Indian Weekender 21 October 2016

21OCT2016

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Vol. 8 • Issue 31

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NZ keen to discuss FTA, NSG with India: PM John Key Sandeep Singh

Prime Minister John Key was recently at the Indian Weekender’s office to discuss his upcoming visit to India next week. Since this visit is happening after 5 long years and there are huge expectations from both sides, along with the Kiwi-Indian community in New Zealand, to make this visit successful, we used this opportunity to discuss in detail with the Prime Minister about his plans during the visits. Here are the excerpts from the exclusive interview.

IWK: Prime Minister, thanks for joining us this morning. We are here to discuss your upcoming visit to India. Can you please tell us when are you going to India?

IWK: Why did it take you five years to visit India the second time, whereas you have visited China at least five times in the last eight years?

PM: Actually it is six times to China. This is partly because....with China there is an FTA which requires constant engagement between both the sides. In India, there was a change of government that made it a little bit difficult to plan a visit. The earlier Manmohan Singh government was in a difficult situation, and then Prime Minister Modi came in. He has plans to do so much. It is all about timing those events to get the maximum benefits.

PM: We are going on October 24 and coming back on October 28. We are going to visit both Mumbai and New Delhi, as they are the financial and political centres of India. We are taking a huge business delegation with us and are planning to discuss on a huge range of issues with India with our relationship growing from strength to strength in the recent years.

IWK: Which cities are you planning to travel in India?

IWK: What are your top three agendas for this India visit?

PM: Three in total, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kochi. Our Kochi visit is primarily because one of our New Zealand companies is engaged in infrastructure development [at] the Kochi airport. We want to review that and if possible, promote how New Zealand companies can assist in construction and development work in India.

PM: First is trade...no questions about that.

It is very important for us. Second is building awareness [about] New Zealand and the potential we have here. There are a lot of businesses and services that we have here in New Zealand that [the] Indian population is not aware of. For instance Bollywood, which is huge in India, and we make Bollywood movies in New Zealand. We have world-class post-production facilities. Third is deepening political level relationship between the two countries.

IWK: How important is the relationship with India, for you?

PM: Over the time, very important. India is one of the prominent population bases of the world. China is another such population base. India’s population demography is very similar to that of China—over a billion people, relatively young, and rapidly growing. When we look at the bilateral trade with China then it is around $20 billion, whereas right now bilateral

trade with India is around $2 billion. So there is a tremendous opportunity on both sides—for Indian businesses to sell their products in New Zealand, and for New Zealand to sell their goods and services in India.

IWK: According to you what are the three key sticking points for the conclusion of FTA? PM: Agriculture is always number one...and it’s partly because the structure of agriculture

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21 October 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

sector in India typifies more of a developing economy with small animal and land holdings, which creates a lot of political pressure from a huge number of people creating fear that countries with sophisticated farming like New Zealand might put them out of business. But the reality is that we do not have the products, capability or the desire to do that. We want to work collaboratively with our friends in India.

Movement of people is always an issue; how many people can come and work in each other’s market has always been an issue. Services would be the third point...India has many centres like Bangalore engaged in production of low cost and high quality software related services.

to sign the NPT. Both Indians and Americans say that this is achievable.

We want to sit with other like-minded countries and see where it goes.

IWK: Your government is widely seen to be more willing than any previous New Zealand government to accommodate India’s claim on NSG membership. How far is this correct?

PM: Yes, I think we are getting opportunity to do that. Bollywood star Sidharth Malhotra is New Zealand’s ambassador for tourism (in India). He is doing a lot of promotion of New Zealand tourism. A lot more Indians are coming to New Zealand these days and one thing about the Indian tourists that is not very well known here in New Zealand, is that Indians are amazingly adventurous.

If you go down to Queenstown you will note that a lot of Indians go for adventure sports like sky diving, and bungee jumping. Indians are very brave.

PM: Well, certainly there is a degree of truth to it as we are trying to work constructively with India, the US and other like-minded countries to allow India to get into the nuclear supplier group. The fundamental principle is that India needs to produce lot of energy in immediate future and it needs nuclear energy for that.

Else, there is a substantial chance of reducing the greenhouse gases and that is what America is concerned [about], particularly President Obama. There are a variety of reasons, why India does not want to sign the nuclear proliferation treaty.

The question is whether can we find pathways to allow India to become a member of the group without having

IWK: Have you prepared any road-map to offer to India for getting New Zealand’s support?

PM: Yes, we have sat down with both Indians and the Americans to work out what is achievable for India to become a member of the group.

A lot will depend upon how the negotiations proceed.

IWK: Coming back to engagement with Bollywood, are you planning to engage with Bollywood in a way similar to you have earlier engaged with Hollywood?

IWK: We will take it as a complement!

PM: Yes, it is.

IWK: Is New Zealand under the grips of anti-immigration sentiments?

PM: No, I don’t think so. The reality is that we have very strong levels of

migration, which is a good thing. To put it in a perspective, we have placed a soft cap at 100,000 and following our review, we might have overblown the cap. So we are trying to bring it down by 5,000. My personal view is that New Zealand is very much open to immigration and investments, so no change there at all. We just need to be able to keep up the pace for infrastructure, housing, and other demands. I think that the Indian community in New Zealand will also not like a situation where their own kids are overrun or get disadvantaged at school. So, this is not a major change.

IWK: What do you have to say about the Indian student deportation issue the Indian community in New Zealand is so concerned about? Do you think these issues could be sending a counter message around the world, and especially to India, which is one of our major sources of international students and immigrants? How do you plan to counter that image?

PM: There has been a bit of a concern that some of the agents back in India have preyed upon people who obviously have limited information about New Zealand, and therefore, are often promised almost the world, which is often difficult to deliver. What I can assure you is that the numbers of students that are being sent back, is very low, far lower than the Chinese students. I can also assure you that all the students have been able to go through a review process. But my understanding is that not everyone will be able to get through it.

PM’s India visit: Nation yearns an early FTA Sandeep Singh

I

t is certain that a free-trade agreement (FTA) will be on New Zealand’s topmost agenda when Prime Minister John Key visits India on a five-day state visit next week.

PM Key has long been looking to sign an FTA with India and is willing to put lot of emotional capital towards the felicitation of this deal between the two countries.

Earlier this year when Indian President Pranab Mukharjee arrived in New Zealand on a three-day state visit, Key has used the opportunity to push for an FTA. It is clear that the Prime Minister will yet again push for the deal when he meets his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in the coming week.

Highlighting the opportunities that the country can benefit from forging stronger trade ties with India, Key said, “India, like China, is among the prominent population bases of the world. India’s population demography is very similar to that of China—over a billion people, relatively young, and rapidly growing.

Our two-way bilateral trade with China is around $20 billion whereas with India it is $2 billion. So you can see the kind of opportunities that lie there.”

It is significant to note that New Zealand had made India the subject of its first “NZ Inc” strategy in 2011.

The NZ Inc strategies are part of the government’s plan to strengthen

the country’s economic, political and security relationships with some of its key international partners.

These strategies set ambitious fiveyear goals and actions required to achieve them.

The NZ Inc India strategy had set the ambitious goal of growing merchandise exports to at least $2 billion by 2015 and services trade with India by an average of 20% per year. Although the two-way trade between two countries has grown by 41% to $2.4 billion, it is still short of the initial target set in the NZ Inc India strategy.

There is an understandable uneasiness among some quarters within the New Zealand bureaucracy, businesses, media and other stakeholders over the perceived delay in signing of the FTA. The Prime Minister himself knows the time required in carrying out such negotiations, and he has rightly cautioned everyone to restrain their expectations on the signing of the deal.

“Such talks take a lot of time, lot more than what people think,” he said.

Yet, it is in everyone’s best interest that the stakeholders on the Indian side acknowledge this uneasiness in some sections in New Zealand.

New Zealand is essentially a trading nation, and like every other trading nation in the world, its overall

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And the current establishment in New Delhi is keen on both, geopolitics and geo-economics.

Keeping in mind India’s rising geopolitical ambitions around the world and especially in the Asia-Pacific region, it seems that New Zealand’s geo-economic value has been undersold to those who matter in New Delhi.

Consequently, a repositioning of New Zealand in India as a “trading partner in the Asia-Pacific” with a relative free-flow of goods, services and people between them could move mountains towards effectuating an FTA.

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It is prudent to conclude with Andre Gide’s quote that “one does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time”.

India needs to re-evaluate New Zealand’s geo-economic value for its geopolitical ambitions.

New Zealand offers India that opportunity in geoeconomics that can complement its geopolitical ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region. political relationship with other countries in the world is determined by the efficacy of doing mutual trade.

