25 AUGUST2017 | Vol 9 Issue 23
ALL THE ISSUES. ALL THE DEBATES. THAT WILL SHAPE YOUR VERDICT. PRESENTING
Ashutosh Sharma Young techie does Kiwi-Indian community proud
Shabana Azmi
Galaxy Note 8
Triple Talaq judgement is a victory
Unpacked in New York
Pg 15
Pg 28
Pg 24 www.iwk.nz
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: JACINDA ON IMMIGRATION AND CRIME
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NEW ZEALAND
Friday, August 25, 2017
The Indian Weekender
The Indian Weekender
NEW ZEALAND
Friday, August 25, 2017
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INDIA@70 CREATES PRECEDENT FOR I-DAY CELEBRATIONS IN NZ T ¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
he High Commission of India in New Zealand has created a new trend with the India@70 events that looks forward to celebrating the Indian Independence Day on a massive scale every year. Hosted on Friday, August 18, at Bharat Bhavan in Wellington and Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland on Sunday, August 20, the two events saw more than 3500 people attend the celebrations. The event, an initiative of the Government of India relayed through the High Commission of India in New Zealand aimed to bring the Indian community together under one roof for a day of national celebration. Two musical groups from India travelled to New Zealand to perform at the two events. The Dhwani Music and Dance Academy from New Delhi has travelled and performed in the US, Germany, Poland, Italy, Canada and gave their maiden New Zealand performance. The Dhwani group performed a medley of classical music and dance performance that received a standing ovation from the crowd. Dwi, the band of three from Bangalore elevated the ambience of the event with their soulful music and songs. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff took
to the stage and congratulated the audience. “Today, on the 70th birthday of India, I would like to thank all of you for the contributions that you make to our country,” Mr Goff said. Other cultural performances included Raunak Punjab Dee Bhangra show, Khottey Sikkay Dance Group and Arabian Belly Dance on the famous song from the film Sholay. The High Commissioner of India in New Zealand, Sanjiv Kohli took pride in announcing the success of both the events that were hosted by event centres owned my Indian community organisations. The event concluded with a high energy band performance by Dwi that took the audience on the dance floor finishing the event at 9.30 p.m.
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NEW ZEALAND
Death of 25-year old man in Three Kings suspicious: Police ¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
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25-year old man was killed at a party in the early hours of Sunday, August 20, on Haughey Avenue in Three Kings. The man is identified as Reginald Sharma, a resident of Avondale and the police announced the name on Monday, August 21 after speaking to his family. A resident of the area mentioned that around 3 a.m. the otherwise quiet street became loud with fighting at the house party. This prompted the residents to call the police who upon arrival located Mr Sharma lying on the driveway. The 25-year-old was in a critical condition. Police and ambulance staff attempted to resuscitate Mr Sharma. However, he died at the scene. Police is investigating the incident and the death is being treated as suspicious. A scene guard was in place overnight, forensic examination continued on Sunday morning. It was reported in the media that Mr Sharma was one in a “number of separate groups” that were present in Gemini Bar in Otahuhu before heading to the Three Kings’ house party address around 2:30 a.m. Three men described as being of Maori or Polynesian descent between the age of 18 and 25 stayed back trying to put Mr Sharma in a recovery position after others had left the party, police said. “A number of people are still to be spoken to, and we urge anyone who was present last
Friday, August 25, 2017
The Indian Weekender
Victim in brutal South Auckland attack recovering ¡ SANDEEP SINGH
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Reginald Sharma
night to come forward,” police has urged the public in a media release. A resident who didn’t want to be named told media that there were a lot of unknown cars parked in the area for the past few months. Police is looking for the occupants of a grey Audi sedan who left after the police arrived. Police has asked if anyone has heard or seen anything, no matter how small, they should call Auckland Police Crime Coordinator on 09 3026 557. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
unjab man Satpal Singh, who survived miraculously after being critically assaulted and left on the street by attackers in the middle of the night almost a week ago, is recovering slowly in Auckland Hospital. On Sunday, August 20, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Sanjiv Kohli, who is based in Wellington, visited Mr Singh in hospital to enquire about his well-being and get an update on Indian High Commissioner Sanjiv Kohli with Satpal Singh the recovery process. According to reliable sources, Mr Singh effort in establishing the identity of Mr Singh has survived the scare of a long-term memory with the help of members of public and loss, though there might be some short-term community leaders. memory loss. It was only after 48 hours of the assault Speaking to The Indian Weekender, Mr Kohli, that Mr Singh’s identity was established by expressed his satisfaction on the recovery of community leaders, though police took more Mr Singh. time to verify the details. “We are keeping a close eye on Mr Singh’s It was reported that Mr Singh was assaulted recovery. We have written to appropriate just five minutes away from his home in authorities to expedite the visa process for Satpal Singh’s brother-in-law of, to be able to Takanini when he had gone out for a stroll on come and visit him in Auckland,” Mr Kohli Tuesday night after informing his friends that said. his work visa was approved for three years. The Indian Weekender had reported earlier Mr Singh had first arrived in New Zealand on that Mr Singh has a sister, who is married, and November 10, 2013, as an international student. father who works for Punjab Police. According to reliable sources within the Earlier the police had reported that an Indian community involved in assisting police in the man was left severely beaten on the footpath at approximately 10.20 p.m. on Tuesday (August identification, Mr Singh was believed to be 15) on Great South Road, Takanini. talking on the phone when someone hit him Since then Police had to launch a massive hard on the head from the back.
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The Indian Weekender
NEW ZEALAND
Friday, August 25, 2017
Indian student survives a freak road accident ¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
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Tanishq Bhatia
The driver of the van escaped unhurt and called the ambulance, and the residents too came to their rescue. “I almost blacked out because of the pain. The only thing I can recollect is that an ambulance soon came to my rescue and gave me medication to reduce my leg pain,” Tanishq exclaimed. Currently treated at the Auckland hospital, Tanishq suffered four stitches on his right leg and his left leg is swollen. The doctors have said it will be operated upon. Tanishq also suffered an injury on his nose and had four stitches. “Doctor has said that I will need plastic surgery for my nose,” he added. Tanishq said that the doctors have confirmed that his life is out of danger, but he is bedridden for some time now. Tanishq is an aspiring cricketer and plays for the Grafton United Cricket Club. Tanishq has a sister, Ria Bhatia who studied in Auckland earlier and is currently in New Delhi, India, with the family. The High Commission of India in New Zealand is liaising with his family back in India and assisting them with the visa arrangements.
New executive committee takes over management of
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19-year-old aspiring cricketer has suffered multiple fractures to his body after he met with a car accident in Epsom on Monday, August 21. He is being treated at the Auckland City Hospital. Tanishq Bhatia came to New Zealand five months ago as an international student and is working part-time for Veggie Express in Morningside. On Monday, around 5:40 a.m. Tanishq and his workmate were driving in their company vehicle while picking up deliveries from different locations. On their way back from Royal Oak towards Epsom, their Toyota Hiace van crashed into the parked cars on the left side of the road. Tanishq was seated on the passenger side of the van. “There was a car behind us which kept honking at us for a while; apparently the driver of the car was drunk. When the car sped towards us, my workmate took a sharp left to avoid the collision, unfortunately colliding with the parked cars on the left side of the curb,” Tanishq told The Indian Weekender from Auckland Hospital. Tanishq confirmed that the car was going within the speed limit and they were not speeding. “The crashed van clamped on my leg. The windscreen also broke, but since I was wearing glasses, the broken glass pieces did not hurt my eyes, else I would have received grievous injuries to my eyes too,” he added.
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he Executive Committee of Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of NZ Inc, headed by Bhaskara Reddy Duvvuru completed its four year term and the new Executive Committee headed by Sainath Nethula has been unanimously elected in the AGM of the Sansthan held on Sunday, the August 6. Following are the new EC members: The outgoing team headed by Bhaskara Reddy Duvvuru took over on November 30, 2013 and successfully completed the temple inauguration on February 9, 2014 by Guruji Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji, which was attended by over 5000 people. The team has faced and overcome several teething problems in the initial few months. New accounting systems were introduced, several facilities including air conditioning of temple/community hall were added for the convenience of devotees. Several religious rituals/ pujas were introduced and stabilised, to cater to devotees’ requirements. A Silver Simhasan was made for Baba. An amount of about $629,000 was spent on capital expenditure in 44 months. Mahaprasad, an innovative fund rising scheme was introduced as per the suggestion of Guruji, which brought in $310,000 into the
Sansthan Coffers in 40 months, supported by 620 devotees. We cook and serve prasad to about 700-1000 devotees every Thursday. Several fund raising programmes were organised to support the victims of Fiji and Chennai floods. Shirdi Sai devotees summit was organised in February 2016, attended by Guruji and 27 devotees from seven countries. The theme of the summit was “Temples Should be the Focal Point of Community Development.” Suggestions were sought from MPs of Indian origin and other community leaders about the community based projects the Sansthan can take up in the long run. Starship Foundation, a pioneer in healthcare needs of Kiwi kids was adopted as short-term project with an annual donation of $12,000 from 2016 onwards. An amount of $1.45 million plus interest was paid back against the initial loan $2.80 million in 44 months. This was possible because of cohesive Executive Committee and committed members/devotees. We strive to work hard to make the Sansthan debt free in five years’ time. Sansthan plans to do take up a meaningful medium-term project to benefit the community in 2-3 years time and a major long-term project once it is debt free.
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VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE
Friday, August 25, 2017
The Indian Weekender
Transport policy war leaves Auckland, makes inroads into regions T ¡ SANDEEP SINGH
he transport policy war between two alternative visions of transporting people by road or rail has spilled beyond metropolitan Auckland into neighbouring regions. The Labour Party has come up with a regional road rail policy on transport ahead of National Party’s $10.5 billion plan for ten new major ‘Roads of National Significance’ announcement earlier on Sunday, August 20. “Labour will invest in a rapid rail network connecting Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, and double funding to help complete important regional roading projects,” Leader Jacinda Ardern said. Earlier on Sunday, August 20, Prime Minister Bill English announced the National Party’s plan for 10 major highways around the country, if it returns to power after September 23. The star attraction of National’s road project was the new Road of National Significance that will run between Wellsford and Whangarei. Many commentators see this project as a softener for New Zealand First’s Winston Peters, who hails from Whangarei, in the post election negotiations. The major attraction of Labour’s transport policy is the proposal to connect three main urban centres of North Island with rail. “The ‘Golden Triangle’ of Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga contains half our population and economy. In the next 25 years, it is projected to gain another 800,000 people – three-quarters of national population growth. “It’s time this growing region had a modern, rapid rail service,” Ms Ardern said.
The ‘Golden Triangle’ of Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga contains half our population and economy. In the next 25 years, it is projected to gain another 800,000 people
Both National and the Labour were quick to despise each other’s plan on transport as illthought and poorly planned. Labour is saying that National is rattled by polls (with Labour at 37 per cent have come at a striking distance with National at 40 per cent). “There is a complete lack of any answers in National’s plan to build 10 new roads of National Significance (RONs). They want to spend $10.5 billion on these new RONs without a business case,” said Michael Wood, Labour’s Transport spokesperson. “It looks to me that this a gambit based on the latest polls and short-term political advantage rather than any proper planning,” Mr Wood said. The National Party is saying that adoption of the passenger rail ideas for Waikato and the
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Bay of Plenty of the Auckland public transport lobby is unrealistic and would be a waste of public money. National Party Transport spokesperson Simon Bridges says, “The Auckland-HamiltonTauranga rail line is our busiest freight route and simply doesn’t have the capacity to also be a commuter rail line.” “The only way you could use it for both would be to double track large sections of the line, and Labour doesn’t have any plan to invest for that. “Labour would kick economy-fuelling freight off this important line and replace it with empty commuter carriages.” It is clear that currently, both major parties are eyeing the regions as an effort to shore up their respective voters.
The Indian Weekender
Friday, August 25, 2017
Next government will have less to spend as per PREFU ¡ SANDEEP SINGH
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he much awaited Pre-Election Fiscal Update (PREFU) has the potential to delay, if not completely derail, many election promises being made by different political parties in the lead up to general elections. On Wednesday, August 23, the government opened its books giving a projection of slightly softer economic growth than earlier predicted at the time of the Budget forecast in May this year. It is projected that the government will net in a higher tax revenue in the first year but will be followed by a slight fall in revenue generation in the next two years resulting in a surplus of $3.7 billion, which is less than an earlier projection. Political parties are already re-prioritising some of their election promises. The National Party has announced a delay in the second tax cut suggested earlier by the Prime Minister Bill English in a party conference in Wellington. Finance Minister Steven Joyce said that a second tax package was not possible until 2020-21 unless economic conditions were “significantly better”. This was to follow after the tax cuts worth $2 billion announced in the Budget and will come into force next year. The Labour Party has come out immediately after the release of PREFU stating that it will not be considering increasing personal income tax for the higher income bracket. Labour leader Jacinda Ardern also said that her party would not ask a planned tax working group to consider any changes to income tax. “We are not campaigning on an increase in taxes for personal income, and it is not part of our plans,” she told the media.
