 740 Sandringham Road Extension and the Countdown car park on Stoddard Road.

Buses will return to those locations at the end of the event.

Registration is essential.

To register contact Sasi on 021 0299 6912.

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uckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS) is running a series of free information workshops for new Kiwis in August.

From Monday, August 24 until Friday, August 28, ARMS will be running a string of information workshops, covering top tips and guidance for finding work, information on the education system, health, homeownership, legal rights and budgeting with talks from NZ Police, Auckland District Health Board, Ministry of Education and Auckland Community Law Centre to name a few. ARMS is also running a free job search workshop on Tuesday 18 August at the Three Kings offices, and an interactive Treaty of Waitangi Workshop for Newcomers at the Auckland Art Gallery, complete with a talk on how to respond to job interview question on the treaty, and a tour of Maori art work.

The workshop, which teaches newcomers about the Treaty as well as how to respond to interview questions on the topic, will be held on Saturday, August 29.

For more information on the workshops, contact ARMS on 09 625 2440 or visit the team at 532 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings Plaza. Details of the events and workshops are below:

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¡¡ Job Search Workshop—August 18, 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ¡¡ NZ’s education system and library services: Info Session—August 24, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ¡¡ Health System in NZ and Community Safety: Info Session— August 25, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ¡¡ Home Ownership and Tenancy in NZ: Info Session—August 26, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ¡¡ Budgeting and Financial Systems in NZ: Info Session—August 27, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ¡¡ Legal Rights and Responsibilities in NZ: Info Session—August 28, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ¡¡ Treaty of Waitangi Workshop for Newcomers—August 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ¡¡ English Language Clinic – Tuesdays, by appointment ¡¡ Legal Advice Service—Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment only ¡¡ Immigration Advice—Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment only

Read ONLINE @ www.iwk.co.nz

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www.iwk.co.nz | 21 August 2015

Boxer wins national migrant award

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orirua boxer Latu Talu has another title to add to his championship belts.

The 24-year-old was honoured with the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI) Migrant of the Year Award last week.

The NZAMI Awards recognise the major contribution of migrants and professionals involved in the immigration industry. The awards were announced at a black tie ceremony in held in Auckland on August 14 where Minister of State Services, Paula Bennett, presented Latu Talu with his award. The Minister also presented the Business/Investor Migrant Award.

Mt Roskill MP, Dr. Parmjeet Parmar, also attended the awardsceremony. The awards were co-sponsored by Migration Cover, the first insurance product created specifically for migrants.

Latu arrived in New Zealand with his family from Tuvalu as a young boy and came to the attention of immigration services when he needed a work visa for his after school supermarket job.

It was discovered that his parents had mistakenly left him off their visa applications.

In 2006, Latu walked into the Naenae Boxing Academy and was taken under the wing of the

Hindola Festival in Swaminarayan Temple ¡¡IWK Bureau

E Latu Talu (Photo courtesy of Craig McGhie Photography) academy’s famous patron, Billy Graham. What began as a hobby turned into a pathway for personal development and under Billy Graham’s coaching Latu became Naenae’s first NZ champion in 2007.

In true Rocky Balboa style, Latu went on to win the North Island Golden Gloves title, Wellington/ Hutt Valley titles and travelled to the USA in 2012 to demonstrate his boxing skills at the US Airforce Academy. Latu was eventually selected for trials for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, but because he did not have NZ citizenship he could not apply.

In fact it wasn’t until February 2015 when Latu was finally granted NZ permanent residency.

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very year, during the monsoon months of Ashadh and Shravan/ Savan (July–August) the temples are awash with devotion. The Hindola festival is also celebrated in the Savan month in India and around the world. Literally translated, a hindola means a swing. The Swaminarayan temple in Auckland is also celebrating the Hindola festival with devotees participating in the decorations and preparations every day. Recently, on the occasion of Indian Independence Day, the hindola was made up of the national colours.

The devotees used flowers to make the clothes for Lord Swaminarayan, Lord Krishna and Radha. It took 11 hours and a team of 50 people—over half of which were local and international students—to meticulously sew, glue and bind the flowers and florae together.

The arrival of the Hindola Utsav during these months usher a new breeze of bhakti and festivity in the temples of India.

For one whole month, the chal (mobile) murti of the Lord is placed in a hindola and pulled to and fro with a string. The festival finds its origin in the streets of Vrundavan 5,000 years ago where the Gopis rocked Lord Krishna

on a decorated swing. Ever since, to experience the divine joy of rocking the mighty Lord in a small swing, the hindola festival became the focus of devotion.

Today, in memory of the Lord’s divine sports, the hindola festival is celebrated with joy and

enthusiasm at all Swaminarayan temples. It is an aesthetic experience of devotion to the Lord, requiring meticulous preparation by sadhus and devotees to produce hindolas of a variety of colours, shapes and forms.

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21 August 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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$10m in drinking water subsidies More opportunities for small communities for specialist nurses

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he latest round of Government subsidies will allow more than 6,000 people in small communities around New Zealand to benefit from improved drinking water supplies.

This was the final funding round for the drinking-water subsidy scheme, a 10-year programme aiming to help small, disadvantaged communities establish or improve their drinking water supplies.

“While drinking water supplies in larger centres already provide safe drinking-water, the subsidy scheme has assisted smaller supplies in the most deprived areas to optimise the quality of their water. In this final round

of applications, funding of more than $10 million for a total of 19 projects was approved,” Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne says.

“Unfortunately a number of applicants have not been successful. However I can reassure

them that their local DHB public health unit can still assist in optimising the quality of their current water supply.

“DHB public health units have staff with expertise in drinkingwater and access to engineers and scientists who can help councils and communities decide the best options to get a safe and adequate supply of water, which is also affordable.”

Once all projects approved or currently underway are completed, the Government will have provided more than $96.5 million to help small disadvantaged communities improve their drinking water.

More than 130,000 people will receive safer and more secure water supplies.

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ealth Minister Jonathan Coleman says more clinical nurse specialists are providing specialist care and expert advice.

“Specialist nurses are a core part of the healthcare team. They lead the development of nursing protocols in their area of practice, and help to ensure that our nursing workforce delivers tailored quality care,” says Dr Coleman.

“There are now 1,449 clinical nurse specialists across the 20 DHBs, making up almost six per cent of the DHB registered nursing workforce. This is a six per cent increase from last year. The number has nearly doubled from 744 in 2007.” Nurse specialists are working in almost every field of

KiwiSaver sign-ups continue to fall

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ew KiwiSaver sign-ups in July were 45 per cent below the monthly average, despite John Key saying axing the kickstart “will not make a blind bit of difference to the number of people who join KiwiSaver”, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson.

“IRD’s latest figures make appalling reading for those who know that KiwiSaver is vital for bolstering our national savings and investments, and safeguarding the well-being of future generations in their retirement.

“Overall new sign-ups in July are 45 per cent below the monthly average before National cut the kickstart payment.

It gets much worse for the young. Net new members in Kiwisaver aged 0–17 fell by almost 2000 in July. Compared to the monthly average of the last 12 months that’s a drop of 182 per cent.”

For those aged 18–24 net new members have fallen by 111 per cent compared to the monthly average. After John Key scrapped the KiwiSaver kickstart—as soon

Net New KiwiSaver members by age Age Group

Monthly Average of net new members May 14 to May 15

Net new members June 15

0–17

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June decrease compared to monthly average 138.4%

18–24

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73.4%

25–34

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3,957

10.1%

35–44

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2,263

16.3%

45–54

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20.7%

55+

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2,625

16.0%

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15,606

as the Budget was made public— he said IRD’s formal advice was the cut would not ‘make a blind bit of difference’.”

He misled New Zealanders about that advice, and he should apologise for that. “The major drop off in enrolments is for

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young New Zealanders. This is the real shame of National’s cutting of the kickstart.

A new generation are being denied the chance to create good savings habits, particularly those from backgrounds who will struggle to put much aside

practice, including mental health, care of the elderly, orthopaedics, paediatrics, gynaecology, cardiology and emergency care, as well as forensics and eating disorders.

“Nurses now have even more opportunity to specialise and they have greater access to training and support,” says Dr Coleman.

“We have developed a new training programme for nurses performing endoscopies, which will help to speed up waiting times. It will be available in 2016.

“We are also continuing to grow the number of diabetes nurse prescribers to add to the 100 already trained or in training, and we plan to further increase the number of specialist nurses in palliative care.”

Contact bows to pressure

Net new members July 15

July decrease compared to monthly average

-1,188

182.8%

-134

111.0%

3,762

14.6%

2,032

24.9%

2,060

27.2%

2,103

32.7%

8,581

45.0%

in normal circumstances. “After years of gradually weakening KiwiSaver, National is now causing real damage to the savings culture that KiwiSaver had begun to foster.

They should hang their heads in shame,” Grant Robertson said.

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ontact Energy has decided to cut its pre-pay rates to be in line with its customers who pay monthly.

Labour’s Consumer Affairs Spokesperson David Shearer says the decision is good news and the company deserves credit for responding so quickly.

“Two months ago I took Contact to task for profiteering from prepay customers, stinging them with bills up to 38% more than normal electricity bills.

“Families in financial trouble were often the target. Often they are pressured to go on pre-pay schemes by power companies because they have difficulty paying their bills. Yet despite paying up front in advance, relieving power companies of any non-payment risk, they were charged more. I argued charges for pre-pay customers should at least be the same as those on normal rates.

“Other electricity companies have already dropped their prices after Labour’s campaign last year highlighted the practice of charging excess on pre-pay bills. It’s great that Contact has come to the party as well pre-pay customers will get a much fairer deal than they were getting a year ago,” says David Shearer.

Foreign investment must add real value

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ew Zealanders must be told what value foreign investors are creating when they buy our productive land, Labour’s spokesperson on the Overseas Investment Office Stuart Nash says.

“Today’s (August 17) KPMG report into foreign investment is notable for one glaring omission:

what is the quality of the investment to New Zealanders and the New Zealand economy?

“It is not enough for the Government to simply report on the quantity of our land that is being sold offshore: investors are required to add value over and above what a Kiwi investor would, in the form of additional jobs and exports. But the OIO is failing to

report on whether these promises are being kept.

“Labour is pro-foreign investment when it offers more value—more jobs and more export dollars.

“But we are being failed by a scheme, which seems to value quantity over quality.

“Since 2005, 716 investors were given the right to purchase

sensitive land (5ha or more) and had to quantify what the additional value is that they would offer.

“But we have no idea whether these promises are being kept or whether the international investment is adding real value to our economy.

“Quality investments will add significant value in terms of high

value employment, new skills, increased trade access and export receipts. Low value ones will add nothing to our economy and communities.

“New Zealanders need to know that overseas investment in our land is good for the country and not just turning rural and provincial communities into tenants in our own land,” says Nash.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 21 August 2015

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Building Code information to be more accessible

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he Government is investing in a single website for all Building Code information to make it easier to access and comply with building regulations, Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith announced last week.

“Homeowners and builders have to search multiple websites as well as many hard copy documents to comply with the Building Code in its current format. This project to create a single website with all the information will help improve compliance and efficiency in the building industry,” Dr Smith says.

“The first milestone in this project was marked this week with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment issuing a Request for Proposal from IT companies to develop the portal.

“Building industry productivity has lagged behind other industries. Smart application of information technologies is part of the solution. The Government needs to support this by investing more in user-

friendly websites to help the industry shift from paper-oriented systems to the web.

The new service will be accessible from a computer, smart phone or tablet.”

The project is being led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, BRANZ and Standards New Zealand and is supported by a range of other industry organisations, including the New Zealand Institute of Architects, Architectural Designers New Zealand, the Building Officials Institute of New Zealand, the Institution of Professional Engineers, Registered Master Builders and Certified Builders Association New Zealand.