India will be well served to see New Zealand as an essential trading state of the Asia-Pacific region—a region where a geopolitical shift of power is taking place in global politics, a region to which India earnestly wants to belong.

New Zealand offers India the opportunity in geo-economics that can complement its geopolitical ambitions in the AsiaPacific region.

“Prime Minister John Key, bring Modi to New Zealand”

P

rime Minister John Key has set a unique trend this year—to successfully invite prime ministers of the countries he visits. The trend is that incoming prime ministers have visited back to New Zealand within months in the same year. Earlier this year Key visited Sri Lanka and Fiji and very recently we received prime ministers of these countries.

If this is a trend and Key applies his own personal charisma to elicit a return visit from foreign leaders, then should we expect an early visit from the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

One thing that Narendra Modi does well is driving passion, and a visit to New Zealand might bring in the much elusive ‘emotions’ in NZ-India bilateral relations. Key has assured Indian Weekender that he will definitely be inviting Prime Minister Modi.

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Diasporas—an underutilised resource in NZ-India bilateral relations Sandeep Singh

D

iaspora plays an important role in transforming bilateral relations by changing the attitudes and perceptions of the decision makers between two countries that have limited contact and hostile attitudes.

Fortunately, NZ-India relations do not face any such challenges.

In a reflection of the changed world that we are living in presently, where India has become more proactively engaged with the wider international community and New Zealand has become more active on trade and global governance, the political elites of both the countries meet very often around the world.

The relationship between the political elites of the two countries has never been better and there is a shared sense of mutual fondness and warmth. India has made considerable progress post the deregulation of its economy and New Zealand has acknowledged it by making India its first destination of NZ-Inc strategy in 2011, thereby targeting the country as its core trading partner as well as a close political ally.

However, this relationship has not taken off on the expected lines given the mutual fondness at people-topeople and political leadership level.

There is something ‘critical’ missing from this relationship, thus

preventing it from reaching the ‘ignition point’ for a safe take-off.

Unfortunately, many experts are trying to find that ‘critical’ element in trade that can propel the relationship to the next level.

Our assessment suggests that diaspora, and not trade, would be that critical element that has the potential to transform this relationship to the next level.

To be sure trade would definitely follow and at a level expected from a trading state like New Zealand. But diaspora will have to be utilised more effectively to bring that change.

This is not to suggest that there is no recognition at the political level about the possible role the Indian diaspora in New Zealand can play in transforming this bilateral relationship.

Prime Minister John Key, in an exclusive interview with the Indian Weekender, acknowledged the significance of this strong element in New Zealand and its role in facilitating the political and economic links between the two countries.

“It is a big opportunity for us to advance this relationship by using the Indian diaspora that lives here in New Zealand,” said Key. Despite this recognition, it is argued here that the Indian diaspora is an underutilised resource in the NZIndia bilateral relationship.

A clear example—and a wellargued case by the Indian Weekender in the recent past—is New Zealand’s non-matching pace with other English speaking countries of the global west like Australia, Canada, and the US, in appointing Indianorigin diplomats as the head of their respective missions in India.

For the uninitiated, there is already an emergent trend of Indian-origin western diplomat as the head of mission in New Delhi. Recently, Australia became the third western country after the United States and Canada to send an Indian origin diplomat to represent their respective governments in New Delhi. But where is New Zealand?

Diasporas, when used effectively, have the capability to make an effective ideational impact on the decision makers, which goes a long

way in altering the ‘perceptions’ that hold back the significant political and economic relationships from forming. In NZ-India relationship, “perceptions” are a big factor that is holding back the relationship.

Case in point, India perceives NZ as a small business opportunity for its own businesses to risk opening its highly protected agricultural sector.

New Zealand on the other hand “perceives” India to be too arrogant and busy in its own bustling universe to pay enough attention to what the country has to offer.

Unfortunately, such perceptions are coagulated at the bureaucratic and track-two level diplomacies in both the countries. Let it be clear, this statement is not to undermine individual efforts of lead trade negotiators and senior bureaucrats on both sides who invest significant

emotional energy to advance this relationship.

It is just to reiterate an important characteristic of the institution of the bureaucracy itself, which, by default, becomes trussed with overlapping layers of ‘perceptions’, thus affecting the possible growth in any bilateral relationship.

Devesh Kapur, the director of Centre for Advanced Studies of India and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania—a renowned scholar on the role of Indian diaspora in transforming Indo-US relations, argues that, “any diaspora’s ideational impact depends on its size, socio-economic characteristics, and its access to points in the power structure in the country of origin”.

The role of the Indian diaspora— in transforming the US attitudes towards India’s nuclear ambitions, its non-proliferation track record and eventually in effectuating the IndoUS nuclear deal in 2005—is widely recognised in international politics.

Similarly, Harold Isaacs, noted American journalist and political scientist, had commented that perceptions are particularly important in any foreign policy relationship where there is littleshared history, and “neither high politics nor high emotion.”

The current state of the NZ-India relationship is devoid of any “high politics or high emotion” and thus can be turned around effectively by robust application of diasporas as a resource in the bilateral relationship.

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SOUTH LINE Multicultural nature of modern NZ comes into focus at Diwali event A

News-in-brief from South Island

First-ever Selwyn’s CultureFest celebrates

South Island’s growing diversity

Known for its international students till now—many from India— the district has seen rapid growth in recent years due to the Christchurch rebuild

Gaurav Sharma

colourful Diwali event was organised by the Christchurch Fiji Association or CFCESSA, and was attended by more than 300 people. Divulging more about the event, Jagat Singh, president of CFCESSA, said, “We have been organising Diwali events for the past 14 years. Earlier we used to get some funding but not anymore.

Now the community gets together and organises the event. Hopefully, the city council will start helping us again. If it happens, maybe we will be able to organise the event on a much bigger scale next year.”

Meanwhile, the highlight of the event was participants from the Westport-based Buller High School who drove five hours to perform on the occasion. Vinesh Prakash, secretary of CFCESSA, added, “It was the second time that the students, a majority of whom are Kiwis from Westport, became part of Fiji’s Diwali. There were some Chinese and African participants as well who were part of Fiji’s Jalsa Hip Hop Group. This is a living proof of the multicultural nature of the new New Zealand.”

Gaurav Sharma

O

rganised by the Selwyn District Council (SDC) and supported by the Lincoln Rotary Club, and Christchurch Multicultural Council, CultureFest 2016 was attended by over 8,000 people on October 15.

Students from Westport’s Buller High School perform at the event

The highlight of the event was participants from the Westport-based Buller High School who drove five hours to perform at the celebration.

Meanwhile, Singh, in his message to the gathering, traced the Fiji connection to India. “We are from the Fiji Islands—a multiracial and multicultural country. Yet, each one

of us, thousands of miles away from our mother country India, from where our ancestors came, have maintained our own identity by preserving and fostering our language, culture, traditions and religion.”

He ended his speech by explaining the modern context of Diwali.

“In modern times, Diwali is also a reminder of the demise of Swami Dayanand who was poisoned on this very day in 1883, as per the Hindu calendar. This was probably in retaliation to Swami’s work of fighting against superstitious beliefs and unnecessary customs. So whether you look at Lord Rama’s life or Swami’s work, Diwali’s spiritual message is to drive out the evil within us and light the lamp of knowledge.”

Traction engines traced the growth of NZ’s

Dave Tippett, SDC’s Senior economic history over the last century Events and Recreation advisor, said, “Preparations for the event began in March. Though the idea was initiated as part of the council’s multicultural strategy unveiled last year, the event today has built on the success of the Lincoln MultiCultural Festival. We had over 20 cultural performances including those from Russia, Italy, Greece, Poland, India and China, which were well-complimented by food stalls from around the world. The CultureFest is part of Rolleston’s 150th anniversary celebrations–led by councillor Jeff Bland, which featured displays of traction engines, vintage cars, military equipment, fire engines, and sheep shearing.”

Antique guns were on display too

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Nepalese community Investment, bigger quota celebrates Dashain high on Fiji PM’s list Gaurav Sharma

IWK Bureau

G

iving a moral compass to the festive season, the Nepalese community in Christchurch got together recently to celebrate one of the biggest festivals in the Nepalese Hindu calendar—Dashain, or Vijaydashami or Dussehra. The festival is being celebrated in the Nepalese community celebrating Dussehra in Christchurch Indian sub-continent for ages as noted in their speeches the love for mountains a symbol of victory of truth and justice over that Nepalese and Kiwis share. evil. Two events were organised separately by Bishnu Pokhrel, President of CNS said, the Nepal New Zealand Friendship Society of “Dussehra is the most important event in the Canterbury (NNZFSC) and the Canterbury Nepalese Hindu calendar and we are very Nepalese Society (CNS). proud to be able to share our culture and tradition with the wider community. That’s why, to make it more appealing to everyone, we also “Dussehra is the most important had more than 10 performances as well as few event in the Nepalese Hindu comedy acts as part of the celebrations today.”

calendar and we are very proud to be able to share our culture and tradition with the wider community.”