Finance Minister Steven Joyce
It will not be an exaggeration to expect some more change of plans in the coming few weeks to reflect new realities of limited ability to spend more. The Indian Weekender spoke with the Labour Party’s spokesman on Housing and Auckland issues, Phil Twyford, about the possible impact on their spending plans to which Mr Twyford largely committed to the party’s line that there would not be much change in their plans on public spending. “First of all Labour is not proposing an increase in public spending. “When we are talking about taxes then we are talking about tax switch. “We might propose a mix of taxes, but we are not talking about gathering more money,” Mr Twyford said. The other projections in PREFU include drop in unemployment and net migration by 2020. The number of net immigrations is projected to remain steady for the next two years before falling to a range of net migration of about 20,000 by 2020. Treasury forecasts unemployment to drop to 4.3 per cent by June 2020 and for the average annual wage to increase from $58,900 in March 2017 to $65,700 by 2021, a $1300 per annum improvement on the Budget forecast.
VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE
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VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE
Friday, August 25, 2017
The Indian Weekender
“Labour will not be soft on crime,” says Jacinda Ardern Labour Party leader Jacinda Ardern visited the Indian Weekender's office for an interview and spoke about issues that concern the Kiwi Indian community
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abour Party Leader Jacinda Ardern does not agree with the perception, and not an entirely erroneous perception, that the party is soft-pedalling on crime and law and order issue. Speaking to The Indian Weekender exclusively, Ms Ardern said: “I would not agree with that perception. “Our first and foremost focus is making sure that we prevent victims and we support victims. “But actually what we need to focus is how do we make sure that we are responding to what the community is asking for? “I have grown up with the view that if we have well supported police in the community, then it will make the difference. “When I say in the community it means opening back those police-hubs in the community who know [local] families, the business owners and communities. “That way we can improve the response time and the community intelligence and make the difference,” Ms Ardern said. “When we talk about the increase in police numbers then it is not just same as the government is talking about. “We want those police officers back in our communities,” Ms Ardern said. The question of the need for tougher penalties to deter offenders, particularly youth offenders, which is largely at the centre of a prevailing perception about soft-pedalling on crime, was dealt by Ms Ardern with reasonable aplomb, signifying the critical role that “personality” can play in this election. Political commentators are already debating about what is more important in this election – personality or policies. While both have its own merits, sometimes the pull of the leader’s personality can make difficult policies appear more palpable, or at least less disagreeable to the target audience. The question of tough penalties on perpetrators of aggravated assault on small business owners and members of the KiwiIndian community is one such question.
Our first and foremost focus is making sure that we prevent victims and we support victims. But actually what we need to focus is how do we make sure that we are responding to what the community is asking for... “I want to do what works. “I want to make sure what will stop someone from going and committing such crimes,” Ms Ardern said. “I don’t agree with the fact that keeping young ones away for one year [referring to military style boot camps announced by the National Party] and then allowing them to go back in the same dysfunctional environment would make any difference,” Ms Ardern further said. “We really want to run some good programmes which can look into the root cause [of offending]. “Yes we often end up working with these offenders a bit longer, but we also work with their families. “That’s the big thing that makes the difference,” Ms Ardern said. “But I will also say that we will never change the fact that for serious offending a young person should end up in the district courts. “The power that judges have at the moment should keep that power. “We need to make sure that we match the offence with the crime and the punishments,” Ms Ardern said. However, it will be interesting to see if the Jacinda effect would have a desirable impact on the perception in some section of the Kiwi-Indian community and other ethnic communities about Labour’s soft-pedalling on crime.
The Indian Weekender
VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE
Friday, August 25, 2017
Labour government will scrap 48k income threshold for immigration: Jacinda Ardern ¡ SANDEEP SINGH
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abour Party will be scrapping the current $48,000 income threshold for permanent immigration in New Zealand after September 24, if it forms the government. However, there will not be any significant departure from the earlier Labour policy of chopping off numbers of immigrants by 25-30,000, even when there seems to be a willingness to go soft on those numbers. Speaking to The Indian Weekender exclusively, Labour Party leader Jacinda Ardern said, “We do not support that. Our view is that using salaries is a blunt instrument of demonstrating skills that someone might have. So that’s not a policy that we support.” On being asked further if a Labour government would be rolling back this policy
on September 24, Ms Ardern confirmed that this would be one of the things that the Labour government would be rolling back. “There are few things we have to roll back, and that will be one of them,” Ms Ardern confirmed. “Overall I am not wedded to numbers. I have not set a target for reduction. Our concern is in getting overall settings right. Right now overall settings just don’t seem to be right. “My message out there to the members of Kiwi-Indian community is that I never want to see someone who has a job vacancy that they can’t fill from being stopped to be able to find the help that they need to make sure their business keeps running. “So if there is a genuine skill shortage they would still be able to find support,” Ms Ardern told The Indian Weekender.
Indian High Commission in NZ migrates to a new website ¡ IWK BUREAU
T
he existing website of the Indian High Commission in New Zealand will be closed soon, and it will be moved to a newly created and more secure website domain. The newly created website www. hciwellington.in is already functional and can be accessed by the public. The Press Release issued by the Indian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand on Wednesday, August 23 has requested people to use the new domain for contacting the High Commission of India and especially for
consular services like passport, OCI, Visa, PCC, attestation etc. Arrangements are also being separately made to direct the visitors who access www. hicomind.org.nz through Google search to be redirected to the new website. “All the users are advised to access the new site only at www.hciwellington.in from now onwards,” the Press Release read.
Social investment fund aimed at helping New Zealanders suffering from mental health issues Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
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National Party List MP
very year thousands of New Zealanders experience mental health issues. Almost everyone has been affected either by mental health issues themselves or through support of family and friends. I want to acknowledge all the work that is done by both those staff of our mental health services and those many families who day to day work with their loved ones to ensure they can find their way back to mental health. The Government aims to support these frontline staff and families as much as possible and wants to work with them and their communities to improve treatment and prevention. Mental health services have expanded over recent years as the number of people using the services has risen. In 2007, 96,000 people used specialist mental health services and addiction services. In 2017, that number has increased to 168,000. More funding for these services was provided in this year’s Budget, so now, all up, the Government invests $1.4 billion a year in mental health and addiction services. But we need a wider range of interventions. For instance, 60 per cent of those who commit suicide had, in the 12 months previous to their suicide, no contact with specialist mental health or addiction services. As part of the Budget, the Government set aside $100 million for new and innovative approaches and this week we outlined how we
will use this social investment mental health fund. There are 17 initiatives designed to improve access to effective and responsive mental health services while at the same time, starting to transform our approach to mental health, reorienting our focus towards prevention, early intervention and resilience-building. It includes sending mental health workers with police to mental health call outs, more mental health professionals working with schools, and specific efforts to ensure people getting mental health treatment can stay in their homes. This package is part of our wider programme to prevent and respond to mental disorders. It also fits with our social investment approach, taking a clear view of the needs of the population and using evidence to realign and expand services across schools, prisons and primary health care to meet a wide range of individual and family needs. There isn’t a single solution but I am confident that these measures represent a significant step forward.
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VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE
10
Your party vote for NZPP will keep
Winston Peters away from government
Friday, August 25, 2017
The Indian Weekender
Only ACT will address the causes of crime
Anil Sharma
David Seymour
President, New Zealand People’s Party
Leader, ACT Party
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olitics is a fast moving game at the best of times, but in the past three weeks we have seen three party leaders from three different parties resign. While this is exciting for journalists and political watchers, it makes the rest of us hard working New Zealanders nervous. I’m not here to give my opinion on the changes we have seen and the reasons behind the changes. But rather I would like to drag us all back to earth and have a good look at the situation. With a significant portion of the country in the midst of ‘Jacindamania’, we have seen a rebalancing of the electorate. While the Greens have been riding in the low to mid teens for the past nine years, with the new Labour leader we are seeing the tide of Labour voters start to move back. We have seen this before, if you cast your mind back to 2002 when Bill English was last the Leader of the National Party. National plummeted to 19 per cent on election night while United Future took 8 seats and Act took 9. Well Peter Dunne just declared time on his fight to keep Ohariu and David Seymour is taking hand outs from the government to keep the Act Party alive. So while the reemergence of Labour as the significant party on the left is great for its supporters, it is bad news for the rest of us. The
current state of the parties puts Winston Peters firmly in the role of ‘king maker’. Going by the latest polls, neither Labour nor National could form a government without Winston Peters. This should scare everyone in our community. If Winston has his way he would shut the door firmly to new immigrants. Leaving families separated and hurting. They like to talk about being a party for all New Zealanders, and being “race blind”. But lets be clear, NZ First only care about you if your skin is white and you’re older than 60. You can put New Zealand People’s Party in a position to take away this power. This September if we get 5 per cent of the party vote we will be in a position to take 6 MPs to parliament. This would be a game changer for you and for New Zealand. We would be able to take your voice, your community, to the halls of parliament. We are better when we are together. We will get this done.
Raj Singh Candidate for Manukau East
ational has only had success in keeping New Zealand prosperous and making effective policy over the past years thanks to its partnership with ACT. Whenever wasteful spending crept into budget discussions, ACT was there to sound the alarm and protect taxpayers. When criminals continued to endanger public safety without sufficient penalties, ACT’s Three Strikes policy provided a meaningful deterrent to recidivism. Some disappointed people may look to Jacinda Ardern and Labour since her ascent as leader seems to give the party more hope. But despite her best intentions, an unstable, uncoordinated, and scandal-ridden centerleft coalition would not deliver the promise of equality in education, protection of young Kiwis from crime, or giving young people the chance to own their own homes. One simple step to address crime would be to create a Three Strikes for Burglary law, similar to the existing law for violent crime, to ensure repeat burglars go to jail and stay there. ACT would also reduce robberies of dairies by cutting the tobacco tax that turns cigarettes into gold bars. No party has been tougher on crime than ACT, but we also recognize the need to be smarter on crime as well. ACT’s policy of incentivising prisoners and youth offenders to learn to read and get driver’s licenses in prison
has been welcomed by the Howard League for Penal Reform and the Sensible Sentencing Trust as a realistic and fair way to decrease reoffending and address causes of crime. As the Under-Secretary to the Minister of Education, I worked tirelessly with National to make choice in education a reality, through Partnership Schools. Every Kiwi, regardless of race or social status, deserves a quality education. This cuts right to the heart of fairness and equality in our society. Partnership schools give students opportunity and hope; schools should offer student engagement, which turns into skills, which in turn turns into jobs, careers, and ultimately a feeling of self-worth. Partnership Schools are the only schools where attendance is a required target for the administrators and teachers, which in turn helps keeping at risk youth off the streets. I am proud to be part of a party that has been the greatest champion of equality for young Kiwis of all races who can one day own their own futures. Every New Zealander who prioritises personal freedom and responsibility, wants New Zealand’s youngsters to have top-notch education, and are welcoming to peaceful and productive migrants will have a champion in the next government. All it takes to own your future is a Party Vote for ACT.
Contact Labour’s Ethnic Communities Team Email Michael.Wood@parliament.govt.nz Email Ethnic.Communities@labour.org.nz Phone 09 373 3332 Address 85 Grafton Rd, Auckland NZ 1010
Michael Wood MP Spokesperson for Ethnic Communities
Jacinda Ardern MP Labour Leader
Raj is the founder and Principal of a South Auckland based law firm who wants to share his professional success by giving his community a voice and representing them in Parliament through his work with the Green Party. He is passionate about policy, law, effective communication and leadership, education and immigration. Raj often offers legal education seminars to communities.
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ACT stands against Winston Peters racist attack against Sikh’s freedom of religion “Winston Peters has yet again displayed ignorance of modern New Zealand when he attacked Sikhs’ pursuit to carry a kirpan, a ceremonial religious dagger in public places and workplaces, says David Seymour. “Winston yearns for the time Indians belonged in the corner dairy; in modern New Zealand, the Indian community is an important part of the economy, society, and culture. “ACT will ensure that in the next Parliament, we will ensure a bill is passed to allow Sikhs to wear the kirpan in public.” “As a Sikh, this is an attack my freedom of religion. Anyone who can’t tell the difference between a 2 metre long lethal weapon and a 10 centimetre ceremonial ornament needs to properly educate and inform themselves,” says ACT candidate, Bhupinder Singh “The kirpan is a symbol of religion and article of faith for a baptised Sikh, and part of the statutory code of practice to carry the 5K’s (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kacchaira, and Kirpan). “Mahesh Bindra should have properly informed Winston of our religion and symbol and has failed as both ethics spokesperson and truly representing our community before making uneducated statements.”
Bhupinder Singh
Authorised by L Fergusson, Level 2, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland
12
VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE
Friday, August 25, 2017
A feast of half-baked policies P ¡ N. GURU DUTT
ersonality has by far trumped policy in this election campaign. Kiwi-Indians will doubtless see strong parallels in the personality cult that shapes national, state and local politics back in India. The past couple of weeks have shown how a single personality can fly or sink a party at the speed of light. It all began with Andrew Little stepping down as Labour leader. His replacement Jacinda Ardern has dragged the party out of the morass snapping at National’s heels in the polls in just a matter of days.She even finds herself on an equal footing with Prime Minister Bill English on the preferred prime minister poll. Then, Metiria Turei’s misstep caused a political avalanche that has all but buried the Greens, after which Peter Dunne did for National the opposite of what Ms Ardern did for Labour: his abandoning the race couldn’t have hit Nationalat a worse time. A weakening National badly needed the twin electoral and moral support of Dunne’s United Future and Act. Campaign chief Steven Joyce, though, put up the same brave face on National Radio this weekas he did when facing a dildo hurled at him at Waitangi last year. While his straightfaced parrying of Suzie Ferguson’s questions was commendable, it was as evasive as it was unconvincing. Developments around these three personalities starved Winston Peters of vital media oxygen so close to the election. Mr Peters has suddenly found himself out of depth, unable to get any airplay as the polls showed New Zealand First dipping sharply after steadily rising for many months. He still retains
his position as kingmaker but with greatly reduced bargaining powers, at least as things stand this week. Meanwhile, Gareth Morgan, the latest entrant in the personality parade, too, found himself left high and dry by these rapidly unfolding events. He tried to find his voice on the soapbox with his “lipstick on a pig” comment directed at Ms Ardern. He unabashedly admitted that it was a deliberate measure to get his voice heard. However, Mr English played the unlikely white knight to Ms Ardern, squarely condemning the comment on air.
