Indian Weekender 31 March 2017 by Indian Weekender

Latest from Kapil Sharma Sunil Grover

31 MARCH2017

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Vol. 9 • Issue 2

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Two young lives lost in car crash

“

¡¡ SWATI SHARMA

Kamal was on a job search visa while Lovepreet had come to New Zealand on student visa six months ago

wo Sikh boys have died after a car crash in Christchurch on the morning of March 28. The victims have been identified as Kamal Preet Singh, 22, of Khasi Kalaan, District Ludhiana, Punjab, and Lovepreet Singh Waraich,19, of Village Ghumar Majra, Haryana from India. Both boys died at the scene after they crashed into north-bound Freight Lines truck at 8 a.m. Observing the severity of the crash, Police confirmed that the two occupants had died on the scene. The truck driver was not injured. A source close to the victims has said that the weather conditions were foggy and the boys were trying to overtake another truck when their car crashed into the truck coming from the opposite direction. But police is still investigating. So far five people have died on this highway which is an alternate route to SH1 that was blocked after the Kaikoura earthquake in November last year. According to the reports, the boys were returning after picking their friend’s wife from the airport and dropping her home about 100 km from the location of the accident. Mr Singh was on a job search visa and was working at Metro

Kamal Preet Singh (right) and Lovepreet Singh Waraich (left); (Inset) Image of the crashed car (Photo- Joseph Johnson/Fairfar NZ via Stuff.co.nz)

Glass while Mr Waraich had come to New Zealand on student visa six months ago. The source told Indian Weekender that the families of the boys had been informed about the incident. As the families were seeking help from the Indian community in New Zealand to arrange for the boys to be sent back home in India, Indian Weekender informed the Indian High Commissioner Sanjiv Kohli about the incident, who promptly responded and agreed to bear all the costs incurred.

Mr Kohli is now working closely with our source and the next of kin and has informed that while Lovepreet was covered by insurance, they will make arrangements to send Kamal back to his family for his final rites. A visibly upset Narinder Warraich, cousin of Lovepreet, who also lives in Christchurch, said that he was shocked. “He was such a young boy. The accident happened in the morning and we got to know about it at night. But now the [Indian] High Commission is in touch and is providing full support.”

Local community leader Amrit Singh, who has been liaising with the Indian High Commission on the families’ behalf, added, “This is such a great loss to the community both here and back home in India. While Lovepreet was still studying, Kamal had just started working in Metro Glass. They both had promising careers in front of them.” In the past, too, the Indian High Commission, under the leadership of Sanjiv Kohli, has taken prompt

initiatives to extend help to the grieving friends and families in similar situations. After hearing the shock news, the local Indian community gathered at the local Gurudwara Singh Sabha Christchurch on March 29 to show solidarity with the family and chalk out details on how to extend any help to the grief-stricken family. They are appealing community members to come forward and donate to provide financial support to the grieving families. The police have completed a scene examination and is now requesting witnesses, who would have been around Mouse Point Road in Culverden, North Canterbury on March 28 just after 8 a.m., to contact the nearest police station immediately. The details of bank account where donations can be made are as follow: BNZ 02-0874-0248293-01 Gurudwara Singh Sabha bank account Please add your name and ‘funeral support’ under reference.

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Indian honeymoon couple left ‘unimpressed’ with NZ Police’s response after car theft ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

high-flying Indian honeymoon couple who had arrived in New Zealand for the last leg of their 33 days, three-nation honeymoon sojourn, are left “unimpressed” with less than empathetic response from New Zealand Police after their car was broken in and valuables worth of USD 20,000 were taken away late in the night in Rotorua on March 26. The visiting couple, Hemant Manglani and Bani Sachdev, arrived in New Zealand after completing a 15-day Australian tour and were looking forward to a 13-day stay in the country that included a complete north to south drive apart from adventure and fun activities. However, the incident forced them to cut short their trip and return to India, losing all pre-paid travel and accommodation arrangements. Indian Weekender spoke exclusively with the couple to know more about their unpleasant experience. More than the financial loss, the couple appeared “unimpressed” with the lack of compassion and help available for the distraught foreign couple late in the night, more than a 100 km away from their pre-booked accommodation,

devoid of any cash, in a car with a broken window and without any navigation system in place as their iPhones were also taken away. The visiting couple’s car was broken from a supposedly safe parking lot of Rotorua’s famous Hell’s Gate, a thermal reserve and spa and wellness centre, on the second day in New Zealand. The couple came to know at around 9 p.m. that their rented car was disturbed and valuables including passports, iPhones (6 and 6+), Macbook, Bose speakers, multiple hard disks, portable charger, adapters, accessories, two

“

our expectations about the New Zealand Police was badly shaken as our experience did not match with the image of smiling police faces that we carry in our minds

sunglasses, headphones, and a Burberry wallet containing cash had been taken away.

The helpful staff at Hell’s Gate had noted the break-in at around 8 p.m.—almost an hour before the victims came to know about the theft—and had reported it to the police. What followed from there was a tale of disbelief and disgust if not altogether “harrowing,” according to the couple. The couple felt it was right to call the police again not only to request someone to come immediately to examine the crime scene but also to get further assistance for their future course of action. “However, our expectations about the New Zealand Police was badly shaken as our experience did not match with the image of smiling police faces that we carry in our minds before coming to this country,” Mr Maglani said. Immediately after speaking to a police communications team member over the phone, Mr Maglani checked if he could still track his iPhones and to his surprise, he found out that not only he was able to track them but also that they were located just five minutes away from the Hell’s Gate. Buoyed by this information and hopeful of getting immediate police assistance, Mr Maglani tried calling the police again, hoping to be able to speak with the same person with whom he had spoken

just a while ago but was frustrated to find himself speaking with different persons over the phone explaining the same situation repeatedly. The result remained the same and the police did not arrive at the scene. Meanwhile, another Indian honeymooner couple travelling separately in New Zealand, who were present at the scene offered to show them the way to the nearest police station in a hope to directly speak with a police personnel. On arriving at the police station, which was closed, they were surprised that they were made to wait out in the cold for a couple of hours before someone became available to meet them. The couple said they were not impressed with the cold and uncompassionate conversation they had with the police officials inside the police station. The conversation may have drifted away from a normal compassionate conversation to slightly offending statements about their current situation. “At one instance, they laughingly said that don’t worry no one is going to beat you up here now,” Mr Maglani said. “We expected basic empathy at our situation at that time of the night, as we were without much cash and resources to find our way.

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Continued from Page 3 “At the end, the official was on the phone with Victim Support for around 20 minutes. However, we were told that even Victim Support could not be of any help at this time of the night,” Mr Maglani said. Finally, as a last-ditch effort and couple’s persistence of seeking help to reach to their pre-booked accommodation in Taupo, 90 km away, the police offered to join a police vehicle travelling late in the night towards Taupo. Meanwhile, Mr Maglani continued to track his iPhones, which surprisingly kept moving along with them towards Taupo, suggesting that the thieves were also travelling in the same direction, thus adding to their anxiety. Mr Maglani added that he shared all the information about the location of the stolen devices with one of the other friendly staff on emergency line over e-mails. However, not everything was wrong in the couple’s New Zealand sojourn, as the Hotel Millennium Taupo, where they eventually stayed, helped them generously with food, compassion, toiletries, and $50 cash. The couple acknowledged and sincerely appreciated their gesture and support. Meanwhile, Rotorua Area Commander Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi confirmed the incident and reiterated that all necessary actions were taken to support the victim. According to Mr Pewhairangi, police had sent units to make enquiries in the addresses referred by the pair but failed to find the phone. The couple was also offered Victim Support services. “Further to that, because they no longer had mobile phones, police also arranged for them to follow a police vehicle to Taupo to ensure they could find their way to their next destination,” Mr Pewhairangi said. Regardless of this assurance, the couple chose to cancel their remaining tour to New Zealand and fly back to India. Their travel insurance did not cover theft and robbery and only provides for a claim of worth $250 per person for the loss of passport and a maximum of $500 for any change of itinerary due to last minute emergencies.

Bail granted to two in

Otahuhu liquor robbery ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

wo of the three offenders arrested in relation to the aggravated robbery of a liquor store in Otahuhu have been released on conditional bail by Manukau Court. “I received a call from the police that two of the three offenders have been released and the third offender is still in custody,” Sukhwinder Singh Sahota, the victim of the robbery, told Indian Weekender. On March 27, the Police had carried out multiple search warrants in South Auckland area and had arrested three offenders. They appeared in the Manukau Court on Tuesday, March 28. The 16-year old offender has been remanded to reside at his home address and can leave the house only under the supervision of his parents or else will be arrested. The other offender, a 20-year old, too, has been restricted to stay at home and to remain under curfew between 10:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. The third offender, a 17-year-old male, is still in custody until the court accepts his bail application. Three men, armed with rods, entered Super Store Liquor on Avenue Road, Otahuhu on the evening of March 22 and started hitting the sole attendant present at the store. Mr Singh suffered minor injuries to his body. The offenders left on foot with bottles of liquor. “The attack was unprovoked. I was standing at the counter when one of them started blowing punches on me and when I tried to defend myself, he threw a crate of liquor bottles on me,” Mr Singh said. “I escaped the bottle crate, but it landed on the glass showcase behind breaking it completely.” Mr Singh conveyed his dissatisfaction with the judgement passed by the court and asked for harsher punishment for the perpetrators. “These offenders, even on bail, are a danger to the community. They should be kept in custody until they feel the heat of the law,” Mr Singh said.

Super Store Liquor robbery victim Sukhwinder Singh Sahota

In the last few weeks, South Auckland has witnessed more than 10 robberies, with dairy stores, petrol stations, and liquor stores being easy targets. Crime Prevention Group, led by community leader Sunny Kaushal, launched a petition last week, asking the government to review its current police policy and strategy and demanding harsher punishments for the offenders.

Update regarding Woolston Night n’ Day robbery in Christchurch Police has made 15 arrests in relation to the nine robberies that took place over a seven-month period at a dairy store in Christchurch. “Eight out of these nine robberies have resulted in 15 arrests, which is a fantastic result, and the remaining robbery continues to be an active investigation,” Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, Area Prevention Manager for Canterbury, said.

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Victim Support now available in Hindi and five ethnic languages

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ictim Support, an independent community organisation helping victims of crime and trauma, launched a range of new brochures in six different languages including Hindi on March 28 at Kelston Community Centre, Auckland. The brochures aim at providing necessary information to ethnic victims and have been produced in simplified Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Samoan, and Tongan apart from Hindi. The launch event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Police Paula Bennett, Chief Executive of Victim Support Kevin Tso, Ethnic Liaison Officers, National List MPs Kanwaljit Bakshi and Alfred Ngaro, members of different communities, and staff and volunteers of Victim Support in Auckland. Victim Support provides practical and emotional support services to help victims to participate fairly and fully in the justice system and get through some of the toughest times of their lives. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free of charge. “Victim Support is completely committed to ensuring that anyone affected by crime, trauma, or suicide has access to the support they need, regardless of their language or country of origin,” Victim Support Chief Executive Kevin Tso said. “The new brochures provide victims who may have limited English and are less familiar with the New Zealand justice system with important information about how to access

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our services and be matched to a support worker who speaks their first language,” Mr Tso added. The brochures will be available through police and Victim Support offices around New Zealand. Victim Support has more than 600 dedicated support workers throughout the country, mostly volunteers, who help around 30,000 people every year. It is estimated that one in 10 of those victims are of Asian descent and one in three are Maori or Pacific. “For just a few hours a week, you can make a huge difference in the lives of people during their times of greatest need. It is a truly rewarding experience and a unique opportunity to give back to the community,” Mr Tso said. A grant from Milestone Foundation, an independent charitable foundation for the support of Asian culture in New Zealand, helped translate and print the brochures that are now available to the public.

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Capital city celebrates the festival of colour ¡¡ NAMRATHA GIRIDHARAN

his year, Wellington experienced its best Holi celebration. Brought to the public by two young friends, Ashwyn Sathanantham and Abbas Munshi, the effort put in to make this event a success did not go amiss. The excitement in the air was almost palpable as families and friends As of all ethnicities and ages Indians, we arrived in the typical are making our mark white clothes, carefully all around the globe and making silent plans showcasing our culture to see who would be has become more important their first victim to be and what better way than coloured for the day. by involving everyone in the Ticket holders unmistakable and unabashed were welcomed with riot of colour known to all a bandhini print dupatta simply by one word— (scarf), a complimentary Holi. packet of colour, and a great mix of foot-tapping songs. For many in Wellington, the central location in Frank Kitts Park made the event a lot more accessible and this reflected in the great turnout on the day. It would be safe to say that Holi, one of India’s biggest festivals, is now one of the world’s biggest festivals. Its roots lie in the numerous mythological stories, an example of which includes Lord Krishna pranking Radha and the gopikas with colour. As Indians, we are making our mark all around the globe. Showcasing our culture has become more important and what better way than by involving everyone in the unmistakable and unabashed riot of colour known to all simply by one word—Holi.

Wellingtonians enjoyed the festival of colour with friends, families, music, colours and selfies (Photos: Namratha Giridharan/Indian Weekender)

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Crime Prevention Group meets Associate Justice Minister, demands tougher laws ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

n March 25, Crime Prevention Group—the newly formed community group against increasing nuisance of aggravated robberies and burglaries—finally managed to meet the Associate Minister of Justice, Mark Mitchell, along with two National Party MPs of the Kiwi-Indian community— Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Dr Parmjeet Parmar. The meeting was convened after the group launched a petition with the aim of getting 200,000 signatures from the wider community to force the government to undertake a review of the effectiveness of current New Zealand Police policies as a result of the significant increase in aggravated robberies and brutal attacks on the small business owners. Sunny Kaushal, the lead organiser of the group, said, “Enough is enough and the community has to take some tangible action to address the burgeoning problem of assault and robberies.” The petition was launched on March 23, and the group also plans a major protest next month to bring wider support on the issue.

“

Crime Prevention Group is seeking an immediate intervention from the government, starting with some stringent laws that raise the cost of indulging in such criminal activities.

Meanwhile, the meeting with the minister, which was a closed-door consultation between the victims of aggravated robberies, members of the Indian community, and the minister about the increasing number of assaults on the small

Lead organiser of the Crime Prevention Group Sunny Kaushal

businesses owners, turned out to be stormy. Apparently, the members of the community were incensed by Kiwi-Indian MPs’ seeming apathy towards the cause and their failure to raise a strong voice in the parliament rather than government’s seeming inability to positively intervene. “The community expects KiwiIndian MPs to be proactive rather than just being reactive on such issues that are seriously affecting small business owners in our community,” Mr Kaushal said. The Crime Prevention Group is determined to change this situation of “inaction” and

force the government to review and bring tougher laws to deter the perpetrators of aggravated robberies about the consequences of their action. Currently, the community largely believes that there are no serious consequences attached with repeated offence and the burden to overcome the financial, emotional, and medical recovery falls painfully on small business owners and their families. Although these are early days for the group, it seems that the wider community is rallying up with them and keeping them informed about individual robbery incidents around Auckland. Indian Weekender accompanied Mr Kaushal on March 26 on his visits to small businesses who were robbed earlier in the day to speak directly with the victims about the incidents. Three robberies were reported just in one day, with two at East Tamaki petrol stations and one in Henderson. In one of the petrol stations, a group of seven to eight people barged in with rods, broke the glass door, and emptied racks of cigarettes. The lone staffer at the shop at the time of the robbery was on training and struggled to escape safely from the scene, one of the employees of the store told Indian Weekender on the condition of anonymity.

Fortunately, he escaped unhurt, as this time, the offenders had chosen to not launch an unprovoked brutal attack on the shopkeeper, unlike two weeks ago in a Mt Roskill dairy robbery where the offenders had battered husband-wife owners at the shop. However, the trainee employee remains scared and unprepared to return to work soon. Another employee, who spoke with Indian Weekender, on the condition of anonymity, complained about this plight of getting adequate staff to work for their businesses, especially at wee hours of the day when staff often feels vulnerable due to the increasing incidences of assault and robberies. Crime Prevention Group is seeking an immediate intervention from the government, starting with some stringent laws that raise the cost of indulging in such criminal activities. The meeting concluded with the minster’s assurance of addressing the community’s concern in the parliament and taking corrective actions soon. The minister has agreed to form an advisory group led by Mr Bakshi, the National Party MP and the Chairman of Law and Order Select Committee in the parliament.

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SOUTH LINE Indians among the best bus drivers in New Zealand News-in-brief from South Island

¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

hristchurch Go Bus driver Arvinder Singh, who has been with the company since September 2015, was recently adjudged the runner-up in the race for the title of ‘Go Bus Driver of the Year’. Held on March 11, the annual competition saw 2,200 Kiwi drivers from across the country going head-to-head for the bragging rights, which tested them on their knowledge of the New Zealand Road Code, customer service attitudes, and pre-drive test skills. The 11 finalists, of which five were from the South Island, then had to showcase their driving skills on a driving track with 11 hurdles, including reverse parallel parking. “I credit my success to my trainers John and Jim, who enabled me to be among the top three drivers from almost 400 of us here in Christchurch. I have always wanted to be the best in whatever I do. “This achievement is a continuation of that,” Mr Singh said. Meanwhile, Invercargill-based Go Bus driver Anoop Kumar, who is a Fiji-Indian, won the award for top theory test result for getting all answers correct in a 40-questiontheoretical-written-exam. Mr Kumar has been driving buses for more than a decade in deep South.