NNZFSC’s function, which is an annual event, was a daylong fiesta with hundreds of Nepalese participating in various cultural and fun filled events at Arunai Community Centre.

There were games such as dice, ring games, kite-flying competition, followed by cultural performances and authentic Nepalese cuisine.

Meanwhile, the CNS’ function was supported by over 350 people. The chief guests at the function were minister Nicky Wagner and Labour MP Megan Woods, who both

Patric O’ Connor, Director, Pasifica Education and Employment Training Organisation—a city-based multicultural learning centre—while addressing the gathering noted the camaraderie that Nepalese people and Kiwis share, which started in 1953 when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay summited Sagarmatha (or Mt Everest as it is known outside Nepal).

He said, “Nepal is a country that prospered with the blessing of the great Himalayas.

And lots of my Nepalese friends miss their mountains when they move to New Zealand.

To them I have this to say—I know you left Sagarmatha behind. But here we have Aoraki (Mount Cook), which belongs to you as much as it belongs to us Kiwis.”

A

n increase in the quota of Fijian seasonal workers to come to New Zealand will be a key point of discussion between the leaders of the two countries when they meet for formal discussions in Auckland this weekend.

Also likely to be on the agenda is Fijian PM’s call for greater New Zealand investment in Fiji.

Fiji’s Voreqe Bainimarama arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday, October 19, on his first official visit since becoming a democratically elected leader of the island nation in 2014.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, and Bainimarama will be holding talks at Government House in Auckland after the formal welcoming ceremony on Saturday, October 22 before going to Eden Park to watch the Bledisloe Cup match between the All Blacks and Wallabies together.

In December 2014 an agreement was reached for Fiji to re-enter the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme and permission was given for 30 to come to New Zealand.

Bainimarama is expected to want an increase in the quota.

“Certainly, if he raises it we will be having a discussion,” Key told reporters this week.

“There is a demand for them and they are good workers.”

Shane Jones, New Zealand’s Pacific Ambassador for Economic Development, will host Bainimarama for much of the day.

The pair will be speaking at an investment symposium in Auckland. The Pacific trade and development deal, Pacer Plus, is also likely to be the agenda of talks with New Zealand Foreign

Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama

Minister Murray McCully today (Friday) and Key on Saturday.

“Anything that creates [fisheries] industry jobs in that part of the Pacific deserves our support. There is unfinished business in relation to Pacer Plus,” Jones said.

Key paid his first official visit to Fiji in June this year, always maintaining that New Zealand was committed to continued positive development of their relationship with Fiji.

Diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Fiji have been strained by the 2006 coup that brought Bainimarama to power, but they’ve thawed since democratic elections were held in 2014.

Bainimarama will participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and attend a Fijian sports programme on Saturday morning.

On Sunday, he will attend a church service in Auckland and return home on Monday.

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Eyeing on by-elections: Fun, food and frolic at Nationals gear up in Mt Roskill

BSCT’s Diwali festivities

Education Minister addressing the attendees at the public meeting hosted by MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar (right)

Swati Sharma

Rizwan Mohammad

N

ational MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar is actively facilitating dialogues between the government representatives and the community, addressing various issues and concerns over the last few weeks. Earlier in September, she arranged a public meeting with finance minister Bill English in Hillsborough that also witnessed a protest by international students served with the deportation notice.

Hon. Hekia Parata, minister of education, addressed the public meeting alongside Dr Parmar at Baptist Church in Mt Roskill on October 17. The key issues discussed at the meeting were home-based early childhood education services, funding for schools and digital learning meeting the global demand for advanced education.

Parata reiterated the fact that there have been no cuts in funding towards education for Mt Roskill. She further added, “Every school in Mt Roskill has a set portion of target funding based on the number of young pupils on its roll who come from long term benefit dependent funds.”

every school in Mt Roskill has a set portion of target funding based on the number of young pupil on their roll who come from long term benefit dependent funds The National-led government announced an additional $1.44 billion funding in the 2016 budget for the education sector for the next five years.

Parata announced her retirement from politics on October 19 as she withdrew from standing in the 2017 election. She was elected to the Parliament in 2008 and has held the education minister’s position since 2011.

Dr Parmar, on Ocotber 19, was announced the candidate for the Mt Roskill by-election scheduled on December 3 this year. Along with her the seat will be contested by Labour candidate Michael Wood and newly formed New Zealand People’s Party’s candidate Roshan Nauhria.

M

embers of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust (BSCT) celebrated Diwali , one of the biggest festivals celebrated in India and by Indians across the globe, on October 15 at Fickling Convention Center, Three Kings.

Members and guest were dressed in their traditional best to revel in the festivities.

They indulged in a number of activities including fun games, henna applying and nail painting that were organised for the gathering. Music and dance brought out the festive mood among the revellers who were celebrating the Diwali celebrations far from their homeland. The traditional sweets or

Above: BSCT Chairperson Jeet Suchdev (left) with Jessica Phuang from NZ police; Top and inset: BSCT memebers having fun at the event

mithai added to the fervour, with the fun-filled celebration coming to an end with a sumptuous meal and lots of cherished memories.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 21 October 2016

Free meditation and self-development workshop to be held in Auckland Swati Sharma

T

he fast-forward life of the 21st century leaves a little scope for individuals to take out dedicated time for themselves where they can forget all the worries of the life and be happy.

With an aim to provide the members of the community an opportunity to enjoy their life to the fullest, Art of Happiest Living—a not for profit organisation—is holding a sevenday meditation and self-development course in Auckland.

Art of Happiest Living is a global charitable organisation, which has its headquarters in New York, US and has various centres around the globe including in Canada, Australia, and India. This is the first time the organisation is holding a workshop in New Zealand. The ‘Extra Plus’ course is being hosted in Auckland that is designed to invigorate individuals with energy and practical wisdom of dealing with challenging dynamics of the modern era.

The organisation offers various self-development courses that empower individuals to lead a prosperous and fulfilled life. All the courses are offered free of cost to the public. Millions of people have benefitted from the courses. These courses are not aligned to any caste, religion, ethnicity or gender. The Extra Plus course will focus on practical rather than theoretical techniques to guide people to lead a prosperous life that is free from ailments, stress, and drugs/medicines, in a bid to increase, reserve and properly utilise their energy for personal wellbeing and that of the others.

The seven-day workshop covers various aspects that play a vital role in our everyday life, including—mediation, exercise, breathing, food, yoga, music, and dance.

Results to expect out of this workshop: »» Creating a stress-free and healthy life »» Cultivating a sense of profound peace

A community initiative in food waste management

A

food waste management event organised on October 17 by the women’s wing of Aggarwal Association at the Bhartiya Mandir, was well received among the enthusiastic community members.

The chairperson of Women’s Wing Aggarwal Association, Sudesh (Hema) Mittal, who was the lead organiser of the event, is very passionate about food waste management. She expressed her thanks to all the participants and made herself available for any help or tips on food waste management.

»» Increasing positive energy leading to greater productivity »» Nurturing deeper mutual understanding in your marital relationship »» Building greater physical and emotional strength »» Improving intellectual capacity and enhancing memory »» Learning to love yourself This course is absolutely free and will be held from November 7-13 in Papatoetoe. The workshop is open to everyone above the age of 18 years.

To join this courses, you just need to register yourself by calling the numbers given below or can also register online through the website.

What: Extra Plus course When: November 7-13 Where: Kiwi Indian Community Trust 141 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe.

How: Call 0204400024 or 02040081234 or visit www.theartofhappiestliving.com to register online

Members of community attended the food waste management event held in Auckland last week

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi List MP based in Manukau East Dr Parmjeet Parmar MP List MP based in Mt Roskill

Happy Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

Dr Parmjeet Parmar

1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland Tel 09 278 9302 | Fax 09 278 2143 www.bakshi.co.nz Email Bakshi.mp@parliament.govt.nz

1/165 Stoddard Road, Mount Roskill Tel 09 620 6707 Email Parmjeet.Parmar@Parliament.govt.nz facebook.com/DrParmjeetParmarMP

facebook.com/Bakshiks @bakshiks

Authorised by Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe

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NEW ZEALAND

21 October 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Kiwi Indian youth makes history

Community incensed over protest at the Auckland Diwali Festival

IWK Bureau

A

t a young age of 22, Shail Kaushal has achieved a lot of firsts—he has not only become the first India-born to be elected in a local government election in Auckland (this happened last month), but has also become the first immigrant to be elected from Mt Roskill. Not to forget he is also one of the youngest elected members in this year’s elections.