“The portal is expected to be up and running by late 2016. The building and construction sector is on the cusp of unprecedented levels of sector growth in coming years, and this project is about the Government ensuring the right tools are in place to meet the demand,” Dr Smith says.

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Maintenance work makes properties healthier

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ousing New Zealand’s maintenance programme is making its properties warmer and healthier for vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett says.

Upgrades have been completed at 2,869 properties since June. Just in the past week, maintenance teams have completed 761 responsive repairs, and 131 minor capital works, which include things like upgrading insulation.

“Improvements to Housing New Zealand’s properties are making a real difference to the lives of those who most need our help,” says Mrs Bennett.

“Properties are being made warmer with the installation of more than 1,750 heaters and 3,214 sets of thermal drapes. Carpet has also been installed in 2,102 properties.

“Mechanical ventilation has been installed in kitchens in 2,309 properties, and in bathrooms in 2,226 properties, meaning tenants will have an easier time keeping their homes healthy and dry.

“Improving the quality of social housing is a big priority for this Government, and this maintenance work is a crucial part of Housing New Zealand’s business-as-usual programme to upgrade its properties,” Mrs Bennett says.

“Ministers have made it clear that we expect Housing New Zealand to prioritise maintenance focused on improving warmth and dryness in properties, and I’m pleased with the staff’s dedication to making this happen.

“Most importantly, tenants are appreciating the work, with one taking the time to write and tell Housing New Zealand what a blessing it is to have a lovely warm home after a heat pump was installed in her house.”

Housing New Zealand will spend close to $300 million this year maintaining and upgrading its properties, which includes both planned maintenance and responding to requests from tenants.

Healthy lifestyle initiative helping more diabetics

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ealth Minister Jonathan Coleman says a growing number of New Zealanders with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes are receiving support and advice through the Green Prescriptions initiative.

Green Prescriptions provide advice on nutrition and physical activity and support to help people manage a range of conditions, including weight problems, high blood pressure and diabetes.

“In the last financial year, close to 48,000 Green Prescription referrals were issued by GPs or practice nurses,” says Dr Coleman.

“Of those, almost a third had type 2 diabetes or had been identified as being at risk of developing diabetes. That’s up from 20 per cent in 2013/14.”

Budget 2013 provided additional funding for Green Prescriptions of $7.2 million over four years, specifically linked to increasing the number of referrals related to type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes.

“This funding included a target of 11,531

diabetes-related referrals for 2014/15. That target has been surpassed, with 13,944 referrals recorded over that period,” says Dr Coleman.

“Feedback from the latest patient survey is also encouraging, with more than two thirds saying they have noticed a positive change in their health and 64 per cent are now encouraging others to be more active.”

Green Prescriptions is part of the Government’s commitment to encourage New Zealanders to live healthier more active lives away from hospitals, supported by the extra $400 million being invested into the health sector in Budget 2015.

Further information about Green Prescriptions and the patient survey can be found on the Ministry of Health website.

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21 August 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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More elective surgery improving people’s lives in Counties Manukau Kanwaljit Bakshi National List MP

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ew Zealanders across Counties Manukau are getting the surgery they need to live longer and more active lives. Increasing the number of elective surgeries being carried out is a priority for National, and more operations are now being performed each year.

Last year 17,533 people in Counties Manukau received elective surgery, compared to 13,102 in 2007/2008. That’s a 34 per cent increase, a result which is a credit to the hardworking health region’s professionals.

The number of New Zealanders receiving elective surgery across the country has increased by 42 per cent in the last seven years, from 117,954 in 2007/08 to 167,188 in 2014/15. That’s around 50,000 more surgeries being performed than when National came into Government.

In May we announced $98 million from Budget 2015 to boost elective surgery and improve the prevention and treatment of orthopaedic conditions. This funding is helping deliver an average extra 4,000 elective operations per year over the next four years, meaning New Zealanders can live longer, healthier lives, free of pain.

The health budget has grown to a record $15.9 billion this year, including more than $300 million for district health boards to help meet demand from population

growth and provide extra services for New Zealanders. Counties Manukau District Health Board’s funding has increased by $333 million over the last seven years.

That funding increase is part of the $400 million invested into health this year in Budget 2015.

We are funding areas which make a real difference to Kiwi families. All children under 13 are now eligible to receive free doctor’s visits as part of the Government’s $90 million investment to extend free doctor’s visits to 700,000 children. So far 97 per cent of general practices with enrolled

Independent India’s achievements Phil Goff Labour MP

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ast week I attended celebrations across Auckland marking the occasion of India’s 69th Independence.

Sixty-nine years is only a fraction of time in Indian history, which goes back over 5,000 years but it is the benchmark for India’s development as a modern, proudly independent and sovereign nation.

As we celebrate Indian Independence we recall the critical role played in its struggle for independence by Mahatma Gandi.

He inspired India but other people too across the post-war world who cried out for independence and freedom from colonial domination. In developed and developing countries alike Gandhi won admiration and support for his promotion of non-violent activism, social justice and a world without conflict. He inspired us with his humility and selflessness.

Gandhi is one of my great political heroes. He spoke with wisdom and conviction and political leaders today could learn much from him. Some of

my favourite quotes on how we should live are: “Power is of two kinds.

One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent than one derived from fear of punishment.”

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”

“The weak can never forgive.

Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

How much better a place the world would be if we were to live as Gandhi taught. Sadly in the excesses of partition following independence extremism rather than the common humanity Gandhi taught prevailed.

Yet despite the many challenges India has faced, since independence it has sustained its freedoms and democracy when those rights have been lost in many of the countries around it.

India is proud to be the world’s largest democracy. It has kept its unity as a nation which contains many different groupings and 122 major languages. It has emerged as a leader in the world and one of the world’s most powerful

INDIAN WEEKENDER HOUSING SPECIAL ISSUE To advertise, call 022-325 1630, 021-150 7950

children aged 6–12 have opted in to this scheme, with 99 per cent of children under 13 receiving free healthcare.

Labour oversaw a wasteful, inefficient health system, with bloated back offices and poor investment which did not deliver the services New Zealanders needed.

Thankfully those days are over, as National’s record investment in the health sector is delivering better public health services for New Zealanders.

economies. It has a young and growing workforce and this year the World Bank projected it to become the world’s fastest growing economy by 2017. It is a major player in information technology with more than 3,100 start-ups in 2014. It has the largest centre of film production in the world. It is a big financial contributor to the UN and its peacekeeping missions.

To the people of India and to Indian communities around the world, congratulations on your achievements on the occasion of your 69th anniversary.

Jai Hind!

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 21 August 2015

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Auckland Council responds to Using Land for Housing inquiry

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uckland Council has welcomed the broader approach taken by the Productivity Commission in its draft report, Using Land for Housing.

In its submission to the Productivity Commission, endorsed at this week’s Auckland Development Committee, the council acknowledges that the draft report recognises the critical role of infrastructure and infrastructure investment, from both a housing pipeline and an affordability perspective.

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Chair Penny Hulse says that partnership working will be key to tackle Auckland’s housing issues going forward.

“Housing affordability and ensuring an adequate supply of housing are not new issues in Auckland,” she says.

The council’s submission to the Commission supports some of the proposals in the draft report, but also raises concerns over proposals that it deems have the potential to undermine Aucklanders’ ability to lead the shaping of Auckland as the world’s most liveable city.

The council looks forward to central government’s response to the Commission’s final report due out in September.

Opportunities abound for future of Aotea Quarter

“In our discussions with the Productivity Commission, we note that land supply is only one part of a range of solutions needed to address housing affordability.

To address the housing challenge, we need a strong partnership with central government, iwi, and private sector to develop a range of solutions including the financing of infrastructure. “For the first time since the Auckland Plan was adopted Auckland now has a ‘ready-to-go’ (zoned and serviced) greenfield land supply of just under six years.”

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ucklanders will be asked to help shape a new framework to evolve the area around Aotea Square into a thriving cultural hub, servicing the whole of Auckland.

The Auckland Development

Committee has approved a consultation paper on the ‘Aotea Quarter Framework’, which will go out for public feedback in September and October.

Committee deputy chair and political design champion Chris Darby says: “Many great things are already happening in the quarter, including laneways, events and upgrades to Myers Park.

When the new Aotea Station is created—along with the City Rail Link and bus improvements— this area will become very well connected: north, south, east and west.

“This is going to create huge opportunities for the area to really lift its game and become the cultural and entertainment hub for all Auckland,” Councillor Darby says.

The consultation programme is set to include public walking tours,

focus groups and opportunities to have your say online at Shape Auckland.

Questions will include how the quarter can better fulfil its region-wide role, how to get more families living in the area, which parts need to be made safer or better for pedestrians and how some of the sites around the area could be better used.

While the consultation is underway, in the first week of September the council will also be putting a call out to developers who want to express an interest in the Civic Administration Building, which has now been vacated by council staff.

The council has agreed a number of requirements for the Expression of Interest (EOI) process, including restoring the building’s heritage values, sustainable design and recognising Te Aranga Maori design principles.

We would love to hear from you.

Share your feedback and opinions with us.

Email us at

reporter@indianweekender.co.nz

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21 August 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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PM leaves for Jaipur summit

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iji stands to gain more assistance from India during the second edition of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPCI) at Jaipur.

The Fijian delegation, led

by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama left last week.

He is accompanied by his wife Mary, the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya, Minister for Women Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar, deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Luke Daunivalu, the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Naipote Katonitabua, and PM’s Personal Staff Officer (PSO), Captain Isireli Tagivakatini.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun from Australia yesterday, Mr Bainimarama said he would attend a series of meetings in India.

“Fiji places an importance on the initiative by India to host the Pacific Islands leaders,” he said.

The summit, is attended by 14 regional countries—Nauru, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Niue, Palau,

Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

Climate change effect in the region is expected to be high on the agenda.

Indian High Commisioner to Fiji, Gitesh Sarma also left last week and will receive the PM and his delegation in Delhi.

“Pacific island countries lack expertise in certain fields so this summit will discuss ways in which India can assist them, especially in the areas of science, agriculture and technological development,” Mr Sarma said.

“The first summit was held last November in Fiji where Pacific Islands leaders discussed certain issues facing the region with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra

Modi.” Mr Bainimarama will join other leaders during the summit to discuss ways to enhance India’s relationship with Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.

Mr Sarma said, “Fiji plays a major role in regional development of the Pacific as it is the most central country. They have played an outstanding effort in trying to link services to other small Pacific Island countries and bilateral engagement is one of the top agenda between Fiji and India.

“This summit has come at a good time as Fiji is about to host the Pacific Islands Development Forum later this year.”

Delegates at the summit will also visit the famous Taj Mahal in Agra as part of the programme.

Bowling Silver, bronze for Fijian chefs team to name squad

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owls Fiji will name the national squad for the coming Asia Pacific Championship in New Zealand next week.

The final two-day trials for the Fiji squad started at the Nadi Sports Club. The national squad members to the recent Pacific Games were joined by players in the extended squad for the trial.

Fiji will send a 10-member contingent to Christchurch for the Asia Pacific Championship, which will serve as the qualifiers for the 2016 World Bowls Championship.

Bowls Fiji chairman of selectors Panapasa Matailevu said Fiji would be represented in all the disciplines which include singles, pairs, triples and fours, both in the men’s and women’s sections.

“This is the final trials because we have seen how the players have performed at the recent Pacific Games in PNG,” Matailevu said.

“So during the trials we are focusing on the combinations.

“The Asia Pacific Games serves as the qualification for the 2016 World Bowls Championship.

“So it will be the disciplines that the players will need to win to qualify for the world event.

“It is more difficult to qualify and the players need to be determined to get through.

“They have to be hungry to win because the Asia Pacific Championship will be tougher than the Pacific Games.

“Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Hong Kong China have professional players.”

News source: Fiji Sun

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he Pacific Oz-Tralasiasponsored Fiji Chefs Team returned with silver and a bronze medals from the Global Chefs Challenge in Auckland, New Zealand, last week.

The Fijian team consisted of chef Abhinesh Sharma (Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa) and Rohit Singh (Castaway Island Resort).

They competed in the World Chefs accredited Global Chef Challenge and Global Junior Chef Challenge.

They both won silver medals in their categories plus a bronze medal for the overall points tally.

“Fiji was in the top three with only a slight points difference that separated each team,” said Fiji Chefs Association president Shailesh Naidu. He was also one of the judges for the competition.

Mr Naidu said this competition had chefs from New Zealand, Guam, Vanuatu, Fiji and Australia.

Fijian chefs Abhinesh Sharma (left) and Rohit Singh with their medals in New Zealand last week. Photo: Fiji Chefs Association

The winners would represent the Pacific Rim in the Global Finals in Greece next year. “Whilst the competition against bigger nations is always tough, our team displayed some amazing dishes.

Both were highly commended by all judges, and I can very proudly say these young Fijian chefs were

not just a number out there but gave the winning team a good run for their money,” he added.

Mr Naidu thanked Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Castaway Island Resort for their great support and Pacific Oz-Tralasia for again sponsoring the team.

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Fiji hosts Asia Pacific meet

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iji will host the Asia Pacific Rural Development Meeting at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi.

The Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu, said the meeting would be attended by rural development ministers and permanent secretaries/chief executive officers from 15 Asia/Pacific countries.

The leaders, he said, would attend the biennial 20th Governing Council Meet (GC-20), 30th Executive Committee Meet (EC-30), and 7th Regional Policy Dialogue Meet (RPD-70) for the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP).

The ministers for rural development and agriculture make up the GC while the permanent secretaries or equivalents form the executive committee (EC).

Mr Seruiratu said the meeting indicated Government’s commitment to rural development investment in the country.

Member countries expected to attend include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

About 200 government officials, inter-governmental representatives, international observers, diplomats, donor officials, and development practitioners are also expected to attend.

The Chief Guest will be the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Fijian exchange students arrive in NZ

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he 10 students selected for the Crest Chicken ‘Cool Stuff for Schools” (CFS) campaign to New Zealand were reminded of their roles as Fijian ambassadors.

Goodman Fielder General manager, Chris Zaayman relayed this message at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

Mr Zaayman said they are proud to be able to offer this exchange for a second year in a row.

“When we launched the initiative in 2014, we also introduced a cultural exchange programme that allowed participating schools to nominate a student to be selected

for the all expenses paid trip of a lifetime,” he said.

Year eight student, Seinibiaukula Fung of Dilkhusa Methodist School, Nausori thanked organisers for the oncein-a-lifetime-opportunity.

“I am forever grateful for this opportunity and I hope upon my return to help children my age and tell them the experience of participating in such programme,” she said.

Meanwhile, Director for Heritage and Arts, Lusiana Fotofili said she was delighted for the ten Fijian students. She acknowledged the good work by the management

Goodman Fielder General Manager Chris Zaayman (middle), with eight of the ten students visiting New Zealand on Crest culture exchange New Zealand tour Photo: Ronald Kumar

and staff of Goodman Fielder in bringing about a project that allowed for the students cultural exchange.

Mrs

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also

advised

students to promote Fiji schools

to students in New Zealand and tell them that Fiji is one Place they need to see for its tranquility; beauty; economic stability; cultural attraction and its geographical closeness.

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | 21 August 2015

Indians in Fiji celebrate Independence Day

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ijians of Indian-descent celebrated India’s 69th Independence Day at India House in Suva, Fiji with the Indian envoy spreading the message of peace and friendship, a media report said last week.

Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Gitesh Sharma said the rise of India would be measured by the strength of their values, and determined by economic growth and equitable distribution of the nation’s resources.

“Peace, friendship and cooperation bind nations and peoples together,” Fiji Times Online quoted Sharma as saying. “Recognising

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the shared destiny of the Indian sub-continent, we must strengthen connectivity, expand institutional capacity and enhance mutual trust to further regional co-operation,” he said.

“As we make progress in advancing our interests globally, India is also engaged in pro-actively promoting goodwill and prosperity in our immediate neighbourhood,” he added. Meanwhile, Indian president Parnab Mukherjee, in a statement read during the celebration, extended his warm greetings to Indians around the word, members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces and internal security forces.

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Staff of the Indian High Commission with High Commissioner Gitesh Sarma (in beige-coloured suit), while celebrating India’s 69th independence day at India House

News source: Fiji Sun

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Fiji seeks India’s support for climate change talks

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ndia should support Fiji and other Pacific island countries at the climate change talks to be held in Paris later this year, the government-owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) said this week.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama highlighted this in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he congratulated him on India’s 69th Independence Day,” Xinhua quoted the FBC as saying.

As he paid tribute to the historic relations shared between the two countries, Bainimarama pointed to areas that have the potential to boost and strengthen the Fiji-India ties.

Bainimarama is set to join leaders at the second Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit on August 20 and 21 in India to discuss ways to enhance India’s relationship with Fiji and other Pacific island countries.

NZ lifts ban on Fijian farm produce

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he Ministry of Public Enterprise will ensure that all standards will be met by exporters after New Zealand lifted the temporary ban on Fijian farm produces.

The Bio Security Authority will now ensure all export farm produces to New Zealand meet all international standard requirements. All Fijian exporters of farm produce to countries such as New Zealand must now strictly adhere to processes in place. The Ministry of Public Enterprise will accept no less than what is required.

“That everybody adhere to all the standards it is very critical for example because you have your particular product been given the treatment don’t try to put pressure on the officers that were carrying it out to hurry along for example standard set that the product needs to be in the machine for 20 minutes don’t try and get it out by 15 minutes this have a impact on the certification process,” said Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (Minister for Public Enterprise) If this process is not followed then the industry could again face some problems,”said Sayed-Khaiyum.

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji will be the key agency to see that new standards are followed.

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Thought of the week Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.

— Oprah Winfrey

Anything but funny

Editorial

From the desk of the Managing Editor Finally, and perhaps most important, work that is devoid of play is either boring or a grind. We can get pretty far through sheer willpower, and some people have prodigious powers of perfectionism, self-denial, and suffering. Ultimately, though, people cannot succeed in rising to the highest levels of their field if they don’t enjoy what they are doing, if they don’t make time for play. Having a fierce dedication to grinding out the work is often not enough. Without some sense of fun or play, people usually can’t make themselves stick to any discipline long enough to master it.

People always say that you can reach the top by “keeping your nose to the grindstone,” but as sports performance specialist Chuck Hogan observes, this is not true. People reach the highest levels of a discipline because they are driven by love, by fun, by play. “The great performers perform as they do, and do so with such grace, because they love what they are doing,” Hogan observes. “It’s not work. It’s play.” ~ Stuart Brown from Play It is important that when we passionately start to pursue any single goal we make space for play. It was not for nothing that we were taught “all work and no play…”

Humour and fun are great allies of determination and achievement. They make the ride worthwhile and also make sure that you keep going and don’t run out of steam.

They say laughing rejuvenates our souls, so in any pursuit of life, let us remember to maintain a playful spirit.

This has been an eventful week. While Indians all over the world celebrated Independence Day with great pride, there was an incident that made us hang our heads in shame. Yes, I am referring to the manhandling of the senior (in age) ex servicemen who were engaged in a peaceful demonstration for the One Rank One Pay, that the Government seems to be delaying. How do the very men who give up their entire lives for the sake of the security of the country become a security threat?

Sometimes our biggest strides can be overshadowed by little mistakes. There is every confidence that Prime Minister Modi will do the right thing, but at the moment, it is about watching this space.

In what has become Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trademark, he sets out an ambitious agenda for his overseas visits and manages to deliver beyond expectations.

This has happened again with his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this week. Modi’s visit to the UAE has once again underlined India’s continuing stakes in a region that is growing through a period of momentous change.

Next week will open with the two-day conference on the Emergence of India as a Global Power in the 21st century. Leading scholars from Singapore, India, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand will be taking part The conference takes place in Wellington on August 25 and 26.

Indian Weekender is proud to partner with the New Zealand India Research Institute based at Victoria University of Wellington for the conference.

Indian Weekender is equally proud also to be partnering with ANZ Bank for the upcoming Migrant Expo to be held in Auckland City on September 5. Our next issue will carry more details of this. So if you are a new or a settled migrant, do schedule this into your diary to come along for a family day which will be full of information, fun and food.

Until next time, remember to keep up your playful spirit.

Pick of the week The Empire State Building in New York lit up with Indian tricolor on during the celebrations of 69th Independence Day of India 15 August 2015 in New York.

(Photo: PTI)

Giri Gupta

Indian Weekender : Volume 7 Issue 22 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | girigupta@xtra.co.nz Editor: Annu Sharma | editor@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | reporter@indianweekender.co.nz Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | iwk.rizwan@gmail.com Reporter: Esha Chanda | iwk.eshac@gmail.com Reporter: Kumar Suresh | iwk.kumar@gmail.com Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Senior Graphic & Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | designer@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales and Marketing: 021 1507950 / 09-2137335 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the team at the Indian Weekender Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, Auckland Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2015. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Haere Ra

Pronounced: ha-e-re-ra | Meaning: Good bye Usage: Haere Ra, may God bless you.

Tip from the trenches Around the house

Put a lemon wedge in the water while boiling eggs. The shells will just about fall off when they’re done.

If a shirt shrinks, put it in a bowl with ice water and one cup of hair conditioner.

It will restore it to its normal size.

OPINION / EDITORIAL

www.iwk.co.nz | 21 August 2015

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What makes Indians in the UAE unique?

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¡¡Malavika Vettath

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on’t know Arabic or fluent English?

You’ll still get by in the UAE if you know Hindi or Malayalam - a line often repeated in jest here. But mind you, there’s a whole lot of truth in that. The UAE is home to 2.6 million Indian expats, the largest expat community constituting 30 per cent of the total population!

Little wonder that an overwhelming 48,000 Indians have signed up to see and hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday at the Dubai Cricket Stadium despite the scorching heat. The excitement is palpable with Modi being the first Indian prime minister to visit this Gulf nation in 34 years—a wish fulfilled after decades of clamour.

Modi’s visit primarily seeks to enhance cooperation in energy and trade and reach out to investors. The India-UAE trade totals around $60 billion. This makes the UAE India’s third largest trading partner for 2013–14 after China and the US. India is the UAE’s second largest trading partner.

But Modi’s visit, though on short notice, will also provide much-needed reassurance to Indians in the UAE that the Indian state values their contribution much like their NRI counterparts in the West.

So what sets the Indian community in the UAE apart and in what ways are they important to their home country and the country they now call their home?

With India being the top receiver of remittances from its worldwide diaspora at $70.4 billion in 2014, Indians living and working in the UAE are the biggest source of remittances to India, contributing $12.6 billion, according to the World Bank.

In comparison, about $11.2 billion of remittances for India originated in the US, which has a larger Indian origin population with much higher incomes.

And the contribution of Indians to the UAE growth story too has been immense, whether it is the hard work of thousands of unskilled labourers, those in the service sector or the contribution of Indian businessmen and professionals in fields such as health, retail, education or real estate.

Indians emerged as the leading professional migrants to the UAE in 2014, representing 28 percent, according to a global study by professional networking site LinkedIn. The demographics are interesting.

According to the Indian embassy, in the 1970s and 1980s, when the principal requirement was for blue-collar workers, 85-90 percent of them were Indians. In the 1990s, the profile of the community changed. Today, 15–20 percent of Indians are professionally qualified personnel.