C Christchurch Go Bus driver Arvinder Singh

¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

he Christchurch Fiji Association (Cfcessa) is organising a nine-daylong Ram Navami celebration in the city between March 29 and April 5. The event will see participation from Cfcessa members and the wider community in bhajan programmes, pujas, and distribution of prasad every evening. The festival coincides with Vasant Navratri or Chait Durga Puja, resulting in celebrations being spread over nine days. Along with marking the birth of Lord Ram, it is also observed as the marriage anniversary of Ram and Sita. The organisers informed that a major part of the celebrations will be the recital of Akhanda Ramayana every day. On April 5, the event will end with Ram janam and jhola, followed by shanti paat.

hristchurch-based social organisation Indian Cultural Group has tied up with Loan Market and organised a free seminar on April 10, titled ‘Christchurch Indian First Home Buyers Seminar’, to help the Indian community understand the new lending policies of various banks in New Zealand. Nathan Miglani from Loan Market, who will be conducting the seminar along with a lawyer and real estate agent, informed, “This is timely, as with recent tightening of rules, it has become challenging to either build or buy a house with low deposits. “The community has felt a need for something like this and we responded. “We will cover everything related to buying or building a house in this seminar including the application process, budget calculations, types of deposits, pre-approval requirements, finding the right property, as well as the difference between ‘Turnkey’ and ‘Progressive Build’.”

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riginally scheduled in February but postponed due to the Port Hills fires— as the venue, Te Hapua Halswell Centre, was being used as an evacuation centre—the ghazal and old Hindi melodious songs night, an initiative of the recently formed Canterbury Indian Community Centre Trust (CICCT), will now be held on April 8. As reported earlier, CICCT is an entity comprising people from all Christchurchbased Indian organisations, associations, trusts, and community groups, which aim to pool resources and raise funds in the tune of $1.2 million to construct an Indian community centre in Christchurch within the next two years. The organisers plan to share their vision regarding this during the ghazal night as well.

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Nobel Peace Prize winner from

IT PAYS TO Bangladesh coming to Christchurch ADVERTISE WITH THE MOST I VISIBLE KIWI-INDIAN PUBLICATION IN TOWN. ¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

n a build up to the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) 2017, scheduled to be held in Christchurch between September 27 and 29, Noble laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus will be in the City on Monday, April 9. The Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, banker, economist, civil society and global thought leader, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for founding the Grameen Bank and pioneering the concepts of microcredit and micro-finance, will be addressing and interacting with audiences during the event. It’s an initiative of SingularityU Christchurch Chapter in collaboration with Ākina Foundation, Ministry of Awesome, Ohu, XCHC, Te Pūtahi and Christchurch City Council, and will be held at Charles Luney Auditorium from 4:30 p.m. SEWF—an international event that was started in 2008 for social enterprises from all over the world to come together, share wisdom, build networks, and discuss how to create a more sustainable future—is coming to New Zealand for the first time. Melbourne had hosted the Forum in 2009.

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International students number rise in University of Canterbury ¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

he University of Canterbury (UC) has reported an increase in enrolments this year, with an especially significant rise of 20 per cent in international students. “All new-to-UC enrolments are up three per cent when compared to the same time last year, which was itself a 16 per cent rise on the year before, bringing the number of new students at UC in 2017 to

3,562 equivalent full-time students (EFTS), compared to 3,472 new EFTS for the same time last year,” UC officials informed. “Notably, in December 2016, more than 15,560 students in total, including around 1,500 international students from 115 countries, studied at UC, which was a seven per cent increase in new-to-UC domestic students and 30% increase in new-to-UC international students compared to 2015,” they added.

Pleased with the increase was UC Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Wright, who noted, “As well as a 20 per cent increase in international students, we also have record numbers of international postgraduate students, up 19 per cent from 2016. In 2010, we had about 750 full-time equivalent students in Masters programmes. In 2016, we had more than 1,020 full-time equivalent students in Masters programmes and record numbers of PhD students.”

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The Left’s promise of ‘fiscal conservatism’: what does it mean for Indian voters?

¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

he latest Labour-Green budget responsibility rules are keeping our political landscape busy with a charge that New Zealand’s political left has taken a noticeable shift towards the ‘right,’ worrying many commentators across the political spectrum that it might signal the demise of the political left in New Zealand just before elections. Bryce Edwards, a New Zealand Herald columnist and a lecturer in politics at the University of Otago, has summed up this ongoing debate on both sides of political divide by asking questions: “Does New Zealand still have political parties on the left in parliamentary politics? Do the poor and working classes have anyone to vote for this year?” The key focus is on Labour and Green’s self-imposed constraint on government spending and the promise to keep it under 30 per cent of GDP. For the uninitiated, when Labour left office in 2008, the government expenditure was around 35% and National claims to have demonstrated significant financial conservatism to bring that down to the current level of 30% of GDP. According to National Party’s David Farrar, the difference between 30% and 35% is around $12 billion a year. This is a lot of money, given that Labours have been consistently calling for an increase in public spending, especially in housing, public transport, health, and education. While it is too early to comment about a possible demise of the political left in New Zealand, it is of some interest to analyse how it does affects Kiwi-Indian voters, if at all. To argue that this announcement does not mean anything would be disrespectful for the wisdom of average Kiwi-Indian voters, which is certainly not the intention of this piece. However, pursuing the other line argument of that there will certainly be some affect on the Indian voters brings another kind of challenge that how the impact on them will be different from that on the rest of New Zealanders. Regardless of this challenge, this piece will pursue the second line of argument and try to distill possible impacts of this recent budget-responsibility agreement by the two parties on the political left. Currently, the average Indian voter’s thinking and behaviour are aligned with trends seen overseas where middle-class voters are increasingly seen getting closer to the political right. Although it is a subject to debate, it can be argued that an alignment with political right is not necessarily an abutment for fiscal conservatism. Rather it is more a backing for the seemingly ‘decisive political leadership’ that is seen associated with the political right. Therefore a promise of fiscal conservatism by itself may not be of some value for the

average Indian voters but the imagery of strong political leadership might be of some interest for many in the community. To the distaste of many, the political left all over the world is seen as deprived of strong, passionate leadership. Their leadership appears to be weak, fragmented, and devoid of fortitude. This may be because of the absence of strong intellectual and ideological resources, as many critiques argue, which naturally propels strong leadership at the top. Otherwise, it could not be a mere coincidence all around the world that the leadership in the political left appears to be weak and meek. It could be possible because of fragmentation and clutter of ideas and intellectual resources on the political left. New Zealand is one clear example where the ideas and votes on the political left are cluttered and confusing for their voters. Many voters struggle to differentiate between Labour and Green Party. Therefore, in this instance, one thing that the Little-Shaw partnership seems to do effectively is to clear the clutter. It may initially be repugnant to many traditional Labour-Green voters, but in the long run, has a potential to attract many others who are at the centre and not necessarily fond of, or, averse to, fiscal conservatism. Kiwi-Indian voters are one such segment who have largely been at the centre without being necessarily pro or against the lure of enhanced state spending. One possible reason for this lack of enthusiasm could be rooted in their history as a relatively recent migrating social group where they do not see themselves as the client of benefits accruing from enhanced state spending. However, this fact has not stopped them from leaning towards one political party or the other. If the first decade of the 21st-century saw them glued towards Helen Clark – Phil Goff’s style of politics, then in the current decade, there has been an affinity towards John Key brand of politics. While there are many facets of this brand of politics that is beyond the scope of this piece, one important aspect is the imagery of a leadership effusing with confidence. This may be a prerequisite for all New Zealander voters, yet Kiwi-Indians have an unusually high appetite for this commodity. In this regard, the team of Mr Little and Mr Shaw is seen as displaying some confidence and vision, howsoever antiquated (David Farrar has mocked them by saying that after nine years of calling for nothing but extra spending, they have pledged to keep the share of the economy the state spends to the same level as National has got it after eight years.) However, this will not necessarily translate into popular votes automatically as the Labour-Shaw team will have to do more to establish direct connect with Indian voters, especially Green Party, who are largely nonexistent in the Indian voter’s worldview.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 31 March2017

Telangana City Boys win Spirit of Cricket 2017 ¡¡ IWK BUREAU

some loose bowling by Desi Warriors allowed NZ Telangana City Boys to claw their way back and cross the final hurdle with three balls to spare. In another match, AIS easily disposed of NZ Kannada Koota for the third spot. Sai Karnan from Probasee team was awarded as the Batsman of the Tournament, Arun Vejendia from AIS as the Bowler of the Tournament, and Farhan Syed Ahmed from Deccan Acers was awarded as the Player of the Tournament. Migrant Community Cricket Club manages the tournament, and the preparation for the 20th edition has already begun. “The 20th year of Spirit of Cricket Tournament will be a proud landmark for all of us,” Prashant Belwalkar, lead organiser of the Migrant Community Cricket Club, said.

he 19th instalment of the Spirit of Cricket Tournament concluded with the finals held on March 26 at Auckland Domain. NZ Telangana City Boys and Desi Warriors competed for the championship in the final match with NZ Telangana pinching the title in a thrilling final. The migrant community cricket championship is a major tournament hosted annually with a purpose to bring the youth of the community together. The first tournament of Spirit of Cricket was held in 1998 that saw participation from Telugu, Marathi, Goan, Parsi, Kannada, Bengali, and Tamil community teams. It has now grown into a steady annual feature in the cricket calendar of Auckland Indians. The tournament was supported by V Giri of Relianz Forex, who has been a patron for the last five years. CricHQ , a digital platform for cricket matches, along with other community organisations supported the event. As per the rules, the winner of the previous year is given the opportunity to organise the matches the following year, and this year, Tamil Super Strikers— winners of 2015—took charge of the event. The tournament followed a twotiered approach where the first

round saw two pools of six teams each, who vied for selection to Super League. The second round saw two pools of Super League and Plate League and the top two teams qualified directly into Quarter Finals. The matches in the quarter finals were closely fought between NZ Kannada Koota, AIS, NZ Telangana City Boys, and Desi Warriors—the top four qualifiers. The semi-finals between NZ Kannada Koota and NZ Telangana was a close affair as NZ Telangana City Boys scraped through in a hard-fought match. Desi Warriors disposed of AIS to reach their fourth final in three years.

The finals between Desi Warriors The target was achievable, and and NZ Telangana City Boys, NZ Telangana approached it with as expected, was a high-octane caution and got into trouble with match. NZ Telangana City Boys their safety approach, however, lost the toss and were asked to bowl. Desi Warriors made their intent clear right from Rosemin and Vicky working together at Harcourts and give their the word go excellent services to their buyers and to Home Owners. and were on the attack, but Their well planned strategy can minimize the amount of time your home the move didn’t is on the market and their top service will bring top results for your home. pay as much List your property with them and achieve the best price for your home. as they had expected when Call Vicky or Rosemin today for an up-to-date no they folded for obligation free appraisal. Your local Real Estate professionals 105 in 19 overs.

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Adventures of Humm FM Drive Show with Dev & Sandy

Grants available for waste reduction projects

umm FM Drive Show team, Dev & Sandy have created the adventures of Drive Show, where every month they take listeners out on excellent adventures. After doing 54 Hours Christmas for Kids Radiothon, the duo took six listeners on a fishing trip near Tiritiri Island the very next day and caught some amazing fish. Along with Sandy, it was first time for some of the listeners to go fishing In the beginning of March, Drive Show team launched Skydiving with Dev and Sandy, and two lucky winners, Sumaira and Raj Thakur won a night stay at Apollo Hotel in Rotorua, and the winners will Skydive from 15,000 ft in Taupo during Easter holidays with Dev & Sandy. Earlier this week, Humm FM Drive Show Team, launched two campaigns for the month of April where listeners will be able to take part in competitions and be one of the six winners to Parasail at Bay of Islands on 30th April. The winners will not only Parasail with Dev & Sandy but also enjoy Top: Fishing with Dev & Sandy Winners, Pooja, Abdul, Priya, Shyamal, Shivani; the boat cruise around Paihia, Russell and Above: Skydiving with Dev & Sandy Winners, Raj & Sumaira at Apollo beyond, and if the weather allows, they will Hotel Rotorua also be able to see dolphins in the blue seas of Bay of Islands. Humm FM Drive with Dev & Sandy will also take two winners each on a fishing trip near Coromandel with Epic Adventures on 28th of April and 5th of May and this time listeners. Keep Humming on Your Hottest and keep the plan is to catch some real big Kingfish and Snapper. The Adventures of Drive Show with Dev & Sandy getting the latest issues of Indian Weekender to know will keep bringing exciting adventures for Humm FM what’s next.

roups with innovative ideas for reducing waste to landfill can now apply for grants of up to $5,000 from the ‘zero waste’ fund, opening on April 1, and until 30 April 2017. The Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund (WMIF), which is funded through a levy of $10 per tonne on all waste, sent to landfill, supports a variety of new activities which reduce waste. Grant recipients must meet at least half the cost of their project and can apply for funding between $250 and $5,000. “With the fund opening for another round, the call is out for our businesses, schools and community groups to lead the transformation in how we reduce waste,” says Chair of the Environment and Community Committee Cllr Penny Hulse. Since the first WMIF funding round in April 2013, over $2.5 million has been allocated to more than 270 projects. Funded projects have ranged from surveys, pilots, and feasibility studies to workshops, education programmes and new equipment. “We’ve seen every day Aucklanders step up and lead the charge to find new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle waste and I’ve been blown away with some of the ideas. These zero waste champions bring energy and innovation to the way we look at waste,” Cllr Hulse said. The WMIF fund provides up to $500,000 a year to seed innovative waste solutions from businesses, Kiwi/Maori, and education and community groups. Only grants of up to $5,000 are available in this funding round, while the September round funds larger projects, with up to $50,000 available per project.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 31 March2017

International trade: by the numbers

Prime Minister

ew Zealand is fundamentally a trading nation and our broad international trade ties are part of the reason why New Zealand is doing so well today. They are part of the reason why New Zealand is growing more strongly than most other developed countries, why the average wage is up 26 per cent since National took office and why over 370,000 jobs have been created since the height of the GFC. And it’s also why the cost of living here remains historically low, with things like cars, appliances and cell phones becoming more affordable. Ultimately its part of the reason why we are such a confident and successful country, but we must not take that for granted. We must continue to forge new and improved ties with the rest of the world, to ensure we sustain that success. The opportunities presented to us through trading with the world are immense. We know that we won’t get rich selling things to ourselves. But we might by selling them to the world. Successive New Zealand governments have finalised trade agreements with a number of countries including Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, and China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan. Our agreements so far are working well for exporters and getting Kiwis a good return.

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Our goods exports to mainland China are now four times what they were before the FTA and our wine exports to South Korea have increased by 30 per cent, just six months into our agreement. Exports are worth $70 billion to our economy and this Government knows not only how important trade is to Kiwi businesses, but how much of the world these businesses still struggle to trade with. I recently set out the National-led Government’s commitment to forging new and improved trade ties, and further investment to achieve that, when he launched our new trade strategy – Trade Agenda 2030. Under Trade Agenda 2030 we’ve set the ambitious goal of having free trade agreements cover 90 per cent of New Zealand’s goods exports by 2030, up from 53 per cent today. $91.3 million over four years will be dedicated to helping us achieve this under Budget 2017. This funding will go towards forging new trade agreements, maximising the benefits of existing ones, tackling non-tariff barriers and supporting Kiwi exporters to enter new markets. We are also investing in two new diplomatic posts in strategically-important locations. One, to be opened in Dublin, will help us build a stronger relationship with Ireland and the EU, which will be important post-Brexit. Another will be opened in Sri Lanka, solidifying our status as a strong partner in Asia. It’s difficult to overstate how important trade is to New Zealand and how closely it is linked to our prosperity and it’s exciting to see this National-led Government acknowledge trade as the lifeblood of our economy.

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Old is Gold creates the magic of yesteryears ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

show of the evergreen songs of the musical legends of the early Bollywood days never runs out of an audience. A packed Dorothy Winston Centre, which has become a hub for almost all musicals and theatrical plays, witnessed another instalment of the Old is Gold show on March 25. Organised by Md Rafi Academy of Music (MRAM) in Auckland, the show commenced at 7 p.m. with a total of 32 magical numbers delivered by 20 singers and a troupe of eight-band members. Amit Sengupta, head of MRAM, led the show with Tu Ganga Ki Mauj Main Jamuna from the 1952 hit Baiju Bawra, followed by Rita Krishnamurthy with Dil Laga Kar Hum from Zindagi Aur Maut. The melodic journey of the show continued with Suhana Safar from Madhumati, Jaane Kya Tune Kaha from Pyaasa, Dum Dum Diga Diga from Chhaliya, Mere Mehboob Qayamat from Mr X in Bombay among others. Old is Gold hosted its first show in 2003 and has now become one

of the signature musical events in the Indian community calendar. Over the years, the show has improved its performance and has given the audience a variety of new voices every year. “This show gives Auckland artists a chance to showcase their talents on such big platform,” Amit Sengupta, composer, singer, and the organiser of the event, said. The band of 20 singers included 12-year old Abhaya Puthigae, who sang Ichak Dana Bichak Dana from 1955 hit Shri 420 and 10-year old Rohan Satija singing Sun Lo Sunata Hoon, originally sung by legend Md Rafi in the 1971 film Andaz. The patriotic song Aye Watan by Amit Sengupta just before the interval touched the audience as the singer shed a tear while performing. Other songs in the playlist of the show included Pia Aise Jia Me by Sucheta Banerjee, Yaa Dil Ka Suno by Dr Hubert D’Cruze, Nile Nile Ambar by Rohitesh Prasad, Chhookar Mere Mann Ko by Makrand Karkhanish, and Mera Naam Raju by Rajesh Thakkar. The show concluded with Is Duniya me Jina by Akhila Puthigae.