In 2013, Shail had contested his first election as a teenaged candidate and this year, and after winning the polls he added the fifth seat first time for his team.

Shail is already well known as the youngest chairperson in the country heading a large electorate committee in Mt Roskill for the Labour party. With his family roots in Punjab and Himachal in India, Shail is the son of Labour party representative and community leader Sunny Kaushal. At the age of 16, he was selected as the Youth Member of Parliament.

At 19, he was the youngest candidate to contest the local government election from Mt Roskill and received the highest ever votes among the candidates born overseas. The following year, he was the campaign secretary for Phil Goff’s campaign for MP in the 2014 general election.

Shail became the talk of the country in 2015 when he was selected not only to represent New Zealand overseas but also elected to lead a multilateral and multinational delegation comprising countries like Australia and Korea as their leader at the Future Leaders from AsiaPacific program in Taiwan.

In 2016, he was also the youngest member of Phil Goff’s winning mayoral campaign

Sandeep Singh

A With his proud family roots from Punjab and Himachal in India, Shail is the son of Labour party representative and community leader Sunny Kaushal. committee electing Phil Goff as the mayor of the super city with a landslide victory.

Shail holds two degrees from the University of Auckland, including honours in politics and international relations. He is undergoing further studies and will soon add two more qualifications to his resume, i.e. Masters in International Security and Post Graduation in Immigration Law. Shail Kaushal believes New Zealand has given him plenty over the years, and now it’s time to give back.

uckland Diwali Festival at Aotea Centre is known for its grand twoday extravaganza.

The two-day celebration is a classic display of Indian food, music, and culture. It is also a celebration of Auckland’s ethnic diversity and a chance to enjoy and experience traditional and contemporary Indian culture in its many exciting forms. This year’s event was held on October 15 and 16.

It is an important event which brings together New Zealand’s top political leadership on one single platform for the Indian community.

The event is attended by the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, Mayor of Auckland, and the Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand along with other Members of Parliament, signifying the importance of the role of the Kiwi-Indian community in New Zealand.

This year the event was further significant as it coincided just before Prime Minister John Key’s planned visit to India next week and

the community was hopeful to hear firsthand from the PM at the festival.

Sadly, that opportunity was lost as the opening ceremony of the event was marred by the United Union-led protest on the pretext of demanding justice for the Indian students facing deportation.

What is becoming apparent now, is that the student issue has become a tool in the hands of Labour-led unions. The unions are more interested in scoring political points rather than helping the students in a constructive manner.

The way in which the Key was throttled and not allowed to speak at the event has not gone down well with the larger community.

When the PM opened his speech about his upcoming trip to India, protestors raised United Union’s red coloured flags and continuously interrupted him. As a result, Key had to cut short his address. Even the High Commissioner of India to New Zealand Sanjiv Kohli’s speech was interrupted when a protestor (from the United Union) screamed, slamming the government.

Key took a satiric approach towards the protesters stating “I would like to thank my fan club over there for adding to today’s speech,” thus clearly conveying his frustration about this lost opportunity.

The Labour party leader Andrew Little, however, took the opportunity to acknowledge the protestors stating that he stands by the students and supports them on their claim for justice.

Many local and guest performers invited from India, who prepare months in advance to showcase their talents to the large multicultural Auckland crowd, were also disappointed by the distraction of their audience.

It is important to note that Indian Weekender has always raised its voice strongly on the student deportation issue, along with many other matters concerning Indian community in New Zealand, on several platforms, including directly with the PM himself. However, the feedback it is getting from the wider community about the manner in which Prime Minister was trifled during the community event, needs to be shared with our wider readership.

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NEW ZEALAND

21 October 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Dussehra: Ravana-dahan in Flat Bush Rizwan Mohammad

I

ndian community’s festive season is in full swing and a series of dance shows and programmes are scheduled for every weekend of October.

Prominent faces from the parliament and the local board supported the show with their presence.

With the Ravana effigy searing, the venue echoed with the roars “Sri Ram chandra ki jai”.

Children from the nearby suburbs also participated in the bhangra and gidda, besides the traditional Ram Leela that received a standing ovation from the crowd. Different delicacies of India were also lined up for the crowd. Other attractions included face painting and bouncing castles for the children.

Stay safe this Labour weekend not far from the liquor store. He was charged with aggravated robbery and will appear in Manukau District Court in November 2016

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS:

¡¡ Attended Dussehra celebrations organised by Maa Shakti Charitable Trust at Barry Curtis Park in Flatbush ¡¡ Engaged with the community at Auckland Diwali festival at Aotea Square.

DIWALI CELEBRATIONS

District Ethnic Services Coordinator, Counties Manukau

POLICE NEWS

A

t about 12:06 p.m. on October 16, three unknown males entered a superette in Clover Park and jumped over the counter. At the time there was a male and female attendant present in the store. One of the males was armed with a weapon and threatened the male attendant. The three males stole cash and cigarettes. Police arrested two males shortly afterwards and they have been charged with Aggravated Robbery and will be appearing in Manukau Youth Court later this month.

At about 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, a male entered a liquor store in Mangere. At the time there was a male attendant and an associate present in the store. The male presented a weapon at the victim and demanded alcohol, cash and cigarettes to which the victim complied. The male took all the items and left the store. Police investigation resulted in the male getting arrested a short time later and

IWK Bureau

N

rithyabhinaya—Anuradha School of Indian Dances presented a dance drama titled ‘Maha Yugas’ on October 15 at the Dorothy Winston Centre in Auckland.

The evening unfolded with a colourful display with multimedia backdrops, scintillating music, graceful and rhythmic dance by over 80 students. The dance took the audience on a journey through time showing how human life, morals and values evolved from creation to the current era as described in the four epochs (Yugas) as per Hindu mythology, Satya Yuga, Treta

So much so that the wet and stormy weather on October 15 failed to dampen spirits of the devotees at the Dusshera celebrations at Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush. Hundreds of families flocked the park, dressed to the nines to witness the dance programmes, Ram leela and burning the tall Ravana effigy.

Sergeant Gurpreet Arora

Four eras brought together in a dance show

Counties Manukau police celebrated Diwali at Manukau police station on Tuesday, October 18 with members of the South Asian Community and the police staff. Nearly 200 people attended and the occasion was well received by the members of the South Asian Community, department of corrections, CPNZ, service providers, ethnic media and police staff across the district. It was also an opportunity for Counties Manukau police to thank the South Asian community for all the hard work they do and for providing support to the NZ police.

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Remember, you cannot control the weather, road conditions and other road users but you and only you can control your driving. So please drive to the conditions.

Yuga, Dwapara Yuga and Kali Yuga. The qualities of every yuga were highlighted and enacted.

The ‘avatars’ or the incarnations of lord Vishnu during these yugas were also presented during the performance.

Dance guru Anuradha Ramkumar’s high standards and passion for dance were evident in the highly imaginative, creative, beautiful and smooth flowing choreography. This thematic production that evoked a lot of interest and curiosity has certainly set the bar high for future dance productions in Auckland.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 21 October 2016

15

For some ‘Saif’ immigration advice Navdeep K Marwah

T

the immigration instructions and guidelines and cite them for your client correctly.”

he thought of leaving your own country and migrating to a new place can be quite unsettling for many. Whenever one talks about immigration, there are many questions that one encounters, especially those pertaining to choosing the right visa type, process and even the cost involved. And a licensed immigration adviser is the best person to take you through this demanding process effortlessly.

Taking a cue from the same, our ongoing series on licensed immigration advisers intends to help you find the best advisor for your immigration needs.

The fourth part of our series features Sarfraz Shaikh aka Saif (as he is fondly called), the director of Immigration Advice NZ Ltd, a prominent immigration consultancy in East Tamaki that has a team of 13 members.

With over 12 years of experience in the immigration industry, Saif is one of the most experienced licensed immigration adviser in New Zealand. Talking about why he decided to become one, Saif says, “I worked with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) from 2004 to 2007 where I served as a warranted immigration officer. During my tenure with INZ, I realised that there was a genuine need for people who could give quality immigration advice. That’s why I decided to become an immigration adviser. I got my license on March 16, 2009 (license number 200900488).”