Known as the playground of the rich, the UAE is home to six Indians named in the Forbes’ 2015 Billionaires List: businessmen Mickey Jagtiani, M.A. Yusuff Ali, real estate

tycoon Ravi Pillai, educationist Sunny Varkey, healthcare and foreign exchange czar B.R. Shetty and pioneering healthcare tycoon Azad Moopen.

The UAE has seen a rapid increase in Indian schools and colleges. Earlier, NRIs in the UAE had no choice but to send their children back to India or abroad elsewhere for higher education. It’s a different story now with the presence of well-known institutes offering graduate and postgraduate courses at campuses in the Dubai International Academic City.

What makes the Indian in the UAE unique from those settled elsewhere in the world is they know they have to go back to India eventually as expats don’t get citizenship or permanent residency. So they are Indian at heart and Indian by passport.

At the same time, Indians are top investors in UAE’s real estate now.

According to a Dubai Land Department report, foreign investment in Dubai’s realty market by Indians amounted to AED 18.12 billion (Rs.3,035 crore) in the year gone by,

surpassing investments by those from other countries.

Malayalis form nearly 40 percent of the 2.6 million Indians in the UAE, making Kerala the biggest benefactor of the remittances. The country is also home to diverse Indian communities. Sindhis and Gujaratis dominate most family-run businesses. There are also sizeable number of Punjabis, Tamils and Goans.

Where Indians go, they are bound to take their food along. The bustling locality of Karama in the heart of Dubai, nicknamed ‘Little India’, is dotted with enticing eateries offering menus from nearly 15 Indian states including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Rajasthan.

For an average Indian, religion is an important part of life. And Dubai shines as a beacon of religious tolerance in the Gulf. In 1958, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al Maktoum, father of Dubai’s current ruler, permitted a Hindu temple to be built on the first floor of a bylane in Bur Dubai. More than 50,000 Sikhs in the UAE got their own grand Gurudwara in 2012, thanks to land donated by Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The UAE also hosts several churches frequented by the Malayali Syrian Christians.

The most glamorous business is of course show business. The UAE is a huge source of box office revenue for Bollywood and the Malayalam film industry. Generations of Emiratis grew up watching Hindi movies as staple entertainment, idolizing Amitabh Bachchan and, later, Shah Rukh Khan.

Indian movie stars fly down to the UAE for film premieres a day before it releases even in India. Not to forget the routine store inaugurations and stage shows, one can say that the chances of running into an Indian film star are more in Dubai than in India!

Holistic development of youth is need of the hour ¡¡Rajat Arora

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outh-hood is considered a crucial period for establishing a positive well-being in a lifetime of a human being but a vast number of our youth seem to be neglecting their health, unmindful of the dangers lurking.

Good health in youth sets the stage for a healthy ageing. When they begin the transition from childhood to adolescence and move on to adulthood, they undergo changes at both emotional and physical levels. An overview on health of youth has demonstrated the serious health challenges that this vulnerable group faces.

While most young people are healthy, more than 1.8 million young people aged between 15 and 24 die each year, mostly due to preventable causes, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Many more engage in behaviours that are dangerous to their current state of health and puts their health at risk for years to come. Promoting healthy lifestyles and taking steps to better educate and protect this group from health risks will ensure longer, more productive lives.

Bad habits and poor hygiene, persistent behavioural risks, poor basic sanitation, and new and emerging diseases are contributing to a deadly mix that is changing the classic picture of healthy youth.

Hence it has become imperative for the health fraternity to devise, test and make wider use of effective new approaches, including operational, community-based research, clinical studies and longitudinal surveys that focus on adolescents and youth.

The WHO puts forth startling facts that indicate inaccessibility of preventive and timely health care for youth.

Road traffic injuries were the leading cause of death in 2012, with some 330 adolescents dying every day. The other main causes of adolescent deaths include HIV, suicide, lower respiratory infections and interpersonal violence.

Globally, the WHO states that there are 49 births per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19, according to 2010 figures. Half of all mental health disorders in adulthood appear to start by age 14, but most cases are undetected and untreated.

Around one in six people in the world is an adolescent: that is 1.2 billion are people aged between 10 and 19. Alcohol or tobacco use, lack of physical activity, unprotected sex and/or exposure to violence have been some of the factors that jeopardise the health of youth today.

Alcohol consumption of three or more drinks per day and cigarette smoking share similar, and probably additive, effects on some forms of cardiovascular disease.

Alcohol consumption of three or more

drinks per day clearly raises blood pressure, one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors.

As a result, consumers of three to five drinks per day have a roughly 50 per cent higher risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and the risk increases even more with heavier intake. There are similar relationships between alcohol and tobacco use and levels of triglycerides, a fat in the blood that has been linked to risk of coronary heart disease.

In supplement to physical health, mental health also plays a significant role. In our quest for youth development, one often tends to focus on the physical, financial, academic and professional side while neglecting the mental aspect.

But to develop in an all-around way, one needs to acknowledge and understand the importance of good mental health. Good mental health is being in a state in which one is fully aware of and has achieved some semblance of balance in life along with a sense of well-being and confidence to face life’s challenges.

Another important aspect where health plays a vital role in youth is in academics.

Health-related factors such as hunger, physical and emotional abuse, and chronic illness can lead to poor school performance.

Health-risk behaviour such as early sexual initiation, violence, unhealthy eating, and physical inactivity are consistently linked

to poor grades, test scores, and lower educational attainment.

Hence, to bring about a positive impact on the well-being of youth, it is important for all the stakeholders to work in a way that provides a safe and nurturing environment wherein youth have adequate access to preventive and curative healthcare.

For holistic development of youth, sound public policies, supportive environments, community action, and the reorientation of health services all have a part to play. Of particular importance, however, is the direct involvement of youth in the promotion of their own health.

Rajat Arora is MD, MRCP (UK), DM, Interventional Cardiologist and Medical Director at Yashoda Hospitals in Delhi. The views expressed are personal.

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Is India ready for a larger role? ¡¡Tarun Basu

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t a recent international conference organised by the Assilah Forum Foundation in the eponymous picture postcard-pretty town in northern Morocco, speakers highlighted the importance of India as a key player in the American “rebalance” in the Asia-Pacific, especially with the worrying rise of China, politically, militarily and economically.

At a lecture in New Delhi to mark 10 years of the Indo-US nuclear deal, then foreign secretary and key negotiator Shyam Saran disclosed that many of the foot-draggers among the powerful Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) cartel fell in line with the waiver for New Delhi, despite it not being a signatory to the NPT, because, as some of them confided, the exceptionalism happened all “because it was India”.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for his 26th country visit in just 15 months in power, the question being asked is: Is India set to play a larger role in global affairs?

Will India be a “balancing power” or a “leading player”? Will India step in to play a peacemaker role in global hotspots as many countries keep demanding? These and many

other questions are sought to be answered by well-known strategic analyst and columnist C. Raja Mohan in his latest offering “Modi’s World: Expanding India’s Sphere of Influence” (HarperCollins).

Raja Mohan says Modi’s practice of foreign policy, much to everyone’s surprise since he had no previous experience in it, has been “purposeful and consequential” and it was more than just imparting energy - he made 18 foreign visits in the first year of power - but was also about following continuity with some subtle changes in orientation that appeared to lend the policy a more defined and a sharper edge.

According to him, Modi put his personal stamp on four issues: - discarding defensiveness on global issues, shedding some past certitudes on multilateralism and beginning to alter the way that India looks at global problems; - overruled long-standing political objections in Delhi to expanding economic cooperation with China, going so far as to compel the security establishment to liberalise visa rules; - Bypassing Pakistan to endorse sub-regional cooperation by signing the significant BBIN treaty between India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh; - and, overruling opposition within

his own party to go ahead with the contentious land boundary agreement with Bangladesh that the previous government lacked the political capital to conclude.

What is Modi’s foreign policy vision?

Although he himself is yet to articulate it in parliament or elsewhere, two recent policy addresses, one by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and the other

by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, provide some interesting insights to his and the government’s thinking.

Doval made two interesting observations that reflect in many ways the changed thinking of the Indian establishment.

One, weak states invite trouble and hence, to demonstrate one is a strong state, one must not hesitate to exercise power. Two, there is little place for morality in international affairs. Nations must take recourse to any means to protect itself, including having to take recourse to capital punishment (in allusion to the debate on the hanging of Yakub Memon) and cannot subjugate the state’s interest to “individual morality” in the larger interest of society.. He also said India was punching below its weight and India should now “improve our weight and punch proportionately”.

Jaishanker’s speech at Singapore External Affairs Minister Salman was even more revealing. He Khurshid in the government of talked about changes in India’s Manmohan Singh made light of foreign policy being the “sharpest these remarks, saying India never in the last year” and that “energetic saw itself as a “power” in any sense diplomacy” (by the prime minister) as its foreign policy was largely an has resulted in India “leaving instrument to promote national larger and deeper footprints in the development goals and not for world” and being ready to shoulder projecting itself to the world in “greater global responsibilities”. any muscular manner.

That then, as Raja Mohan points He made another interesting observation - that India’s future out, is where Modi undertook a lay in being a human resources “definitive reframing of India’s power, rather than a military or foreign policy” in defining a an economic power, and it should new international identity for be seen by the rest of the world, India as a “leading power” and including the US and China, as has overruled the “reluctance of an opportunity rather than an its political class to think about the world in strategic terms” investment-risky country.

He said the deepening and and assume “a leadership role”. broadening of ties with the US Modi, true to this character, were among the “key elements has dreamed of a Big Power of a changing Asian calculus”, a role for India, but the question point that has been belaboured that remains is India ready yet by the US in recent times. to play that role, institutionally In a major policy speech at and structurally, whether it has Perth, Australia, in 2012, then a political consensus for that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton strategic leap and whether its described India as an important forces can be deployed beyond player in the Indo-Pacific region the borders if required to match and urged New Delhi to play the expectations of such a role. a larger role in the region’s Some in India may yet be sceptical affairs, a suggestion that only got that things may not have been too lukewarm response in New Delhi well thought out and the delivery by the government of the day. may not be able to match such At an interaction with editors, then vaunting ambitions.

INDIA

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Modi exhorts India to ‘start up, stand up’

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n his second Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to end corruption, exhorted India to “start up, stand up”, didn’t announce the eagerly-awaited One Rank One Pension scheme and gave a complete miss to foreign policy.

Addressing the nation on August 15 from the ramparts of the 17th century Red Fort, Modi said that his government was determined to build a new India, including providing electricity to 18,500 power-less villages in the next 1,000 days.

Dressed in a cream kurta pyjama, beige jacket and mustard headgear, Modi said his ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign was the biggest success of his BJP-led government which took office in May last year.

He, however, disappointed lakhs of exservice personnel who were awaiting for a concrete announcement on the One-RankOne-Pension (OROP) scheme. He said the government had accepted in principle the scheme, but not give any clear roadmap for its adoption, prompting protesting exservicemen in Jantar Mantar to cry out “shame, shame”.

During his one hour, 23-minute long speech, Modi made it clear that there was no place for casteism and communalism in India.

He said the country can be free of corruption but we “have to start from the top”.

“It can be done... Corruption is eating up our country like termites. If you want to get rid of termites, you have to inject medicine.

Corruption had become part of the system.

Contractors were running the nation. We have taken steps to correct the system.”

Other steps had been taken to tackle black money – from the appointment of a special

probe team to enacting a stringent law.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), he said, was probing some 800 cases of black money until he took power.

Now the CBI was examining 1,800 cases.

Already several thousand crores of rupees had been collected from people who had begun to declare their ill-gotten assets, he said.

In his speech, Modi repeatedly used the word “Team India” - to denote a united nation.

“This is Team India, a team of 125 crore Indians. This is the team that makes the nation and takes our nation to new heights,” he said.