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Girmitiya descendants’ contributions huge: Academic

irmitiya descendants continue to make massive contributions as citizens of Indian diaspora countries and have owned good socio-economic status. This sentiment was shared by the University of Fiji vice-chancellor, Professor Prem Misir yesterday in Lautoka during the Centennial Conference on the Abolition of Indian Indentureship. During his speech, Mr Misir said: “At the end of indenture, more Indians remained in their host countries than opting to return permanently to their native homeland. “Indeed, there are other Indians in the Indian diaspora who experience social, political, and economic disadvantage, many of this experiencing almost perpetual relative deprivation may be operating within a new avant-garde indentureship.” The conference has participants from 10 countries, including a representative from the government of India, former director of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Kamal Kishore Mishra.

From left: Tui Noco, Ratu Isoa Damudamu, Ravi Yadav from the High Commission of India and chairman of the Fiji Girmit Council Jagannath Sami during the diya lighting ceremony at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka yesterday during the Centennial Conference on the Abolition of Indian Indentureship.

Discussed at the three day forum will be over 100 plenary papers on topics such as Crossing Paths: Rethinking iTaukei and

Girmit relations, Population Growth, Family Planning and Girmit, Imagination, Disruption and Change – the New Normal,

Fiji Airways, Tourism Fiji enhance partnership

iji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline, and Tourism Fiji have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will enable the organisations to work more effectively and efficiently together. The MOU provides a platform for further collaboration to drive visitor arrivals to Fiji. A focus of the MOU is working together to capitalise on the new Fiji Airways routes Adelaide, Singapore and San Francisco through strategic marketing activities. Mr. Andrew Stanbury, Fiji Airways Executive General Manager Sales and Marketing said: “Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji have always worked together at home Fiji Airways and abroad through our regional teams. This MOU further strengthens and aligns Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji have the way we work together globally. always worked together at home and Our goal here is the same, to grow Fijian abroad through our regional teams.” tourism in both traditional and new markets.” – Andrew Stanbury The partnership sees both organisations offer each other various benefits for closer cooperation and undertake joint marketing Mr. Matthew Stoeckel, Tourism Fiji CEO and promotional exercises in key markets. said: “We’re delighted to get our partnership This includes sharing of relevant data for formalised through a MOU as it provides the better forward planning. framework for our respective global teams to

Australia, NZ, Samoa, Fiji ready for U20 clash

deliver campaigns together. The partnership will provide Fiji with an edge over other destinations as we will be able to plan, execute and optimise our marketing activities in key markets more efficiently and effectively. When the National Tourism Office and the National Airline work together towards a common goal, everyone benefits.” Implementation of the activities within the MOU has already commenced.

RCA signs with New Zealand Customs to build border capacity

to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority he Fiji Revenue and Customs to improve border management through the Authority (FRCA) signed an delivery of the Fiji Country Plan (2017-2021). agreement with the New Zealand FRCA in turn will provide personnel and Customs Services on Tuesday to successfully infrastructure to deliver the Plan.’’ deliver the Fiji Country Plan and at the same “Under this Country Plan, time strengthen its border management. “GlobNZCS will enhance the Under the Fiji Country Plan, the ally, there are FRCA’s transformation New Zealand Customs Services potential threats of process through (NZCS) will assist the Fiji Revenue transnational crime, and Customs Authority with the including people and drug providing expertise, FRCA Transformation project smuggling, money launder- exposure to operating in order to improve border ing and these risks impact e n v i r o n m e n t s management in Fiji. not only Fiji but countries where international standards are being “Improved border management for whom Fiji is a tranimplemented, and will contribute to economic shipment point” ongoing constructive growth-including the facilitation critique and guidance. This of legitimate trade and travel and Plan builds on earlier assistance to improved border security. This will not FRCA that included the Pacific Leadership only benefit Fiji, but neighbouring Pacific Programme (PLP) and detector dog countries including New Zealand,” FRCA assistance’’, Mr. Das stressed. Chief Executive Officer Mr. Visvanath “The mutual intentions of the country plan Das said. covers customs in the area of information “As part of the agreement, the NZ Customs sharing, capacity building, and resource will provide technical expertise and support

Indian women’s oppression in the indenture and post-indenture periods, From Indian Coolies to Fijians: Culture and Identity and Change among Indo-Fijians. As of yesterday, there were 100 participants at the academic conference which aims to share data, research in relation to Girmitiyas in the past, the situation at present and the future. The organising secretary for the conference, Ganesh Chand said he was amazed at the types of research that were presented by participants at the plenary sessions. “There was a huge interest from the people especially those participating from other countries,” Mr Chand said. “It is very encouraging. “There has been an amazing amount of research which is recorded in the conference papers and the quality of research is high. “They all relate to indenture, Girmit, relationship between Girmit and relationship between Girmitiyas and various other entities.”

Vishvanath Das

provision and information exchange. The total value of the project is approximately NZD $1.6m over the next 5 years. “Globally, there are potential threats of transnational crime, including people and drug smuggling, money laundering and these risks impact not only Fiji but countries for whom Fiji is a transhipment point. The technical assistance by the New Zealand Customs Services will assist us to enhance capacity and competency to clamp down on those risks that pose a threat to our border security’’, Mr. Das said.

ustralia, New Zealand, Samoa and Fiji will all use the Oceania Rugby Under-20 Championship as vital preparation ahead of their challenges in World Rugby age-grade events in 2017. Hosts Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and Fiji will contest the championship on the Gold Coast, Australia, from April 28 to May 6. The third edition of the tournament will provide invaluable preparation for Australia, New Zealand and Samoa as they build towards the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia from May 31 to June 18. Australia and Samoa, making their return after winning the World Rugby U20 Trophy last year, have been drawn together in Pool A with defending champions England and Wales, while New Zealand will face three European sides in Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Fiji, meanwhile, will have a longer leadin time to their appearance in the second tier World Rugby U20 Trophy, which takes place in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo from 29 August to 10 September. New Zealand has won both editions of the Oceania Championship, although Australia did record their first win over their trans-Tasman rivals at U20 level last year as each side won one match in the competition. Despite its fledging history, a number of players have already made the transition from the Oceania Rugby U20 Championship to Super Rugby franchises, including the likes of Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes, Anton LienertBrown (Chiefs), Andrew Kellaway (NSW Waratahs) and Jonah Placid (Melbourne Rebels). World Rugby's Rugby Services manager for Oceania Bruce Cook said: "We are very excited to see this competition expand with Fiji and Samoa participating alongside New Zealand and Australia. "Each year the tournament's standards have continued to rise and it is a great opportunity for people to see the next generation of potential rugby stars come together to play in what will be an outstanding tournament."

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | 31 March 2017

Pope Francis will consider Fiji visit H is Holiness Pope Francis will consider visiting Fiji. This is after he met the President, Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Konrote the Palace of the Holy Office at the Vatican. The meeting, which lasted 30 minutes, was described as “fruitful and inspiring”, a statement said. Discussions focused on the existing good relations between the Holy See and Fiji, the positive contribution of the Catholic Church in Fiji to nation building and Fiji’s upcoming global responsibilities on Oceans

The President, Major-General (ret’d) Jioji Konrote, with His Holiness Pope Francis in the Vatican City.

and climate change. President Konrote said they also discussed the issue of climate change and

Fiji’s Presidency of COP23. He also took the opportunity to request Pope Francis to support

Fiji’s leadership responsibilities. The Pope spoke about the ethical dimensions of climate change, which he said demanded solidarity with the most vulnerable social groups and countries, and with the new generations. “Pope Francis possessed a very good sense of humour and we had a very positive discussions on the important international responsibilities Fiji was assuming,” President Konrote said according to the a statement. Pope Francis was presented a lali (Fiji wooden gong) carved from a mahogany tree that once stood outside Fiji’s

state-house that fell in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Winston. “The wooden lali carving was symbolic to summon the world to take action on climate change,” the President said. The Holy Father reciprocated by presenting a porcelain plate with a painting impressing humanities obligation to care for creation, a Jubilee Medal of Pope Francis’s fourth anniversary to the Papacy, as well as copies of many of his writings including the Laudato Si – an encyclical on earth-keeping and the responsibility to care for the whole of creation.

Northern Air Introduces Nadi Route

orthern Air has confirmed it will start three Suva-Nadi-Suva flights daily from Saturday, April 1. Northern Air Chief Executive, Captain Rainjash San said there will be three trips per day with the first trip at 5.30 a.m. to Nadi and 6.30 a.m. out of Nadi. “We will be using our Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante, a Brazilian aircraft, for the trips,” he said. Mr San added, with the number of speed cameras on the road and, rush on roads, you can pay anywhere from $79 to $99 flying from Nausori to Nadi and avoid fines. “It saves you all the time from travelling, since most connection flights from Nadi are at 9 a.m.,” he said. Mr San had also sent an application to set up return flights from Savusavu and Taveuni to Nadi. “I am going to find out the result of my application tomorrow whether it would be approved or not,” he said. He added that the fares will definitely be competitive. Meanwhile, there is no update on the ATR 42-300 that Northern Air was working on getting yet; Mr San said they have options on whether it is going to be an ATR or another aircraft. It will meantime use its Embraer Bandeirante aircraft to compete with Fiji Link, which operates bigger ATR72-600 and ATR42-600 flights on the Suva-Nadi route. Nausori-based Northern Air already competes directly with Fiji Link on the major Suva-Labasa-Suva Route.

Fiji Lifts Food Import Ban

inister for Industry, Trade, Tourism and Lands, Faiyaz Koya announced that the pathway for Ox and Palm Corned Beef, Trukai Rice and Lae Biscuit, is now open, even for commercial consignments. This announcement followed discussions with the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF). Mr Koya further stressed that BAF was ready to facilitate commercial imports of Ox and Palm Corned Beef, Trukai Rice and Lae Biscuit into Fiji. “We look forward to working with PNG’s Minister for Trade, Hon. Maru to deepen and strengthen trade ties between both the countries,” Mr Koya said.

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Editorial Tragic road crash deaths in community: wakeup call for driving sensibly

he Kiwi-Indian community in Christchurch and all over New Zealand is currently reeling under grief from the news of tragic road crash deaths of two young drivers on our road.

The news of the death of two young Indian drivers, Kamal Preet Singh and Lovepreet Singh Waraich, one on a student visa and the other on an open work visa, in North Canterbury on Tuesday, March 28, have left the community in shock and grief. Any news of death is always received in shock, disbelief and pain, but when the news is about road crash deaths of young adults in the community, who are temporary visitors here in New Zealand, then the sense of connect and responsibility to share the grief automatically increases manifold. Probably, this is what is happening in our wider community at the moment, and everyone is gathering together to deal with this news and extending support wherever possible, emotional or financial, to the near and dear ones of the deceased boys. This is an opportune time to remind everyone about two important things – responsibility to drive sensibly and victim support mechanism in New Zealand. It will not be an exaggeration to say that we all, including this writer, are often guilty of living in a fool’s paradise where we conveniently ignore or pay less attention to repetitive calls from authorities for sensible driving on our roads. Such calls are meant for a reason, and some time could be the difference between life and death. Furthermore, with the news emerging that the ill-fated boys were overtaking a fast moving truck on a foggy morning with poor visibility when the collision happened, will act as a chilly reminder towards the need for responsible driving. It is too much for a cost of life, especially for the poor parents of those young boys who are left behind to bear the emotional burden of ‘poor judgement’ of their kids. Every time we hit the road and choose to take adrenalin-filled decisions, which could lead to ‘momentary lapses’ on the road, we not only risk our own lives but also other members of general public who have no say in your decision making. So please be mindful when you hit the road next time in your cars. Young adults need to grow up fast and take responsibility, more so when travelling overseas, away from their families and parents, because in most cases their families have taken huge financial debt to fulfil their dreams. It becomes a double whammy for their poor parents of grieving with their loss and dealing with the financial burden. Similarly, this is an opportune time to educate everyone in the community about the victim support mechanism in New Zealand. Although, a large number of people in our community prefers to look towards their families, friends and the wider community most of the time when they are in stressful situations in life and need some support, yet it is important to understand the importance of professional victim support mechanism. In New Zealand, there are many types of professional organisations which provide emotional, financial and practical support depending upon the kind of situation one is in and the kind of support that is required for immediate well being and long term healing. In this regard, one immediate port of call could be Victim Support organisation – an organisation dedicated to providing frontline support to the people in distress. Their goal is to helps victims find strength, hope and safety in the face of grief and trauma. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a crown agency and is an independent charity organisation committed to provide support to those in distress. In most cases, those at the frontline of providing support are volunteers who share the passion of assisting our others in their hour of need. Sometimes, seeking professional support along with existing friends and family support could act as an extra resource to deal with the crisis in life. Indian Weekender : Volume 9 Issue 02 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.

“In this life of struggling, it’s the impossibilities within our minds which fail our future. Perseverance in every tough state leads us to the better destination.”

– Tumwebaze Pastor

FUNNY BONE

This week in New Zealand’s history April 1, 1965 TEAL becomes Air New Zealand -

New Zealand’s international airline, Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), was renamed Air New Zealand Limited. The New Zealand, United Kingdom and Australian governments had established TEAL in 1939 to provide a trans-Tasman air link. TEAL’s Auckland–Sydney flights began in April 1940, using Short S30 Empire flying boats. For 20 years TEAL’s flying boats provided a memorable spectacle for thousands of people. The renowned 1950s Coral Route from Auckland to Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Tahiti contributed its own distinctive legends to the era of flying boats.

April 2, 1978 Thermal insulation required in NZ homes Early European-style timber frame construction was not as effective as traditional Māori methods at keeping the heat in buildings. Specified levels of thermal insulation were not required by law until 1978.

April, 4 2001 Silvia Cartwright becomes governor-general The swearing-in of Dame Silvia Cartwright as New Zealand’s 18th governor-general completed a female clean sweep of the country’s most powerful political and legal positions.