There have been significant changes with regards to the minimum points for expression of interest being raised to 160 and stricter English requirements for migrants applying for residency under the skilled migrant category. Giving his opinion on the same, Saif, who came to New Zealand in 2002, says,

Saif with his team at Immigration Advice NZ office

“Undoubtedly, these changes are going to affect a lot of migrants to gain residency in New Zealand as many of them will no longer be eligible for immigration as compared to before when the rules were more relaxed. Having said that, New Zealand needs skilled migrants for its growth. And one must not see these rules as a full stop to migration. It is a way by which the New Zealand government is trying to strike a balance between the quantity and quality of migrants in the country.”

Further, INZ has announced that the parent category is being temporarily closed to new applications. INZ will not make selections from the parent category pool until further notice.

As we mentioned about the changes in immigration, we couldn’t help but ask Saif about how he has seen the immigration industry in New Zealand change over the years.

“There have been a lot of significant changes in the New Zealand immigration system over time—be it with regards to applications being

With over 12 years’ experience in the Immigration Industry, Saif is one of the most experienced licensed immigration adviser in New Zealand. filed online or the increase in the number of international students coming to New Zealand each year. Another noteworthy change has been the rise in the number of licensed immigration adviser, annually,” he says.

Having said that, being an immigration adviser is not everyone’s cup of tea. “Every day is a challenge. It is a high-pressure job and that’s what I like the most about it. No two days are the same as every day you come across different clients who have their own unique problems. Giving them advice, which is tailor-made to suit their need, is the biggest challenge for an adviser. Another challenge is to keep oneself updated with any change in

Another hot topic with regards to immigration is related to the deportation of Indian students. Expression his views on the same, Saif, who has completed a graduate certificate in New Zealand Immigration Advice provided by the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, says, “To be honest, I feel that those who wants to migrate to New Zealand, especially students, should be more responsible when it comes to choosing an immigration agent for them. Even in the case of these students, there have been a few who have unfortunately paid extra money to their agent for their own personal gain and on the other hand, there are those who were genuinely unaware of what their agent was doing with their application.”

So what should be on one’s checklist before deciding on which immigration advisor to choose? “I would request that when you choose any immigration agent, you should research well about it and ask as many people as you can before zeroing down on the final one. For the students, it is indispensable to research well about the course and not just pick a course because your agent told you to do so. You should treat your immigration adviser as a doctor and you should ask a lot of questions to your immigration consultant before you are fully satisfied with the advice you get.”

Sarfraz Shaikh can be contacted on 0211446641 or 09 272 4424. E-mail: saif@ianzl.co.nz, admin@ianzl.co.nz Visit Level 1, 166 Harris Road. East Tamaki. Website: www.ianzl.co.nz/

Shubh Diwali

May the joy of Diwali light up your home and bring success, prosperity and happiness to you. Happy Diwali!

Priyanca Radhakrishnan Policy & Community Engagement

Andrew Little MP Labour Leader

Tracy Wang

Policy & Community Engagement

Contact Labour’s Ethnic Communities Outreach Team Ethnic.Communities@labour.org.nz 09 624 6347 503A Mt Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland Authorised by Andrew Little MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 20161011 - UPDATED Diwali ad Indian Weekender 255Wx175H.indd 1

11/10/16 4:29 PM

READERS SPEAK

What do you miss the most about India?

Editorial

What a busy week it was!

T

his is a busy weekend in New Zealand’s diplomatic landscape as the Prime Minister is set to fly out to India on Monday, October 22 on a five-day state visit, and is also hosting incoming Prime Minister of Fiji Voreqe Bainimarama prior to the India visit.

Dilbagh Singh, Hamilton I live in a quiet suburb of Hamilton and even the city seems to sleep off by 6 p.m. here. Back in India, our day would begin with the sun going down. I actually miss the loudness and the crowd of my city. Yes, it feels a little calm and cosy at times, but I long for a more happening life and ambience.

Expectedly, our preparation for these high profile visits was started well in advance.

Rarely have we been so exhausted and proud of what we had achieved in a single week since last Friday when our newspaper was out on the stands.

But it is not just these high-profile visits that have kept our team busy this week.

It was the two-day cultural event of Auckland Diwali festival at Aotea Square that has kept us occupied the most, and undeniably, given us the maximum satisfaction, purely because of two reasons.

First, this festival gives us an opportunity to reach to our readers and the wider community in a community environment. Our sincere thanks to all those readers and community stakeholders, who have visited us at the festival to share their valuable feedback and expectations from the Indian Weekender, and we can assure you that your comments are much valued.

Second, this festival gave us an opportunity to host Auckland’s first Mr and Ms Diwali contest where we organised a cultural fashion show at the main stage at the festival. It is our utmost satisfaction to announce that our programme was well organised, thoroughly executed and very well received by Auckland’s appreciative audience.

Sincere thanks to all the contestants, anchor, judges, and the team at Indian Weekender for their relentless work to make this event successful. The sheer love that we received from the crowd at the festival has already given us the motivation to come back with an even better show next year.

If this was not enough, then there was Prime Minister’s high profile India visit scheduled for next weekend, that kept is on our toes the entire week. Fortunately, we managed to get access to the Prime Minister for a pre-visit discussion, and the Prime Minister kindly obliged us by dropping by at our office for the same.

We are pleased to share with our readers that we were able to maximise our time with the Prime Minister in discussing important issues related to NZ-India bilateral relations and more importantly by raising wider concerns of the Indian community related to immigration and student deportation.

We spoke up and also listened to the Prime Minister as is required in any modern liberal democracy. Sometimes it is decisive to reinforce the importance of listening to our Prime Minister—a point clearly missed by the ‘self-proclaimed’ union supporters of the students facing deportation who disappointed the wider community by trifling PM from addressing the community at the Auckland Diwali Festival.

Dolma Shirpa, Auckland I miss the ambience of my home country. Kathmandu is a tourist place, a little like New Zealand itself but the loud markets, busy streets, narrow musical lanes and the amazing cuisines make me crave for my home every single time. I also miss the adventure that I would take part in with my friends there—rock climbing and skiing, especially.

Jayan Unnithan, Pt Chevalier Of course I miss the cultural gatherings that we had back in India during festivals. I liked visiting temples during festivals in south India. Thousands of people on the streets and in the temples, all dressed in their traditional best and the feeling of being with your entire family is just so comforting.

Nikit Saluja, Parnell New Zealand has almost everything that I need and apart from family I don’t think I miss anything. I am very adaptable in nature and I travel a lot. I am more of a nomad and so I don’t really crave for India or my hometown Delhi. I like Auckland. I hike every now and then and party at home on weekends, and there is nothing that I miss.

We are carrying excerpts from our interview with the Prime Minister in this edition.

There are other opinion pieces on our take on how to deepen an already growing bilateral relationship between New Zealand and India.

Possibly, we will be covering more on visiting Fijian Prime Minister’s activities in New Zealand which are scheduled till this weekend.

So you may have to keep an eye on our next edition, and our website and Facebook page to know more about the visit.

Last but not the least, Indian Weekender is accompanying the Prime Minister on his trip to India and will be bringing live updates about the visit which will be regularly updated on our online platform and social media. Please keep an eye on that and stay tuned.

Sagar Sehrawat, Onehunga I terribly miss my mother’s food and my father’s presence here. I was the pampered one in the family and my mother used to cook my favourite dishes all the time. My father and I shared a good bonding, more like friends. At times I miss the long walks we used to take and ofcourse, the getaways with the family on the weekends.

Till we meet again. Have a great weekend!

Indian Weekender : Volume 8 Issue 31 Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited Managing Editor: Bhav Dhillon | bhav@indianweekender.co.nz Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | swati@indianweekender.co.nz Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter—South Island: Gaurav Sharma Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: 09-2137335 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales and Distribution: 022 3251630 | 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 Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 711 Mt Albert Road, Royal Oak, Auckland.

Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2016. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Sukhwinder Singh, Mt Roskill Although we celebrate Diwali on a grand scale here, I still miss the zeal of the festivity in the city. Diwali used to be more than just a cultural event and puja in the temple back in India. The whole city would wear a festive mood, lights everywhere, food carnivals, visiting relatives, and the big family get together. Now, I can’t stop thinking about it!

Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.

— Dennis P. Kimbro

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18

21 October 2016 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

INDIA

India says terrorism isolated Pakistan, China disagrees

P

akistan was isolated because of its proterror policies, India said on Monday, October 17 and offered the neighbour help in acting against terrorists. China strongly defended Islamabad, its “all-weather” friend, for making “great sacrifices in fighting terrorism”. The Chinese support to Pakistan came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without naming Pakistan at the Goa BRICS Summit, said the “mothership” of terrorism was in India’s neighbourhood.