Politics light on policy
I
mmigration, housing, infrastructure and law and order concern Kiwi-Indians as also other immigrants the most. Thus far, none of the leading political parties have firmly bedded down their respective policies on these. Like it or not, these four issues are inextricably linked and any policy pronouncements that do not balance these carefully are bound to look confusing to the voter. For instance, National’s stand on immigration has proved a moving feast, tinkering around with thresholds, as has been widely reported in The Indian Weekender.While this is purportedly aimed at making immigration more targeted
and need based for the economy, it also plays to the hardline anti-immigration elements on the right, conveying that it somehow also aims to curb numbers, which makes the policy look like just another please-all ploy that ends up convincing nobody. National’s seeming inability to see the writing on the wall in terms of the widespread clamour for increased public transport, which is directly linked to increased immigrant numbers, is another pointer to the incoherence in communicating policy. Transport Minister Simon Bridges’ new roads of national significance list announced this week sank like a stone, without anyone taking notice. It sounded a knee-jerk reaction to Labour’s regional transport plan albeit devised by two transport lobby groups based in Auckland and the Waikato. Public transport is vital to immigrants and better, cheaper transport links greatly expand the reachability for jobs, enterprise and housing. It is a no-brainer. Yet, unfortunately, National’s only reference to rail in its newly declared policy was criticism for Labour for not having done its homework properly on its proposed regional rail network. While Jacinda Ardern’s personality, sprinkled with pixie dust as it were, has charmed the media so far, the next couple of weeks will tell how she leverages that to sell the party’s policies, many of which look a tad too tentative this close to the elections. Labour has indicated considerable spending initiatives. It is not clear so far where it will find the money, harking back to the famous Phil Goff-John Key TV debate where Mr Goff found himself tongue-tied when Mr Key popped the question, “Show me the money.”
The Indian Weekender
That was a defining moment for Labour in the 2011 elections. Inevitably, the extra money has to come from new or increased taxes – and borrowing. National has picked up on that and hit back with a social media video attacking Labour’s tentative noises in the current campaign on a proposed capital gains tax. It quotes a very noncommittal Grant Robertson saying they “will seek advice” on a capital gains tax. That is a worry for a considerable number of settled Kiwi-Indians, many of who have built successful property investment portfolios. Home ownership is an integral part of the Indian ethos and any new tax on this activity will alarm that voter segment. On immigration as well, Ms Ardern has said Labour is committed to reduced numbers though not on a scale that New Zealand First envisages. Like National, she too lays emphasis on better targeting and being focused on the staffing needs of businesses. But at least in Labour’s case, it recognises other linked imperatives like the urgency of public transport linking half of the nation’s population with a rapid rail corridor around Auckland. National has failed miserably on the housing front across its nine years in government. It has nothing strikingly new to offer – at least so far in the campaign. Its special housing area initiative is nothing short of an embarrassment. Labour, too, so far, has been light on pronouncements on housing, but will have more details coming in the run up to the campaign. It is hoped that political parties in the next couple of weeks of campaigning and leader debates on TV will give a better picture on how they intend to deliver on these important issues if voted to power.
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NEW ZEALAND
Friday, August 25, 2017
The Indian Weekender
Changes in immigration policy-
What do the experts say • 30 Points now for people aged 20 – 39 years. • Points for partners’ qualifications are only awarded if the qualification is recognised level 7or higher. • Points no longer available for: employment, work experience and qualifications in identified future growth areas; qualifications in areas of absolute skills shortage and for close family in New Zealand. Essential Skills work visa category has also undergone significant changes and below is the brief overview: • The introduction of remuneration bands to help assess the skill level of employment offered to Essential Skills visa applicants
¡ ARUNIMA DHINGRA
I
n the past few months, immigration has been at the forefront of government policy development and change. Being an election year, it is perhaps one of the most divisive and controversial campaign issues for all political parties. The government has announced major changes to immigration policy within the Skilled Migrant Category [SMC] for Residence and the Essential Skills Work Visa Category. These changes will come into effect on 28 August 2017. I believe as an industry leader it is my duty to provide people with a breakdown of the changes and explain how they may affect you.
Here is an overview of what is changing.
SMC has undergone a complete overhaul, resulting in a new points calculator. Here’s the brief breakdown: • Introduced two remuneration thresholds in order to be eligible for Residence under the SMC Category » Salary at or above $23.49 per hour, equating to $48,859 per year for jobs at ANZSCO skill levels 1, 2 and 3 » Salary at or above $35.24 per hour, equating to $73,299 per year for job at any ANZSCO level or no ANZSCO match • Bonus 20 points for high salary at or above $46.98 per hour, equating to $97,718 per year. • More points available for skilled work experience only • Bonus 10 points for skilled work experience of 12 months or more in New Zealand. • Points for recognised level 9 or 10 postgraduate qualifications (Master’s degrees, Doctorate) increased to 70 points.
Remuneration
ANZSCO 1-3
ANZSCO 4-5
$35.24+ per hour
High
High
$19.97 - $35.24 per hour
Mid
Low
Less than $19.97 per hour
Low
Low
• The skill band determines the maximum visa length and whether your partner or dependent child(ren) will be able to apply for visas on the basis of their relationship to you Maximum visa length
Maximum number of visas
Higher-skilled
5 years
Unlimited
Mid-skilled
3 years
Unlimited
Lower-skilled
1 year
Up to 3 years
Skill band
Note: After three years, lower-skilled workers will need to spend 12 consecutive months outside New Zealand before they can be granted a further Essential Skills visa to undertake lower-skilled work. Partners and children of Essential Skills workers in lower-skilled employment can stay in New Zealand for existing visa holders if they already hold a visa based on their relationship. Essential Skills visa holders who are undertaking lower-skilled work and previously held a student visa can support visas for their partner or dependent children if they held a student visa which allowed them to support a partner for a work visa or a dependent child for a student visa, and they held a post-study work visa based on that student visa, and they supported their partner or dependent child for a visa based on their relationship while holding a post-study work visa.
These are major changes that will most definitely have flow-on effects across multiple industries especially farming, retail, hospitality and healthcare. However, for any change to take place there will always be a rough transition period. Through these Eligible to support changes government’s partner/child visa goal seems to be clear: attract migrant workers Yes with high levels of skill Yes and experience, who may not necessarily have No a formal qualification but have much more work and life experience, and therefore earn higher salaries andbring in migrants to fill important skill shortages. However, though the intention may be positive, and may in fact change the face of immigration in New Zealand in a positive way in the next five years, the way in which these changes were brought in, was problematic to say the least. My hope is that the to-be government is willing to patch up the gaps in these changes as they come to light, to ensure that our country continues to be seen as a desirable migrant destination. I believe this is a justified shift but whether it will have the desired impact or effect, and whether it will in fact meet all its intended objectives, is something that only time will tell. I am excited about this new chapter in New Zealand’s immigration system, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for us – both Kiwis and migrants alike.
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The Indian Weekender
NEW ZEALAND
Friday, August 25, 2017
15
Young Kiwi-Indian techie does community proud SANDEEP SINGH
A
young Kiwi-Indian technology professional, Ashutosh Sharma, is among four recipients of 2017 International Leadership Award announced Wednesday, August 23, by the Minister for Youth, Nikki Kaye. “This award supports outstanding young New Zealanders to access an international opportunity to develop their own leadership skills, and in turn support the development of other young people,” Ms Kaye said. The announcement of the award was news to Mr Sharma who was boarding a plane to Australia to pitch his venture to a few angel investors when The Indian Weekender contacted him earlier on Wednesday to speak about the award. “To be honest, I was surprised and did not see it coming. My focus is bigger than the award. “I feel happy, and my parents feel happy as well but what I want to focus is on how to make an impact on the lives of other people through various mediums,” Mr Sharma told The Indian
makes new technology accessible to people, develops holographic software for business and has also been developing a social good app for people who are deaf and mute. However, ARCOM NZ is not the only start-up initiated by this tech wizard in the community. Mr Sharma’s social media profile says that he is the founder of 'Share My Garage', 'Sell My Good', co-Founder of 'Free Will', Founder of 'Memes 98', Partner at Gamestation, along with being Founder and CEO of 'Sell My Good' – his first website. The profile post quotes Mr Sharma as saying, “Sell My Good was the very first website that I wrote when I was 11 "A years old. big focus of “I launched the website when the International I was 13 years. This website Leadership Award is was like a trading platform for the sharing of insights computers buy and sell. gained overseas Sell My Good has reached with local young Weekender. Mr Sharma has built a 1 million users in 14 days of people." maths Q&A app called 'Extreme Math' launch. Recently Mr Sharma has before starting up ARCOM NZ, which re-launched this website and has since
experienced rapid growth. Sell My Good aims to hit 1 billion dollars in transaction value and estimates a gross merchandise value of over $1billion. As part of the award, the recipients will travel to China from 16 to 23 September, where they will take part in the Follow the Footsteps of Rewi Alley Programme in Shenzhen. “A big focus of the International Leadership Award is the sharing of insights gained overseas with local young people,” Ms Kaye said. “Recipients of the inaugural International Leadership Award visited China as part of a Ministerial delegation last year, and returned with a deeper understanding of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in a country with a burgeoning start-up scene,” Ms Kaye said. The other recipients of 2017 International Leadership award are April McLennan (Christchurch), Stephanie Benseman (Wellington), Rees Vinsen (Auckland). Mr Sharma is of Fiji-Indian descent, born in Fiji and educated at Auckland Grammar School.
Jain community celebrates Paryushan Maha Parva
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he Jain community in Auckland celebrated Paryushan Maha Parva’s auspicious day called ‘14 Supan Darshan of Trishla Devi – Mother of Lord Mahavir’. It is said that the mothers of wouldbe Tirthankaras (the saviours and spiritual teachers of the dharma) witness fourteen auspicious objects in their dreams and Queen Trishala, Lord Mahavir’s mother also saw fourteen beautiful and auspicious objects at midnight. There are more than 200 members of the Jain community living in New Zealand and 150 of them living in Auckland alone. The community’s religious centre is located on 44 Portage Road in New Lynn that hosts and celebrates all the prayers services and festivals of the community. The Paryushan Maha Parva programme started on Friday, August 18, and will end on Friday, August 25 in the evening. “We celebrate all Jain religious festival and activities including teaching the young ones, provide support to new students and migrants to New Zealand,” spokesman for the Jain community, Parag Shah told The Indian Weekender. The community temple in New Lynn holds periodic Samayik, Snatra Pooja, Bhakti Sandhya, weekly poojas, Pathshala, Gujarati classes and few more activities on a regular basis. The community is looking for a new place to establish a Jain Temple in Auckland where the growing number of Jain community members can come for worship and celebrations. A majority of the Jain families migrated to New Zealand in 2002 and settled here. There are many members of the Jain community who are still on student and work visas. There are currently 18 families involved in the volunteering services for the New Zealand Jain Sangh Trust. “We are now in the process of building our worship place in Auckland which is called ‘Derasar’ and we’re looking for suitable land,” Mr Shah said.
NEW ZEALAND
16
Friday, August 25, 2017
SOUTH LINE Political parties debate migrant issues
The Indian Weekender
News-in-brief from South Island
GAURAV SHARMA
T
he occasion was a Political Parties Forum, organised by the Surinder Tandonled Christchurch Multicultural Council, where National’s Nicky Wagner, Labour’s Ruth Dyson, New Zealand First’s Mahesh Bindra, and Green’s Chrys Horn put forward their parties respective views on issues concerning the country’s migrant community The gloves are off. Parties have switched to election mode. It’s game on! National’s Nicky Wagner, who is the minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration, believes that migrants have played a role in New Zealand’s robust economy. She stresses hers is the only party supporting immigration while all the others are trying to shut the gates down. “While we do need more ethnic communities’ representation in our public services, the numbers have improved over the last few years, which is a good sign. Also, acknowledging that law and order is an important issue for the migrant community, the Government has announced increase in front-line police numbers recently,” she adds. Labour’s Ruth Dyson believes National’s policies have led to widespread exploitation of migrant workers. Her party, she says, will cap immigration numbers and close down
National, Labour, NZ First, and Greens debate on exploitation, discrimination, immigration, and law and order
(from left) New Zealand First's Mahesh Bindra, National's Nicky Wagner, Green's Chrys Horn and Labour's Ruth Dyson at the Political Parties Forum organised by the Christchurch Multicultural Council in Christchurch on August 23
those private training establishments that run sham courses and give international students false hopes of residency. “Migrants often work at levels way below their qualifications. There is institutional racism in New Zealand, obviously in the police and the judiciary. But I think it’s more widespread than that. And it continues because while we have excellent human rights legislation, it’s not used enough,” she adds. New Zealand First’s List MP Mahesh Bindra doesn’t think some remarks made by his leader Winston Peters may sometimes reinforce his party’s perception of being “anti-immigration” within ethnic communities. He blames the media squarely for creating and feeding
that perception. “Neither my leader nor my party are either racist or antimigrants. We just want what’s best for all New Zealanders. While we have welcomed more and more migrants in this country, the infrastructure has failed to keep up. That’s where the problem is,” he adds. Green’s Chrys Horn, who is also an electorate candidate from Selwyn and openly admits she is not very keen on going into the Parliament, comes up with some startling statistics. “While only five per cent of our work force is migrant, over one-third of all worker exploitation cases that MBIE deals with, concern migrant workers. If you have a non-pakeha surname in New Zealand, you have 50 per cent less chance of getting an interview
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call. So there’s no doubt that we have structural discrimination in New Zealand. That’s why Greens are advocating ‘blind’ CVs to eliminate ethnicity andge nderbi as,”s hea dds. The above pretty much sums up what was said at the Forum; the takeaways from which were: All four political parties agree that migrants in New Zealand face discrimination and exploitation, whether in getting jobs or while in jobs. They differ in what needs to be done about it. All four agree that New Zealand needs immigration. How much and what kind, are their points of difference. And finally, all agree that law and order in New Zealand needs to improve. Whether and how to get tough on offenders, and how much police numbers to increase, is the debate. National, obviously, being in government for the past nine years has already shown its cards. While the rest three opposition parties have made policy announcements and are wanting for their chance to reveal their cards. One thing is clear though. Whosoever thought that this would be a plain bland election till December last year when Sir John Key was still the Prime Minister, couldn’t have been more wrong.