April 5, 1869 New Zealand’s first royal visit The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, arrived in Wellington as captain of the frigate HMS Galatea. The first member of the British royal family to visit New Zealand, he was greeted with haka, speeches and bunting.

www.iwk.co.nz | 31 March 2017

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Congress’ problems begin and end at the top ¡¡ AMULYA GANGULI

ew people will believe that the former External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna’s exit from the Congress and entrance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be a great loss for the former and a considerable gain for the latter. Like the similar floor-crossing of Rita Bahuguna-Joshi in Uttar Pradesh, who has now become a minister in Yogi Adityanath’s government, Krishna’s perambulations in Karnataka will be no more than a footnote in recent political history. The only recent transition from the Congress to the BJP which has been of some importance is that of Himanta Biswa Sarma in Assam— if only because the 48-year-old MLA is seen as an influential political figure in the state unlike the two others, who are no longer at the peak of their careers. But what these exploratory treks from the formerly Grand Old Party, which is surrendering its earlier prominent position to the BJP, show is that the Congress’ members at various levels no longer deem it worthwhile to remain loyal to it because they see the party to be on a downhill slide. It may be unfair to compare these deserters as the denizens of a sinking ship because politics, after all, is not a charitable business and those involved in the profession of

“serving the people” are justified in seeing it as a means of advancing their own prospects even as an octogenarian like Krishna. But the Congress has reasons to be concerned that it is no longer recognised as an attractive home or destination. In recent weeks, only Navjot Singh Sidhu has joined it, but not before he first tried his luck with the Aam Admi Party after quitting the BJP. A Congress spokesman, Rajeev Gowda, has said that Krishna could have waited for the Karnataka assembly election results next year before leaving because, according to Gowda, the party may fare as well in Karnataka as it has done in Punjab. He has also said that a process of restructuring and strengthening is on in the Congress. If so, Krishna, a former Chief Minister, who is an insider, did not

see it. Instead, what he saw was that the party was being led by a part-timer, as he said. It is criticism of Rahul Gandhi, which has been made by Rita Bahuguna-Joshi as well, who said that the crown prince is “unwilling to listen to people in the party”. Sarma, too, famously said that Rahul Gandhi was playing with his dog when he took his complaints about the condition of the Congress in Assam to him. Although it is now widely believed, at least outside the party, that the Congress’ problems lay at the top, and the BJP openly says that Rahul is its best “asset”, the Congress is unwilling to concede the point. What is more, as a recent article by former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid argued, the Congress’ successes in Punjab, Goa

and Manipur -- it became the first party in the last two states -- show that there is nothing basically wrong with the party; its reverses are due to the BJP’s superior electoral strategy. The former minister is also unwilling to accept that India is changing in the sense that a more aspirational generation is demanding faster economic growth. According to him, the so-called attitudinal change is not reflected in Punjab, Goa and Manipur. The implication of such an outlook is that the Congress intends to continue on its present path with the Nehru-Gandhi family at the top and a preference for welfare programmes since it apparently believes that Narendra Modi’s emphasis on development is essentially flawed. Considering that this is also the view of economists like Amartya Sen and Jean Dreze -- focus first on health and education and then on economic growth -- and of the Left-leaning members of the currently dissolved National Advisory Council which was led by Sonia Gandhi, it can be concluded that the Congress will remain committed to the populism of Nehruvian socialism. It does not seem to recognise the fact that none of the Manmohan Singh government’s extravaganzas like the rural employment scheme and “right to food” was of much

help for the Congress in the last general election. On the other hand, it is evidently interpreting its successes in Punjab, Goa and Manipur not as a result of the anti-incumbency factor undermining the former ruling parties, but as a vindication of the dynasty and of “socialism”. From this standpoint, favourable outcomes of this nature can become a millstone round the party’s neck, preventing it from recognising that the paternalistic concept of a “maibaap ki sarkar” has outlived its utility at a time when the common man wants opportunities rather than doles. Notwithstanding the Congress’s moribund organisational structure and flawed economic policies, it still manages to draw some 17 sustenance from its history of consolidating democracy and adherence to pluralism. But it is a diminishing legacy largely because of the part-timers in leadership roles and a concerted attempt by the resurgent right-wing forces to take the country in a majoritarian direction. Unless the Congress realises that politics is serious business, as Krishna has said, and that socialism has had its day, its future looks bleak. (Amulya Ganguli is a political analyst. The views expressed are personal. He can be reached at amulyaganguli@gmail.com)

Sticks, carrots, toxic carrots: Clearing the air in China and India ¡¡ IVETTA GERASIMCHUK, LUCY KITSON AND LOURDES SANCHEZ

ommon problems potentially require common solutions, and the need for a dialogue. This is true in the case of China and India when it comes to their challenge of tackling air pollution and switching to clean energy. Poor air quality has become a major political concern in both the countries. It was a headline topic at the opening of the National People’s Congress on March 5, 2017, with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang reaffirming the government’s commitment to clearing the skies through increased investment in clean energy and implementing tougher sanctions for polluters. In India, independent estimates of the devastating health impacts of emissions from electricity plants, industry and transport cause nonstop public controversies. In order to effectively tackle the pollution crises, technologies that support clean air, water and soil in both China and India must gradually replace polluting alternatives. Implementation of this transition will largely depend on local factors. So what is the best approach for each government to take in

In India, independent estimates of the devastating health impacts of emissions from electricity plants, industry and transport cause non-stop public controversies. promoting these technologies: the stick or carrot? And which incentives, or disincentives, are the most effective? Both the countries face similar challenges. Each has prioritised the installation of de-sulfurising, denitrating and de-dusting equipment at existing coal-fired electricity plants in order to curb harmful emissions. Both China and India have applied emission standards to their electricity, transport and industrial sectors. However, compliance with these standards remains a major challenge. Beijing, for instance, is still believed to be at least a decade away from blue skies, whereas India lags still further behind. To complement command-andcontrol regulations such as emission standards, “the stick”, China is also using a “carrot” by offering a premium sale price to coal-fired generators that have installed emission abatement equipment. The value of this “carrot” was estimated at around 100 billion Yuan per annum ($14.5 billion) in 2014 and 2015. Given its lower level of economic development and budgetary constraints, India cannot afford

using such expensive carrots to encourage reduction of pollution from coal plants. India prioritises provision of affordable electricity to its population and improving energy access for the 20 per cent of people that still do not have electricity in their homes. This is very different from China, a country with an electrification rate of 100 per cent that is addressing a major challenge of over-capacity in coal-fired generation. India also levies a cess on coal use that is partially allocated to support clean technologies. Charged at INR 400 ($6) per tonne of coal, the cess (a form of carbon tax) has seen an eightfold increase since 2014. Between 2011 and 2016 an estimated INR 13,616 crore (over $2 billion) from the coal cess revenue was transferred to the National Clean Energy Fund. Feed-in tariffs and other carrots for renewable energy have driven a rapid increase in installed renewable energy capacity in both China and India. However, this additional capacity will only enable a switch to cleaner energy if it is used, and in both China and India, some of the new wind capacity has faced curtailment problems.

Among its causes are “toxic carrots” given by the governments. In China, the energy policy is conflicting. While some policies seek to curb coal capacity, others guarantee coal-fired power plants a certain number of hours of operation. Thus, the value of wind curtailment in Liaoning, Jilin, Hei Long Jian and East Inner Mongolia was estimated at 6.9 billion Yuan ($1 billion) in 2016, driven partly by the priority given to the use of coal power. In India, renewable energy developers enjoyed a generous accelerated depreciation allowance, but were not given a guarantee for generation or dispatch. However, India has capped this allowance at 40 per cent and wind power is being developed through the reverse auction mechanism whereby the bid is won by the seller quoting the lowest price. These few examples illustrate that there is a lot of money and regulations already on the table. What is missing is a system that traces the efficacy of both carrot and sticks policies on energy waste and air quality in a way that is simple for governments and other stakeholders to use.

Given increasing budgetary pressures, identifying, quantifying and evaluating policies that assist or interfere with clean energy transition could help China and India assess the best use of public resources. One way of doing so would be a voluntary peer review with an expert organisation or another country -- bilaterally or within such forums as G20 or BRICS. For example, many members of the organisation of the Asia-Pacific Cooperation have undertaken voluntary peer reviews on energy efficiency. Another opportunity is the voluntary review of fossil fuel subsidies within G20 that China completed jointly with the US when it was hosting G20 summit in 2016. The purpose of this review was identifying toxic carrots -- those measures of government support in the energy sector that result in wasteful consumption of energy. China’s review listed nine subsidies worth $14.5 billion and included a timeline for their phase-out. India will host the G20 summit in 2019 and as more G20 countries (Germany, Mexico and Indonesia at the time of writing) volunteer for peer review, there are increasing expectations of India to do the same.

WORLD

Bangladesh to join India’s South Asia Satellite initiative B angladesh has signed an agreement with India to formally join New Delhi’s ‘South Asia Satellite’ initiative, through which the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will launch a communication satellite for serving the South Asia region. The agreement was inked by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Shahjahan Mahmood and Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla, bdnews24 reported. The High Commission said Bangladesh has now formally agreed to join the ‘South Asia Satellite’, an initiative of the Indian government. India, through ISRO, will launch a 2 ton class

31 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

communication satellite with 12 Ku band transponders (36 Mhz each) using ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle This (GSLV Mk-II) for satellite serving the South is a reflection of Asia region. India’s commitment to T h e the development of the applications South Asian region and proposed under an expression to share its Bangladesh inks agreement with India to join the South Asia Satellite initiative the satellite expertise and technology use a dedicated region in “a cooperative and of India’s commitment to the system include for the benefit of the transponder with collaborative endeavor for the development of the South Asian tele-education, teleregion” capacity of 36 to 54 Mhz benefit of the people of the region and an expression to share medicine and interits expertise and technology for the for its own internal use. Each participating countries”. government networks, country would be responsible for emergency communication Prime Minister Narendra Modi benefit of the region,” the High content generation and its use, the earlier announced the launching Commission said. for disaster situations, High Commission said. of the satellite during the 2014 The inking of the agreement television broadcast and DTH television services. All South Asian countries, SAARC Summit in Kathmandu comes ahead of Prime Minister as a “gift to India’s neighbours”. Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India except Pakistan, will be part of There is a potential for this unique project binding the “This satellite is a reflection next month. each participating country to

NEWS in BRIEF

34 Indian scientists to meet Nobel laureates in Germany

s many as 34 young Indian scientists have been invited for the 67th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany from June 25 to 30, it was announced on Wednesday, March 29. A total of 400 young scientists from 76 countries have been selected to participate in the meeting, where they will meet Nobel laureates at Lake Constance. “Of the 34 young Indian scientists, 22 are based at Indian universities or institutes while the other 12 are currently based ... abroad (in Australia, Germany, Ireland, Israel, the UK, and the US),” said a statement from the communications department of the Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. “Every year, one-to-two members of the Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings travel to India to assist with the selection of young scientists. Besides India, the only other country that they travel to in order to assist with the selection process is China,” the communique said. In South Asia, five young scientists from Pakistan and one young scientist from Bangladesh

Nepal President to visit India

N A total of 400 young scientists from 76 countries have been selected to participate in the meeting, where they will meet Nobel laureates at Lake Constance.

have been selected to participate. The meetings have taken place every year since 1951 and are designed as a forum for exchange, networking and inspiration. The 2017 meeting is dedicated to Chemistry. So far, 31 Nobel laureates have confirmed their participation. The young scientists are outstanding undergraduate students, graduate students and post-doctorates under the age of 35, conducting research in the field of Chemistry. They have successfully passed a

multi-stage international selection process. 155 scientific institutes, universities, foundations and research-oriented companies contributed to the nominations. The proportion of women among the selected young scientists is 45 per cent. Bernard Feringa and Jean-Pierre Sauvage, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2016, together with Sir Fraser Stoddart, for the design of molecular machines, will also participate in this year’s meeting.

Pakistani President offers dialogue to India

akistani President Mamnoon Hussain offered a dialogue with India to peacefully resolve the Kashmir dispute. Hussain addressed a military parade on a the occasion of Republic Day, Xinhua news agency reported. He slammed India for what he said were its "irresponsible actions and violation of the ceasefire" which he claimed posed threats to Pakistan's security. "We are ready for a dialogue with India to find out a solution to the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions," he said. He reiterated that Pakistan

will continue moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their right to self-determination. The President also urged the international community to play its role for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan, he said, had no "aggressive designs" against any country but maintained minimum deterrence for regional peace and stability. Pakistan had been fighting the war on terror for years and that the armed forces and other law enforcement had made huge sacrifices.

epal’s President Bidya Devi Bhandari will begin a state visit to India on April 17, a media report said on Sunday. The Nepal President’s Office confirmed her India visit, which will be her first foreign tour after assuming office in October 2015, the Kathmandu Post reported. The President will be meeting her Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Bidya Devi Bhandari Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, leaders from the ruling and opposition parties and top Indian officials on April 18 in New Delhi, said Madan Kumar Bhattarai, Foreign Relations Adviser to Bhandari. The itinerary of the visit is yet to be finalised, he added. Some minor agreements as a gesture of friendly relations between Nepal and India will likely be sealed during her visit. The President was preparing to visit India in May last year but it was cancelled due to the lack of preparations on the government’s part.

Trump calls Modi to congratulate him on UP election results

S President Donald Trump telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, March 27, to congratulate him on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s victory in Uttar Pradesh and other states, according to the White House. During the call to “congratulate him on the outcome of India’s recent state-level elections”, Trump also “expressed support for the Prime Minister’s economic reform agenda and emphasised his great respect for the people of India”, said a statement from Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s office. Trump, who had earlier invited Modi to visit the US, said “he looks forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in Washington later this year,” the statement added. The BJP formed governments in four of the five states which held assembly elections recently, winning a stunning victory in UP, where it won 312 of the 403 seats.

Sri Lanka to increase international air connectivity

S Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain

"Pakistan is now much secure than the past because of the unprecedented sacrifices of our armed forces and the people."

ri Lanka is looking to increase international air connectivity in an effort to boost tourism, a statement said on Tuesday, March 28. With the tourism industry recording a positive growth since 2009, officials said they now hope to have more direct flights, open skies policy, competitive landing and parking fees, incentivising low-cost airlines and smoother immigration and check-in procedures, Xinhua news agency reported. Sri Lanka is also hoping, with public and private stakeholders, to create a “Colombo Calendar” of events which tourists can access across multiple channels. “The main goal is to ensure Sri Lanka doubles its tourism sector earnings from the present $3.5 billion in 2016 to $7 billion by 2020,” the Tourism Ministry statement said.

INDIA

www.iwk.co.nz | 31 March 2017

Lok Sabha passes all four GST Bills T

NEWS in BRIEF Working to improve nightlife in Delhi: Minister

he Lok Sabha on Wednesday, March 29, passed the much-awaited Central Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, Integrated GST Bill, Compensation GST Bill and Union Territory GST Bill 2017, after negating all the amendments put forward by the Opposition. The four GST Bills were passed after an eight-hour marathon debate in the Lower House. The government is targeting the roll-out date of July 1 for the new indirect tax regime. Jaitley said that goods may become “slightly cheaper” once all other taxes are removed after implementation of GST. Replying to a debate on the four bills in the Lok Sabha, he said all other taxes like entry tax in states will be removed once the GST is in place. Jaitley hopes GST bill will be passed through consensus “Once all other taxes are removed, the cascading effect Jaitley said that the Council Jaitley said that once is removed, goods will become has decided that the petroleum implemented GST will have a slightly cheaper,” he said. products though they have been significant impact on the taxation Noting that both the central included under GST, will system as the entire system will and state governments are The remain zero rated as be restructured. pooling their sovereignty Council of now. He said that the nature of to have this tax regime, decided that we “The Council economic activity today is changing Jaitley noted that India, will take up the issue decided that we and the objective of GST is to have despite being one of petroleum products will take up the “free flow of goods and services political entity, remained in a year after issue of petroleum pan-India, with one tax and different economic implementation products in a year one interface with one assessing entities with states having of GST” after implementation officer”. different taxes. of GST. “Today, “The IT backbone must be such “Centre and states both constitutionally petroleum that self assessments happen in pooled sovereignty into one products are under GST, but will maximum cases,” he added. Council. It is India’s first federal be zero rated. So once Council The system will be more efficient, decision making authority,” he decides it can be taxed under which is not easy to breach and has said. Clarifying on the tax rate on GST, we won’t need to amend the higher compliance, Jaitley said. petroleum products in the regime, Constitution,” he said.

Grounded Sena MP Gaikwad attacks Air India

hiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who has been barred by all Indian airlines from flying on their aircraft, targeted the national carrier Air India and accused it of “cheating people and giving poor service”, on Wednesday, March 29. A week after he was grounded following a verbal and physical assault on a 60-year-old Air India staffer on March 23, Gaikwad contended that his grouse was over the inefficiency and bad service provided by the carrier and not for being denied a business class seat for which he held an open ticket. “The media is showing only onesided version of Air India, which is misleading...,” Gaikwad said. “On the Pune-New Delhi flight that day, I had the business class ticket and I was also issued a business class boarding pass. Until I boarded... nobody informed me that there was no business class on that flight,” he said. On Wednesday, he said he has travelled innumerable times in economy class so he was not inconvenienced even that day. “I am a simple person leading

n what may turn out to be a good news for the capital’s dwellers, Minister of Culture and Tourism Kapil Mishra has said he believes in improving the city’s nightlife and that attempts are underway in this direction. “One thing missing in Delhi is a vibrant nightlife. I mean it is not just about bars and shopping malls but even generally where do Minister of Culture and people go out to at night in Delhi,” MishraTourism Kapil Mishra asked at a culture conclave. The minister added that the Capital had enough opportunities to develop its nightlife. “I mean just look at Chandni Chowk area. There are so many eateries all around and if we can give permission to them to remain open throughout the night that is going to change a lot of things. People can just come walk around, eat and enjoy. “For now, we only go for movies or to India Gate. Other than these there are no options for the people. We are working on this and hopefully we will see some results,” he said.

Mamata calls for crackdown on child trafficking

est Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directed the state police and the bureaucracy to monitor the issue of child trafficking and stop the traffickers at all costs. “The police and the block development officers (BDO) have to take responsibility to thoroughly monitor the issue of child West Bengal Chief Minister trafficking in the state. Mamata Banerjee “Whoever is involved in trafficking should not be spared,” Banerjee said during an administrative meeting in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district. She also asked the other departments associated with the matter to play their role so that trafficking can be stopped. “Apart from the police and the BDOs, those who are associated with child welfare have to look into the issue. This is also a responsibility of the Social Welfare Officers. The Women and Child Department also has to play the role they are expected to,” the Trinamool Congress supremo said. Referring to the repeated complaints of over-charging and negligence against the medical facilities in the state, Banerjee asked the police administration to keep an eye on the patients’ grievances.

BJP, Congress misleading people on house tax: AAP

he AAP said the BJP and the Congress are misleading people on the abolition of house tax by saying that it cannot be done. Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Delhi Convener Dilip Pandey said both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress were giving false and misleading statements ever since the AAP announced to abolish house tax and waiver of the the arrears if it came to power in civic bodies. “People in BJP and the Congress who used to make money on the pretext of house tax are rattled with this announcement. That is why both the parties are misleading Delhi people on the matter,” Pandey said. He said the AAP had made it clear that Delhi would be the first city where there would be no house tax. Elections to the 272 wards in three municipal corporations are scheduled for April 23. The results will be out on April 26. The AAP is gearing up for intensive campaigning for the civic polls from March 31. Kejriwal has planned several public meetings across the city for the municipal polls.