Modi also listed key initiatives of his 15-month government in the area of financial inclusion, fighting graft and inducing transparency, and said true economic progress must touch the bottom of the pyramid.

He said the country’s youth be given opportunities and support to become entrepreneurs in their own right, notably the deprived.

“In the coming days, start-ups will be promoted in every corner of the country. Start up India, stand up India,” the prime minister said.

“All banks in our country must contribute to a start-up revolution. Each of the 125,000 bank branches must assist one Dalit or one tribal entrepreneur and one woman entrepreneur. They must also become entrepreneurs in the future.”

Modi announced the agriculture ministry would now be known as the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare -to take better care of farmers’ needs.

He said he had also faced a lot of pressure against the transparent processes such as on the e-auction of private FM Radio channels.

But he did not yield.

“People said radio concerns the common man. I was pressured,” he said, alluding to calls for giving away the licences cheap.

But the transparent process evoked a lot of interest and the 85 channels that were on the block fetched Rs.1,000 crore to the exchequer. The government, he said, had brought down inflation despite poor rainfall, and called for a restructuring of agricultural practices.

6 I-Day promises from 2014 that Modi (partially) fulfilled ¡¡Saumya Tewari

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s Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his second Independence Day speech, IndiaSpend and FactChecker reviewed the implementation of key pronouncements he made in his first Independence Day speech on August 15, 2014: 1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana - More than 174 million bank accounts opened; 46 per cent have no money What Modi said: “I wish to connect the poorest citizens of the country with the facility of bank accounts through this yojana. There are millions of families who have mobile phones but no bank accounts.

We have to change this scenario.”

What happened: Pradhan Mantri JanDhan Yojana (PMJDY), or the Prime Minister’s People’s Wealth Programme, has indeed opened a window to financial inclusion: allowing the poor access to formal financial services-bank accounts, credit services, debit cards, insurance and pensions. As on August 5, 2015, 174.5 million new bank accounts have been opened; 46 per cent of these had no money - zero-balance accounts.

2. Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojna (MP’s Ideal Village Programme)-Most MPs have adopted villages; success or failure will be apparent by 2016 What Modi said: “Each of our MPs should

make one village of his or her constituency a Model Village by 2016. After 2016, select two more villages for this purpose, before we go for the general elections in 2019.”

What happened: So far, only 45 Lok Sabha MPs (of 543) and five Rajya Sabha MPs (of 247) have ignored the scheme and not adopted villages. As Mint reported, there is no change in the Uttar Pradesh village that Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi adopted.

Success or failure will be apparent by 2016, Modi’s deadline to create the model villages he spoke about in 2014.

3. Separate toilets in all government schools - Majority built, according to government, especially for girls, but only a fraction have water What Modi said: “All schools in the country should have toilets with separate toilets for girls. This target should be finished within one year with the help of state governments and on the next August 15, we should be in a firm position to announce that there is no school in India without separate toilets for boys and girls.”

What happened: Eighty-five percent of government schools had toilets for boys and 91 percent had toilets for girls, according to the human resource development ministry.

There is no independent verification of this claim. However, water for these toilets is another matter: only 27 percent of toilets for boys and 31 percent for girls had water, according to the mission document of the

Swachh Vidhyalya (Clean Schools) scheme.

4. Ten-year moratorium on communal clashes - Riots continue at largely the same rate as during the tenure of the previous UPA government What Modi said: “I appeal to all those people that whether it is the poison of casteism, communalism, regionalism, discrimination on social and economic basis, all these are obstacles in our way forward. Let’s resolve for once in our hearts, we shall march ahead to a society which will be free from all such tensions.”

What happened: The average number of riots per month has largely stayed the same over six years, rising marginally this year.

The worst year was 2013, and the year with the fewest riots was 2011.

5. Launch of Make in India and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - Successfully launched and promoted; 29 per cent rise in FDI What Modi said: “I want to appeal to all the people world over, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Come, make in India; Come, manufacture in India. Sell in any country of the world but manufacture here.”

What happened: The Make in India initiative was launched in September 2014.

There has been a 48 percent increase in FDI during October 2014 to April 2015 over the equivalent period of the previous year, according to an answer given to the Lok Sabha by the ministry of commerce.

There was a 37 percent growth in FDI

during January to May 2015 over the same period in 2014, according to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. Overall, FDI grew 29 percent in the financial year 2014-15 over the previous year. Investments by foreign institutional investors, or the money coming through financial markets, were $40.92 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015, about seven times as much as in 2013-14, The Wall Street Journal reported.

6. Jobs for young people under 35 - New ministry launches skilling programmes for 2.4 million youth, but 12 million jobs needed every year What Modi said: “Sixty-five percent population of the country happens to be under the age of 35 years. We have young people, they are unemployed but the kind of young people we seek for are not available.

If we have to promote the development of our country then our mission has to be ‘skill development’ and ‘skilled India’.”

What happened: The flagship, outcomebased Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the Prime Minister’s Skill Development Scheme, was launched on July 15, 2015. Under this scheme, the government has set a target to provide skill training to 400.2 million people by 2022.

In arrangement with IndiaSpend.org, a data-driven, non-profit, public interest journalism platform. FactChecker is a part of IndiaSpend.

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n a significant move, India and the UAE have agreed to cooperate in cracking down on terrorism and radicalisation, and called on all nations to dismantle terrorism infrastructure where they exist and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice, in what is being seen as a veiled message to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the India-UAE joint statement was clear in its message “without caring for anyone”.

In a veiled swipe at Pakistan, Modi, while addressing a massive diaspora event in the evening, said India and the UAE have come out against terrorism, “without any camouflage, in clear terms, without caring for anyone, given a clear message against terrorism”.

Addressing thousands of cheering Indian diaspora at the Dubai Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Modi said in a jibe at Pakistan, that “those who need to understand will do so” - the message of the joint statement against terrorism.

“Samajhnewale samajh jayengey.

Akalmand ko ishara kafi hai,” he said.

In the joint statement, issued after talks between Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed AI Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, India and the UAE also agreed to promote investment, including through the establishment of a UAE-India Infrastructure Investment Fund of $75 billion for supporting projects in India in the sector of railways, ports, roads, airports and industrial corridors and parks.

The statement said the visit of

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PM Modi With HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan & HE Dr. Anwar Gargash at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at a meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE

an Indian prime minister to UAE after 34 years marks the beginning of a new and comprehensive strategic partnership.

Both sides denounce and oppose terrorism in all forms and manifestations, said the joint statement.

India and the UAE call on all states to reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, it said.

The two nations agreed to work together for the adoption of India’s proposal on Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations.

Both agreed to work together to control, regulate and share information on flow of funds

Wipro sets up open data centre for enterprises

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ipro Ltd has set up an open data centre in this tech hub to help enterprises adopt new age software defined infrastructure (SDI), the IT bellwether said this week.

“As a centre of excellence the data centre integrates proprietary and open source solutions across layers, including network, storage, compute and cloud,” the software major said in a statement in Bengaluru.

The centre also aims to transform client data centres by leveraging its adoption framework, comprising its IP (intellectual property) assets.

“Our centre helps clients navigate through challenges associated with transformation of data centres. The centre of excellence will build, integrate, test and demonstrate customer aligned SDI solutions,” Wipro’s global infrastructure services chief executive G.K. Prasanna said on the occasion.

The centre of excellence is linked to three data centres with dual data centre architecture and located in the company’s electronic city campus and Mountain View in the US. The outsourcing major has forged strategic and niche technology alliances with Silicon Valley start-ups and mid-size OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to offer comprehensive and future-proof solutions to customers.

that affect radicalisation.

Both will strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, extradition arrangements.

Both are to promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention of use of cyber for terrorism, radicalisation and disturbing social harmony.

Both are to establish a dialogue between their National Security Advisers and their National Security Councils.

The NSAs are to meet every six months.

The joint statement marks a tectonic shift of the UAE away from Pakistan, said sources.

The agreement on terrorism

would also help plug all loopholes used by terrorists like Dawood to use the UAE to secretly plant their funds to further terrorism in India.

India and the UAE are to cooperate to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean Region.

They agreed to strengthen defence relations, including through regular exercises and cooperation in defence manufacturing.

India welcomed the UAE’s decision to participate in the International Fleet Review in India in 2016.

India and the UAE are to establish a strategic security dialogue between the two governments, which calls on all nations to fully respect and sincerely implement their commitment to resolve disputes bilaterally and peacefully without resorting to violence and terrorism. On trade and investment, India and the UAE have agreed to set up a revised target of increasing trade by 60 per cent in the next five years.

In the strategic energy sector, both agreed to promote strategic

India’s First Lady passes away at 58

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he had always remained in the background, smiling graciously at invited guests from her wheelchair during events held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. First Lady Suvra Mukherjee, President Pranab Mukherjee’s wife of 58 years, passed away in New Delhi on Tuesday, August 18.

The first lady was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Army’s Research And Referral Hospital in New Delhi two weeks back. President Mukherjee cut short his two-day visit to Odisha and returned to the national capital that evening itself.

She was known to be suffering from a heart ailment.

“Suvra Mukherjee died after a cardiac arrest. She was on ventilator till the time of her death,” Army’s Research And Referral Hospital PRO Sanjay Kumar told media.

The last rites of the first lady were performed at the electric crematorium on Wednesday, August 19.

The funeral ceremony was attended

by Pranab Mukherjee, their children Sharmistha, Abhijit and Indrajit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

partnership in the energy sector, including through the UAE’s participation in India in the development of strategic petroleum reserves, upstream and downstream petroleum sectors, and collaboration in third countries.

Both countries agreed to promote cooperation in space, including in joint development and launch of satellites.

In nuclear energy, India and the UAE will cooperate in peaceful uses of nuclear energy including in areas such as safety, health, agriculture and science and technology.

On UNSC reforms, both sides agreed on early reforms of the UN in its 70th anniversary year. Modi thanked the UAE for support for India’s permanent membership.

The prime minister thanked the UAE for its strong support to the International Day of Yoga on June 21.

Modi also thanked the crown prince for his decision to allot land for construction of a temple in Abu Dhabi.

US to develop Allahabad as ‘smart city’

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he US will help Uttar Pradesh in developing Allahabad as a ‘smart city’,

US Ambassador to India Richard R. Verma said this week.

Verma called on Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in Allahabad and held wide-ranging deliberations on

business

and

investment

opportunities in the state.

During Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee among others were also present.

Married to Pranab Mukherjee on July 13, 1957, Suvra Mukherjee was an accomplished Rabindra Sangeet exponent.

The couple have two sons and a daughter.

Her son Abhijeet Mukherjee is a Congress MP from Jangipur, West Bengal, while daughter Sharmistha is an accomplished dancer and has joined the Congress party.

Another son is Indrajit Mukherjee.

Suvra Mukherjee was born in Narail, Bangladesh, where her relatives still live.

diplomat further

the

meeting,

expressed strengthen

the

desire and

to take

forward bilateral relations with India, especially Uttar Pradesh.

He said many industrialists in the US were keen to invest in the state, and sought information for US investment in key sectors.

During the meeting, Verma said his country would help develop Allahabad as a smart city and that very soon, a US delegation would come to the state and discuss with officials how to take this forward.

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Indians win World of Dance trophy in US ¡¡Sugandha Rawal

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esihoppers, an Indian dance troupe, emerged victorious at the World of Dance competition in Los Angeles, beating 34 competitors from 14 countries.

Indian classical dance moves on fast-paced western music became a hit here when Desihoppers group of dancers from different parts of India took to the stage.