India’s tirade against Pakistan also remained in focus at the Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) meeting held alongside the BRICS Summit. BIMSTEC leaders on (L-R) Brazil’s president Dilma Rousseff, India’s prime minister Narendra Modi, China’s president Xi JinMonday called for greater cooperation between ping, President, Russia’s president Vladimir Putin, and South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma the two blocs, especially on fighting terror. In a at the Goa BRICS Summit joint statement, they slammed attempts made to glorify terrorists and described terrorism as The statement said the fight against terrorism “should also identify, “the single-most significant threat to peace and hold accountable and take strong measures against States who stability” in the region. encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to “We reiterate our strong commitment to terrorists and terror groups and falsely extol their virtues combat terrorism, and stress that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds. We condemn in the strongest terms The statement said the fight against terrorism the recent barbaric terror attacks in the isolation was its own doing. “If someone is “should also identify, hold accountable and take region,” the statement said. “There should strong measures against states who encourage, isolated, it is because of the policies followed by be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs,” that country. India did not have to do anything, support and finance terrorism, provide the statement said, in a reference to Pakistan because countries in one voice said there sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ’s remarks hailing cannot be constructive dialogue in the terrorfalsely extol their virtues”. After the BIMSTEC slain Kashmiri militant commander Burhan tainted atmosphere in the context of SAARC,” statement, Ministry of External Affairs Wani as a martyr who was killed in fighting for Swarup said. spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Pakistan’s “freedom” of Kashmir.

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He was replying to a question if India had succeeded in isolating Pakistan that led to the cancellation of the November summit of the regional South Asian grouping that was to be held in Islamabad. Brazil also backed India’s actions against terrorism with Modi, who met President Michel Temer on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Goa, thanking him for his country’s backing.

“We deeply appreciate Brazil’s support for India’s actions in combating terrorism,” said Modi.

But China reacted sharply to India’s allegations against Pakistan. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said that “China and Pakistan are all-weather friends” and Beijing opposed “linking terrorism with any specific ethnicity or religion”.

“Everyone knows that India and Pakistan are victims of terrorism. Pakistan has made huge efforts and great sacrifices in fighting terrorism.

I think the international community should respect this,” she added. Pakistan, in a fresh denial, returned India’s allegations, saying Prime Minister Modi had “no moral ground” to speak about terror “when his own government is involved in state terrorism in Kashmir”.

“The Indian leadership is desperately trying to hide its brutalities in Jammu and Kashmir... where innocent people are being killed and injured by security forces daily with impunity,” said Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs.

The Auckland Times | Issue 163 | October 15, 2016 |

Special Edition

www.theaucklandtimes.co.nz

19

ATEED and Asia New Zealand Foundation thank our valued sponsors and supporters of Auckland Diwali Festival 2016.

S P O N S O R E D BY

S U P P O RT E D BY

PRESENTED BY

aucklandnz.com/diwali What’s on in AKL

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#AklDiwali

19/10/2016 4:56:31 p.m.

Swati Sharma

T

he much-anticipated Auckland Diwali Festival that celebrates Indian culture and traditions on the Kiwi-land concluded last weekend.

The overflowing crowd was evident to the growing popularity of the festival year by year, which is the result of relentless efforts and dedication of the volunteers and supporters.

This year Indian Weekender marked its presence on the main stage with Indian Weekender Ms Diwali and Mr Diwali contest. on October 15 and 16. The cultural

fashion pageant aimed at showcasing the traditional fashion from different parts of India was well received by the audience on both days of the festival.

The lucky winners of the inaugural contest were Devika Mhetar for Indian Weekender Ms Diwali and Likith Povanna for Indian Weekender Mr Diwali. The winners were awarded return air tickets to Singapore sponsored by Air New Zealand, a portfolio shoot by Studio 81, food vouchers

by Moti Mahal Indian restaurant and shopping vouchers by Akarshan.

The runners-up were Sukhmani Kaur for Indian Weekender Ms Diwali and

Kariappa Maletira for Indian Weekender Mr Diwali, and were awarded Titan watches sponsored by Sona Sansaar, food voucher by Moti Mahal Indian restaurant and shopping vouchers by Akarshan.

11 contestants were shortlisted and groomed through a series of workshops by Parth Dalal and Bindi Desai Dalal, who were the choreographers for the fashion show. The contestants had to go through two rounds—traditional extravaganza and talent show—during the two days of the show. The three judges were—Rupal Solanki, well-know theatre artist; DJ Areeb,

Indian Weekender Mr Diwali & Ms Diwali 2016 sponsors

Auckland’s top Bollywood fusion DJ of Bollywood Affair fame; and Ram Lingam, a prolific writer and a commentator on Indian culture.

Other contestants included Geetanjali Jaglan, Shaira Kiran, Kia Khan, Sandeep Kaur, Iqbal Singh, Sunny Singh and Harmeet Singh. The show was emceed by Kritika Satija.

The overwhelming response from the audience has motivated us to do better next time and we hope to entertain you even more next year.

22

INDIA ABROAD

21 October 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

INDIA ABROAD

Why do Indian-Americans support Clinton over Trump?

Arun Kumar

T

Hillary Clinton

he Indian-Americans largely support Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton because of the unique relationship she has built with the community

and India, according major backers.

to

one

of

her

“Historically, Indian-Americans, like other Asian Americans and a lot of other immigrant groups, have been big supporters of the Democratic Party,” Frank Islam, an India-born entrepreneur and philanthropist said.

Roughly 70 per cent IndianAmericans plan to vote for Hillary Clinton compared with 7 per cent for her Republican rival Donald Trump, according to most recent polls cited by the Washington Post.

“It has been more inclusive and more welcoming toward all immigrants,” he said, adding “I doubt any other American politician has been able to build the kind of relationship with the Indian American community—and India as Clinton. Additionally she has been a champion of the middle class for decades,” Islam said. “As President, she wants to provide better health care and better jobs for all Americans.

Hillary has been a staunch ally of India and she recognised that Indian-Americans have enabled the US to be a stronger and healthier nation,” he added.

Roughly 70 per cent Indian-Americans plan to vote for Hillary Clinton compared with 7 per cent for her Republican rival Donald Trump, according to most recent polls cited by the Washington Post.

“I am a big fan of Hindu and a big fan of India,” Trump told a rally organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition in Edison, New Jersey. He also praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great man”, saying the two nations would be the “best friends” and “there won’t be any relationship more important to us”. “ Indian-Americans, as a community, have shunned Donald Trump, and rightfully so,” asserted Islam. But he conceded that “Trump has touched the nerve of angry and uneducated white working class voters.”

“His message on job losses is resonating with these people,” he said, adding “Clinton is making every effort to reach out to this demography. With her strong economic message, I am confident she will succeed converting a significant section of this group to her side.”

Islam was also confident that Clinton will offer “true friendship” to India and “take the US-India relations to the next level”.

Noting that “since 1992, the US-India relations have gotten better and better under every president, whether a Democrat or Republican,” he said.

“I have no doubt that the ties will continue to be nurtured under a Clinton administration.

“There will be focus on trade and economic partnership, on cooperation in the area of defence and counter-terrorism, and on climate change and other global issues,” Islam said noting there is bipartisan support for India in the US. Islam, who is on Hillary Clinton’s national finance committee, found it hard to say how much money the community has raised for the Clinton campaign, but he himself is on pace to raise close to $1 million for it.

Republican Hindu Coalition’s founder, Shalabh Kumar, is one of rival Trump’s biggest fundraisers, according to the Washington Post.

Together with his immediate family, Kumar has given almost $2 million to super political action committees that support Trump, it said.

24

SPORTS

21 October 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

SPORTS

India outplay Kiwis in opening ODI

I

ndia rode on a disciplined bowling performance and an unbeaten half-century from Virat Kohli to defeat New Zealand by six wickets in the first One-Day International (ODI) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday, October 16. Chasing a target of 191 runs, the Indians crossed the line in 33.1 overs, losing four wickets along the way.

Kohli (85 not out) and Ajinkya Rahane (33) were the top scorers for India while Manish Pandey and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni contributed with 17 and 21 runs respectively.

Coming to the crease after the early dismissal of the out of form Rohit Sharma, Kohli proceeded to smash nine boundaries and a six during his 81-ball stint.

With the hosts on 188/4 after 33 overs, the Indian vice captain finished things off in style when he came down the track to smash legspinner Inderbir Singh Sodhi over his head for a six. For the visitors, Douge Bracewell, James Neesham and Ish Sodhi took one wicket each.