Congress demands new law on data privacy

Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad

an ordinary life... I mingle with the poor, farmers, labourers... So my concern was not travelling economy class, but the denial of service matching the tickets issued to passengers.” “In fact, there was a handicapped passenger sitting in the second row so I even offered him my seat in the first row for his comfort... A wrong impression has been created that my reaction was for not getting a

business class seat,” Gaikwad said. Incidentally, after the national carrier cancelled on Tuesday his Mumbai-New Delhi flight ticket, Gaikwad booked himself on a Rajdhani Express, but didn’t board the train. He reportedly dropped off at the last minute to travel by a private vehicle to the national capital and is expected to reach there later on Wednesday.

ongress leader Deepender Singh Hooda urged the government to bring a new legislation on data privacy, pointing out that people are facing the risk of data theft, especially with a system like Aadhaar in place. Participating in a debate on the Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017, Hooda pointed out that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) had to go to police to file a complaint against data misuse by Axis Bank, business correspondent Suvidhaa Infoserve and e-sign provider eMudhra. “You are making Aadhaar mandatory. You are collecting so much data and last month the UIDAI authorities had to go to police and report three companies that used the data for unauthorised transaction by bank employees,” Hooda said. “People don’t have the right to know how much donation a political party gets and from whom, but you want all information about people,” the Congress member said.

INDIA

31 March 2017| www.iwk.co.nz

India takes US to WTO over visa fee hike I ndia has taken the issue of hike in visa fees by the US to the dispute settlement agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Parliament was informed on Wednesday, March 29. Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that the government has taken up with the new American administration the visa issues being faced by Indian services companies. “The government of India continues to engage the US administration for better access of its professionals in the US,” the minister said. “H-1B and L-1 visa issues, including increase in visa processing fees, high rejection rates and other difficulties faced by the Indian

the World Trade Organization,” she added. The US has told India that there is no significant change in its H1-B visa regime, Parliament was informed on Monday. Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha during Question Hour last week that the new American administration has assured there is no “The significant change government of India continues in the H1-B visa regime. to engage the US “The fear, at administration for better access of its least for 2017, professionals in is not proved to Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Nirmala Sitharaman. the US” be correct. They (US authorities) services companies have been “India has also taken up the are saying their current raised with the US government at matter on US visa fee hike in priority is to deal with the illegal various levels,” Sitharaman said. the dispute settlement body of immigrants,” Sitharaman said.

The issue was also taken up recently with the visiting Congressional delegation led by Bob Goodlatte, as well as during the visits of the Commerce Secretary and the Foreign Secretary to the US during the first week of March 2017, she said. IT industry body Nasscom has said it will continue to highlight the discriminatory nature of the proposed provisions of the bill for H1-B visas which has been reintroduced in the US Congress after a failed attempt in July last year. The bill proposes a minimum pay of $100,000 annually to every employee taken to US under the H1-B visa which is an over 66 per cent increase from the current average.

Bhagwat rebuffs Sena; says not interested in becoming President

n a sharp rebuttal of the Shiv Sena's proposal, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday, March 29, made it clear that he was not in the race for the President of India's post and asserted he will not accept it even if he was nominated. "I am not interested in that post. Such news is only for entertainment. That is never going to happen.. So treat it as entertainment and forget it," Bhagwat said addressing a function. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's ally Shiv Sena earlier in the week urged the Narendra Modi government to consider

Bhagwat for the post of President, contending that it would pave the way for India to become a Hindu Rashtra. Sena's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Monday made a strong case for the 66-year-old Bhagwat for the country's top post and said the issue had been discussed even with party President Uddhav Thackeray who held a similar views. Justifying it, he said that a staunch Hindu nationalist (Hindutvawadi) leader Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister, and now another Hindutva proponent Adityanath Yogi has become Chief Minister of

India's biggest state Uttar Pradesh. "Bhagwat is a strong leader, a staunch nationalist and has a deep knowledge of the Constitution, so if the BJP wants to make India a 'Hindu Rashtra', his name must be considered.. He is the most ideal candidate," Raut had said. But barely 48 hours later, Bhagwat flatly refused to be drawn into the debate on Presidential contenders and insisted his only priority was the RSS. "We close all doors on politics before coming here. When we work in the Sangh, we don't go there (to such high posts). There are many Swayamsevaks up there and they

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know it well," he said -- obliquely hinting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a former Swayamsevak who should know about the RSS culture. "Even if in an impossible situation my name is nominated, I will not accept it," Bhagwat declared, asking his followers not to be alarmed over the news. "It is an entertaining news and should be looked at that way and left at that... It will evaporate on its own," added Bhagwat. The presidential election is due in July when President Pranab Mukherjee's five-year term ends. The Sena's proposal had elicited

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

strong reactions from political circles with the Congress and some other parties outright rejecting the suggestion.

www.iwk.co.nz | 31 March 2017

Indra Nooyi, Fareed Zakaria among Ellis Island Honour recipients P epsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi and well-known journalist-author Fareed Zakaria are among six IndianAmericans named for this years Ellis Island Medals of Honor for accomplishments in their respective fields. The other four Indian-American recipients named in 2017 list by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organisations (NECO) include Harman International Industries chairman and CEO Dinesh Paliwal, Dr Annapoorna S. Kini, Yashvant Patel and Mohan H. Patel. Pakistani-American Dr Adil Haider was also among the list of 88 awardees. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor are given annually to individuals whose accomplishments in their field and service to the country are cause for celebration, NECO said on its website. Nooyi has been the CEO at PepsiCo since 2006 and chairman since 2007. She was previously the president and chief financial officer at the company, as well as senior

Indra Nooyi and Fareed Zakaria

vice president, and senior vice president of corporate strategy and development, reported Connected to India, an online publishing platform serving NRIs and Indian diaspora. Nooyi has also worked at Asea Brown Boveri, Motorola, The Boston Consulting Group, Johnson & Johnson and Mettur Beardsell Ltd. She earned a Bachelor’s from

Madras Christian College, an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Kolkata and a Master’s from Yale University. Zakaria is the host of CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS” as well as a columnist for The Washington Post. He has also served as a columnist at Newsweek, an editor at Newsweek International and editor-at-large of Time. The Indian American has

Racism raises its ugly face again in Australia, another Keralite attacked by a group of teenagers ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

authored five books, three of which have been international bestsellers. He earned a Bachelor’s from Yale University and a doctorate from Harvard University. He has also received honorary degrees from numerous universities including Johns Hopkins, Brown, the University of Miami and Oberlin College. Paliwal has served as the president and CEO at Harman since July 2007 and later became the chairman in 2008. Prior to that, he served as president of ABB, where he worked for 22 years until he was hired at Harman. He earned a Master’s degree at the Indian Institute of Engineering in Roorkee and later earned a Master’s in engineering and MBA from Miami University in Ohio. Since its founding in 1986, the medal has been officially recognised by both Houses of Congress as one of the nation’s most prestigious awards. The 2017 recipients will be honoured at a May 13 event on Ellis Island in New York.

INDIA ABROAD

$100,000 given to American who tried saving Indians

he Indian American community in Houston has presented $100,000 to Ian Grillot, a 24-year-old American who was shot while trying to save Indian techies Srinivas Kuchibotla and Alok Madasani during a shooting in Kansas. The Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna, presented the cheque to Grillot at the annual India House gala in Houston on Saturday evening, The American Bazaar news portal reported. Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed when Adam W. Purinton, a white man, shot the Indians at the Austins Bar and Grill in Olathe on February 22. Madasani and Grillot, who tried to stop the killer, survived with injuries. A statement posed on the official page of India House Houston said: “On behalf of the IndianAmerican community in Houston, India House recognised this selfless act beyond the call of duty and has extended the community’s gratitude to Ian Grillot by helping him to buy a house.”

Rebellion led Indian-American teen to $250,000 science prize

nother racist attack has come to light in the Indian community in Australia, this time in the city of Hobart, just in a span of a week raising concerns among the 450,000 strong Indiancommunity in Australia about the rising evil of racism. 33-year-old Li Max Joy, a Malayali taxi-driver, a native of Puthuppally near Kottayam, was assaulted by a group of Australian teenagers in the early hours on Saturday, March 25. Even worse, the local police are believed to have discouraged Mr Max from formally launching a Police complaint. However, an undeterred Mr Max is determined to pursue this further and take the offenders to justice, seeking help from India’s Minister of External Affairs. This is second attack in as many weeks of attack on Indian nationals in Australia. Earlier a Catholic priest from Kerala was attacked by a man on Sunday, March 19, when the former was leading the Sunday mass in a Melbourne church. Speaking to a local Indian Media from Hobart on the phone, Mr Joy had said: "I will stand till my last breath to make sure they will be punished under the Australian law." Mr Joy is a qualified automobile engineer from India and currently pursuing nursing in an Australian university and works part-time as a taxi driver. According to Mr Joy, a group of teenagers were in the midst of a heated argument with the store manager at a local McDonald’s

Indrani Das, the Indian-American teen who won the $250,000 Regeneron Science Talent Search prize, is flanked by her parents, Bidyut and Tanima Das.

A restaurant when he walked in there and suddenly found to become the centre of group’s ire and frustration. The group is believed to have initiated an unprovoked racist slur “you black Indian” followed by incessant punches on Mr Joy. "On my way back home I had dropped in at the eatery to use the toilet. I dropped my plan to have a coffee as I saw a group of youngsters arguing with the store manager. As I went to my car and took out my jacket from the boot of the car, the group of four boys and a girl came out. The youngster walking in front was continuously abusing the store manager and when he saw me started shouting at me saying "You black Indian ...". Even before I could realise what was happening, the person punched me on my face twice. The others joined him, and I lost count of the punches I received,” Mr Joy said recalling the most harrowing experience of his life. The incident happened at wee hours of the day at around 5 a.m., with few passerby still around, though no one came to his rescue.

However, the store manager was quick enough to call police in a loud voice to signal the perpetrators that police were on its way. Mr Joy later thanked the store manager for saving his life. The Police had arrived at the scene shortly and took down details about the incident. Nevertheless, Mr Joy’s illexperience was not yet over as he alleges that local police was least sensitive to the fact that he was a victim of a racist attack in a foreign country, which can be quite harrowing. Next morning on Sunday, March 26, he received a phone call from Police at 6.45 a.m. asking him to report at the station at 9 a.m. for photographs and other formalities regarding the case. Mr Joy alleges that he was made to wait for an hour at the police station without any empathy and compassion and was made to feel like a criminal rather than a victim of a racist attack. "I waited there for around one hour, and there was neither a cameraman nor were they interested in attending to my case," Mr Joy said.

rebellion began Indian-American teen Indrani Das on her way to the brain research that got her the quarter-milliondollar Regeneron Science Talent Search award for high school students. Most Indian parents want their children to become doctors, but not her parents. Das, who calls herself a “rebel”, recalled that her parents had told her: “Whatever you do, don’t be a doctor. Don’t become a doctor, it’s long and expensive. So I decided I wanted to be a doctor,” she said.And that rebellious ambition led her to her medical-oriented science project. Her parents Bidyut and Tanima Das, who are from Kolkata and now live in Oradell, New Jersey, are bankers by profession. The 17-year-old, who is in the final year of high school at the Academy for Medical Science Technology in Hackensack, said she wants to become a doctor who simultaneously does scientific research. “I want to be physicianscientist,” she said. “I would like to see patients, but I would also like to do research.” Her project on finding ways to treat damage to the brain from injuries or disease won her the

top prize earlier this month in the nation’s foremost science contest sponsored by Regeneron and conducted by Society for Science and the Public (SSP). Nicknamed the “Junior Nobel Prize”, the Science Talent Search competition was originally sponsored by Westinghouse in 1942 and Intel took it up from 1998 till last year. Twelve of the contest alumni have won Nobel Prizes. Indian American teens took five of the top ten awards in this year’s competition in which 1,700 high school students participated. SSP President Maya Ajmera said Das’s “dedication to making the world a better place through science – whether through her research on treating brain damage or volunteer work in her community – is truly inspiring”. Explaining her research, Das said that when Alzheimer, Parkinson’s, stroke or a traumatic injury affects the brain, the neurons, which are the main signal cells of the brain, are killed. Next the supporting cells – astrocytes – that are supposed to nurture and protect the neurons, go awry and create a toxic chemical environment, poisoning the neurons.

SPORTS

31 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

India beat Australia to win Test series

Dharamsala: Team India pose with the Border-Gavaskar trophy at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on March 28, 2017.

ndia defeated Australia by eight wickets in the fourth and final Test at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium on Tuesday, March 28, to clinch the fourmatch series 2-1 and regain the BorderGavaskar Trophy. Lokesh Rahul hit a half-century and guided the hosts to victory in the firstever Test at this picturesque ground along with stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane after the early departure of Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara. Rahul remained undefeated on 51 while Rahane was not out on 38. Fittingly, it was Rahul who hit the winning runs, guiding a delivery from leftarm spinner Steve O’Keefe to the on-side. Needing 106 runs for the win, the Indians reached the target around 90 minutes and 17.5 overs into the first session of the fourth day. Fast bowler Pat Cummins claimed Vijay’s wicket while Pujara was run out thanks to an excellent piece of fielding by Glenn Maxwell. India’s left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was declared the man of the match as well as the man of the series. Jadeja clinched 25 wickets and scored two half-centuries over the four Tests against the team from Down Under. India captain Virat Kohli, who had to miss the fourth Test due to a shoulder injury, praised his teammates for their performance throughout the series. He also commended Rahane’s leadership in the final Test. “Unbelievable. This is our best series win so

far. I thought England was intense, but the way Australia gave us a fight it was amazing on their part. But our guys kept bouncing back. Shows t h e character and maturity,” Kohli said after the match. “Ajinkya led the team really well. The changes we made in our fitness regime have paid off. Guys have been able to sustain the performance throughout the season. In the past we have had sessions where we have given away the game easily. Not this season. Been a team season. “Not one or two individuals who have stood out. Unbelievable, the kind of fitness and desire the fast bowlers have shown, it has been gamechanging,” Kohli added. Tuesday’s victory also enabled the Indian team to retain the top spot in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Test rankings. The hosts had entered the series against Australia needing to win at least one Test to retain the pole position in the Test rankings which they had reclaimed following the Indore Test against New Zealand in October last year. “Really enjoyed it. Credit to all the boys. Not only this series, but to whoever has played this season. Really happy as a captain,” Rahane said. “I thought our bowlers, batsmen and fielders, they all did well.” India’s star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also received the Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Cricketer of the Year 2016 as well as the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year 2016. The hosts resumed at the overnight score of 19/0 and Vijay survived a scare in the very first over of the day when Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood came up with a couple of lbw appeals

Indian shuttlers shine at India Open

ndian shuttlers enjoyed a successful outing at the India Open 2017 badminton tournament on Wednesday, March 29, with most of them sailing through to the second round. Sameer Verma created one of the biggest upsets of the day when he stunned World No. 5 Son Wan Ho of South Korea 21-17, 21-10. He found his rhythm early in the first game and did not let the Korean play the attacking strokes that he is known for. Sameer has now set up a relatively easy clash against Hong Kong’s unseeded player

Hu Yun in the second round. “I am just taking one game at a time, and do not want to be complacent about facing an unseeded opponent. I am just looking forward to tomorrow’s match,” an ecstatic Sameer said after the win. B. Sai Praneeth, who played against Kento Nishimoto of Japan, had to fight it out for three gruelling games before coming out on top. The 23-yr-old Indian was surprised by the range of strokes that his opponent had, and had to slow down the pace of the game

India retained the ICC Test Championship mace and also won a cash award of USD one million for holding on to the top position in the Test Team rankings on the annual April 1 cut-off date.

off consecutive balls. The Indians got their first runs of the day in the next over when an O’Keefe delivery to Rahul turned sharply, evaded the bat and outfoxed Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade before reaching the boundary. Rahul was in excellent form, taking the battle to the Australian bowlers although Vijay continued to struggle at the other end. Rahul got a lucky boundary when he tried to go after a Hazlewood delivery outside the line of his off-stump but only managed to offer an outside edge. The ball however, went between the slips and the gully to give Rahul his first boundary of the day. The Karnataka batsman however, calmed the nerves with two boundaries off O’Keefe in the next over. He produced another superb shot off the backfoot to hit Hazlewood to the midwicket boundary a couple of overs later.

to unsettle Nishimoto. “Kento is a tricky opponent. He is a really good player and I had to play my best game to win the match. That’s how difficult it is to win a Super series game,” Praneeth said. It was however, a routine affair for Kidmabi Srikanth who got the better of his Chinese opponent Jun Peng Zhao 21-19, 21-16 in straight games. Incidentally, Peng had beaten Srikanth in the opening round of this year’s All England Superseries Premier. Srikanth is expected to face a tough battle in the next round as he

will take on top seeded Viktor Axelsen of Denmark. In the women’s section, all eyes were on Saina, who is on a comeback spree after a knee injury that she suffered after the Olympics. The Hyderabadi made short work of Taiwan’s Chia Hsin Lee to clinch a 21-10, 21-17 verdict. With victory in sight right towards the end of the second game, Saina conceded seven soft points, otherwise the margin of win would have been more convincing. Saina displayed some calculated movements on the court which proved to be too good for the Taiwan girl.