Punjabi Virsa NZ concludes in Chch with a promise to return GAURAV SHARMA
O
n their last leg of the New Zealand tour in Christchurch on August 20, the Canada-based singers-composers brother-trio of Manmohan Waris, Sangtar and Kamal Heer, enthralled the sold-out crowd for over four hours with a mix of romance, patriotism, and heavy doses of Punjabi cultural nuggets thrown in between. Mr Gaurav Soni, one of the main organiser of the event in the Garden City, informed, “It was the first time we brought Punjabi Virsa down South and going by the response, it won’t be the last. Like always, the famous brother trio’s performance was a family event, with almost 700-strong audience staying up until the end to secure great memories of the evening.”
Nepali community gets
together for flood victims aid
The occasion was the annual Teej celebrations
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The Canterbury Nepalese Society (CNS) organised it's annual Hindu festival of Teej on August 18, which was attended by over 250 Nepalese families living in Christchurch
GAURAV SHARMA
T
he Nepali community of Christchurch got together on Friday to celebrate the Hindu festival of Teej. Bishnu Pokhrel, President of Canterbury Nepalese Society (CNS), noted, “Teej is the most awaited festival for our ladies during which we dance all night long on typical Teej songs and have delicious daar – a Nepali delicacy. It signifies the advent of monsoon, when ladies pray to Goddess Parvati for the long-life of their husbands. Almost 250 people attended the Hartalika Teej celebrations 2074 this year, which included Teej geet competition, Dohoris [Nepali folk], and Teej dances.” The event also provided CNS an opportunity to raise funds to help flood victims back
home, Mr Pokhrel said. Notably, Nepal, along with some parts of Bangladesh and Eastern India, have been reeling under severe floods this monsoon. At last count in Nepal, 141 people are confirmed dead, with more than 38,000 households affected. Authorities, struggling to cope, have distributed ready-tocook food, water purifiers, and hygiene and sanitary materials for women, in the affected regions. Almost 80 per cent of the arable land in the country has been destroyed. “The event provided the Nepalese diaspora settled here in Christchurch to do our wee bit to help our brothers and sisters back home. As we had done in the past, CNS along with other Nepalese organisations here in New Zealand, will continue to organise more such events in future too,” he said.
Mayur Dance Academy’s production captivates Wellingtonians The Indian Weekender
NEW ZEALAND
Friday, August 25, 2017
17
JYOTI GOSAVI
M
ayur Dance Academy hosted its third annual classical dance production at the Sacred Heart College in Lower Hutt, Wellington, on Saturday, August 5. The dancers at the event portrayed an array of meaning, emotions and expressions in their story telling through an incredible combination of Nrittya (dance) and Natya (expressions). It is rightly said: where there is no heart, there is no art. Great dances are not just great because of their technique, but also because of their passion and creativity. The programme started with an epic story named Sura Samharan, the annihilation of the evil. It was a dance drama in Bharatnatyam. Performers between the age group four and 16 depicted the story of Lord Murugan and his fight to conquer the evil demon Sura Padman to stop the suffering of his people. A well-choreographed dancing sequence, a smooth flowing structure and a gripping story made the forty minutes pass in a tick. The plot evolved fast, from well-engaged battle scenes with difficult fight movements in Bharatanatyam, swelling seas, flashing bows and arrows, to change into a tranquil field of flowers and a wedding celebration, looking beautiful and serene. A member of the audience said he could “understand everything”, unlike many of the Indian classical events he had attended before. The richness of the first dance drama was quickly complemented with smaller items of well-choreographed solo performances. A blend of fast and intricate dance movements in combination with the lights, background graphics, and lifting music, expressed aesthetics of anger, love, power and strength. “Each item was different, captivating, and hard to blink,” another member of the audience said. The programme followed into a refreshing little piece of the children’s group performance in Kathak. The final piece was a Kathak dance drama. Jagriti was the awakening of a woman’s spirit and was presented by the older students of the Kathak group. Artistically choreographed through rapid spins, fast footwork, delicate expressions and theatrical outbursts, the students raised serious questions on the position of women in society through the portrayal of five Indian characters. Strength and dominance over evil were depicted as Hindu goddess Durga. Powerful attributes of selflessness, patience, determination and self-respect were personified through the Indian epic characters of Sita and Draupadi. The embodiment of faith and devotion was illustrated through the historical character Meerabai. Rani Laxmibai as the leader of India’s first war of Independence against the British Raj, symbolised indomitable courage. Thunderstorms, dramatic uncontrollable laughter, fierce battlefield horse tapping through upbeat music and intensifying footwork (Tatkaars), were sharply contrasted with the subtle expressions and graceful moves representing a woman’s compassionate tenderness. A lighting of the lamp at the end symbolised optimism and uplifting spirit of womanhood. Mayur Dance Academy is a dance school in Wellington where two important Indian classical dance forms Bharatnatyam and Kathak are taught under the same roof.
CORRIGENDUM The profile of Shaun Khanna that was supplied to us and subsequently appeared as 'Supplied content' in our Issue dated 21 July, 2017 on page 13 was originally written by Mr Prem Nath Ram Nath for India NZ Outlook of which we were not made aware of. However we credit the original author and regret any inconvenience caused.
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Thought of the week
“I know for sure that what we dwell on is who we become.” – Oprah Winfrey
Editorial
Ahead of election, ‘Jacinda-Rail’ reaches out to the Kiwi-Indian community
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his week ‘Jacinda-rail,’ as she may be called, given her penchant for rail as the most preferred mode of transporting people around in some of the major urban centres of North Island, made its first official stop at a Kiwi-Indian community station – The Indian Weekender office. By sheer coincidence, Ms Ardern arrived at The Indian Weekender office directly from Tauranga, after announcing $20 million commitment to invest in a passenger rail service linking Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. This prompted us to ask her if she was coming by rail to which came the prompt reply “No, that’s the point that we need rail.” Lest it may cause offence to anyone in the community, The Indian Weekender considers itself a modest, and one of many other equally meaningful representatives, of community’s overall interests. As a responsible bearer of this overarching responsibility, The Indian Weekender is seeking to put a maximum premium on the votes of the members of the Kiwi-Indian community in this election. The goal it seeks to achieve is to make political parties across the spectrum work hard for the votes of the members of the community. Since we live in the times of Jacinda Ardern’s “relentless positivity,” or Prime Minister Bill English’s “relentless dissatisfaction” (about what can be achieved by New Zealand in the near future), therefore it’s prudent to put our commitment toward community’s interest as, well, relentless. An essential premise, in the pursuit of this above described relentless endeavour, is to project votes of the community as decisive – and not merely important in this election. If it is a matter of choice between considering the Indian community’s votes as decisive or important, then The Indian Weekender will unabashedly choose it to be decisive rather than just important. In our view the Kiwi-Indian community’s votes are, or should be, aggressively sought by all political parties, and not considered merely a given. Anyway, often choices could be arbitrary depending upon the amount of self-belief and selfconviction that one allows themselves. Like elsewhere in New Zealand, the Kiwi-Indian community is also curious about the 'Jacinda-mania' and about the possibilities on how it could affect them. For the Kiwi-Indian community, the effect of the possibility of Jacinda’s elevation as the country’s future prime minister transcends beyond local issues such as immigration, law and order, health and education affecting them, to the emotional issue of bilateral relationship with India – a country that many in the community consider their original home. Therefore The Indian Weekender team had sought to explore Ms Ardern’s understanding and intentions about managing NZ-India bilateral relations. Currently, competing goals in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries and supporting India’s efforts in gaining entry into the elite Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG), are shaping the bilateral relationship landscape. Ms Ardern has conveyed a willingness and open mindedness in taking forward this important relationship for New Zealand. However, the bulk of the talk was around issues affecting the Kiwi-Indian community in New Zealand such as law and order and immigration which are duly covered in detail on our multiple platforms. Ms Ardern, like everywhere else, did manage to bring the charisma of her personality to deflect or evade difficult policy questions. But it is still too early in the lead up to the election with a full four weeks remaining before voting concludes. And as they say, a week is a long time in politics.
Auckland Weather forecast for the week August 26 – Sept 1, 2017
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu A monring shower, some sun
Mostly cloudy with little rain
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Mostly Partly sunny Some sun Partly sunny A periods cloudy, a with a with a with a of rain little rain shower little rain shower
14° 8°
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18° 8°
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This week in New Zealand’s history 26 August 1866 Telegraph line laid across Cook Strait
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fter two bungled attempts and near disaster at sea, the installation of the first communications cable between the North and South Islands of New Zealand was completed. A simple copper telegraph cable was laid on the sea floor from Whites Bay, north of Blenheim, to Lyall Bay on Wellington’s south coast.
31 August 1974 Death of Norman Kirk
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eader of the Labour Party since 1965 and prime minister since late 1972, ‘Big Norm’ died suddenly at the age of 51. He was the fifth New Zealand prime minister to die in office. Kirk had faced a number of health issues during 1974 but maintained a punishing work schedule. Following a Cabinet meeting on 19 August he went home to his ministerial house in Seatoun with the flu.
28 August 1992 Canterbury’s ‘Big Snow’
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antabrians awoke to find the region blanketed in snow. The ‘Big Snow’, as the storm came to be known, was the region’s heaviest for 30 years. From midday on 27 August weather forecasts alerted residents to the likelihood of snow, which began to fall that evening.
Indian Weekender : Volume 9 Issue 23 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.: 09-6366306 | 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 - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
The Indian Weekender
OPINION/EDITORIAL
Friday, August 25, 2017
19
India’s social advancement dependent on rise in productivity AMIT KAPOOR
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he Indian rupee has been on a rising spree this year. Beginning from historical lows back in December-January, when the rupee had almost touched 69 to a dollar, it has risen to a two-year high of 63.5 in the last few weeks. Simultaneously, there has also been a growing clamour of voices that are vehemently calling for a moderation of the overvalued rupee. The common argument is that an overvalued rupee implies that it is at a higher price than what would be deemed a more appropriate exchange rate. This makes the country’s exports costlier in the foreign market and imports cheaper in the home market. In other words, currency appreciation makes exports less competitive in the world markets and enhances the competitiveness of imports. The ‘cost argument’ for improving competitiveness is actually a very narrow way of looking at the issue. First, the end goal of every nation is to raise the standard of living of its citizens. Keeping that in mind, devaluation seems counterintuitive. If a nation devalues its currency, foreign goods become costlier and its own goods are sold at a discounted price in the world
market. Prosperity simply cannot be achieved in such a scenario. Moreover, nations like Germany and Switzerland have experienced rising levels of prosperity despite having appreciated currencies. Their ability to compete despite being paid higher prices for exports and labour seems to be a more desirable national target. Second, the idea that currency somehow determines competitiveness is grossly misconstrued. Competitiveness of a nation and the goods that it produces largely depend on the productivity with which a nation employs its resources, which includes its labour and capital. This is because productivity is the fundamental driver of a nation’s per capita income and, by implication, the key determinant of the standard of living of its citizens. Labour productivity determines wages
while the productivity with which capital is employed determines the return it gives to its holder. Competitiveness, therefore, can be said to be fundamentally centred on the idea of productivity of resources and currency is hardly a determinant of that factor. Third, there are more longterm implications with deliberate devaluation of the rupee for upgrading the economy. The expectation of a low exchange rate leads to price competition among firms and investment in price sensitive segments and industries. This deviates investment away from innovations that can enhance productivity, resulting in slower progress towards higher order competitive advantages. In such a case, devaluation may lead to pressures for further devaluation and kickstart a vicious cycle that could
take a nation further from the idea of competitiveness. Therefore, currency devaluation or revaluation might just be far more dangerous and less useful than is usually portrayed. On the other hand, instead of currency manipulation, the Indian economy has more concerning issues affecting its competitiveness that need immediate attention. Competitiveness is driven by productivity and productivity numbers in India are problematic both in absolute and in relative terms. Multiple studies have noted that productivity in Indian manufacturing has fallen since the reforms of 1991. One that came out in 2011 said that the total factor productivity (TFP) growth for manufacturing activities has fallen from 1.88 per cent between 1980-1991 to 1.05 percent between 1992 to 2007. A downward trend is also reported for the unorganised manufacturing sector by most productivity studies. Similarly, in agriculture, India’s productivity has been lacklustre at best. In a recent visit to Iceland, I was made aware of the fact that the country manages to produce 4,000 tonnes of tomatoes in a hectare of land. Indian farmers, on the other hand, only manage to get 18 tonnes of tomatoes out of the same amount of land. How can India compete in the world market with such
gross contrasts in productivity? Out of currency revaluation and productivity, clearly the latter is a goal worthier of relentless pursuit. India has never targeted productivity as a tool for achieving higher prosperity when it is, in fact, the key to raise the standard of living of the nation’s workforce. If productivity levels remain unchanged, the economy would grow in the same proportion as the inputs are absorbed. In such a case, the economy would grow in size but welfare would not. This is because the utility gained from an incremental output is equally compensated by the disutility of the incremental efforts expended. In more economic jargon, 19 the marginal utility of the additional output equals the amount of labour and capital devoted to it multiplied by the real wage rate and the real rental rate of capital. Clearly, there can be no social advancement without a rise in productivity. Therefore, India’s developmental policy and public discourse need to be attuned to the same page before a generation of unproductive labour finds itself a victim of misguided economics. (Amit Kapoor is chair, Institute for Competitiveness, India. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at amit. kapoor@competitiveness.in)
Get ready to roll. You will now have received your new rubbish bin. From Monday 4th September we’ll be starting bin collections. Auckland Council will no longer collect rubbish bags after Friday 1st September. To make sure your rubbish is picked up, put it in your bin and place the bin on your kerb by 7am on your usual collection day. Text your address to 3169 to sign up for a free text reminder to find out when it’s time to switch from bags to a bin. To find out more, phone 09 928 0334.