The in-form Rahane looked good for a half century before edging Neesham to Kiwi wicket-keeper Luke Ronchi. Kohli then produced a 40-run stand with Manish Pandey and a 60-run partnership with Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to ensure a 1-0 lead in the five-ODI series for India.

Earlier, riding on some disciplined bowling, India bowled New Zealand out for 190. Opening batsman Tom Lathnam (79 not out) and pacer Tim

Some Aussie cricketers were like ‘tumour’ to the team: Ex-captain Clarke

F

ormer Australian captain Michael Clarke opened a can of worms when he said that some cricketers were “like a tumour” on the sport, but denied calling exteammate Shane Watson “a cancer”.

India cricket players Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane celebrates their victory against Black Caps

Southee (55) were the top scorers for the visitors. Martin Guptill and Bracewell contributed with 12 and 15 runs respectively. Latham played a defiant innings, keeping the Indian bowlers at bay even as wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end.

The left-hander smashed seven boundaries and a six during his 98ball stay in the middle.

For the hosts, debutant pacer Hardik Pandya and leg-spinner Amit Mishra scalped three wickets each while Umesh Yadav and Kedar Jadhav took two wickets each.

Asked to bat first by the hosts, the New Zealand innings ran into trouble soon after the start.

Pandya struck the first blow for India off the last ball of the second over when Martin Guptill edged one to Rohit Sharma at second slip.

Yadav accounted for Ross Taylor just four overs later when he found the outside edge with an outgoing delivery and Dhoni pulled off a

relatively simple effort behind the stumps. Pandya then removed Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi in consecutive overs to leave the Kiwis reeling at 5/48 in the 13th over.

Jadhav then plunged the visitors into further trouble with back to back wickets in the 19th over.

The Maharashtra off-spinner clinched the first wicket of his ODI career with a caught and bowled effort when James Neesham misjudged the speed of the ball and could only chip it to the bowler Southee and Latham caused quite a few problems for the Indian bowlers, finding the boundaries and the sixes at regular intervals.

However, Southee was undone while trying to go for another big shot off Mishra over long on and was beaten by the turn. Mishra then trapped Inderbir Singh Sodhi leg before soon after to bring the New Zealand innings to an end.

Appearing on Australian Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes programme on Monday, October 17, Clarke spilled the beans on many of the controversies that defined his 115Test career. He spoke about how he thought he was a bad vice captain and had riled former team-mates, but attempted to clarify previous comments about them.

“I said that there is a number of players, a group in this team at the moment, that are like a tumour and if we don’t fix it, it’s going to turn into a cancer,” he told Channel Nine.

win over South Africa. Team-mate Simon Katich reportedly grabbed then vice captain Clarke by the shirt over a disagreement about when the team song would be sung.

He said he had “every reason” to be angry, but “I don’t think my language was appropriate”.

Clarke also revealed that cricket has never been the same for him after the tragic death of Phillip Hughes, a very close pal to Clarke.

Hughes was hit on the neck by a bouncer in November 2014 during a domestic match and died a few days later.

“I guess I probably tried to tell myself that there was a chance he’d be OK,” Clarke said.

“But I think I knew there wasn’t. I spent the whole night talking to him.

Asked if that applied to Watson, Clarke replied, “Shane was one of those players, yes.”

“That breaks my heart the most.

It was always hard to play cricket after that. I felt fear for the first time in my life when I played cricket.”

Clarke also spoke of an i n f a m o u s dressing room flare-up at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2009 after the Test

Michael Clarke Former Australian captain Michael Clarke

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26

FEATURES

21 October 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

By Manisha Koushik

Manisha Koushik is the talented daughter and associate of world renowned celebrity astrologer Dr Prem Kumar Sharma.

A practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant is based in India but maintains a global presence through the online channels. She is available for consultations online as well. Let her tarot cards do the magic and numbers make you understand which choices in life will be best for you! E-mail: support@askmanisha.com | Website: www.askmanisha.com Contact: +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139

WEEKLY FORECAST: OCTOBER 21 TO OCTOBER 27 ¡¡ Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) Someone’s deeds and gestures are likely to offend you and make you see red. It is okay to convey your unhappiness, but don’t go overboard in setting him or her right. Those with a medical problem may rest easy, as they will be on the road to recovery soon. You may come with the idea of completing all pending jobs at office this week, but some pressing engagement may not take you on a different course altogether.

Lucky no.: 18 Lucky colour: Dark purple

¡¡Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) You will get ample time to put your act together on the academic front so don’t falter. Keep certain professional matters confidential and on need-toknow basis. If you are trying to win someone over to your side, be sure to send the message across clearly.

Money due to you may get held up.

Someone close to you may resort to emotional blackmail, if given a chance. You can be ticked by a family elder for your actions.

Lucky no.: 22 Lucky colour: Beige

¡¡ Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) You will need to manage your time well to set things in order at work or at home. Something planned meticulously may fail to take off on the professional front. You may remain dissatisfied by a decision taken by the family. A blame game

may ensue on the home front with spouse over a matter that affects you intimately. You may get invited to a function or an event, so make it a point to attend it.

Lucky no.: 11 Lucky colour: Orange

¡¡ Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20)

Don’t be in any kind of hurry on the job front, as it takes time. Your business acumen is likely to turn your ideas into profit making schemes. Take steps to bag a lucrative deal, before others do. Those in the creative field are set to earn a lot. Good dietary control will keep digestive ailments at bay. Lifestyle change will prove beneficial for those out of shape.

Start taking things seriously on the academic front.

Lucky no.: 15 Lucky colour: Violet

¡¡ Leo (Jul 23-Aug 11) Your plans to start the week doing your favourite thing may get interrupted. Good performance and cordial relations with all at work is likely to be in your favour for career enhancement. Consistency and extra efforts may get you handsome returns on the academic front. Your personality and way with words may make you befriend a like-minded person. A piece of good news on the marital front is likely to elate you.

Health remains good.

Lucky no.: 11 Lucky colour: Pink

¡¡ Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23) Remain in a proper frame of mind to tackle a youngster needing guidance on the academic front. At work, things begin to look positive. Your optimism is likely to rub off on others. A worry that was eating you from inside is likely to disappear for good. Someone close looking for a job will manage to find one. Judicious spending is important to save for the rainy day.

Expect to be gifted a utility item.

Lucky no.: 18 Lucky colour: Red

¡¡ Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23) It may not be in your interest to antagonise anyone, as the repercussions can be harsh. Put a check on people trying to misguide you and exploiting your gullibility.

Efforts put on the academic front will not go in vain. Those waiting for recognition at work will not be disappointed. There is an outside chance of a family elder needing your help. A family gathering is on the cards and will prove most enjoyable.

Health remains fine.

Lucky no.: 17 Lucky colour: Coffee

¡¡ Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) You may get downright rude with someone you don’t particularly like.

Desist from it, as it will only vitiate the atmosphere. Work wise, the week seems satisfactory and incidentfree. It is best to pre-empt what is required on the academic front,

instead of running around in circles when the time comes. You may save much by going in only for discounts and bargains. Those ailing will do themselves and others a favour by submitting to medical check-up.

Lucky no.: 5 Lucky colour: Dark green

¡¡ Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 11) You may be planning something big, like buying property or vehicle.

Enhancement in salary and perks cannot be ruled out. Things looking nebulous on the professional front will crystallise now and will be in your favour. Those in a long-term commitment can think of tying the knot. A change in diet will be a step towards regaining perfect health.

You may be instrumental in settling a property issue amongst the family members. Don’t browbeat anyone into doing your bidding.

Lucky no: 22 Lucky colour: Turquoise

¡¡ Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21) Your gut feeling about something will be proved right and save you from committing a mistake. Workload is set to increase on the professional front. You may need to re-establish yourself on the academic front by overcoming stiff competition. A suitable alternative is awaiting those wanting to switch jobs. Your efforts on the financial front promise to add to your wealth. Some assets may

Lucky no.: 2 Lucky colour: Light grey

¡¡ Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19) Someone unemployed in the family needs guidance, rather than criticism.

Try to understand the problem the individual is facing. Someone’s coming may upset your domestic routine, but you may have to live with it for some time. Hard work and dedication are the keys for good performance on the academic front, so get on to it without wasting time.

Taking up a social cause is possible for some. You are likely to boost your potential for earning.

Lucky no.: 1 Lucky colour: Light yellow

¡¡ Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) If you get the time, it is best to utilise it in furthering your professional aim.

Career planning assumes importance for those new on the job to get on the right track. You may organise something at home for your near and dear ones. On the romantic front, an evening out with lover is possible and will prove immensely fulfilling. You may take the initiative to plan a short vacation with family to someplace interesting.