Play sudoku online at:

Sudoku

Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3810

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares Daily1Sudoku puzzle No. 3809 2017-03-18 Medium level contains the level digits from to 9. 2017-03-19 allMedium Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3811 2017-03-20 2

9 1

3 5

9 7

Crossword

2 8

4 8

8 7

9 9

9 8

Answers to last week's puzzles

Medium level

7 4

1 8

1 6

7 6

FUN ZONE

www.sudokukingdom.com

www.iwk.co.nz | 31 March 2017

Play sudoku online at:

www.sudokukingdom.com

7 9

Word Scramble 1. TORACR 2. IEP 3. TIRUF

Page 1/2

4. OACBN

Page 1/2

5. ECEHSE 6. LPAPE 7. EDRAB

Play sudoku online at:

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8. GBELTEVEA 9. NCDAY Puzzle solution:

10. CRIE 11. AAANBN 12. OOTMTA

Play sudoku online at:

Sudoku puzzle No. 3802 2017-03-11

Sudoku puzzle No. 3804 2017-03-13

Sudoku puzzle No. 3803 2017-03-12

www.sudokukingdom.com www.sudokukingdom.com 4 8 2 7 6 1 3 9 5 5 9 2 8 3 4 1 6 8 2 4 5 1 7www.sudokukingdom.com 6 3 9

13. TTCLEUE

14. NCRO

15. OATOPT

Daily Jumble

Puzzle solution:

Puzzle solution: Play sudoku online at:

Play sudoku online at:

9 3 8 5

5 3 2 7 4 6 9

9 6 5 1 8

3 5 1 4 9

8 2 7 3 5

4 9 6 8 2

6 8 4 9 1

2 4 3 5 7

3Puzzle 2 9solution: 5 7 1 4

7 1 8 2 6 4 3

5 2 7 4 3

9 4 3 7 5

3 9 5

8 7 6

6 3 8

2 5 1

7 8 4

4 1 9

Puzzle solution:

2 8

1 9

5 2

8 6

9 1

6 7

1 6 2 3 4

16. TARYBRESWR

2 1 7 8 4 3 5 6 9 Sudoku puzzle No. 3807 2017-03-16

9 1 6 4 7 3 5 2 8 Sudoku puzzle No. 3806 2017-03-15

17. AGHRMRUBE

18. AOEGRN

19. PIAZZ

20. OUPS

Hitori Objective and Rules of Hitori Eliminate numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or column. Eliminate numbers by marking them in Black. You are not allowed to have two Black squares touching horizontally or vertically (diagonally is ok). White cells must not be isolated from the rest of the board.

4 5 3 6 8

3 1 4 9 7 2 5

7 8 2 6 4 9 3

2 6 3 7 8 1 4

6 2 8 4 3 5 9

8 9 5 1 6 7 2

9 4 1 8 5 3 7

5 7 6 2 9 4 1

1 3 9 5 2 8 6

2 9 1 4 3 5 7

5 7 3 6 8 2 9 1 4

1 4 9 3 5 7 6 8 2

4 3 7 1 6 9 8 2 5

9 6 1 8 2 5 4 7 3

2 8 5 4 7 3 1 6 9

3 5 8 2 9 6 7 4 1

7 1 4 5 3 8 2 9 6

6 9 2 7 4

7 6 8 2 9

1 2 5 8 6

6 9 3

5 7 4

9 5 2

2 1 9

4 3 7

8 4 1

7Puzzle 9 4 solution: 3 6 5 1

7 5 3 2 8 6 1 4

4 3 5 6 1 8 2 7 9 Sudoku puzzle No. 3805 2017-03-14 5

7 8 1

4 3 6 9 1 5 7

1 5 7 2 8 3 4

5 1 4 7 9 6 3

9 6 8 3 2 7 5

3 9 2 5 4 1 8

2 4 9 1 3 8 6

8 7 3 6 5 2 9

6 2 5 8 7 4 1

Adjective Word Scramble 1. BIG 2. HOT 3. FAST 4. NEW 5. CHEAP 6. LATE 7. OLD 8. SMALL 9. HIGH 10. SLOW

11. DARK 12. LOW 13. SERIOUS 14. SAFE 15. PRETTY 16. COLD 17. EXPENSIVE 18. DIFFERENT 19. EARLY 20. LIGHT

General Knowledge Quiz 1.0The caped crusader, Batman, operated in which city? Gotham city 2. What was the name of Michael Jackson’s famous chimpanzee companion? Bubbles 3. Which fruit gave its name to a desk Pagetop 2/2 computer in 1984? Apple 4. WhatPage type Pig2/2 Page 2/2of animal was Babe in the film of the same name? 5. Who’s slogan was Put a Tiger in Your Tank? Esso 6. What colour are Superman’s shorts? Red 7. What is the unit of currency in India? The Rupee 8. What is the closest planet to Earth? Venus 9. True or False - Hair yanked out by the roots will not grow back? False 10. Which supermarket chain uses Jamie Oliver in their adverts? Sainsburys 11. What is Fred Flintstone’s favourite sport? Bowling 12. True or False, women blink twice as much as men? True Page 2/2 13. What mineral is spinach high in? Iron 14. What was Page 2/2 the name of the green Tellytubby? Dipsy Page 2/2 15. How many wings does a butterfly have? Four 16. What sort of hat did Laurel and Hardy wear? Bowler 17. Which cartoon dog has the initials “S.D.” on his collar? Scooby Doo 18. What is the name of the fairy in Peter Pan? Tinkerbell 19. Which TV animation has a robot called Bender? Futurama 20. What are the three primary colours in white light? Red, Green and Blue

The Cave

he only sound the diver could hear was his own breathing. It was a starngely relaxing sound; one of the reasons Mike enjoyed being underwaeter so much. Mike knew, however, that he mustn’t let his senses switch off, it could be incredibly dangerous diving at this depth if you stopped concentrating even for one minute. Despite enjoying himself, Mike concentrated on the mission he ‘dbe tasked with. He shone his spotlight down towrads the murky

depths below, and with a powerful push of his flippers he beagn the descent...

Send us stories, drawings, poems and other contributions by your little ones along with their photographs for this page. E-mail us at reporter@indianweekender.co.nz

FEATURES

31 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Understanding the basics of digital marketing for your business ¡¡ MAHESH K

marketing is a broad term that includes not only the website but also SEO, social media, content marketing, e-mail marketing, online marketing and more. Let’s look at these.

o you have started a new business or are thinking of starting a new business. While it is easy to get started because of the regulatory environment in New Zealand, at a certain point of time, you need strategies to grow. This is where technology comes in. Digital marketing has become a buzzword and every business strives to use it and excel. If you are not effectively using the digital medium, then you are certainly losing out on your customers and market share. Having a digital marketing strategy in place is crucial for a company to be visible and engage with their potential customers. Customers are consuming media on the go, especially with smartphones, and they are spending less time on traditional media. Technology has also made it easier to target customers in a precise manner by identifying their geographical location and demography. While a digital marketing professional can help you form a strategy and execute in a planned manner, it is always good to know the basics. So, here is a primer on digital marketing. It is not rocket science but just common sense.

The Basics

lmost every business starts with a logo, stationery, and a website these days. The logo is your visual identity and you will be known by it for years to come. The importance of a professional logo cannot be over emphasised. Do not save money and design a logo yourself. It helps to hire a professional designer who understands the colour psychology and typography. An amateurish or unprofessional logo can ruin your business as it goes on your stationery, signage, website, brochures, and adverts.

SEO

Similarly, a professional website, which is presentable, easy-to-navigate, and interactive, is highly effective. Since more than 40% of Internet traffic comes from mobile devices, it is important to have a website that can be navigated on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. In other words, have a responsive website that adapts to the screen size and resolution. Also, make sure your website has all the contact details, lead capturing forms, etc.

Why digital marketing?

aving a website is an important and crucial step to go towards digital marketing. But this is just the first step. You need the full might of digital marketing to succeed and attract customers. Digital

March 31 to April 1 | By Manisha Koushik ¡¡ Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)

¡¡ Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20)

earch Engine Optimisation (SEO) simply means ensuring that your website’s content covers all the keywords and phrases that your target customers might be searching for on Google. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and think how you will search on Google for the products and services offered by your company. You can also use Google’s Keyword Planner tool. While writing content for your website, make sure you use the keyword phrases but at the same time do not do add keywords unnecessarily. You should also get a good SEO plugin that can help you optimise your website or blog. Another aspect is generating backlinks from other websites through content marketing.

Social media

his is probably the single most powerful tool to attract eyeballs and drive traffic to your website. Platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter can enhance digital presence. Just remember to post engaging and interesting stories regularly on the social platforms with links to your website. By far, the most popular platform is Facebook with more than 40% market share. While Instagram and Twitter are engaging, they might not translate into business. So think before you put your social media strategy in place. There are different kinds of stories that are suitable for each of the social platforms.

Content marketing

ontent marketing can be time-consuming but is a sure way of driving more traffic to your website and gain digital presence. All you have to do is write original and relevant content on your website. Google loves original content that can be easily navigated and is accessible on different kind of devices. Good content marketing involves having a content calendar ready for regular content generation and ensuring it is easily accessible and shareable.

Video marketing

ecently, there has been a surge in video marketing, as videos enjoy a high level of engagement. Producing good quality video with interesting content that can be shared on social media platforms will not only boost traffic on your website but also boost your search engine ranking.

E-mail marketing

-mail marketing is the simplest and probably the most cost-effective way to communicate to your customers. It is also a great customer relation tool. Tools such as MailChimp lets you send updates, special offers, event information, etc. to your customer database at a low cost and offers high click-through rates.

Pay-Per-Click advertising

or generating leads, Pay-Per-Click (PPC) is also an effective tool but you might have to hire professionals who can help you decide a budget, ad network, and advertising strategy for a higher return on investment. Digital marketing is great if done properly and it can do wonders for your new business. But it needs to be planned. So spend some time documenting your objectives and strategy before you dive in.

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

¡¡ Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

¡¡ Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21) A journey may prove much more exciting than you had anticipated. Papers pertaining to property will be handed over to you. Seeing new locations and meeting new people are indicated. You will get to hear some juicy gossip, but keep it to yourself. You are likely to take more than the allotted time for a project. Workouts will keep you fit. Someone may be there to give you company, when you need it the most. Chances of getting a promotion or a raise cannot be ruled out for some.

Time is getting better, so rejoice. Do not overdo something to impress a senior at work this week. Setting priorities and working on them will keep you in fine fettle on the academic front. A business trip will prove fruitful. Budgeting expenses will be a good idea. You will be much in demand on the social front. Those seeking a loan will be able to complete the paperwork. Romantic front appears rosy, as you meet an ideal match. Don’t neglect health issues, if any.

This is a good time to spread your wings on the professional front. You may find yourself a bundle of energy this week. You are likely to reorganize yourself at work. This is the time to reap the benefits of deeds done in the past. Workplace is likely to be a fun place this week as bonhomie prevails. Some of you will manage to address all pending issues. Don’t be shy in shelling out money, where it serves your interests. Family will be more than responsive to your needs.

Keep your options open on the financial front. You are likely to find the week favorable. Students can receive heartening news about their performance and are likely to make the parents proud. You will be able to get around your senior to take a favor. Shopping can give you a high and help unwind. Your weakness for junk food is likely to tell on your health. Someone you are attracted to is likely to make the first move. Your interfering nature is likely to upset friends.

Lucky number: 1 / Lucky colour: Magenta

Lucky number: 18 / Lucky colour: Chocolate

Lucky number: 5 / Lucky colour: Forest green

¡¡Taurus (Apr 21-May 20)

¡¡ Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22)

¡¡ Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

Confidently tackle the issues that have been bugging you since long. Avoid getting on the wrong side of spouse and face the brunt! Beware, professional front seems turbulent this week. You are likely to be made answerable for something you failed to execute at work. Monetary condition is likely to improve for some. An outing with friends and family is in the pipeline. Expect total bliss on the romantic front. Health remains good, as you make efforts.

Speculation and betting is best left untouched, if you don’t want to burn your fingers. You are likely to feel more confident about yourself by emerging out of the shadows. You may show the right path to someone going wayward. Physical appearance will be important in regaining your self-esteem, so do something about it. A shift in parents’ or partner’s attitude will be most welcome. Going on a vacation with family will prove immensely exciting.

Neglecting professional or academic front may prove most unfavourable. You can be ticked off for your extravagant ways. Commuting to a new location will not pose any problem. Attending a celebrity do is indicated for some. The one you are going steady with is likely to spring a surprise. It will be difficult for some to get back in shape. Forgive and forget someone who has wronged you to bring happiness back in life. Love may knock at the door for some.

Lucky number: 3 / Lucky colour: Cream

Lucky number: 22 / Lucky colour: Light blue

Lucky number: 4 / Lucky colour: Indigo

¡¡ Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)

¡¡ Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23)

¡¡ Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

Enjoying power and authority in a new appointment is indicated on the professional front. Completing a challenging task successfully will add to your professional reputation. Don’t run away from your domestic responsibilities. An opportunity to meet your near and dear ones may present itself this week. Experiment with Yoga or reiki to calm down your mind and feel more positive about life. Vacation plans may need to be put at rest for a while.

There is a good chance of meeting someone you have not met in years this week. Those enjoying love on the sly will need to take extra pains to keep it under wraps. Planning for a new project can find you busier than usual. You will be on the right lines, as far as making a choice is concerned. Preparation for an overseas business trip is likely to start now. Keep control over expenditure. Spouse may need your emotional support.

There is someone waiting for you in the wings at work on whom you can totally rely, so chill. This is a good time for going in for something being planned for long. You will succeed in removing an irritant at work. Your ideas on the professional front are likely to be accepted. Domestic issues will be sorted out amicably. An evening out with lover is indicated for some. Shopping with family will be fun, but it will be mostly window shopping!

Lucky number: 4 / Lucky colour: Light Red

Lucky number: 11 / Lucky colour: Purple

Lucky number: 17 / Lucky colour: Electric blue

Lucky number: 7 / Lucky colour: White

¡¡ Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19) An exciting challenge is in store for the adventure lovers. Don’t entrust a personal job to someone at work. There is a need to involve others in a present project, the sooner, the better. Impulse buying needs to be curbed to avoid wasteful expenditure. Some of you may need to shake a leg to remain fit. You will find great solace in spirituality and may even make changes in your lifestyle on this account. Unfounded worries may keep you in a serious mould, but it will be a passing phase. Lucky number: 2 / Lucky colour: Deep sky blue

¡¡ Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) You can be fed up doing the bidding of others on the domestic front. Not too eventful week is foreseen which can lead to boredom. A domestic situation can have you in an emotional turmoil. Piled up work may take up a lot of your time. Be diplomatic if you are unable to help colleagues due to work pressure. Efforts for improving your financial condition will show positive signs. You can be harsh to lover without even realizing it. Neglecting health can lay you up in bed. Lucky number: 9 / Lucky colour: Golden brown

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Bhagavad Gita’s answer to happiness ¡¡ ACHARYA DAS

verybody is looking for happiness. Most people’s quest for happiness is an outward-looking search for something or someone they hope will satisfy them and make them happy. Mankind has been engaged in this quest for pleasure since time immemorial, and yet we are hardpressed to find examples of those who have actually succeeded. The famous rock group, the Rolling Stones, had a huge hit in the late 1960s called Satisfaction. Rolling Stone magazine placed (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction in the second spot on its list of ‘The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time’. The refrain of the song states, I can’t get no satisfaction. ‘Cause I try and I try and I try, I can’t get no, satisfaction. This is quite a stunning admission. Here we have these five guys living a massively hedonistic lifestyle, gratifying all the demands of their senses in the era of ‘sex, drugs and rock’n’roll, yet in spite of this epic endeavour, they’re not feeling fulfilled or satisfied. From the yogic perspective, there is a scientific reason for this. Firstly, the material energy (atoms) does not contain the quality of blissfulness (ananda). Therefore, no matter what form

the material energy takes or how we rearrange it and stuff it into our body through our mouth, eyes, ears etc., or rub it against our skin or whatever, stimulating our senses and our mind, nothing enters our heart of hearts and fills us up or satisfies us. The other thing that needs to be considered is an extremely important and foundational spiritual truth—I am not the body I am temporarily wearing or occupying. Rather, I am the self (atma) within. The body is a vehicle I am using, and my mind is a covering I am wearing. They are not me. Therefore, no matter what I feed my body or mind, it actually doesn’t affect me, the spiritual being within. I can be exposed to vast amounts

of sensual stimulation and material experience, but in spite of it all, I am left feeling completely empty. Many of the things people mistakenly think are giving them joy are, in fact, experiences that simply distract them from the boredom, loneliness, or emptiness they are experiencing. Consequently, people may erroneously believe that the different experiences that take their mind off things are, in fact, relieving them of this unhappiness and making them actually happy. This is untrue. Material enjoyment is by nature temporary and limited. It begins with great excitement or a great rush but inevitably doesn’t end well. As the Bhagavad Gita says: That happiness which is derived from

contact of the senses with the objects of the senses and which appears like nectar at first but poison in the end is said to be of the nature of raja-guna (passion.) – Bhagavad Gita 18.38 The reason we desire happiness is because our eternal spiritual nature is to be blissful. But to taste this happiness one must not look for it outside but rather within. One whose happiness is within, who is active and rejoices within, and whose aim is inward is actually the perfect mystic. He is liberated in the Supreme, and ultimately he attains the Supreme. – Bhagavad Gita 5.24 The result of a successful spiritual life is to become immersed in an ocean of happiness. However because we are covered by ignorance, we may not immediately be able to taste true spiritual happiness and may even feel turned off by the spiritual quest and spiritual practices (sadhana). If we are patient and progress on the spiritual path, seeking shelter in the transcendental mantras comprising God’s names and under the guidance of a genuine guru, then it will not be long before we at last taste the true happiness we have always hoped for. The holy name, character, pastimes and

Tips to clean your jewellery How to clean your silver Jewellery W ith the festive season bidding adieu, it is time to pack your heavy, traditional jewellery. But do not do so without cleaning them properly, otherwise you may permanently damage their sheen and glaze. Here are some useful jewellery care tips, to make your valuables last forever. 1. Use soft cloth and a mild soap in water to clean the jewellery. 2. When not in use, keep your precious pieces clean and dry to keep away the moisture.