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INDIA
Need to challenge BJP’s idea of 20
Friday, August 25, 2017
The Indian Weekender
Lalu questions Modi’s visit to flood-affected Bihar
nationalism, Hinduism: Kanhaiya C R ontending that nationalism cannot be forcefully injected to people, former Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union President Kanhaiya Kumar said there is a need to challenge BJP’s idea of nationalism and Hinduism in the country. “Nationalism is neither a disease nor a medicine that can be injected to people’s body. It is a thought that emerges from the sense of association. The BJP regime is trying to destroy that sense of association among people. Therefore it is necessary to challenge their idea of nationalism,” Kanhaiya said at a public meeting organised by AISF and AIYF. Accusing the BJP-run central government of creating a new issue everyday to divert people’s attention from the main issues like illiteracy, unemployment and price rise, he said
Former Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union President Kanhaiya Kumar addresses during a rally organised by the All India Students Federation and the All India Youth Federation in Kolkata
the government has slashed down the budget for education at various states as it is opposed to intelligence and free thinking. “This government is scared of intelligence. They have slashed down the education budget by 93 per
cent. The same thing has been done in other states too,” he claimed. Terming the central government’s ‘Skill India’ initiative as ‘kill India’, he said the initiative has failed to deliver on the government’s promise of bringing employment.
Describing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its student wing, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad as the biggest enemies of the Hindu community, Kanhaiya Kumar said their idea of attacking people and trying to curb free speech in the name of protecting the Hindu religion did not reflect the Hindu ideology practised in the country. “If their Hinduism teaches them to attack and throw ink at anyone who questions their policies and practices, then their brand of Hinduism does not reflect what the Hindus of this country have been practising for ages,” he asserted. “They are biggest enemies of the Hindus in the country. If they were really pro Hindus, they would have protested the death of those Hindu children in Gorakhpur or would have helped the thousands of Hindu flood victims in Bengal,” he added.
Modi, Priyanka feature in LinkedIn power profiles list of 2017
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ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and actress Priyanka Chopra have found a spot in the LinkedIn Power Profiles List of 2017. Professional networking giant LinkedIn on Wednesday, 23 August, announced its fourth edition of Power Profiles, a list of the most viewed LinkedIn profiles of professionals in India, read a statement. Through the list, the network recognises 50 such professionals, who have successfully invested in building their professional brand on the platform. Modi with his 2.2 million followers on the platform, is a third time return to the list. Other influencers are Kailash Satyarthi, Founder of Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation,
Priyanca Chopra (left) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Global Chief People Officer, Cipla, Prabir Jha and Manu Kumar Jain, Vice President and Managing Director,
Xiaomi Technology. Akshay Kothari, Country Manager and Head of Product, LinkedIn India said: “Our Power Profiles of 2017
have built a strong brand by sharing their diverse experiences and voicing their opinion on issues that matter to our members.”
JD chief Lalu Prasad questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed aerial survey of flood-affected Bihar, saying why is he visiting the victims when the flood is over and the floodwaters are receding. “I have come to know that Prime Minister Modi will visit flood-hit Bihar to take stock of the situation. It is a drama and the flood is an excuse. He is coming on an air trip. He will now visit flood victims as the floodwaters are receding. Where was he when nearly 400 people died and lakhs of people were forced to flee their homes and take shelter on elevated roads and embankments under the sky,” Lalu said here at a press conference. He said neither Modi nor his Cabinet ministers, including those from Bihar, visited the victims. Lalu said that floods are an annual problem for Bihar. “Floods used to hit Bihar every year. Why is Prime Minister Modi coming this year to visit flood victims? Where was he in 2015 or 2016?” According to Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, the Prime Minister will conduct an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in the state on August 26. The death toll due to the floods rose to 341 on Tuesday, an official said. A Bihar Disaster Management Department official said 146.19 lakh persons in 2,234 panchayats under 183 blocks in 19 districts have been affected by the floods. According to an official release, as many as 7,61,774 people have been evacuated to safe places by the rescue teams of the Army, the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Respon
India one of the top targets of Nepal invites Indian investment for economic growth and air is key to lowering business n the verge of a growth web application attacks: Report costs,” he said. take-off after years of
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ndia ranks eighth among countries most frequently targeted for web application attacks and stands fifth on the list of source countries, with close to 12 million attacks sourced from the country, a new report said. According to a report by Cloud delivery firm Akamai, there has been a 28 per cent year-over-year (YoY) increase in total Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks globally in the second quarter of 2017. The rise, which was followed after three quarters of decline, was mainly attributed to ‘PBot’ malware which emerged as the foundation for the strongest DDoS attacks. “Events like the ‘Mirai botnet’, the exploitation used by ‘WannaCry’ and ‘Petya’, the continued rise of ‘SQLi’ attacks and the re-emergence of ‘PBot’ all illustrate how attackers will not only migrate to new tools but also return to old tools that have previously proven highly effective,” said Martin McKeay, Senior Security Advocate at Akamai.
Though the frequency of DDoS attacks increased, the number of IP addresses involved in volumetric DDoS attacks dropped 98 per cent from 595,000 to 11,000 indicating the use of fewer devices to launch such attacks.
Egypt was found to be the source of maximum number of attacks with unique IP addresses, contributing 32 per cent globally, the report titled ‘Q2 2017 State of the Internet/Security Report’ stated. Though the frequency of DDoS attacks increased, the number of IP addresses involved in volumetric DDoS attacks dropped 98 per cent from 595,000 to 11,000 indicating the use of fewer devices to launch such attacks. One gaming company was attacked 558 times which is approximately six times a day on average, the report said.
instability, Nepal invited Indian industry to invest in the country to help create jobs and boost economic growth in the Himalayan nation. “After years of policy stalemate and instability, Nepal is on the verge of a growth take-off. We welcome you to do business in Nepal, invest there, create jobs and nurture a new climate of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba told a gathering of industry at a business interaction organised by the Indian industry bodies Assocham, CII and Ficci. “Two years ago, we ended political transition by adopting a highly progressive constitution. The mood in Nepal is to turn a page and move forward,” said Deuba, who is on his first official visit to India in this stint. With the rise of India and China as global economic powers, “all major growth poles in Asia are within a few hours flying distance from Kathmandu,” the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba
Nepal is concerned about its large trade deficit with India and wants more Indian investment in its economy. Currently, more than 38 per cent of foreign direct investment in Nepal originates from Indian companies. Elaborating how Nepal is “truly open for business”, Deuba said that the country hosted an investment summit earlier this year, which attracted FDI pledges of $14 million, representing almost half the GDP of the landlocked nation. “For a landlocked country, I am convinced that intense physical connectivity through roads, rail
“We are optimistic that we can revive manufacturing and create jobs in larger numbers by partnerships with industries from India,” he added. The Nepali Prime Minister also thanked Indian Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who was present on the occasion, for the latter’s offer to extend the natural gas pipeline from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh to Nepal. State-run GAIL is building the proposed pipeline from Jagdishpur in Uttar Pradesh to Haldia in West Bengal, which crosses Gorakhpur. “Our pipeline will go to Gorakhpur. If you can take it to Sunauli (Nepal), it will bring clean fuel for Nepal’s industrialisation. I reiterate that I am prepared to stretch the pipeline and take it to Sunauli,” Pradhan said in his address. India has been a traditional supplier of fuel to Nepal, which receives its entire demand of about 200,000 kilolitres of fuel every month by road from Indian Oil Corp.
The Indian Weekender
Friday, August 25, 2017
‘Australia’s foreign minister keen on fashion diplomacy with India’
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ustralian High The statement was made by Australian high commissioner Commissioner to India to India Harinder Sidhu on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion Harinder Sidhu feels that Week (LFW) Winter/Festive 2017. when two nations are forging a relationship they usually talk about political, diplomatic or economical tie-ups but what matters most is the link between people. Sidhu says Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop emphasises on creating bonds through "We “fashion diplomacy” have been and India is one of the looking at different countries that tops ways of building the chart. relationships with India. A “We have been good relationship has many levels An Indian model showcase creations by designer Gaurav Jai Gupta at Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter /Festive 2017 in to it and for the first time we looking at different Mumbai on August 17 have a female Foreign Minister ways of building who is very keen on fashion supported by the already and we are prepared to be relationships diplomacy, and this is the Australian Foreign more adventurous and really reach with India. A good term we are taking out a lot more. Affairs and Trade relationship has many forward." “Few collaborations that we had, departments, used levels to it and for the led to deeper understanding of both Australian homegrown first time we have a female the countries. And Australians now Merino Wool as one of the fabrics in Foreign Minister who is very keen are much more comfortable working his line. Asked about the relationship on fashion diplomacy, and this is the with Indian designers as they are between the two countries, Sidhu term we are taking forward,” Sidhu really making their mark,” she said. said: “I think a lot of time when we said. Sidhu also added that the Indian talk about relationships between “It (the association through population in Australia is “growing two countries, we talk about fashion) has been incredibly very fast and that is building more political, diplomatic, economic or successful. I feel that not just fashion trade relations. and more people connection. brings people together but it’s also a “All these things matter a lot but very large industry in its own right. “Australians are thinking about what is glue between two countries is “Australia is one of the big Indian places to collaborate in actually the link between its people.” producers of products like cotton and all fields. I think the relationship “How we grow to understand each wool and India is home to a great between Australia and India is stronger than ever now. other better when we are together in deal of creativity and I think these “Australians are making movies collaboration matters a lot,” she said. collaborations are cementing the about Indian experiences, many So will there be more associations whole dimension of relations between more Indians are going to Australia with Indian designers? the two countries,” she added. Sidhu for study and vice versa. So at many “I am staggered by how much was here to support designer Gaurav Jai Gupta of the brand Akaaro. layers this relationship is improving talent India has. I think absolutely. deeper and deeper,” she said. The designer’s show, that was We have a coupe of collaborations
INDIA ABROAD
21
Indian expats in UAE celebrate Independence Day
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ndian expatriates in the UAE on Tuesday celebrated India's 71st Independence Day with zeal and fervour by hoisting the national flag and organising cultural events. Hundreds of expats gathered to watch the unfurling of the national flag by Consulate General Vipul at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai, the Khaleej Times reported. People in tricolour clothes sang the Indian National Anthem. The top diplomats read out excerpts from Indian President Ram Nath Kovind’s address to the nation on the eve of the Independence Day. Several cultural programmes showcasing India’s tradition and heritage were held at the Consulate. In his speech addressing the public at the Consulate, Vipul announced that 70 events would be organised
throughout the year to commemorate the 70 years of India’s independence. Expats Ramdas Rao and his wife Sapna, who run their family business in Dubai, came to the consulate with their two children born and raised in Dubai, the daily said. “Dubai is a home away from home. You don’t feel you are away from India. But still, this is the day we feel the spirit of India more in our hearts. And this is the day our children who live away from the country can learn more about their motherland and feel connected to their roots,” said Sapna.
Indian Embassy in Nepal marks Independence Day
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he Indian Embassy here celebrated India’s 71st Independence Day at a public ceremony. Indian Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri hoisted the national flag and read out the message of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind at the event attended by several embassy officials along with their families and members of the Indian community. To mark the event, Puri distributed cheques worth Rs 57 million and blankets to 15 widows, next of kin and two wards of deceased soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces, according to the Indian Embassy’s official
statement. Books were donated to 59 libraries, educational and training institutions in different regions of Nepal. India gifted 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organisations and educational institutions in Nepal to strengthen education and health services. Students from Indian Culture Centre, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Modern Indian School sang patriotic songs along with a musical performance by Indian music band Astitva. The ceremony concluded with a performance by the Nepal Army Band.