Lucky no.: 6 Lucky colour: Forest green

Happy Diwali

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28

ENTERTAINMENT

21 October 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Priyanka Chopra I

n the wake of the spillover of recent tensions between India and Pakistan on Bollywood, actress Priyanka Chopra says as a “patriot”, she would go along with whatever the government decides on the issue. But why only actors are singled out in these discussions, she has asked. Talking about the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Priyanka, whose late father Ashok Chopra was an army officer, told NDTV, “I have read about it. It’s tricky because first of all artistes and actors are always held responsible for every bigger political agenda that happens in the country.”

“Why not business (men), politicians, doctors and why not anyone else except for public people, who are not actors in the movie industry?”Priyanka, currently seen in the lead role in the popular American TV series Quantico, said, “I am extremely patriotic. So, whatever my government decides is important to keep the country safe, I go with that. But at the same time, I don’t believe that artistes are a representation of—at least there hasn’t been an actor who has done—something which has harmed someone’s life out of malice or anything.”

She thinks that “if someone needs to be hung, the one person that’s picked up is an artiste or a public person from the movie business. That to me, is not fair”.

India-Pakistan tensions got heightened following a terror attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 19 soldiers were killed, last month. The Indian Army then carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control. “I am appalled by what happened in Uri and we need to stand up and protect our country. We have been an extremely peaceful nation for so many centuries. We have never

Every film has its own destiny, Harshvardhan on Mirzya failure

H

arshvardhan Kapoor is not bogged down with his debut film Mirzya failing to make a mark at the box-office. The actor accepts the failure, and says that the movie is not for everybody.

“Well, obviously Mirzya didn’t do well at the box-office which is fine. It’s not a film for everybody,” Harshvardhan said.

He added, “Every film has its own destiny. I feel Mirzya is a work of art.

It is a beautiful film and it will find its place in course of time.”

The son of actor Anil Kapoor talked about the Rakeysh Omprakash

Bigg Boss 2016 house has ‘ethereal look’— and a jail

A

rt director Omung Kumar has boosted every nook and corner of the Bigg Boss house this year with elements of mystique that invoke sentiments like vigour and positivity. Omung, also a filmmaker, says the house has an ethereal look. The house of the reality TV show has been designed by Omung along with his wife Vanita. A few journalists were locked in the Bigg Boss house as contestants to experience it.

been those who go out and fight. We are from the land of (Mahatma) Gandhi.

We are all about non-violence,” she said. Priyanka stated that we should be more concerned about the safety of Indian soldiers and their families. Following the September 18 terrorist attack, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave India and said the party would not let their movies release in India.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association passed a resolution banning Pakistanis from working in films being made in India.

In retaliation, some Pakistani theatre chain owners banned the screening of Indian films.

Last week, the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India said that movies featuring Pakistani actors would not be screened in single screen theatres in Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat.

Mehra’s ambitious project at the red carpet of Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards on October 15. Apart from Harshvardhan, Mirzya marked debut of Saiyami Kher, and narrated Mehra’s take on the folklore of Mirza-Sahiba.

“I didn’t do any of the conventional things. In terms of look or the character, I kept a huge beard and played a rustic character. Moreover, the love story is explained through its music so there is a lot of new things for viewers to take,” said the 25-yearold. Now, Harshvardhan is focusing on his next project Bhavesh Joshi.

Really want to do romantic film with Akshay: Esha Gupta

A

ctress Esha Gupta wants to do a romantic film with actor Akshay Kumar. She says once she gets to do that with her Rustom co-star, she would be satisfied with her career in the film industry.

“I really want to do a romantic film with Akshay Kumar wherein I am wearing a saree, Akshay singing romantic song for me and we are dancing around the trees. My life will be successful and I would be satisfied with my Bollywood career the day this happens to me,” Esha said on Zoom Channel’s show Diwali Beats.

The Raaz 3 actress shared that she has been an ardent fan of Akshay, even before she joined Bollywood.

“Be it his action or romance. He has an aura and that ‘Punjabiness’,” she added. Talking about starring with him in Rustom, Esha said, “The day I got to know I am going to be co-starring with Akshay Kumar, I got so excited, but on knowing that I won’t be his love interest, I won’t deny, I was really disappointed”.

The 30-year-old says she is looking forward to romancing with the Khiladi star.

Kashyap asks Modi to apologize for Pakistan visit

B

ollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise for his trip to Pakistan in December last year. Kashyap vented his frustration following the cinema owners’ decision in Mumbai not to screen movies with Pakistani actors, a move that has hit hard Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil which features Pakistani Fawad Khan.

“Narendra Modi, why is it that we have to face it while you can be silent? Narendra Modi and you actually diverted your trip on our tax money, while the film shot then was on money on which someone here pays interest.

“I am just trying to understand the situation because I am actually dumb and I don’t get it. Sorry if you feel offended,” added the director.

“We solve all our problems by blaming it on movies and banning it.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, with you on this Karan Johar,” Kashyap tweeted.

On his way home from Kabul, Modi halted in Lahore in December last year for a surprise meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif. The Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India on October 14 said that movies featuring Pakistani actors would not be screened in single screen theatres in Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat.

“Narendra Modi Sir, you haven’t yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM. It was December 25. Same time KJo was shooting Ae Dil Hai Mushkil? Why?” Anurag asked.

The decision came amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions in the wake of a terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Army’s surgical strikes on Pakistani territory.

Omung said in a statement, “The Bigg Boss house, this year, has an ethereal look. The design of the Bigg Boss house has been themed around a modern Indian palace.

There is an element of Indian mystique to the decor with a lot of lanterns and earthy tones to bring a homely appeal to the set.”

“The house is more colourful and vibrant this time with lots of paintings. There are many conspicuous changes in the Bigg Boss house.”

The addition to the bathroom area, this season, is a luxurious Jacuzzi placed in a corner, which allows every relaxing contestant a full view of the entire room.

This year the house also has a jail. “The most prominent addition to the Bigg Boss house, however, is the jail. Painted to depict a filthy appearance, the jail will be a dungeon of sorts for contestants who break the rules,” according to Omung.

The tenth season of the show, hosted by superstar Salman Khan, began on Sunday, October 16 on Colors.

Auckland to Guangzhou twice daily connections to Delhi, celebrate Diwali with us in India.

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30

FEATURES

Ram Leela

When: Saturday October 22 Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Venue: Shri Ram Mandir, 11 Brick Street, Henderson A team of 15 artists are flying from India to give their maiden performance in Auckland. Ayodhya Shodh Sansthan is a world renowned play group from Ayodhya, India and is set to dazzle the audience in Auckland and one performance in Hamilton.

Deepavali by Auckland Tamil Association

When: Saturday, October 22, 2016 Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Venue: Freeman’s bay community hall. 52 Hepburn Street, Auckland Do you remember the excitement we used to/ some of us still have with wearing new clothes on this day, the fireworks with our cousins and friends, grandma’s mutton and, the yummy sweets and snacks, going for movies, the fun, the laughter, the noise and what not!!! Let’s all meet and unite on this very special day and share the similar happiness and joy.

Waitakere Diwali Festival

When: Sunday, October 23 Time: 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Venue: Te Pai Centre, 31-35 Te Pai Place, Henderson Diwali is one of the most awaited festivals of the year and Waitakere Indian Association will bring a spectrum of cultural performances from morning till late evening.

There will be fireworks in the evening and lots of lip smacking Indian cuisines will be stalled.

21 October 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Hamilton Diwali Mela

When: Sunday, October 23 Time: 11:00 a.m. onwards Venue: Hamilton City Council Reception Lounge Diwali, Hindu Festival of Light this year has a unique first time ever in Hamilton a live play of Ram Leela by performers from India. Children in fancy dress and mini fashion show are exciting participation along with cultural performances. Come and enjoy Indian culture, food and have photos with Lord Rama and other well costumed artists.

Waitakere Ethnic Board New Out West Meeting

When: Thursday, October 27 Time: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Venue: New Lynn Community Centre Meeting Room 1, 45 Totara Avenue New Lynn Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment updates on International Student Activity. Networking Lunch followed by a presentation by guest speaker Jason Chand, Regional Relationship Manager, Immigration New Zealand. To register for this free event please phone 09836 0169 or email: contact@waitakereethnicboard.org.nz

Sandringham Street Festival

When: Saturday, October 29 Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Venue: Sandringham Village, 597 Sandringham Rd, Auckland Sandringham Street Festival is back and bigger and better than ever! There will be live music & bands, International & exotic street food & food stalls, picnic tables, seating & grassy hangout areas, brand new reserve and play ground, kid zones & interactive play areas.

WATCH OUT FOR INDIAN WEEKENDER DIWALI SPECIAL NEXT WEEK

Shelter Realty

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