3. Don’t make a cocktail in a box. Maintain separate boxes for Gold, Silver, Diamond and Gemstone jewellery. 4. Keep away your jewellery from chemicals/alcohols of perfumes, creams etc. 5. Don’t enter the pool with your gold jewellery on, to avoid discoloration. 6. Use Vodka to clean those

Salt and baking soda: Line a glass container with tin foil and pour some hot water in it. Add one or two tablespoons of salt and baking soda. Put your silver jewellery in this mixture and leave it for five minutes. Rinse jewellery with water.

expensive diamonds. 7. To clean silver jewellery use a mixture of charcoal and washing powder. 8. You can alternately clean them by boiling in hot water with baking soda and a piece of foil paper. 9. Use a soft toothbrush to clean your jems.

Olive oil and lemon juice: Mix half a cup of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. Dip the cloth in the solution, squeeze the excess mixture out and polish the silver with it. Rinse it with warm water. White vinegar and baking soda: Soak the piece of silver in a solution of half a cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda for two-three hours. Rinse it and dry . This helps in removing heavy tarnish.

activities of God are all transcendentally sweet like sugar candy. Although the tongue of one afflicted by the jaundice of avidya [ignorance] cannot taste anything sweet, it is wonderful that simply by carefully chanting these sweet names every day, a natural relish awakens within his tongue, and his disease is gradually destroyed at the root. – Upadesamrita: 7

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 spoken about yoga wisdom to international audiences for more than 40 years. Acharya das is currently holding regular discourses in Auckland. For more information visit: www.Acharyadas.com.

Health Tip of the Week

Trouble sleeping in summers? Cumin powder mixed with mashed banana taken at night is one of the most popular remedies to beat insomnia

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Decoding the cover letter ¡¡ RAJESH KRISHNAMURTHY

hen anyone enters the job market in search of his/her dream job, the first thing they do is to write a cover letter. It is often ignored in terms of structure and content. There are some essential components that any good cover letter should have. The funny part is that almost all of us know this but only a few invest time and effort in creating one to suit the job they are applying for. Little do they realise that the cover letter, at times, can be important if not more than the CV to be shortlisted for that dream job. So let’s cut to the chase and examine the must-haves in a cover letter. The letter should have your name, address, and contact details (mobile number and e-mail). It is best to have this information like a mast at the top of the page. Next, address the letter to the person who has advertised the position such as “Dear Mr or Dear Ms”. It is better to research the recipient’s name. If you can’t find the name,

then only address the letter generically such as ‘The Advertiser’ or ‘The Hiring Manager’. In the first paragraph, state the position you are applying for and also where you saw the advertisement (e.g., Indian Weekender, Seek, Jobtome websites, etc.). Also mention something positive about the company; something about the company that you admire. This will demonstrate to the person reading your application that you have invested some time and effort in researching the company.

NZTC celebrates 35 years

he largest early childhood teacher education provider in New Zealand has reached another milestone in 2017. New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) is celebrating its 35-year anniversary as a leader in the early childhood education sector and diversifying beyond ECE for the first time in the college’s history. NZTC was founded in 1982 after Glennie Oborn and Allan Wendelborn identified a need for high quality teacher education programs to support the teachers working in kindercare learning centres. The college’s inaugural qualification, the Kindercare Early Childhood Teachers Certificate, was undertaken by 12 students. The first program was a blend of both theoretical and practical learning components and this remains a special characteristic of NZTC today. I am immeasurably proud of what NZTC has achieved. With over 5000 graduates throughout New Zealand, we have enabled goals, overcome challenges and emerged with new thought, new strategic opportunities and special characteristics that serve our national and international communities in unique ways, committing to the very best possible quality”. – NZTC Chief Executive Selena Fox NZTC has paved the way for early childhood teacher education over the years. A vision for advanced qualifications for early childhood professionals in leadership positions led NZTC to develop postgraduate qualification options. A Master of Education (ECE) incorporating a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE) launched in 2011 with ten students partaking in the first cohort. College initiatives such as ecelearn (a uniquely developed online learning environment) have reached beyond the early

Selena Fox and Glennie Oborn of NZTC

childhood education sector over the years to serve the wider global education sector, enabling ‘high touch, low tech’ users to study online with confidence and success. One of the college’s most recent highlights was the in-house production and launch of a Māori language learning resource to support students and the early childhood sector. Over 5000 copies of Te Reo Māori: He taonga mō ā tātou mokopuna have been gifted, with the college committed to continuing its gifting of the resource to all NZTC students in 2017. This year the college has moved beyond ECE for the first time, delivering health and wellbeing qualifications to support healthcare assistants serving New Zealand and global communities. NZQA approved level 3 and 4 programs have begun with a level 5 to follow later in 2017. “I am immeasurably proud of what NZTC has achieved. With over 5000 graduates throughout New Zealand, we have enabled goals, overcome challenges and emerged with new thought, new strategic opportunities and special characteristics that serve our national and international communities in unique ways, committing to the very best possible quality,” NZTC Chief Executive Selena Fox said.

In the same paragraph, mention a couple of skills that you have that are most relevant to the position. The second paragraph is the meat of the whole letter. In this paragraph, mention your background and experience in brief (a few lines should do. This should tie back to your CV). Give specific examples of the skills that you mentioned in the first paragraph. Qualify these skills with numbers and/or accomplishments (e.g. was awarded Employee

of the Month, or achieved X% growth in revenue). Also, mention additional skills that you will bring to the role/organisation without being repetitive. In the last paragraph, mention your availability to attend an interview with your contact number. Also, reiterate your interest in the role and the opportunity to be a part of their team. Last but not the least, thank the person for their time. The sign off should be: ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Yours truly’ with you name below. If you are attaching/enclosing anything more than the CV and cover letter, it is best to mention the annexures at the bottom of the cover letter below your name. This is useful in cases where certain documents may have been requested by the advertiser to be sent along with the application. In my next column, we will decode the CV (Curriculum Vitae). Rajesh Krishnamurthy is a professional CV writer and financial wellness coach.

World schooling the new form of learning ¡¡ LINA ASHER

o start with a whole load of people will ask what world schooling is. I define it as homeschooling on the go: educating your child through experiential learning whilst travelling in the world. World schooling is the new way of home schooling children, an unconventional way of education, where the child learns while travelling the world and interacting with people of different cultures. It is a form of experiential learning. Unconventional parents opt for this unconventional way of educating their children. These parents believe that the world is the classroom, the earth their text book and they believe that a child’s education is not confined to one classroom, but by experiencing what the text book teaches. Research has shown that children learn best through play and experiences. People feel far less reliant on the classroom-plusteacher model and far more comfortable knowing they simply have to provide a supportive learning environment. This method also makes the child an independent thinker and an independent decision maker. Some parents prefer to take curriculum on the road; others use the world around them as the curriculum. Now, here is the catch: world schooling may seem fancy and may sound easy, but a whole load of planning and homework needs to be done right from picking the location, to reading up of the culture of the place, to the food habits, to the famous places to visit. If, as parents, you choose world schooling it is your responsibility to make sure your child is learning from this experience. Otherwise he might as well go to school and learn in a structured manner. For world schooling to be effective, it is advisable that parents pick on locations that they are traveling to, research about the country thoroughly (demographics, culture, tradition and the like). If you are travelling with children older than 8, get them involved too. Make them read about the place, list down things they would want to do in that country and the places they would

like to visit. This gives the child a direction and helps him/her think about things they would have ideally missed. For example, if you are flying, make your child calculate the cost per mile of the flight—the child uses math here. If you are travelling by road, give the child a sheet of trees, flowers or fruits that are generally grown in that country and make them identify them—the child is learning geography here. If you are visiting a supermarket, create a pictorial sheet of milk brands and let the child search for each of them. Essentials to carry while on your trip: ¡¡ Books: Carry a few books that are specific to the place you are visiting, a few story books and a few conceptual books on each subject. ¡¡ Kindle: It is advisable that children use physical books; however, if carrying too many books is not possible, then you should use the Kindle. ¡¡ Games (Uno, Scrabble et al): Children need play time and a few games are helpful for learning as well. For instance, Uno helps you enhance math skills, Scrabble enhances word-making abilities. ¡¡ I-pad with essential educational apps: Even though it is advised that you limit screen time for children, when they are using the I-pad you might as well make sure you have a few educational apps downloaded so that they are learning every minute. ¡¡ Writing book: If you have a small child, make sure you carry a handwriting book so that they are being trained to write. ¡¡ Reflection book: It is very essential that you create a book that makes the child reflect and document its learning of the day. ¡¡ Maps, list of museums, historical sites and natural wonders. ¡¡ World schooling as a concept is new; however it will become a trend, and it is something that you should practise while travelling with your child on a general basis as well. (Lina Ashar is the founder of a chain of Kangaroo Kids Pre-schools and Billabong High International Schools across India, as well as in the Maldives, Qatar and Dubai. The views expressed are personal.)

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¡¡ AKANKSHA MEHRA HARIDASANI

recently experienced some friction with my neighbour because while parking his car, he leaves a substantial gap between his car and the fence, giving us a hard time while reversing. Despite multiple discussions and a frank exchange of views, the gap remains unresolved— practically and metaphorically. A friend who lives close by is also facing a difficult time with her neighbours who live downstairs. Their constant ‘being loud’ complaints defy logic. She fails to understand how her walk is noisy and tip toes around the house after 9:30 p.m. They do not have loud parties yet receive complaints about being ‘loud’ while having a conversation sitting in the living room. Guess having loud neighbours is equally frustrating as having an unreasonably complaining one. Another friend who does not live far off describes her neighbours as mysterious. They are extremely unfriendly and can be heard fighting quite frequently. And so, she prefers to maintain a fair distance with them. My neighbourhood may sound like conflicted Middle East at war but as per a survey conducted by Stuff on their new website Neighbourly (www.neighbourly. co.nz), such issues are common and most of us are unhappy with our neighbours. On an emotional level, it can sometimes

take a serious toll on your security and well-being. Here are some tips on how to be a good neighbour or deal with a difficult one: Check before moving in: Take a stroll around the area to assess the neighbourhood. Most of us look at the house once or twice (mostly around daytime) and take a decision to move in. It is important to go around the area at different times of the day to judge if it is the right place for you. Maybe a popular park or train station nearby is too noisy for you. Or the house downstairs with kids might annoy those who don’t really enjoy being around kids.

Communication: The issues often remain untouched because they are not spoken about. It is important to have a good rapport with your neighbours and establish an open relationship. Introduce yourself or stop by for small conversations. Be cordial with them in order to address any future problems. Flag it before it becomes a problem: If you are having a get-together at your place, it is best to invite your neighbours so they can join in with the festivities. If that is not the case, inform them beforehand, so they can approach you

directly with any issue before making a noise complaint. Get in touch with other neighbours: It could be a good idea to get in touch with other neighbours to check if they are having similar issues and then consider approaching the situation together. Make a note: If the problem persists, it is important to keep a diary and notes of the issues you are having. The time, date, instances, and nitty-gritty of the issue so that you have examples to substantiate while addressing. It may sound extreme but it is important to have evidence if the situation is bad and there is a possibility of having authorities involved. Seek a mediator: If you have tried everything and are unable to resolve the issues, it is best to seek a mediator. The mediator may not necessarily take sides but could try to seek a middle path for both parties in order for them to co-exist harmoniously. In a situation of housing crisis, apartments are becoming smaller and people are living closer to each other. In such a situation, it is important to address the problems and rectify them. I will surely implement some of these tips and, hopefully, have a happy carpark situation.

Navratri—a time to celebrate womanhood W ¡¡ RAM LINGAM

omen in the ancient Indian traditions have a rich past. Since ancient times, the status of women was no less to a man in many aspects of social life. There was no hue and cry for gender equality, as women were considered superior for the higher responsibilities they had in passing on the values and nurturing up a generation. The Indian concept of womanhood is not about transient youth and beauty. It is about power and energy, which sustains the world. This feminine power is the instrumental and creative cause for anything to exist and function. Even the father of this cosmos, the Great Lord Shiva, is said to be incomplete without his divine Shakti. One of the 64 manifestations of Lord Shiva is the half-man-half-woman called the Ardhanareeswara form with Parvati constituting the left half of Shiva. This is the metaphor used to portray the philosophical insight (darshana) of Samkhya where Purusha (male in nature) and Prakriti (female in nature) come together to make the cosmos. Shakti is the power of the Purusha and the instrumental cause for anything that we perceive as creation in the cosmos. This is the high philosophy of the Samkhya darshana. Such was the importance of womanhood that even the great history books of India—the

Mahabharata and the Ramayana— tell us about the annihilation of evil doers because a single woman was snubbed by people in power. No ceremony or Vedic ritual is said to be complete without the participation of the lady of the house. To the great spiritual teacher Swami Vivekananda, the ideal womanhood originates in India where either “men and women were priests, sapatimini (saha-dharmini)” or co-religionists as the Vedas call them. Man and wife together offered their sacrifices, and this idea was carried so far that a man could not even pray alone because it was held that he was only half a being. For those reason no unmarried man could become a priest. From the highest reality, according to the Swami, there was no distinction of gender. Swami Vivekananda remarked, “There is neither man nor woman (in

Vedanta) for the soul is genderless… It is a lie to say that I am a man or a woman or I belong to this country or that. All the world is my country, because I have clothed myself with as my body.”

Nine evenings for Shakti and her significance The festivity during Navratri is around the personification of Shakti and her invocation. Shakti, like many terms in Sanskrit, is difficult to translate. Shakti comes from the root word shak, which means “to be able,” “to do,” and “to act”. Hence Shakti in the Indian spiritual traditions is the enabler—the source of all, the universal principle of energy, power or creativity, the very power behind the cosmos. Navratri (nine evenings) is dedicated to the worship and invocation of Shakti. The nine days are divided into three sets of three days. On the first three days, the

goddess is worshipped as a spiritual force called Durga, also known as Kali, in order to destroy all our impurities. The second three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, bestowing inexhaustible divine wealth. The final three days is for worshiping the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. All three aspects of the divine femininity are invoked in worship during the nine nights of worship. The nine days’ puja ends in the great festivity on the 10th day—the Dassera Day, the Vijaya Dasami Day—the dawn of self-knowledge.

Many lessons on Indian womanhood

iven the exalted status of feminity in the Indian traditions, there are many forms of the divine that women can look up to during Navratri. The divine Indian female with the many hands is visualised to hold many things from a lotus, a rosary, to a trident only symbolic of the responses to the different circumstances. Not to forget the ferocious lions and tigers as Shakti’s vehicles. She takes the form of a terrible Kali sometimes, a nourisher like Divine Annapoorna, a provider of wealth like Lakshmi, a giver of the highest knowledge like Saraswati, or even a healer like Siddhidatri (a form of Durga). Given these divine forms for invocation during Navratri, there seems to be no backstage role for

the Indian woman. Restrictions and any form of social constriction is simply a joke and completely man-made. With such a glorious personification of Shakti as a tradition for womanhood, one simply cannot afford to ignore it. About Indian womanhood, the popular Indian mystic Sri Sri Ravi Shankar remarks, “In India, the female energy is depicted as Shakti the embodiment of strength against injustice combined with beauty, love, and compassion. Shakti is also represented in the trinity of Durga, goddess of valour and vitality, Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and well-being, and Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and art. Women just need a reminder that all these goddesses are holding such important portfolios (Defence, Wealth, and Education) and that they better start claiming their own portfolios, too.” By invoking Shakti, Navratri reminds us to celebrate the original Indian version of exalted womanhood. To know more about Shakti and her true nature, getting to know the meaning of the popular Devi stutis would be a great start, e.g., Annapoorna stotram, Lakshmi ashtakam, Lalitha Sahasranama, Devi Bhaagvatam, Devi Mahatyam, Mahishasuramardini stotram, Mahalakshmi ashtakam and Meenakshi stotram. Jai ambe mata ki Jai. Jai Mata Di. This article has been previously published in Indian Weekender issue 13, volume 4, dated October 19, 2012.

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AUCKL AND’S HOT TEST BOLLY WOOD STATION

Sonakshi all set

to wow Auckland W ¡IWK ¡ BUREAU

ith almost three weeks to go before the biggest Bollywood show in New Zealand, the superstars are preparing to entertain their fans like never before. In an email conversation, one of the most popular celebrity from the tour Sonakshi Sinha shared with us, her plans to wow her fans.