Initiated by trio Shantanu Maheshwari, Macedon’D’mello and Nimit Kotian, the race to clinch the trophy was not easy for the Desihoppers. Cries of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Ganpati

bindass NAACH crew - Desihoppers triumph at the World of Dance championship

Bappa Morya rent the air and the Indian tricolour was waved at the venue, the Los Angeles

Convention Center, as the group was announced the winners on August 16. They received a trophy

along with a cheque of $5,000.

They also got the ‘Crowd Favourite Trophy’ at the event—which since 2008, has united the dance community from the US, Europe, South America, Asia, and Canada— to celebrate the lifestyle and culture of urban dance and music.

“I still can’t believe that we won the first prize.

There were so many tough competitors, who performed with about 50-70 people while we were just seven.

We don’t know what we will do with the money,” Nimit told media after registering a win in the competition.

A dream to find acclaim in the

Indian American student in team that discovers Jupiter-like planet ¡¡Arun Kumar

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n international team of astronomers, including an Indian-American PhD student, has discovered a Jupiterlike exoplanet outside earth’s solar system just a 100 light years away.

Researchers including Rahul I. Patel, a PhD student in Physics & Astronomy Department of Stony Brook University, New York, are calling the exoplanet a “young Jupiter” because it shares many characteristics of Jupiter.

A paper outlining the full findings is published in Science.

The finding could serve as a decoder ring for astronomers to understand how planets formed around the sun as it provides an opportunity to look at younger star systems in the earlier phase of development, according to a media release.

Called 51 Eridani b, the exoplanet is the ‘faintest’ one on record, and also shows the strongest methane signature ever detected on an alien planet, which

An international team of astronomers, including an Indian-American PhD student, has discovered a Jupiter like exoplanet outside earth’s solar system just a 100 light years away

should yield additional clues as to how the planet formed.

“We found that 51 Eridani is surrounded by warm dust that indicates the presence of an asteroid belt,” said Patel.

“Finding dust around a star is like seeing a large signpost that tells us there might be a planet,” he added. “This is because the dust is ually created when lots of large

asteroids collide and destroy each other, usually pushed around by a large planet - like 51 Eridani b.”

Patel led NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) to search for any thermal glow that dust and ice grains resulting from collisions among asteroids and comets in the Solar System can produce.

His previous work identifying recycled planetary dust, known as “debris disks,” around close to a hundred other star systems, puts the discovery of the exoplanet in context. In addition to being the faintest planet ever imaged, it’s also the coldest - 400 Celsius, whereas others are around 700 °C - and features the strongest atmospheric methane signal on record.

Previous Jupiter-like exoplanets have shown only faint traces of methane, far different from the heavy methane atmospheres of the gas giants in our solar system.

All of these characteristics, the researchers say, point to a planet that is very

much what models suggest Jupiter was like in its infancy.

Patel and Stanimir Metchev, a Physics & Astronomy Professor at Western University in Canada and at Stony Brook University, are co-investigators on the scientific study. They are both members of the international Gemini Planet Imager Exoplanet Survey (GPIES) team, which is dedicated to imaging and characterising exoplanets, planets discovered outside of earth’s solar system.

“What makes 51 Eridani particularly interesting is that it also harbours dust and ice in the planetary system,” explained Metchev.

“These are much like the dust and the ice grains produced by collisions among asteroids and comets in the Solar System.”

More data from the European Space Agency’s Herschel Space Observatory reveal that 51 Eridani is also surrounded by a more distant and colder cometary belt, much like the Kuiper Belt of comets beyond Neptune in the solar system.”

Indian community in US celebrates Independence Day

I

ndian community here celebrated India’s 69th Independence Day with ambassador Arun K. Singh unfurling the national flag and a cultural programme of patriotic songs in different Indian languages.

More than 350 community members attended the Independence Day celebrations at Embassy Residence and sang the national anthem. The ambassador addressed the guests and read out President’s Independence Day address to the nation.

In his own message on the occasion, Singh thanked the Indian nationals and the Indian American community for their “dynamic, substantial and continuous contribution to strengthening the relationship between the largest democracy and the oldest democracy.”

“Hailed as the defining partnership of the 21st century in the world, India and the US are enhancing their relationship not only at the bilateral level, but also at the regional and global levels,” he said.

With the historic visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US in September 2014 and President Barack Obama to India in January 2015, “the leaders of both countries have given a great impetus to the momentum

of this relationship,” Singh said.

India-US cooperation “has deepened in the established sectors while new fields are continuously added to widen our relationship,” he said.

“People-to-people contact is one of the strongest pillars of this growing relationship.”

Indian community members also joined flag hoisting ceremonies at the Indian mission at the UN and Indian consulates in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston and Atlanta.

dance sphere brought the trio together and as they moved a step ahead with the victory, Nimit said that “their hard work has paid off”.

The Desihoppers staged an energetic performance by starting off with a formation of Lord Ganesha and then providing a glimpse of Indian classical dance.

The group, which got mentored

by Jaja Vanková, a choreographer from the Czech Republic, and of So You Think You Can Dance fame, not only got a standing ovation, but the audience was seen reaching out to the dancers after the performance to applaud their effort.

Indian American lawyer shortlisted for prestigious award

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ndian American attorney Richa Naujoks née Gautam has been shortlisted for Thomson Reuters Foundation’s Trust Law Lawyer of the Year award.

Celebrating ground-breaking pro bono projects undertaken by legal teams with NGOs and social enterprises around the world, the award recognises lawyers who have gone above and beyond in providing exceptional pro bono support.

Among individual nominees, Richa Naujoks is the only Indian and the only US lawyer shortlisted for this prestigious award, said a statement.

A senior associate at Nixon Peabody LLP’s New York City office, she is a graduate of the National Law School of India University in Bangalore and the University of Washington in Seattle (LLM). She currently serves as co-chair of the India Committee of the American Bar Association’s Section of International Law. Richa Naujoks was nominated

by Mumbai-based Wello for her outstanding pro bono work on the complex restructuring of Wello’s US and Indian legal and operational structure.

Wello makes water wheels that help women safely carry water from distant water sources to their homes.

Trust Law connects the world’s leading legal teams to provide free legal assistance to organisations working for social and environmental change.

It is able to draw from its network of more than 100,000 lawyers across the world to meet the legal needs of NGOs and social enterprises.

In addition to Wello, other South Asian projects and NGOs are represented within the various categories for the 2015 awards.

Indian firm Law Quest is nominated for its support of Nazdeek

EDUCATION

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21 August 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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represent

Australasia

at

Harvard

Model United Nations and Yale Model United Nations.

The students will set out with their Faculty Advisors on an intensive Ivy League academic study tour in January 2016. This whirlwind tour will give the students the Ivy League experience, immersing them in

selected from across New Zealand and

Tiger

Australia to be a part of this prestigious

Aggarwal (Auckland) Kate Li (Auckland)

Australasian delegation.

Nikki Mehta (Melbourne) Rayna Ravji

At both Harvard and Yale Model United Nations they will be debating a wide range of international issues as part of their two and a half week intensive international academic study tour.

The following students have been selected

as

part

of

the

delegation:

the culture of each school and showcasing

Isobel Ryan (Auckland) Nathan Huynh

the world-- class education programmes

(Melbourne) Carolyn Song (Auckland)

the United States of America has to offer.

Helen Wu (Auckland) Angus Woods

The students aged between 15—18 were

(Brisbane)

Saurav

Bansal

(Auckland)

Brown

(Auckland)

(Wellington)

Eugenia

Tsao

Amay

(Auckland)

Sarah Lu (Auckland) The delegation has already begun their unique training programme in which they receive guidance on how to produce conference documents such as briefing papers, position papers and resolutions.

With a delegation-wide Harvard focus, each student is also preparing for Ivy League admissions office visits, lectures and on campus billeting with students sharing the same study interests as them.

NZ students to participate in World Science Conference in Israel

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ive of New Zealand’s science students participated in the WSCI2015 World Science Conference – Israel, a new scientific undertaking, which brought together leading scientific leaders of the present with promising young scientists of the future.

The five-year 13 students from Hamilton, Pukekohe, Wellington, Onehunga, Hamilton and New Plymouth were selected by the Royal Society of New Zealand.

An unprecedented festival of international science held from August 16 to 20 in Jerusalem saw 15 Nobel laureates and 400 young science geniuses from all over the world participating in the biggest scientific conference of its kind.

Israel hosted more than 400 young science masterminds in Jerusalem—the

Alex Kennedy, 17, of Hamilton Boys’ High School, has been selected to rub shoulders with Nobel Prize winners at the World Science Conference - Israel in August

Making teaching and learning easier

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odern, multi-purpose and transportable classrooms will soon be in use in many New Zealand schools. The Ministry of Education has awarded a contract to Interlink for the supply, construction and delivery of new style modular transportable classrooms.

This contract has the potential to deliver over $100 million worth of modern and moveable school buildings over the next 10 years. The contract will deliver at least 50 transportable classrooms each year, and more can be delivered if needed.

These new buildings will provide better teaching environments for the educators, and better learning spaces for the kids.

The transportable buildings are high quality. But they have the added advantage of being more adaptable and relocatable.

Schools can reconfigure the buildings to support a wide range of teaching activities.

They can double and triple the space to accommodate more students as required.

Under the contract, Interlink will work with schools to ensure the buildings

Artist’s impression, courtesy of Portacom Building Solutions | Opus International Consultants | Brewer Davidson. complement

the

school’s

individual

character. Schools can select the colour options and fixed furnishings that best meet their needs, and discuss the most suitable site location and orientation.

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Kiwis Lack Patience to Become Teachers Survey

10 young Kiwis chosen to represent NZ at Harvard Model UN en outstanding young New Zealanders have been chosen as part of the delegation to

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future generation of world scientists—from more than 70 countries worldwide and 15 Nobel laureates, for the first World Science Conference—Israel (WSCI-2015).

Initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel in collaboration with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Nobel Laureate Prof. Roger Kornberg, and the Ministry of Science & Technology, the WSCI brought young students from all around the world for an intensive oneweek program. During the conference, the participants had a chance to attend lectures, to interact, and to be inspired by Nobel Laureates of various fields, Wolf Prize & Fields Medal winners, as well as other leading scientists from around the world.

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iwis think the teaching profession is becoming tougher and the majority says they wouldn’t have the patience to do the job, according to new research.

A recent study which investigated how New Zealanders perceive the role of teachers in our society found most of us had concerns with how teachers were coping with the demands on them.

Eight out of ten (78%) of Kiwis surveyed said they believed the job of a teacher is harder than it was a decade ago, and that the career requirements whether in early education, primary or high school, have increased with time.

Many Kiwis (47%) acknowledge they wouldn’t have the patience to take on a teaching job themselves if the tables were turned, and are disappointed with the level of support teachers receive from the community.

The study also highlighted the significant influence teachers have on our lives as three-quarters (75%) of all Kiwis say outside of our family it is teachers who have the greatest impact.

Interestingly, along with educating children in all areas of the curriculum and guiding their social development, the new research shows teachers are also key in shaping the future of many students’ lives, with around four in 10 people (37%) saying a teacher inspired their career path.

The level of that influence may be growing, with nearly half of all young people (47%) aged 18-24 saying they have been influenced by a teacher in their chosen direction after leaving school.

A majority of 75% say we should be doing more for the people who take on the challenging role of caring for and educating Kiwi kids throughout their school years.

Capital’s Education Summit agrees pathway for growth

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eaders of Wellington City’s education, local government and business communities converged for the Education Summit to focus on expanding the Capital’s international student market.

Held at Te Papa on Wednesday 19 August, and hosted by Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, the Summit’s 90 attendees heard from a panel of the Capital’s top educationalists on the issues, opportunities and challenges in growing the number of international students.

The panel featured Grant Guilford, Vice Chancellor Victoria University, Steve Maharey, Vice Chancellor Massey University, Chris Gosling, CEO Whitireia and Weltec, Julia Davidson, Principal Wellington Girls College, and Charles Finny, Chair of Education New Zealand.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown presented on the city’s commitment to education at all levels and the economic growth initiatives currently undertaken by the Council.