WORLD
US solar eclipse: IISER-Kolkata team's prediction captures 'almost all major features correctly'
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he prediction by a team of physicists led by IISERKolkata on how the corona of the sun would look during the August 21 'Great American Solar Eclipse' has captured "almost all the major features" of the corona correctly, a statement said on Wednesday. "The first images of the Sun's corona on the day of the eclipse are now available and it is becoming clear that their prediction did indeed capture almost all the major features of the corona correctly," said the statement issued by Public Outreach and Education Committee of the Astronomical Society of India. A team of physicists from India and the UK led by Centre for Excellence in Space Sciences India (CESSI) at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, had predicted a "flowerlike" structure. The eclipse swept across continental US, the first total solar eclipse in 99 years. Insights into the sun's coronal structure and diagnostics of the coronal magnetic field are important for space weather predictions linked to satellite operations and GPS
Photo released by Oregon State University, Corvallis shows that the moon eclipses the sun during the process of a total solar eclipse over Corvallis, Oregon, the United States, on Aug. 21, 2017. A once-in-a-century total solar eclipse is spanning the continental United States, creating a 70-mile-wide (112km) path of totality stretching from Oregon in the Pacific Northwest to South Carolina on the Southeast Coast.
navigation. "There are some fine details that their model was not able to reproduce, and it is expected that this will help them refine their models further and be ready in time for complementing the observations of the Aditya-L1 space mission," the statement noted. The team led by Dibyendu Nandi comprised of Prantika Bhowmik, Suman Panda, Rajashik Tarafder and Soumyaranjan Dash from IISER Kolkata and Anthony Yeates from
Durham University in the UK. They predicted two broad lotus petal-like structures (known as helmet streamers) on the southeast (lower-left as viewed from the Earth) and southwest (lower-right) edge of the Sun, and a third, narrow elongated streamer structure on the northwest (upper-right) edge of the Sun. "These predictions have all been largely verified," said Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, Chair of the Astronomy
Society of India's Public Outreach and Education Committee. Preliminary inspection shows the team predicted the right locations for all the streamers except the one on the southeast (lower-right) edge which is observed to be closer to the Sun's equator than predicted. The prediction image however did not exactly capture the fine details in the structure that were observed, but this was expected since the model that was used was not complex enough to do so. The team also rightly predicted that the southeast (upper-left) edge of the Sun will be the least active. "They will be performing a more detailed analysis as more data comes in, but we are very satisfied with the overall success of their prediction," said Somak Raychaudhury, Director of Inter University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, where Nandi is also an associate. Durgesh Tripathi, a scientist at IUCAA, who is developing the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope for the Aditya-L1 space mission, said: "This close correspondence between their prediction and observations of
all the major features of the Sun's atmosphere is an impressive feat for a first attempt which utilised only modest and limited computing powers without recourse to supercomputers." This success shows the Indian astronomy community can now move towards more complex predictions of the space environment around the Earth. This is crucial to protecting our space assets like satellites, as well as telecommunication and aviation interests, the experts said. India is also planning to launch the Aditya-L1 space mission dedicated to studying the Sun in order to understand its influence on space environment and climate. Dipankar Banerjee from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and the science lead for the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) instrument to fly on board the Aditya-L1 mission, said: "A coronagraph artificially creates a total solar eclipse in space by blocking the emission coming from the solar disk. The VELC can measure the coronal magnetic field and its structure, very similar to the modelled images of Nandi.
22
SPORTS
Friday, August 25, 2017
The Indian Weekender
Upbeat India look to dominate Saina, Srikanth, Praneeth advance; Ashwini-Sikki Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI lose at Badminton Worlds
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resh from a nine-wicket victory in the series opener, India will look to dominate a lacklusture Sri Lanka in the second One-Day International (ODI) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The visitors thrashed Sri Lanka in the first ODI thanks to left-arm spinner Axar Patel who returned figures of 3/34 to restrict the hosts to 216 runs which was comfortably chased down with the help of unbeaten knocks from opener Shikhar Dhawan (132 not out) and skipper Virat kohli (82 not out). Sri Lanka will bank on their opening batsman Niroshan Dickwella who produced a half-century in the opening match of the five-match ODI series. The hosts will also expect batsmen Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews to contribute in the middle-order. All three were off to good starts but failed to build match winning knock in the first ODI. In the bowling department, the island nation will rely on experienced pacer Lasith Malinga, who played his 200th ODI in the last match, to produce early breakthroughs. India will look to continue their form from the previous clash. Inform batsmen Dhawan and Kohli along with middle-order specialist Mahendra Singh Dhoni and allrounder Hardik Pandya will look to outclass the hosts bowling which has
Sri Lankan pace bowler Lasith Malinga during a practice session ahead of the first one-day international cricket match against India in Dambulla, Sri Lanka on Aug 19, 2017.
not been up to the mark. In the bowling department, pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit
Bumrah along with spinners Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal will look to trouble the Sri Lankan batting.
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lympic 2012 bronze medallist Saina Nehwal, B. Sai Praneeth and Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the third round, while the women's doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and N. Sikki Reddy lost in the second round of the World Badminton Championships here on Wednesday. Saina, seeded 12th, took only 33 minutes to dismantle the unseeded Swiss Sabrina Jaquet and register a facile 21-11, 21-12 victory in the women's singles second-round clash. "It was a tricky match I felt. Sabrina is a formidable opponent but I am happy that I overpowered her nicely in the match," Saina said after the match. "We have very good players representing the country this year and wish to see everyone perform well in the tournament," she added. The Hyderabadi, a 2015 edition runner-up, had got a bye in her first round. In the pre-quarterfinals, Saina will meet South Korean second seed Sung ji Hyun, who brushed aside unseeded Indian Tanvi Lad 21-9, 21-19. In a women's doubles match, the unseeded Indian combine of Ashwini and Sikki lost to Denmark second seeds Kamilla Rytter Juhl and Christinna Pedersen 22-24, 21-17, 15-21 in an hour and 15 minutes. In the men's singles, Srikanth outplayed Lucas Corvee of France 21-9 21-17 in 32 minutes to advance.
The Guntur player will now take on 14th seed Anders Antonsen of Denmark. Praneeth, meanwhile, battled hard to get past Indonesian Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 14-21, 2118, 21-19 in an hour and 12 minutes. "It was a very tough match and even though I played well, I must admit that I had luck on my side today. I am very thrilled with the outcome and the victory will for sure give me a lot of confidence going ahead in the tournament," Praneeth said after the match. "I was getting caught initially as the shuttle speed was very slow and he was playing very fast. I could not match him initially but slowly adjusted to his speed. He is a tough player and his game has improved a lot since I last played him. I am really happy to win and now I am focused on my next match. "I am going through the best phase of my career and I am confident that if I could continue the way I have been playing, I would do very well in the tournament," he added.
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Friday, August 25, 2017
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TIME OUT General Knowledge
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1. Which birds can leather be obtained from? Ostrich and Emu 2. What was the name of the bear in the Muppet Show? Fozzie 3. The Devil is usually associated with which piece of garden equipment? Pitchfork 4. True or False, Sharks can't get sick? False, this is a common myth 5. Which story begins "all children except one grow up"? Peter Pan 6. What was the name of the taxi company, shown on TV's TAXI? The Sunshine Cab Company 7. The oil of which spice is traditionally used for the cure of toothache? Cloves 8. What name was given to the eleven states that fought the Union in the US Civil War? Confederates 9. Tiger Bay is an area of which British city? Cardiff 10. In which country was Mel Gibson born? America (New York) 11. Which cut of beef is found between the rump and the fore rib? Sirloin 12. Which came first, Art Deco or Art Nouveaux? Art Nouveaux 13. Which black and white marine creature is the largest member of the Dolphin family? Killer Whale 14. Who wrote the Tale of Peter Rabbit? Beatrix Potter 15. Which doctor discovered Penicillin by accident? Dr. Alexander Fleming 16. What is the world's most southerly capital city? Wellington, New Zealand 17. What kind of monkey gives it's name to a type of blood group? Rhesus 18. The picture of which American President appears on the one dollar bill? George Washington 19. When milk sours what acid is formed? Lactic acid 20. In which country was the food Chop Suey invented? America, China Town, San Francisco
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Saag Paneer
Cottage Cheese (Paneer) cubes cooked with a velvety spinach gravy
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aag means vegetable greens in both Hindi and Urdu. Depending on where this dish is eaten or what’s in season, Saag may describe a curry made from spinach alone (palak) or a mixed with mustard leaves (sarson). The velvety texture of Saag contrasts with the soft bite of the paneer and also known to be an excellent source of iron. Spinach’s natural flavours are perfectly complemented by the soft undertone of the garlic added to this recipe. Preparation Time: 15 Minutes Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Serves: 4 Taste: Medium Ingredients: • For the spinach purée • 250g spinach leaves • 3–4 green chillies • 1 Tbsp butter • 2 cups water
For the masala • 200g paneer cut into cubes • 2 Tbsp butter • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds • 1 large onion, chopped • 2 tsp garlic paste • 1 tsp red chilli powder • Salt, to taste • 1 medium tomato, chopped • 4 Tbsp tomato purée • 1/2 tsp garam masala powder • 1/2 cup water • 1/2 cup cream (low-fat cream can be used) Method: • Wash spinach leaves. In a pot, place spinach with green chillies, butter and water and boil until tender. Blend into a smooth paste. Keep aside. • In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt butter on a low heat. Add cumin seeds, when they start to crackle add the onions, sauté for a few minutes until light-brown in
Ruby Dhillon
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colour. add garlic paste, stir, add red chilli powder and salt mix well. Add chopped tomato, stir, add tomato puree, stir and sauté gently until oil surfaces. Add spinach purée, garam masala powder and water to the onion masala, mix well, cover and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spinach leaves will usually release enough juice to cook the sauce with; if you find the dish has enough water at this stage there is no need to add more water to it. Add paneer to the spinach, mix well, cover and cook for another 2 minutes on a low heat. The paneer cubes should
India’s Most Wanted Recipies | 57
be evenly and generously coated with spinach. Just before serving, add the cream slowly and mix it gently to prevent it from curdling. Serve hot with Rice or Naan Ruby's Tip: To save time, make the spinach puree in advance and refrigerate it overnight. To preserve the colour of the spinach puree, add the spinach leaves to ice-cold water immediately after boiling and leave it to cool for 2–3 minutes. Frozen spinach may be used if fresh is not available. The paneer cubes may also be lightly browned in oil and then added to the spinach. The dish can be garnished with julienned ginger when serving.
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The Indian Weekender
V E G E TA R I A N
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FEATURES
Friday, August 25, 2017
The Indian Weekender
GALAXY NOTE 8 WITH DUAL CAMERAS, 'INFINITY DISPLAY' LAUNCHED
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Note 8 specifications
amsung on Wednesday, 23 August, officially launched the Galaxy "Note 8", in a return for the South Korean smartphone major that recalled its Note 7 worldwide last year. This is Samsung's first smartphone to feature dual camera set-up at the rear with portrait mode and dual optical image stabilisation (OIS). It also comes with "Bixby" intelligent assistant, water and dust resistance and iris scanner. Similar to the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+, the Note 8 also sports "Infinity Display" with an aspect ratio of 18.5:9. The 6.3-inch screen is Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. Note 8 sports top-notch features such as 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core chipset with 6GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. Galaxy Note 8 will come with 64-bit Exynos 8895 octa-core processor in regions like India and other Asian countries. The dual cameras at the back include a 12MP wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/1.7 and a 12MP telephoto lens with aperture of f/2.4. The 8MP front camera also comes with optical image stabilisation. The "S Pen" stylus with Galaxy Note 8 comes with a latency of less than 50 milliseconds. The smartphone also comes with USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. A 3,300mAh battery powers the Note 8 with support for fast-charging and wireless fast charging. The handset also houses a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Connectivity options include 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac and GPS. Note 8 runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat OS with Samsung's TouchWiz UI on top. To regain the customers' trust, the company is believed to have enhanced safety checklist by using in-house '8-point battery test'. The fiasco over Samsung's Note 7 caused the firm operating losses of some $5 billion.
NOTE 8 BEST FEATURES
The Note 8 is Samsung's first smartphone to come with a dual camera lens, technology employed in the iPhone 7 Plus and Android challengers such as the Nokia 8 and OnePlus 5. It has two 12MP cameras on the back, which let
Specifications Display
Operating system Processor Qualcomm RAM Storage Primary camera
Selfie camera Connectivity Extra features Battery Waterproofing Dimensions Colours
users create depth effects and zoom further.The Note 8 also showcases Samsung's Bixby voice assistant, its challenger to Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa and Google's Assistant. Bixby is activated through voice control, responding both to the wake phrase "Hi,
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 6.3in, 18.5:9 Super AMOLED, Always-on display Android Nougat 7.1.1 Snapdragon 835/Exynos 8895 6GB LPDDR4 64GB/128GB/256GB plus microSD 12Mp dual-lens rear camera (12Mp, f/1.7 wide-angle + f/2.4 telephoto with 2x optical zoom), OIS 8Mp f/1.7 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 4G LTE Cat 16, NFC, GPS, GLONASS S Pen stylus, rear fingerprint scanner and heart-rate sensor, DeX support 3,300mAh with wired (USB-C) and wireless fast charging IP68 (phone and stylus) 162.5x74.8x8.6mm Midnight Black & Maple Gold Orchid Grey & Deep Sea Blue may follow
Bixby" and when the button dedicated to Bixby is held down. "Because it is controlled through the phone it is secure to the user," said Conor Pierce, head of Samsung UK, "it is not just sitting in the corner of the room listening to you." Pierce added the Samsung brand has "never been in better shape" in the UK, where the company launched its Bixby voice control on Tuesday.