IWK: How excited are you about performing in New Zealand and Australia for the Da-bang The Tour?

Sonakshi: No words can describe how special Dabangg is to me and I love live performances, so I’m glad that one of the biggest international tours of 2017 is called Da-bang which is similar to my debut film. I’m really excited taking it internationally and eagerly looking forward to it. IWK: The Indian audience in New Zealand will be hoping to see the magical jodi of Salman and Sonakshi perform live together again. Can you give us a sneak peek of what your special act will be like?

Sonakshi: We are working on the creatives, so the audiences will have to come to the show to watch, but I assure you that if the Dabangg jodi is together again, it will be great.

IWK: Which are the classic Bollywood chartbusters of yesteryears heroines that you would like to perform on and why?

Sonakshi: I just performed to my favourite yesteryear songs last year at IIFA. I used to love dancing to Hawa Hawai as a kid, so I performed a tribute to Sridevi Ji. In my film Force 2 there was a remixed version of Kaate Nahin Kat Te and I thoroughly enjoyed shooting for it. I love some of the yesteryear hits. I am up for performing to all the hits of the 90’s because that is what we’ve grown up listening to and I am really happy

Top 5 developments in Kapil Sharma-Sunil Grover controversy

that they are making a comeback. There is also a reprised version of Gulabi Aankhen in my upcoming film Noor which is outstanding.

IWK: Will the Kiwi-Indian audience get to see an exclusive performance of Sonakshi and Prabhu Deva too?

Sonakshi: We are planning on doing something on our songs as we have done many hit songs together. All I can say is the audience will love whatever they see.

IWK: Which international performers do you like? And why?

Sonakshi: I enjoy watching the shows of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, and Justin Bieber. Their production value is always outstanding, and they are all-rounders when it comes to entertainment.

IWK: Do you nurture Hollywood dreams? If yes, then which genre of films?

Sonakshi: As of now, no. I’m very content with the work I am doing here. But if something fascinating came my way I would give it a thought just as I do to all my projects here. But I am definitely not chasing it.

IWK: You are associated with a carefree, confident and dabanng attitude? Were you like this as a kid too?

Sonakshi: Yes, I’ve got these traits from my dad. My father always told me ‘till the time you are honest you should be fearless’.

IWK: You are associated with many 100 crore box office films. Are you the lucky charm for the producers?

Sonakshi: Thanks for saying that for me but I don’t think you can give only luck all the credit for the success of these films. All the films which did well, did so because it struck the right chord with the masses. It’s the hard work of a great team transpiring on screen, and I am happy to have been a part of these blockbuster entertainers.

IWK: Tell us about your upcoming projects.

Sonakshi: Coincidentally, my next release Noor is during the Da-bang tour on April 21 when we will be performing in Auckland. In Noor I play a journalist. It is a sweet, slice of life film. I’m very excited for it. It is a role very close to my heart. After Noor, you’ll see me in Ittefaq Remake, opposite Siddharth Malhotra. For the first time, I’m playing a grey character. The audiences have never seen me play such a role before, so I am excited about that as well.

he recent fight between comedian-actors Kapil Sharma and Sunil Grover has now become the biggest ever controversy in the history of Indian television. Much has been said and written about the fight and issues around it. After the big fight, the things are not looking good for Kapil Sharma and his show. We bring you the latest top five developments of this controversy that are doing rounds all over the news media. Sunil Grover dismisses making a comeback on Kapil’s show: There were reports that Sunil has shot an episode of The Kapil Sharma Show. However, in a recent interview, he has denied it. “It’s all a lie. At present, I am focusing on live shows and nothing else.” The recent report in a leading Indian daily confirm that Kapil Sharma is currently shooting for a film, so the question of him returning to the sets of The Kapil Sharma Show doesn’t arise. Sunil Grover not moving to rival channel: Sunil has quashed the reports of him signing a show with a rival channel, saying that it is all a rumour. “I am also not talking to any other channel,” he reportedly said.

Sunil Grover announces his show: Recently, Sunil announced his next show in Delhi, with Kiku Sharda who plays the character of Bumper in The Kapil Sharma Show. Sunil shared the poster of the show that will be held on April 1. “I am overwhelmed by the love I am getting from the audience. Performing live is exhilarating,” he says. Kapil’s show to go off air: There are reports that after receiving a lot of backlash and a huge dip in the viewership of the show, the channel is planning to take it off air. The contract for the show is supposed to be renewed in April with a Rs 106 crore deal, but reports say that it might not happen after all. Celebrities boycott The Kapil Sharma Show: After the news of Sunil, Chandan Prabhakar and Ali Asgar boycotting Kapil’s show, there was news that celebrities are also not staying away from it, leading to the shoots being cancelled. “Kapil had to cancel shoots as he couldn’t get big celebs as guests. He has, in fact, left for Bikaner to shoot for his film Phirangi and will return end of the month,” DNA quoted a source close to channel as saying.

I console myself with a career that lasts: Twinkle

he started off as an actress, became an entrepreneur and she is now creating waves with her books and column. Twinkle Khanna, famous on social media as Mrs Funnybones, doesnt regret that she couldn’t score a success story in films. Asked if she finds it ironic that she didn’t receive as much praise for acting as opposed to her writing career, Twinkle said over phone from Mumbai: “Maybe I am better at writing. So I console myself with the fact that I have a career that lasts me a lifetime.” Be it her books Mrs Funnybones and The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad, her comments on social media or even the columns she writes, Twinkle has always managed to see the funny side of life.

What makes her do that? “Humour is nothing else but a part of candour... There is nothing that you can ever say which is funny unless it has a nugget of truth in it. All I do is unwrap a little bit conditioning and present it slightly in an incongruent manner,” said Twinkle, who is the wife of actor Akshay Kumar and a mother of two. Asked why she doesn’t star with Akshay in films, Twinkle, who is the brand ambassador of Loreal Professionnel, quipped: “You’ve just asked me a question that I am doing better as a writer. So why would I do something that I wasn’t doing as well as? Logic.” Currently, Twinkle is busy with her film production Padman, which stars Akshay and Radhika Apte. Directed by R. Balki, the film is inspired by Padma Shri awardee Arunachalam Muruganantham, and will chronicle his journey of finding a way to make cheap, affordable sanitary napkins for women in his village. Talking about the film, she said: “Padman is something which is a very important topic and I am just glad to be a part of a project that’s bringing awareness.”

ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 31 March 2017

Feeling beautiful begins with feeling confident: Deepika

ollywood actress Deepika Padukone was on Saturday officially announced as a newly appointed global ambassador of beauty brand LOréal Paris, joining the likes of Jane Fonda, Blake Lively, Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. “I’ve always believed that feeling beautiful begins with feeling confident about yourself and L’Oréal Paris with its powerful message ‘Because we’re worth it’, has always encouraged women to do that,” Deepika said in a statement, adding that she finds it a privilege to represent the brand. Deepika’s Hindi film journey began with Om Shanti Om in 2007, and she has been on a roll ever since, showcasing her versatility as an actor suitable for content-driven movies like Piku, Finding Fanny, Tamasha as well as for mainstream entertainers like Bajirao Mastani and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. She even made her Hollywood debut with the Vin Diesel starrer xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Alongside her acting career, Deepika is vocal about issues close to her heart and has founded ‘The Live, Love, Laugh Foundation’, to create awareness about mental health issues in India. Deepika’s “beauty, confidence and grace” coupled with how she is “intelligent, sensitive and self-made”, have been described as reasons why she has been roped in as an ambassador for the brand, L’Oréal Paris officials said. At an event, Deepika was asked if she will walk the red carpet of Cannes Film Festival as a representative of the brand. She said “no”, and added that all her energies are currently focussed on her new I’ve project Padmavati. always Meanwhile, Deepika says she won’t be seen believed that walking the red carpet of the prestigious feeling beautiful Cannes Film Festival in May as she is focussed begins with feeling on her film project Padmavati. confident about Asked about it, Deepika told the media: yourself ” “No. Right now all my energies are focused on Padmavati.” The actress, who featured in Hollywood film xXx: Return of Xander Cage, looked very stylish as she stepped out for the HT Style Awards. She also spoke about how an actor’s style has got a lot to do with the team and stylists that work relentlessly behind the scenes, as well as the filmmakers who envision the actors to look a certain way.

Taapsee Pannu:

Proud to witness, be part of new age Indian cinema

ctress Taapsee Pannu, who will next be seen in the forthcoming movie Naam Shabana, says she is proud to be part of the changing phase of Indian cinema where women-centric films are becoming a reality. “When I entered the film industry, it was going through the change and I knew that people are ready to receive experimental content, but never thought I will become part of that change with a film like Pink. I feel proud to witness and be a part of new age Indian cinema. I think I am very fortunate,” Taapsee said. The actress thinks Pink brought about “almost like a revolution in cinema” with its telling of a tale which conveys that when a woman says “no”, it strictly means so. She says it’s “unbelievable” how “people have started debating about women’s issues, girls’ safety and gender equality” using Pink as a reference point. Starting her career in 2010 with Telugu film Jhummandi Naadam, Taapsee acted in various south Indian films before debuting in Bollywood with Chashme Baddoor in 2013. However, she was noticed for her action-packed performance in Baby, directed by Neeraj Pandey. Her character in Baby is what has resulted in its spin-off Naam Shabana, produced by Pandey and directed by Shivam Nair. Since it is her second film with Pandey, asked how has her equation evolved with the filmmaker, she said: “It’s still the same. Neeraj Pandey is a man o f few words. Therefore, I had to be very conscious on set, and he helped me to learn the mind of the character that lies in between the lines.” “It’s very interesting to essay such a character because I do not relate to Shabana at all.”

Want to go worldwide with digital foray: Shilpa

ctress-entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty says she is very excited about her digital foray as part of which she is promoting health and imparting cooking lessons. She says she wants to take the project forward worldwide. "I have just started this whole foray into digital with a YouTube channel and my website on health. This is something that I want to take forward worldwide," Shilpa said. "Health is extremely important for all of us. I am doing it very passionately. I am very happy that we have got three verticals that focus on health – nutrition, yoga and functional training, and it's all-encompassing. I am teaching people how to cook healthy, so that's a new avatar and people have not seen it before," she added. The actress spoke on the sidelines of the launch of a healthier morning cereal Saffola Multigrain Flakes. She was at the event along

with dietician and health expert Pooja Makhija.Talking about her morning food rituals, Shilpa – a mother of one – said: "I am a breakfast girl. I eat at 7:30 pm and then till 7:30 am, I have not eaten anything, so I make sure that I eat muesli either in a smoothie form with yoghurt, almond milk, cocunut milk and some fruit. I eat that as a pre-starter and then I have two eggs little later. It's very important to have fibre-rich breakfast," she said. Shilpa also emphasised on eating on time. "I think that's the most important thing for any working person – to eat on time.

Normally I like to take lunch at 12:30pm and if I am not taking it, my body starts craving for it," said Shilpa.How important is it for actresses to remain fit to get the best roles in Bollywood? "I don't think you should maintain a diet or have modification in your life to get a role. I think you need to do it because you want to be fit and healthy. Having a lifestyle modification for the rest of the life is the way to be. Any person who is fit, who looks good, will have discipline and nobody gets it free," said the 41-year-old, who finds Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone very fit.

Whether it is Pink, Baby or Naam Shabana, though there is a strong projection of female characters, all these films were driven by male stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar. So, do these films receive appreciation because of star power or content? “There is no denying the fact that star power matters, but what would be best for our film is to utilise that for telling a substantial story. You see, in Naam Shabana for instance, where actors like Akhay Kumar and Manoj Bajpayee are also involved, I am taking the centrestage.”

Anil finds peace, sanity in wife

n his wife S u n i t a ’ s birthday veteran actor Anil Kapoor said he finds his peace, thrill and sanity in her. “In you, I find my peace, my thrill, my bliss and my sanity... Happy Birthday Sunita! And thank you for... Well... You! Sunita Kapoor,” Anil tweeted. Anil married Sunita Bhavnani Kapoor, a costume designer, in 1984. The two share three children Sonam, Rhea and Harshvardhan. Sonam quoted Maya Angelou, and posted on Instagram: “Happy Birthday Mom!! Thank you for being our inspiration, our strength and all that is beautiful in our lives... Love you.” Harshvardhan took to Instagram, where he shared a photograph of himself along with his mother and shared a message for her.

FEATURES

Auckland International Cultural Festival

Date: Sunday, April 02 Time: 10 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Venue: Mt Roskill War Memorial Park, Auckland Join thousands of Aucklanders for a celebration of food, music, sports, arts and culture from around the world at the Auckland International Cultural Festival. At this free-entry event, there is amazing food, live performances, a variety of activities and one-off experiences. There is so much to taste, see and hear, including Flavours of the World, Travel around the World, Music, Dance and Performance and much more. Visit the Auckland Transport website at at.govt.nz to plan your trip online. There will be free festival bike parking for cyclists, or if you are driving, parking is available at Wesley Intermediate for $3.00. Remember to tag your pictures #AKLculturalfest. We want to see our city’s diversity come to life through the lens of those who visit!

Shri Ram Navami Celebrations

Date: Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Time: 9 a.m. onwards Venue: 252 Balmoral Road, Mt Albert, Auckland The celebrations start with Shri Ram Janmotsava Pooja at 9 a.m., followed by Ram Katha and Aarti at midday. Shri Ram Charit manas Katha will conducted by Pt. Shri Govind Ji Sharma through the weekend until Tuesday, April 4, 7.30 p.m. onwards.

31 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

CAB Northcote

Date: Wednesday, April 5 Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Venue: Windsor Park Baptist Church, 550 East Coast Road, Mairangi Bay, Auckland CAB Northcote will hold a free information session for newcomers on Employment Rights in New Zealand. The session will cover your basic rights as an employee, pay and Minimum wage, tax, holidays, public holidays, sick leave and other leave, rest and meal break entitlement, problems at work – health and safety, discrimination, harassment and bullying, termination of employment facilitated by Maddox Ahuja (Educator and Information officer, Auckland Community Law Centre). Refreshments provided. For more information call Esther on 489 3873 or email settlement.northshore@cab. org.nz or just come along!

CAB New Lynn

Date: Saturday, April 8 2017 Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Venue: Library Building, 3 Memorial Drive, New Lynn CAB New Lynn will hold three free information sessions for newcomers on Finding Employment in New Zealand. The topics will cover: Preemployment – What you need to know? Job search – How to apply for jobs? Preparing for your first job? To register please drop in, call or email at Citizens Advice Bureau New Lynn. Phone 827 7830 or 827 4731, Email newlynn@cab.org.nz. Light refreshments will be provided.

Salman Khan’s DaBang, The Tour

Date: Friday, April 21 Venue: Vector Arena, Auckland Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan will set the stage on fire on April 21 at Vector Arena. The Da-bang tour will include Bollywood A-listed actors Sonakshi Sinha, Bipasha Basu, popular TV host Manish Paul, actordancer-director Prabhu Deva, and rapper Badshah. Tickets are available on www.dabangnz2017.com and on Ticketmaster.co.nz.

TRENZ 2017

Date: Tuesday May 9 to Fri May 12 Time: 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Venue: Queens Wharf, Auckland TRENZ is New Zealand’s most significant business-to-business travel and trade show, with over 1200 delegates attending over the four day event. This leading event will captivate you with exciting new products and Sellers, combined with great networking opportunities. For more information on the event, visit TRENZ website www.trenz.co.nz.

World Masters Game- Opening Ceremony

Date: Friday, April 21 Time: 7:30 p.m. onwards Venue: Eden Park, Mt Eden, Auckland The competition in the 28 sports will take place across 10 days of the Games, commencing with selected sports and the Opening Ceremony on 21 April 2017 and concluding with final events and the Closing Ceremony on 30 April 2017. In taking on the challenge of the world’s largest multi-sport, they plan to celebrate the unique culture of New Zealand and the spirit of the World Masters, combining use of cutting edge technology, live performances, a tribute to the 28 sports of the Games and the celebratory athletes’ march. The children who are five and over attending these events will need to be accredited with a ‘Supporters’ registration, in order to manage capacity. All participants will require their WMG2017 accreditation to gain access to the Opening Ceremony.

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in the Indian Weekender Classified section. Email: sales@indianweekender.co.nz Situation Vacancy ¡¡ Office Manager - Part Times Looking for that dream part time role to suit your busy life? Play a key role in a family owned business where you will be valued and appreciated! If you are well organised, love having ownership of a pivotal role and are able to juggle a multitude of priorities, this could be a fantastic opportunity for you! The role will entail: • Accounts to Trial Balance, Debtors, Creditors, GST • A small weekly payroll • Monthly minutes of OSH and directors meetings • Management and archiving of IP and OSH paperwork • Support to a very busy and inclusive director • For success you will need: • Excellent spoken and written English • Fastidious attention to detail • Sound New Zealand accounts experience • Well honed administration skills • Good working knowledge of Word, Excel. MYOB helpful • Able to develop strong working relationships throughout the company • Stable work history This is a wonderful opportunity to play a key role in a small, very successful team. For a bright future, call Wendy Coyle on 09 9667477 or apply online Please send CV in Word format only Candidates must be legally able to work in New Zealand for the long term.

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