“The Capital, and the Wellington City

Council, values education and today’s event underlined our commitment to growing our international student market in partnership with the education sector,” says Mayor Wade-Brown.

Key themes discussed by panellists included the importance of growing international students and primary and high school levels, business opportunities among foreign alumni contacts, better collateral material and marketing campaigns, career pathways and better public transport enabling affordable accommodation. A longer runway to enable direct flights from Asian hubs was universally backed by panellists.

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KIDS ZONE

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The Fox, the Cock, and the Dog

One moonlight night a Fox was prowling about a farmer's hen-coop, and saw a Cock roosting high up beyond his reach. Good news, good news! he cried.

Why, what is that? said the Cock.

King Lion has declared a universal truce. No beast may hurt a bird henceforth, but all shall dwell together in brotherly friendship.

Why, that is good news, said the Cock; and there I see someone coming, with whom we can share the good tidings. And so saying he craned his neck forward and looked afar off.

What is it you see? said the Fox. It is only my master's Dog that is coming towards us. What, going so soon? he continued, as the Fox began to turn away as soon as he had heard the news.

Will you not stop and congratulate the Dog on the reign of universal peace?

I would gladly do so, said the Fox, but I fear he may not have heard of King Lion's decree.

Cunning often outwits itself.

Send us stories, drawings, poems and other contributions by your little ones along with their photographs for this page.

E-mail us at editor@indianweekender.co.nz

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FEATURES

21 August 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

From the desk of Red

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Women who changed our world

This week, we take a look at three women who have influenced the lives of many around the world ¡¡Esha Chanda

Oprah Winfrey

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ne of the richest and most influential woman in the world, Oprah Winfrey reigns supreme in the media industry. A generous philanthropist and a media proprietor, Winfrey started off as a news anchor at the age of 19 for a local station.

She started hosting a personal talk show named AM Chicago in 1984, and a year later, due to the success of the show, it was renamed to The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Winfrey also appeared in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the novel The Color Purple. Her performance earned her a nomination at the Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress.

In 1998, she created Oprah’s Angel Network, a public charity formed. Some of the projects under the Angel Network included building more than 55 schools in 12 countries, and providing more than $1 million worth of school supplies to 18,000 impoverished South African children. The charity also helped in building and restoring eight communities across Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Texas after Hurricane Katrina and Rita.

The charity closed down in 2010.

Rosa Parks

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Amelia Earhart

frican American civil rights activist Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus ride in Alabama is considered to spark the

Montgomery Bus Boycott. The Montgomery City Code required bus drivers to provide separate accommodation for white and black passengers. When the front of the bus filled up, the bus driver would ask black passengers to give up their seat. Parks’ simple act of refusal landed her in prison and set off the civil rights movement.

The boycott of the municipal bus company that began on December 5, 1955, was a huge success, as an estimated 40,000 African American commuters opted to walk to work. The boycott continued for several months, and on November 13, 1956, the US Supreme Court declared the Montgomery City Code as unconstitutional.

Parks was awarded the Spingarn Medal—NAACP’s (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) highest award, the prestigious Luther King Jr award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. She passed away at the age of 92 in her apartment in Detroit, Michigan.

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10-minute flight at a Long Beach air show in 1920 transformed the life of young Amelia Earhart.

She knew she had to learn to fly. Earhart saved money doing odd jobs to take flying lessons. In 1922, she flew her plane—a second-hand Kinner Airster biplane nicknamed ‘The Canary’—to 14,000 feet and set a world record for female pilots. On May 15, 1923, she became the 16th woman to get the pilot’s license.

Earhart took her first solo Transatlantic flight in 1932 as she set off from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and landed at Culmore, Northern Ireland after 14 hours and 56 minutes of tackling icy conditions and mechanical problems. She also became the first person to fly solo from Honolulu to Oakland. Earhart, along with her navigator Fred Noonan, took off on July 2, 1937, and despite ideal weather reports, the pair faced overcast skies and rain showers.

The ITASCA sent regular transmissions to her, but Earhart couldn’t hear it. At 8:45 a.m., Earhart sent her last message, “We are running north and south.” Although a rescue mission was commenced immediately, the United States government called off the operation on July 19. The fascination around her disappearance continues even today.

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FEATURES

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ENTERTAINMENT

21 August 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Indian cinema needs freedom of expression: Manoj Bajpayee ¡¡Nivedita

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he need of the hour in Indian cinema as much as in India itself, is complete “freedom of expression”, says acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee.

The actor, who has been appreciated for his roles in films like Satya, Pinjar, Shool and Gangs of Wasseypur, has starred in an Independence Day special digital video titled Jai Hind.

He says people shouldn’t be ready to attack creative artistes every now and then.

“In Indian cinema, there is a censor board to interfere here and there, and then there are a number of people with their own interest.

They are ready to ban it (a film) or rip the theatres or burn posters.

“I feel there should be constitutional right of freedom of expression. Either you give cinema artistes complete freedom of expressing themselves or you

don’t have them in the society because in cinema, people can’t be open for attack all the time,” Manoj said in an interview.

He stressed that defending themselves against attacks is not something “we are trained to do”.

“We are trained to receive praises or criticism but we are not trained to defend ourselves against the political attack or the attack on the theatres. So, Indian cinema needs freedom of expression in its totality” said the 46-year-old.

In the wake of the bans – be if beef or porn – in the country, Manoj also said that decisions such as these curb the basic rights of freedom among citizens.

“We got independence from Britishers definitely, but we need to find independence mentally.

That is the question I have in mind. Are we free to talk, walk, eat or read?

These are the questions that citizens should ask themselves.

“Independence, for me, is the

freedom to walk the way I want to walk, freedom to eat, freedom to dress up the way I want to dress up and freedom of expression.

When these things will start happening, then I will think that we truly got Independence,” he said.

Manoj, who started his career with a television serial Swabhimaan and later went on to do small roles in films like Dastak and Bandit Queen, got his big break in the 1998 crime film Satya. He even won a National Film Award for his role as Bhiku Mhatre.

He again received a National Film Award for his role in the film Pinjar.

He was last seen in Tevar.

Asked about the reason behind doing a short film like Jai Hind, in which he stars with Raveena Tandon, Manoj said: “I committed to do a short film with Amit Sharma (Tevar director), but for some reason he could not manage to do it on the given

schedule. Then this one came to me and I found the script very apt for the moment.”

Kapil Sharma had never thought of doing movies

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ndia’s most loved TV show anchor Kapil Sharma is all set to debut on the big screen, but the stand-up comic says he had never thought he would get a chance to do movies.

“I had never thought of doing a movie. My aim was only to do stand-up comedy and I was doing it well,” said Kapil.

Anukalp, the writer of his show, has also written Kapil’s debut movie Kis Kisko Pyaar Karu. “He (Anukalp) had shown the script to AbbasMustan some time back and the belief Abbas-Mustan showed on casting me inspired me to do the movie,” Kapil said.

Kapil was too busy shooting for Comedy Nights when he signed the movie.

“I gave the mahurat shot for the movie after a night-long shoot of Comedy Nights. I didn’t sleep all night, but I don’t know how I got the energy,” he said.

Kapil, who made his entry in the entertainment industry through a comedy show, has been here for over eight years.

“TV has given me everything.

There was news that I had said that I hate how TV works. But the fact is that I had a slipped disc in February, and in TV, you have no option but to work.

“I had to produce the episode for the next telecast.

This is the thing about TV that I don’t like.

“I pulled off till June, spoke to my doctors and then decided to quit as I could not pull it further,” he said.

There were rumours that his popular TV show stopped as he had to go to US. “People feel I stopped the show for shows in the US but that’s not true.

The commitments were quite prior to all this. People had invested there as well, arenas were booked, tickets sold, so I had to do it.”

“But I will continue TV as it has given me a lot,” he added.

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karu also stars Arbaaz Khan, Manjari Phadnis, Amrita Puri, Simran Kaur Mundi, Elli Avram, Varun Sharma, Supriya Pathak and Johnny Lever’s daughter Jamie Lever. Directed by Abbas Mustan, the movie is set to release on September 25.

Irrfan Khan and Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani.

Iranian actress ‘touched’ by Irrfan’s hospitality

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ranian actress Golshifteh Farahani, who was on a visit to India for the preliminary work on a new film Song of Scorpions, says her co-star Irrfan Khan played the perfect host.

“I was really touched by everything Irrfan did for me,” Farahani said in a statement.

Song of Scorpions is a directorial

by Anup Singh of Qissa fame.

The film brought Farahani and Geneva-based Singh to India in early August.

Even though Irrfan had an

erratic schedule, he ensured that the guests have a good time and invited them over for dinner discussing anything and everything be it cinema or food or simply the details of their upcoming film, said a source.

Irrfan is currently filming an action-drama

film

Jazbaa,

directed by Sanjay Gupta.

It is also actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s come-back movie and features Shabana Azmi in a supporting role.

www.iwk.co.nz | 21 August 2015

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Auckland’s best vegetarian experience Coming Soon

OPENING ON RAKSHA BANDHAN AT

23 ERIC BAKER PLACE, PAPATOETOE, AUCKLAND

OPENING IN EARLY SEPTEMBER AT 905 DOMINION ROAD, AUCKLAND

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ENTERTAINMENT

Rajinikanth’s next film loosely based on real-life don

21 August 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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The trailer of Shaandaar received a roaring response on video-sharing site YouTube.

It introduces Shahid as Jagjinder Joginder and Alia as Alia, and their on screen romance is palpable with funny and quirky scenes. The film also features Sanjay Kapoor, Sanah Kapoor, Sushma Seth, Diljit Dosanj, Shibani Dandekar and Anjana Sukhani. The upcoming romantic comedy movie, which revolves around destination wedding is jointly produced by filmmakers Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane.

It is slated to hit the theatres on October 22.

all Indian Muslims. So in a way, we wanted to show that Indian Muslims also feel patriotic,” Saif said at a media interaction.

Saif plays Indian Army captain Daniyal Khan in the film which also stars Katrina Kaif. About his character, he said: “He is terminated from the army as he is accused of cowardice. He stays in Kashmir in a depressed state, having differences with his father and others.

Phantom, directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, is scheduled to release on August 28.

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Film like Manjhi can’t be watched on laptops: Nawazuddin

Srimanthudu collects Sholay never had poor opening: Rs.101.25 crore in Ramesh Sippy first week

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uperstar Rajinikanth’s next Tamil film is reportedly titled Kabali, and loosely based on the real life of a Chennai mafia don.

“In the film, Rajini sir plays a character called Kabaleeshwaran, and the title Kabali is derived from it.

The story is based on a don from Mylapore in Chennai,” a source from the film unit told reporters.

To be directed by Pa. Ranjith, the film is slated go on floors on September 17.

“The initial few minutes of the film will be set in Mylapore, and then the story will shift to Malaysia,” the source said.

Also starring Radhika Apte, Dhansikaa and Kalaiarasan, the film will have music by Santhosh Narayanan. It will be Rajinikanth’s 159th film.

I am totally burdenfree: Vikas Bahl on Shaandaar

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uperstar Mahesh Babu-starrer Srimanthudu has grossed Rs.101.25 crore in its first week worldwide, a statement said last week.

Eros International had released the Koratala Siva-directed Srimanthudu in over 2,000 screens worldwide.

“It’s a proud moment to associate with Mahesh Babu once again and Mythri Movie Makers for this family entertainer that has taken audiences by storm and reports across regions continue to be extremely encouraging.

“The Telugu industry holds great opportunity for us and we look forward to leverage its attractive film content to strengthen our operations in south,” Eros International managing director Sunil Lulla said in a statement.