Into the wild: Here’s a checklist W
of unexplored wildlife destinations in India
ildlife is perhaps one of nature’s most precious gifts to humankind. Although, there are lots of places globally that are known for their exotic range of wildlife, India is home to some of the most magnificent creatures and plant life in the world. While there are several popular wildlife sanctuaries like Corbett National Park, Gir Forest National Park and Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, among others, there are some natural reserves yet to be explored. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful gem bordered by the Aravalli range in the Pali, Udaipur, and Rajsamand district in the state of Rajasthan. The reserve is home to some of the most endangered species in India, such as leopards, wolves, nilgai, chinkara and sloth bear. It also houses various species of birds like peacocks and doves. The sanctuary takes its name from the nearby Kumbhalgarh fort, which offers a spectacular view of the wildlife reserve. How to go: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 85 km from Udaipur airport. The nearest railway station is Falna. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the northernmost part of Kerala in Thalassery, Kannur, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is an important natural reserve in India.
How to go: The park is about 35 km from the city of Belgaum, and is accessible
Established back in 1984, the sanctuary is spread across 55 sq km of forested highland along the famous slopes of the Western Ghats. The reserve is covered in tropical and semi-evergreen forests and protects a host of different species of flora and fauna. Some
of the native wildlife species that Aralam features are spotted deer, elephants, gaur, langurs, and the Malabar giant squirrel. How to go: Thalassery railway station is 55 km from the reserve. You can also reach there via flight to Calicut International Airport, which is situated around 96 km from the town of Thalassery. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary:Another gem of the Western Ghats, the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known attraction in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. The sanctuary is mostly visited for its Barapede caves, which is the only recorded breeding area of the Wroughton’s free-tailed bat — a species of the nocturnal mammal that is on the verge of becoming extinct. Officially listed as a wildlife sanctuary in 2011, Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary abounds in tropical and subtropical, moist broadleaf forests as well as several species of medicinal plants. Park officials organise adventure camps for people of all ages, making it an ideal destination for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts.
by road. Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary: The Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is a protected area situated at a distance of 60 km from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The reserve spans across 64,399 acres, and is made up of grasslands and southern tropical dry deciduous forest cover. The wildlife reserve is home to several animals like the wanderoo (langur), leopards, wild boar, and barking deer, and over 240 species of birds, such as storks, cranes, quail, and partridges. It is also a great place to spot reptiles like cobra, python, and monitor lizard. How to go: Aurangabad airport and railway station are the nearest points to reach Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary. Indravati National Park: Indravati National Park in Chattisgarh is a must-visit as it is home to the rare wild buffalo. It is a project tiger site too. Located in Bijapur district, the reserve is named after the Indravati River, which flows nearby. The National Park is spread across 2,799 sq km of undulated hilly terrain, and is made up of mixed deciduous and southern-moist mixed deciduous forests. How to go: Indravati National Park is well-connected by road from major cities. The nearest railway station is Jagdalpur railway station, which is 170 km from the site.
FEATURES
Eight ways to stop getting sick and heal faster The Indian Weekender
Friday, August 25, 2017
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sn’t it an interesting fact that the human body is beautifully designed to heal on its own? It is actually the presence of an intelligent system called immunity; it has the ability to fight and control everything - from fighting cold and flu to dealing with the final stages of cancer. How does one go about building immunity in the body?
Garlic reinforces the immune system
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contain tea dust and a whole load of pesticides.
Light exercise
When you aren’t keeping well, refrain from any rigorous workout regimen. During such times, it’s great to perform exercises that don’t exert too much pressure on your body. These can include getting out to breathe fresh air, walking, and yoga exercises.
Focus on vitamin D
Avoid greasy, processed foods
If getting lean is your major health goal, staying away from fatty and unhealthy treats can surely help you getting closer to your goal.
Get plenty of rest
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arlic is an age-old superfood that boosts your immune system and is an effective solution for the treatment of various ailments.
Drink green tea, Chamomile tea
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his mineral has always been related to strengthening bones but its benefits are many. Recent reports suggest that children, teenagers, adults, all suffer from low levels of vitamin D. It’s vital to understand that an appropriate level of vitamin D is the most effective way to heal diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, even cancer. A good vitamin D level is a pre-cursor to tough immunity. One of the best sources for vitamin D is the morning sun. When the UVB rays from mid-day sun hit your skin, it causes a reaction with the oils present in your skin to generate vitamin D, which is gradually immersed in your body. Remember that excessive use of sun-screen lotions hinders your body’s capacity to develop vitamin D. Best edibles sources of natural vitamin D are: mushroom, egg yolk, fatty fish to name a few.
Significance of antioxidant
The overall health benefits of antioxidants are limitless. They greatly support the immune system. Edibles like sunflower seeds, goji berries and pumpkin seeds pack in a wealth of essential nutrition and are an answer to your hungry cells.
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hese are the best options to fortify your body’s immunity level. Full of antioxidants, these herbal infusions enhance the level of immunity and help in the speedy recovery from illness. Please note that the tea you use should be whole leaf tea either brewed fresh or packed in a pyramid bag (where you can see the whole leaves) not the sub-standard envelope bags that
The most significant step towards achieving great health and immunity, is to get plenty of sleep. Sleeping at a cellular level ensures great level of immunity.
Foods to strengthen your immunity levels
Kombucha is a fermented tea that produces good bacteria in your gut, defending against harmful pathogens. It is made by adding bacteria and yeast to sugar and black or green tea and allowing the brew to ferment. A good source of probiotics, kefir, offers great benefits to your digestive system and increases your immunity level. It is 99% per cent free from lactose. Fermented edibles like yogurt and kimchi boast of probiotic supplements, while apple cider vinegar acts as a great prebiotic (a soluble dietary fiber used to stimulate the growth of probiotics in our digestive tract).
Did you know?
Excessive use of sun-screen hinders your body’s capacity to develop vitamin D.
For more information about how we can provide health insurance for you and your family please contact advisers@nib.co.nz or speak with your financial adviser.
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Bhagavad-gita answers on karma 26
FEATURES
Friday, August 25, 2017
ACHARYA DAS
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any people speak of ‘good karma’ and ‘bad karma’when talking about something either good or bad thattheyare currently experiencing. But the word‘karma’means‘action’. Theresult of our actions is referred to as karma-phalamin Sanskrit, or the fruit of one’s actions. ”Phalam” means fruit. Performing any action is compared to sowing seeds, and when you sow you will reap what you have sown. Generally, people are aspiring for a very happy life and hoping for some permanent heavenly situation in this world. But this is not a possibility. While there may be some ‘high points’ in life, material existence isgenerally classified as sorrowful by the great yoga masters. Patanjali has stated that all the fruits of past actions –both pleasurable and painful –are considered sorrowful, because they all result in further bondage and suffering. To the discriminating yogi, all fruits of past actions (both pleasurable and painful) are considered sorrowful because they all result in further bondage and suffering. –Yoga-sutra 2.15 The Bhagavad-gita explores the immediate cause of action as being the contemplation on the objects of the senses–things that you see, taste,
smell, hear orfeel. By contemplating on these objects, one develops attachment for them. From this attachment, desire for them grows stronger and more intense. This intense desirecompels usto act. Desire thus drives action and creates your current state of consciousness and our thoughts. This then creates a problem for us because: Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail. – Bhagavad-gita 8.6 For many people, this is a shocking revelation. The fact that the nature of my desires and therefore my state of consciousness at the time of death,
will determine what type of body I will get going forward, with the possibility of even taking birth as an animal or an even lower species. You may then question, “Isit possible to live a life where you become free from all of the reactions to past deeds?” Yes:By learning the art of living a spiritual life rather than a material life, and so existing in a state of spiritual consciousness. In the Bhagavad-gita, Sri Krishna states: The yogi whose mind is fixed on Me verily attains the highest perfection of transcendental happiness. He is beyond the mode of passion and he realises his qualitative identity with the Supreme, and thus he is freed
August 25 to August 31 | By Manisha Koushik Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139 • www.askmanisha.com ¡ Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) Wedding bells are likely to toll for the eligible. Chance for romance cannot be ruled out for some. Travel bug may bite and make you pack your bags. A good bargain awaits you in the real estate market, so don’t let go of the opportunity. Exchanging notes with someone after a long time will prove most enjoyable. You may eye a luxury item, but ask yourself whether you really require it. You may get irregular in your exercise routine. Lucky Number- 4 / Lucky Colour- Lavender ¡ Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) Impressing those who matter on the professional front is likely to catapult you into a position of power and authority. Self-discipline may help you achieve peak physical fitness. Beg, borrow or steal, you will manage to raise the capital for your dream venture. You may think upon to take romance to the next level. Bringing some order into chaotic academic front will benefit you greatly this week. Lucky Number- 7 / Lucky Colour- Lemon ¡ Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) Some minor adjustments may be required in something you are currently involved in. Time to reap the dividends of previous investments has arrived for some. Eating right and meditation may be taken up by some seriously for keeping good health. Working women may feel burdened with household chores in the absence of any
help. Lover may seem in a thoughtful mood and may require space. Lucky Number- 15 / Lucky Colour- Light Green ¡ Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20) You may take a serious view of someone not toeing your line at work or at home. Changes on the home front may not be to the liking of other members. Someone’s attitude is likely to put you off at work. You may feel a bit stifled in your current occupation. Someone may smooth talk you into parting with your money, if you are not careful. A journey that you were looking forward to may get postponed indefinitely. Lucky Number- 6 / Lucky Colour- Violet ¡ Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22) Your mature handling on a contentious matter on the family front is likely to be appreciated. Excellent man management skills will help you in managing many things at once on the professional front. Your eye for detail will not let you miss even minor issues at work. A chance to earn good profits is on the cards and will strengthen your financial front. Your romantic aspirations will help you make all the right moves on the romantic front! Lucky Number- 9 / Lucky Colour- Chocolate ¡ Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23) Someone may take an exception to your complaining attitude. Your firm hand will ensure that a family youngster remains at his
from all reactions to past deeds. – Bhagavad-gita 6.27 The third chapter of the Bhagavadgita is a very important chapter.It isentitled ‘Karma Yoga.’ Karma means ‘action’ and yoga means ‘union’ with the Supreme. Materially motivated action binds us to the material world.If, however,our actionsarere-focused in another direction, theycan liberate us. Theycan bring us to the platform of real spiritual understanding and experience. But how – because we have responsibilities and duties associated with our life in this world?It is impossible to live a life of complete renunciation of activity, doing nothing. So how do we escape the karmic result of acting only for our own interest? Work done as a sacrifice for Vishnu [the Supreme/God] has to be performed, otherwise work causes bondage in this material world. Therefore, O son of Kunti,perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction and in that way you will always remain free from bondage. – Bhagavad-gita 3.9 If we live a life that is not focused on or centered on ourselves, but instead, we act with a sense of duty and responsibility whiletrying to be pleasing to God, then the activity that we undertake can become thesource of our spiritual emancipation.
or her best behaviour. Some of you are likely to hit the jackpot and add to your wealth. Those with a medical problem will show marked improvement in their condition. Spouse may line up something special for you this week. Long-time lovers may get serious about tying the knot. Lucky Number- 3 / Lucky Colour- Saffron ¡ Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23) Keep your distance from someone with whom you don’t get along well. Diligence may not get you the returns you expect at work, so work smart. A financial advice needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, as it may not prove to be sound. Some dietary restrictions will do your health a whale of good. You may be instrumental in organising a function or an event on the social front. A vacation may need to be shelved. Lucky Number- 2 / Lucky Colour- Lavender ¡ Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) Taking home remedies for a recurring ailment is not advised, as it may aggravate the problem. Paying outstanding dues may become a problem. Some domestic issues may compel you to take frequent breaks from work. Not getting invited to a function or party may prove disappointing. You are likely to harbour some resentment with the one you love. You may not be fully satisfied by developments on the professional front. Lucky Number- 17 / Lucky Colour- Orange ¡ Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) You may resolve to start afresh on the academic front to improve your performance. Those suffering from an ailment will find their condition improving. A change of diet is likely to have a positive effect on your health. You can be made to wait for a decision by a senior. You may find distribution of work on the professional front questionable. Conserving money should remain your top priority. Homemakers crave for
The Indian Weekender
If we attain a transcendental position, the load or fruit of all past karma, can be terminated. To attain thatstate, Sri Krishna says: Abandoning all attachment to the results of his activities, ever satisfied and independent, he performs no fruitive action, although engaged in all kinds of undertakings. – Bhagavad-gita 4.20 So, this speaks ofhow a person can live a truly spiritual life. In the next chapterKrishna says: One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as a lotus leaf is untouched by water – Bhagavad-gita 5.10 If there was one verse you should use to completely guide your life for the best possible outcome, to find true peace and happiness, take this verse: O son of Kunti, all that you do, all that you eat, all that you offer and give away as well as all austerities that you may perform, should be done as an offering unto Me. – Bhagavad-gita 9.27 Acharya Das is a respected teacher of Vedic and yogic philosophy, meditation and kirtan, and a practitioner of the transcendental science of Bhakti Yoga. He has taught yoga wisdom to appreciative audiences for over 40 years.
a change of scene. Lucky Number- 1 / Lucky Colour- Pink ¡ Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21) An influential person is likely to patronise you. An excellent opportunity for networking on the social front is likely to present itself this week. Help from some family member will save a lot of your time. Your ideas to rekindle your love life will curry favour with partner. Something positive will come off by meeting an old associate. Speed will remain on your side in a journey. You will be able to manage the work front well. Lucky Number- 5 / Lucky Colour- Dark Green ¡ Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19) Attempts on the work front may not get immediate results, so remain patient and let things work themselves out. Someone will be considerate enough to assist you on the academic front. You may make plans to meet a family member not with you at present. Positive nature of someone close will keep the domestic atmosphere light. Happiness in love life is yours for the asking! Efforts on the fitness front will give rich dividends. Lucky Number- 22 / Lucky Colour- Dark Turquoise ¡ Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) Someone may try to get the better of you on the professional front and upset you. Your financial situation may worsen due to some dubious investments. An added responsibility awaits you on the professional front and is likely to add to your workload. Promises made by lover on the romantic front may not be kept. Some of you may be compelled to travel on an official tour. An active lifestyle will keep you in good shape. Lucky Number- 11 / Lucky Colour- Cream
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AUCKLAND’S HOTTEST BOLLYWOOD STATION
Shabana Azmi: Triple talaq
Akshay: Twinkle judgement a victory for brave Muslim women Khanna’s tweet Bollywood celebs hail Supreme Court’s ruling on triple talaq on Bollywood’s constipation for delivering hits is funny
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eteran actress Shabana Azmi has welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling on triple talaq and says the judgement is a victory for brave Muslim women in the country. “I welcome the Supreme Court judgement on instant Triple Talaq. It’s a victory for brave Muslim women who have waged a battle against it for years,” Shabana tweeted. The apex court, by a 3:2 majority judgment, held triple talaq being practiced by the Muslim community as “unconstitutional”, “arbitrary” and “not part of Islam”. Shabana is also a social activist and is active in supporting child survival and fighting AIDS and injustice in real life. She had participated in several plays and demonstrations denouncing communalism. Among the social groups whose causes she has advocated are slum dwellers, displaced “I Kashmiri Pandit welcome migrants and victims the Supreme of the earthquake Court judgement on instant Triple Talaq. It’s a at Latur. The 1993 Mumbai riots victory for brave Muslim appalled her and women who have waged she emerged as a a battle against it for forceful critic of years." religious extremism.