Also starring Shruti Haasan, the film follows the life of a young multimillionaire who adopts a village.

The film also stars Jagapathi Babu, Rajendra Prasad and Harish Uthaman.

Want to show Indian Muslims are also patriotic: Saif

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ctor Saif Ali Khan says his character of an Indian Muslim in Phantom has a crucial undercurrent because they wanted to show that Indian Muslims also feel patriotic about their country.

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irector Vikas Bahl, who has directed Shahid Kapoor-Alia Bhatt starrer Shaandaar, says he has achieved so much acclaim with his last film Queen that he is completely burden-free this time. “... It’s my time to be irresponsible and have more fun because what I had to achieve has happened last year.

A good film has happened and it has got a lot of acclaim. So I actually feel no burden this time,” he said.

“I just feel it’s time to have fun, make lots of films, keep writing new ideas and enjoy yourself,” he added.

“We haven’t stressed much that he is an Indian Muslim, but according to me, it holds substantial importance as an undercurrent influence.

Kabir Khan, I and Sajid Nadiadwala are

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irector Ramesh Sippy denied reports that his blockbuster film Sholay had a lackluster collection at the box-office for the first two weeks.

He says that it got a blockbuster opening.

“There was tremendous eagerness among people for the film.

When the film hit the theatres, it had an outstanding opening and was ‘House Full’ everywhere and innumerable tickets were sold in black. It is a completely wrong to say that the film had poor opening,” said Sippy.

He was present at the National Centre for the Performing Arts to celebrate the completion of 40 years of Sholay.

Sippy, however, accepted that the film received disastrous reviews from critics.

“Yes, critics slammed the film.

The trade pundits were firm that this film can’t work and that it was a disaster.

“But the viewer loved it from day one. And the popularity increased over time when the dialogues came out,” he said.

Sholay, which saw Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan play friends Jai-Veeru, was about a retired police chief, Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar), who plots to bring down notorious bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) with the help of Jai and Veeru.

Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri essayed the love interests of Veeru and Jai in the film that was released on Independence Day in 1975.

The film held the record for the maximum number of weeks at the box-office before Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge broke its record.

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ctor Nawazuddin Siddiqui says watching a film like Manjhi - The Mountain Man on a small laptop doesn’t justify the purpose of watching a movie of that huge scale and depth.

Interacting with journalists during the film’s promotion, Nawazuddin was asked about business getting hit due to the film’s leak. “All I can say is that, a story and a film like this cannot be watched on a small laptop. A story where there is a mountain and a person is standing in front of it, the depth of such a visual can’t be seen on a small laptop screen. So it’s my sincere request to people who have already seen the film that they come to the theatres to watch it again,” he said.

“The pleasure can be felt only on the big screen. The film will make you cry and laugh and crack all your emotions and that’s why you should watch it on the big screen,” he said.

The full version of the film was leaked online a week back. Nawazuddin said Viacom 18, the film’s distributors, were handling all legal matters related to the incident.

Director Ketan Mehta echoed Nawazuddin’s views. The film, which also stars Radhika Apte, releases on August 21.

Jackie overwhelmed with emotional response to

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ctor Jackie Shroff says he has been receiving overwhelming response for his performance as a father to Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra’s characters in Brothers.

Asked about the over Rs.50 crore opening weekend for Brothers and the reactions he has received, Jackie told media persons: “I thank god. The industry has offered a lot of love and respect for this film. I’ve received a lot of phone calls and messages.

Tanuja told me that my performance had made her cry. Even Renuka Shahane complimented the film and my work.”

Brothers, directed by Karan Malhotra and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, has had a promising start at the box office.

Jackie will next be seen in the educational drama Chalk N Duster with Shabana Azmi and Juhi Chawla, and suspense thriller Chehere alongside Manisha Koirala and Gulshan Grover.

www.iwk.co.nz | 21 August 2015

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Southern Institute of Technology Auckland Campus Level 10, 238 Queen Street, Auckland

Courses available under the FREE FEES Campaign •

National Certificate in Project Management (Level 4)

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National Diploma in Project Management (Level 5)

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National Diploma in Business (Level 5)

Intake starting 21 September

This offer is valid in 2015 only This FREE FEES Campaign applies to all New Zealand citizens, New Zealand residents/permanent residents and Australian citizens residing in New Zealand.

NO tuition fees NO material costs NO admin charges Limited places ENROL NOW!

SIT programmes are NZQA approved and recognised worldwide.

*Direct material costs apply

0800 4 0 FEES www.sit.ac.nz

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FEATURES

21 August 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

A melodious journey M ¡¡Maya Shivam

esmerised by the charisma of Vidya’s golden voice, we were drawn to featuring her interview as Auckland prepares for a melodious journey called Khamoshiyan Gungunane Lagi.

Vidya Teke, an artist par excellence runs the Arohi Academi of Music in Auckland that specialises in imparting education in music to all ages and skill levels. Vidya takes pride in the personal attention she is able to give each of her students.

As she prepares to lead a team of talented men and women in a special dedication to the legend and her inspiration–Lata Mangeshkar, Indian Weekender is proud to feature her as our Face of the Week. Here is a snippet of our conversation with her :

Tell us about your journey of music My musical journey began when I started understanding my father’s soulful singing, which moved me. He was a teacher of literature, by profession.

Although I have a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry as well as a Bachelor of Education, music has been my first love. I got the gift of the essence of music from my beloved father, and this has always been the source of my inner strength. I learnt music from my father until my marriage, and from different maestros in Pune after marriage. I studied with Kerkar Sir, Nehaji Deshpande (disciple of Veenaji Sahasrabuddhe) and Bhaktiji for five years. Bhaktiji is an accomplished teacher and

Vidya Teke

renowned singer of Hindustani Classical Music from the Gwalior gharana. She is the daughter of renowned singer parents from the Gwalior gharana. I still take her valuable guidance.

I keep learning so it’s difficult to single out a “best performance”.

The goal is that every performance should be my best so I always try to give my best in every performance.

How did you your passion?

What has been the dream stage performance for you so far?

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Listening, learning and singing classical music is my passion.

As a child and a young student I attended live concerts of renowned maestros such as Ram Marathe, Madhuvanti Dandekar, Jitendra Abhisheki, and Arati Ankalikar. The quality of divinity in their singing inspired me and drove me to discover the Bhav of that Divinity. This pursuit of that rare Divinity of the Maestros is my mission in my musical practice.

Which has been your best performance to date?

I have given many stage performances and won around 50 competitions in India. I won the Tak dhi na dhin trophy on Doordarshan Mumbai. I was in Marathi Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Zee TV. I did Live Antakshary with Annu Kapoor at Pune SSPMS ground. In Auckland I won the Kaun Banega Superstar trophy organised by Dreamz Productions and I was a judge for Tarana Idol for two years. I have performed with Amit Kumar, Bankim Pathak and Raju Srivastav. At all times

When I performed in a social programme Ae mere vatan ke logo and Lalkrishna Advaniji who was the Chief Guest singled me out for special appreciation.

That was very inspiring for me.

What inspired you to start an institute for music?

Music is an important part of life and can provide fulfilment in a person’s life. The pure tones of music are cleansing for the mind, body, and spirit. I felt that I had something to offer to those who are passionate about music, for example, youth who want to develop and explore their talent, women of all ages who want to pursue their passion for music and keep learning and developing that interest. Anybody who can talk and has a passion for music can sing.

So the academy is open to young people and women of all ages, who are interested in different types of singing: karaoke, light classical, semi-classical or Bollywood. My Music Academy, Aarohi Academy of Music is run on the principles

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I have outlined. For me, music is worship, and I practise it in the spirit of an offering and service to God. Tell us more about Khamoshiyaan Gungunane Lagi In my musical journey, my husband Shekhar Teke has always supported me to keep my passion alive and is my pillar.

He has formatted the concept of Khamoshiyaan Gungunane Lagi.

He knows my passion for Lataji’s songs which I inherited from my late father. This concept is closest to my heart and this concert is a tribute to the Legendary Lata Mangeshkar.

Every Indian has lived with her songs from childhood. Last year we did Part I of the same programme with an overwhelming response from the audience.

There isn’t enough time to perform all of Lataji’s evergreen, immortal songs in one concert, so we return this year with more evergreen songs of Lata Mangeshkar, on 12 September 2015.

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family and friends who support me all the time, my students who work hard and my gurus for giving me knowledge. I am grateful to all of them and I will continue to try my best always. Many thanks, Indian Weekender, for the opportunity to share my feelings.

We wish Vidya the best for the future and look forward to the upcoming musical extravaganza .

How do you feel about pursuing your dream and passion and being successful at it?

Success comes from effort and gratitude. I am grateful for the effort of my

International Students Support Seminar

CAB workshop on Legal Education CAB Workshop on Successful Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2015 Job Seeking

CAB Workshop on Rest Home Subsidies

The rhy of rain

Date: Saturday, 22 August 2015 Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Venue: Mission Height School, 103 Jeffs Road, Flat Bush, Manukau, Auckland.

Life’s Int. Charitable Trust is organising a support seminar for international students. It is an open forum for all international students to come and share their experiences, issue and concerns with Government representatives directly.

For more details, email: info@lictnz.org

Date: Tuesday, 25 August 2015 Time: 2 pm to 3 pm Venue: Ratu Room, Manaia PHO, 28-30 Rust Avenue, Whangarei CAB Whangarei will hold a free workshop on Rest Home Subsidies and International Pension Portability. You will get to know the criteria to avail rest home subsidies and how the international pension portability works in New Zealand.

Presenter: The speakers are from Ministry of Social Development Helen Cobb on subsidies and Lyn Pairama on pension portability. Afternoon tea will be provided.

For more information please call Moea Armstrong at 09 4388046 or email her at cab.whngr@xtra.co.nz

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Time: 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Venue: Taranaki Community Law Service Meeting Room, Level 1, Vero Building, 10 Devon Street East CAB New Plymouth will hold a free workshop on Legal Education. They will cover:Legal system – how it works in New Zealand, Care of Children Act, Court Preparation, Minimum Entitlements, Consumer Guarantees, Credit Contract. Thw orkshop will be presented by Angela Solomons of Taranaki Community Law. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information please call 06 759 1492 or email at mctnz@xtra.co.nz

Date: Friday 4 September & Saturday 5 September 2015 Time: 7 p.m. onwards Venue: The Auckland Performing Arts Centre, 100 Motions Rd, Western Springs, Auckland.

Artham Dance Company & Agaram Productions presentA rhy of rain, an Indian classical fusion exploring the unsung, eternal love between the sun and the water.

The mystical science of earth’s water cycle – the neverending, wondrous saga of condensation and evaporation.

Featured in the 5 day long Short and Sweet Dance festival, the act is choreographed by Bhuvana Venkat and is directed by Creative Director Padma Akula.

Date: Friday, 11 September 2015 Time: 10am to 12pm Venue: Waikato Migrant Resource Centre, 46 G Boundary Rd, Claudelands, Hamilton CAB Hamilton will hold a free workshop on Successful Job Seeking. Topics to be covered are: How Networking works in New Zealand, The hidden job market, English for workplace conversations. The workshop will be presented

by English Language Partners Waikato. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP: Please confirm your place by Monday, 7 September by phoning CAB office on (07) 839 0808 or Email at hamilton@cab.org.nz

Maisuria Samaj NZ General Meeting

Date: Saturday 24 October 2015 Time: 6 p.m. onwards Venue: New Lynn Community Centre Totara Ave, New Lynn Auckland.

Maisuria Samaj of New Zealand is organising its first General Meeting .All Maisuria Families are invited to attend. PLEASE NOTE DATES HAVE CHANGED FROM 15th August to 24th October 2015.

www.iwk.co.nz | 21 August 2015

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