In 1998, the United Nations Population Fund appointed her as its Goodwill Ambassador for India. She also runs the NGO Mijwan Welfare Society. The foundation was started by Kaifi Azmi, Shabana’s father. It has advanced from 40 to 300 craftswomen. The NGO was launched with the goal of creating employment opportunities for women and reviving the art of chikankari embroidery. Here’s what some Bollywood celebrities tweeted: Anupam Kher: Some decisions are not for libtards, pappus or even Bhakts. The decision of triple talaq is for the win of women empowerment. Madhur Bhandarkar: Welcome judgement by Supreme Court to declare triple talaq as unconstitutional. This will start a new chapter in empowerment of Muslim women. Dia Mirza: A win for democracy! Historic day for women’s rights in our country. Equality, triple talaq, human rights, Supreme Court. Kabir Bedi: Since Supreme Court has declared triple talaq “unconstitutional”, why does Parliament have to enact a new law to void it. Gautam Rode: A verdict that I am proud of India! A verdict which was much needed! Ending triple talaq shall lead towards equality! Luv S Sinha: Good to read that triple talaq has been deemed unconstitutional. A victory for Muslim women and another step towards equality.
Would love to see a Mr. India sequel: Shekhar Kapur
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ilmmaker Shekhar Kapur, whose 1987 movie Mr. India has passed the test of time generation after generation, says he would love to see a sequel directed by someone with a fresh perspective. “I think somebody will make it... Boney Kapoor and Anil Kapoor have been talking about it, and I think there should be a new director who takes a new perspective,” Kapur said. He knows many expect him to make the sequel, but said: “You can’t copy a film, and I have also moved on in life. Though I would love to see one (a sequel of the film).” Mr. India, starring Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Amrish Puri and Satish Kaushik in pivotal roles, is the story of a poor but big-hearted man who takes orphans into his home. After discovering his scientist father’s invisibility device, he rises to the occasion and fights to save the children and all of India from the clutches of a villain. The movie continues to remain iconic till
date. Kapur said he feels surprised when people come to him and say, “Arre sir, Mr. India banaate hain. Teen hafte mein 300 crore rupaiye banaa legi (Sir, let’s make Mr. India again, it will mint Rs 300 crore in three weeks”. “I say, Kya baat kar rahe ho... Picture 30 saal chali hai, aap teen hafte ki baat kar rahe ho (What are you talking? The film has lasted 30 years and you’re talking about three weeks),” Kapur recounted. “I still don’t understand what they’re talking about. I think that the whole nature (of the filmmaking business here) has changed. We made a film to last as long as it could. I don’t know how to make a film that lasts three weeks or four weeks. So, I really think somebody else should make it,” he added. Kapur is currently busy with Little Dragon,, a movie on martial arts expert Bruce Lee’s growing up years. He also said that his big dream is to make a film series on Lord Krishna.
A
kshay Kumar’s latest release Toilet: Ek Prem Katha has been performing well at the box office. Post the film recording a huge opening, Akshay’s wife and actor-turned-writer Twinkle Khanna took to Twitter to share the good news with her followers.
However, her tweet did not go down well with many after it looked like she was taking a dig at superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan over their recent flops. “So even the box office needed this Toilet eventually to break free from its constipation – Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. Hit Hit Hooray,” tweeted Twinkle. When Akshay was asked to react on this, he said, “Twinkle’s tweet on Bollywood constipation on hits is funny.” He further added, “There are many jokes which are being made on Toilet which is good for the society. People are talking about it.” Akshay even appealed people to not tag him as someone who only does social films. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha has been dubbed as a ‘propaganda film’ by some sections but there is nothing wrong in raising relevant issues, which even the government is concerned about, through cinema.” He further added, “If the government is saying the same thing which is good and if you call that a propaganda, then okay we are doing propaganda. I believe building a toilet is extremely important, especially for women.”
Taapsee Pannu: Feminism not about asking for reservation
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ctress Taapsee Pannu, who has played powerful roles in movies like Baby and Pink, says feminism is not about asking for reservation or extra rights to get an edge over the other gender, but about working towards gender equality. The actress unveiled a Common Women poster of R.K. Laxman’s granddaughter. “We should start with equality in education, where you have the right to say something, to stand for something which you believe in. Feminist isn’t someone who is going to ask for a reservation or extra rights or an edge over the other gender... No, that’s not called feminism. “It’s someone who works towards gender equality.” Taapsee said she herself is a very proud common woman. “If there is anything I can, I will do it for a lot of common women.” When asked about how she has remained
a “common woman” after all the fame and fan following, she said: “I would like to thank those people who are from outside the film industry, those who have supported me and brought in me the sense of being a common woman. That is very important because when you are an actor, you can lose the sense of reality. “You have to be very real, very grounded and very normal and that’s where my family and friends stepped in. I think because of their support, I wasn’t scared to fall... That’s why I kept on taking one risk after the other, that’s my backbone.” Taapsee is next gearing up for the release of her upcoming film Judwaa 2, the trailer of which was launched on Monday. Meanwhile, Actress Taapsee Pannu has shown women power on the big screen through her strong roles in films like Naam Shabana and
It’s always nice and overwhelming when you are recognised not only for your craft, but for your choices as a person and what you stand for. These awards make a special place in achievements because they help to gain confidence and show that you are on the right track. Pink. Now, she has been honoured with the Most Powerful Woman of the Year award. She was felicitated on Monday night by Savvy Magazine. “It’s always nice and overwhelming when you are recognised not only for your craft, but for your choices as a person and what you stand for. These awards make a special place in achievements because they help to gain confidence and show that you are on the right track,” she said in a statement. She is now looking forward to the release of Judwaa 2.
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FEATURES
Friday, August 25, 2017
Wellington stand-up comedians with Indian roots IWK BUREAU
C
harlie Chaplin once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted,” and here we bring you the Wellington stand-up comedians who are making sure you get your dose of laughter. Among the great line up of Wellington comedians, when we look closer through the lenses, there some interesting ones who share and cherish their Indian connection. You could watch them performing at various events around Wellington and sometimes in Auckland and Christchurch as well. One name that’s popular in Wellington and the New Zealand Comedy circuit is Jerome Chandrahasen, who has been making sure that we get our dose of laughter for 10 years now. Jerome started Humorous Arts Trust in Wellington that supports and encourages stand up comedy talent by providing them a platform to perform. He is a regular MC and has performed in multiple NZ Fringe Festivals, as well as hosting the Wellington Raw Comedy Quest, and appearing on TV2’s Christmas Comedy Cracker hosted by Rhys Darby. 2014 performances included his solo show Same Same Different at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, London’s 4 Kiwis Walk into a Bar with Jarred Christmas, and as a speaker at the Oxford Union
and doing well in his exams, and because he ‘quacks’ people up. Advait began comedy two years ago in Christchurch when he entered the Raw Comedy competition. He didn’t make it past the heats, but he kept at it, worked hard and was rewarded a few years later because Advait was the runner up of the Wellington Raw Finals in 2017, and then performed in the 2017 National Raw Finals at the Q Theatre. He has also been nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2016 Wellington Comedy and performed at the event as part of the new comic showcase. Aku started his Comedy career in Wellington less than a year ago and made it to the Semi-Finals of the Raw Comedy Quest. With humble "You beginnings in India, can’t deny Aku moved to the laughter; when it United States at the comes, it plops down The members of the Wellington Stand-up comedians in your favourite chair age of 15. In a short time he has managed and stays as long as comedy debate. Another familiar He also helps out behind to perform with it wants." comedian making Wellington laugh the scenes with technical seasoned comedians for seven years is Sanjay Parbhu. assistance for multiple shows. such as Raybon Kan, Sanjay has been performing in the Along with Jerome and Sanjay, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Jerome capital since 2010; he has played the other popular and upcoming Chandrahasen, Patch Lambert and in bars, colleges and charity events Indian origin comedian giving Li’i Alaimoana. Aku’s comedy roots and has been in multiple line up Wellingtonians laughs are Advait are about his experiences of moving shows during the NZ International Kirtikar, Aakarsh (Aku) Dalmia and to the US and the complexities Comedy Festival. Sowmya Hiremath. Advait is an award revolving growing up in India. His style of humour is a combination winning comedian. Sri Nair was born in India, raised of storytelling and hyperbolised That award being the ‘2011 Dux in the Middle East and currently observations done in a high of Heretaunga College’, which he is a resident of New Zealand. energy performance. received for studying really hard Sri’s comedy style is based on
MOHAN NADKARNI FOUNDATION in association with Might-I PRESENTS
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Tickets at www.eventfinda.co.nz
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with Yati Bhagwat on Tabla and Atmaram Bicholkar on Harmonium
Date: Saturday, August 26 Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Venue: English Language Partners, Level 1, 3091 Great North Road, New Lynn CAB New Lynnis holding a free information session for newcomers on Finding Employment in New Zealand. Join us to know Networking for jobs - it will be followed by our practical workshop and Preparing for your New Zealand job Interview – Be ready to be interviewed for your chosen job. Facilitated by Adon Kumar and staff from Citizens Advice Bureau New Lynn. Lunch provided. To register please drop in, call or email at Citizens Advice Bureau New Lynn, Library Building, 3 Memorial Drive, New Lynn. Phone 827 7830 or 827 4731, Email newlynn@ cab.org.nz
Anil and Reena Kant Live-in concert
Date & Venue: Saturday, September 2 at Waikowhai Intermediate School Hall 650 Richardson Road, Mount Roskill Sunday, September 3 at Hillsborough Baptist Church 179 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough Time: 6 p.m. onwards Internationally renowned singer and songwriters Anil and Reena Kant are coming to New Zealand to perform a free concert in Auckland. The concert will feature songs in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarti, English and Telugu. Anil Kant
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observational humour of three cultures. He also occasionally talks about his fear of spiders and the presence of Indians in Hollywood movies. Sowmya Hiremath, recently joined this interesting bunch and calls herself an intern here. Her comedy springs from her observation and the idiosyncrasies people carry around including her mom. After years of life experience as a woman, at a desk job, growing up in India and moving to New Zealand, she calls it a well marinated start. You can watch them at various comedy events in Wellington like Raw Meat Monday, The Medicine, Dank at Fringe Bar, Hard Cases at Cavern Club and Young Guns at San Fran. The most recent Young Guns show was held on Thursday, August 24, and comedian Sri and Sowmya performed along with other young Wellington comedians. Lastly as Stephen King said, “You can’t deny laughter; when it comes, it plops down in your favourite chair and stays as long as it wants.” These Indian origin comedians are definitely here to stay to make sure you sit in your favourite chair and have that dose of laughter. Watch out for their shows on eventfinda for weekend gigs or drop by at Fringe bar on Monday, Wednesday and Cavern Club on Thursday to watch some of these comedians regularly.
has recorded numerous music albums in the past 17 years after a lifetime of travelling the world as a composer, lyricist, singer and music director. After marrying Reena, Anil spent three years in Singapore and ten years in Indonesia pursuing a career in music. His album “Pray for India” was his biggest album success.
5th anniversary of WISE Collective Project
Date: Thursday, August 31 Time: 5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Venue: ARMS Centre, 532 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings On behalf of the Auckland Regional Migrant Services and the Auckland Resettled Community Coalition, we would like to extend a warm invitation to the 5th anniversary celebrations of the WISE Collective Project. Dame Susan Devoy, our Patron will be the key note speaker at the event. Please RSVP to Communications@arms-mrc.org.nz
Duchenne Awareness Day
Date: Saturday, September 9 Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Venue: Blockhouse Bay Primary School, 584 Blockhouse Bay Road A family event to raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Sausage Sizzle and more, family fun activities, face painting, balloon twisting for kids, learn more about about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, live music.... and much more! All are invited to the community event and spread the awareness about DMD and its syndromes.
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