L I N K I N G AU S T R A L I A W I T H I N D I A
DIWALI Exclusive Offer MAKE YOUR DREAM HOME COME TRUE THIS DIWALI! One Bedroom Special Offer 499K 5% Deposit On Exchange* 4% Rental Guarantee For 2 Years $5000 Cash Rebate on Settlement Special Offers Available Till DHANTERAS ONLY *Terms and Conditions Apply
EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH EVENT 5 Nov 2018 from 7pm RSVP TO sales@grprojectmarketing.com.au NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER
2018 1
2 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
L I N K I N G AU S T R A L I A W I T H I N D I A
FREE
FORTNIGHTLY
Vol.26 No.1 (2)
OCTOBER (2) 2018
indianlink.com.au
SYDNEY
25 T H AN N I V E R S A RY NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 1
2 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
OFFICIAL OPENING of
Sunday 28th October 10.00am - 4.00pm
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Player & Mascot Appearances 10.30am - 1.00pm Cricket Clinic Thunder Bus 10.00am - 2.00pm KIIS FM • Face Painting • Balloons • Giveaways
DISPLAY HOMES Builder Promotions and Giveaways
Celebrations are happening across all HomeWorld Villages
Visit any HomeWorld Sunday 28th October for Builders Celebrations LEPPINGTON
Cnr Raby Road and Emerald Hills Boulevard
KELLYVILLE
Cnr of Windsor Road and Brodrick Boulevard
THORNTON
Cnr Raymond Terrace and Government Road
WARNERVALE
BUILDERS DISPLAY HOMES OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10.00AM – 5.00PM
NATIONAL EDITION
MAJOR SPONSOR
Virginia Road (off Sparks Road)
DiscoverHomeWorld.com.au
OCTOBER (2) 2018 3
4 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
DIWALI SPECIAL
Limited time only BUY YOUR OWN BLOCK OF LAND SOONER • You pay 5% deposit and we'll pay the stamp duty • Lots available from $379,000 • Registration expected November 2018 • Start building in the new year • Only applicable to lots exchanged between 2nd October and 31st October 2018 Terms & conditions apply. For a limited time only.
ENQUIRE NOW TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR AVAILABLE LOTS
5 mins
to Leppington Train Station
550m
to local school
3 mins
to playing fields and park
2 mins
to local shopping
ENQUIRE NOW • 1300 19 50 50 • leppingtonliving.com.au/cowpasture SALES OFFICE – GELLIBRAND RD (BETWEEN CLEMENT RD & KINGSBURY RD)
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 5
6 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
ADVERTISEMENT
“
Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous Diwali.
“
The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP Premier of New South Wales
NSW LIBERALS
Authorised by Chris Stone, Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division, Level 12, 100 William Street, East Sydney NSW 2011.
VIRDI ENGINEERS ROOF RESTORATION advice at the RESTORATION lowest price VIRDI Professional ENGINEERS ROOF Serving the community for over years VIRDI ENGINEERS ROOF RESTORATION Professional advice at the lowest20price Professional advice at the lowest20price Serving the community for over years Serving the community for over 20 years
Lic. No. 114274C Lic. No. 114274C Lic. No. 114274C
IS YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY MAKING MONEY FOR YOU? Property Investment Services
Wealth Education
Property Development
Property Management
Find out how Ironfish can help you: - Successfully build a residential property portfolio over time - Legally reduce your tax and increase your income - High rental income & potential capital growth - Providing you the latest market updates for the Australia major cities property market
Roof restoration Guttering solutions Roof restoration Roof restoration Whirlysolutions birds Guttering Guttering solutions DrivewayWhirly cleaning & painting birds Whirly birds Fencingcleaning & retaining walls Driveway & painting Driveway cleaning & painting FencingSkylights & retaining walls Fencing & retaining walls Sunrooms Skylights Skylights Leaf guards Sunrooms Sunrooms Carports, decks, patios & pergolas Leaf guards Leaf guards Carports, decks, patios & pergolas Pay in easy decks, interest free installments* Carports, patios &apply. pergolas *Conditions Limited period only.
Pay in easy interest free installments* Pay in easy interest free installments*
Contact Harjit today! Call: 0412 254 015 Fax: (02) 9920 apply. 1044Limited web: *Conditions periodvirdiengineers.com.au only.
Make your hard earned money work harder for you!
- One-stop service, integrated solution property towards your investment management
Contact Lionel D’Cruze for more information and secure your future financial freedom
0412 352 989 lionel.dcruze@ironfish.com.au We understand you place tremendous value on your time, and we are happy to meet you at the time ad place that is most conveniet for you!
*Conditions apply. Limited period only.
Contact Harjit today! Call: 0412 254 015 Fax: (02) 9920 1044 web: virdiengineers.com.au Contact Harjit today! Call: 0412 254 015 Fax: (02) 9920 1044 web: virdiengineers.com.au
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 7
8 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
EDITORIAL
Embraced by the light
PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra ASSISTANT EDITOR Neha Malude MELBOURNE COORDINATOR Preeti Jabbal CONTRIBUTORS Jyoti Shankar, Hamida Parkar, \Aditi Sadakale, Jyotsna Sharma, Mohan Dhall, Gaurav Masand, Rani Jhala, Mallika Mathur ADVERTISING MANAGER Shriti Sinha 0410 578 146 ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Charuta Joshi 02 9279 2004 C OV E R I M A G E Ananya Wakhare, 11 years
Indian Link is a fortnightly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the editor. Opinions carried in Indian Link are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Indian Link. All correspondence should be addressed to:
INDIAN LINK MEDIA GROUP Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 Ph: 02 9279-2004 Fax: 02 9279-2005 Email: info@indianlink.com.au
NATIONAL EDITION
BY PAWAN LUTHRA
I
t’s thrilling to note the activity in the community at this time of the year. With the festive season now in full flow, weekends are spent rushing from one celebration to another. The beauty is, they stretch across the length and breadth of the community, and based on your preference, you will find something to do and friends to enjoy it with. For those in the party mode, the Garba evenings have been exhilarating. Like the various Durga pooja festivities, this is a chance to dress up in your best clothes and grab a group of friends and make an evening out of it. With some of these fun evenings being attended by thousands of people, one suspects it will be but a matter of time before an enterprising organiser looks at booking out the SCG or the MCG or the Gabba! How far have these festivities come when 20 years ago, getting 200 people
to a function was a major achievement. Kudos to the hard-working entrepreneurs - professional as well as part-time - who have stuck with their passion through those times to see the massive gatherings of the clan today. And kudos to all those who have worked hard to create the mandirs, the gurudwaras and all the various places of worship where the communities gather to mark the religious basis of our festivals. We should not take these places for granted, but rather, acknowledge the early settlers of our community who fund-raised for these monuments to come up, some of them even by mortgaging their own properties. Let’s also doff our hats to community trailblazers who organise the mammoth melas we’ve all begun to enjoy. Whereas at one time, the Diwali gatherings were held for a few hours in the local school courtyard around the Diwali weekend, today the banks of the Swan River, or Federation Square, or the parklands of Parramatta, host up to 30,000 on a single day. Some organisers have taken the option of charging for entry, while others prefer to keep it free for the
crowds: either way, the zeal shown by the organisers must be supported and encouraged. Perhaps one of the ways to do this is to bring a non-Indian friend along to these gatherings and acquaint them with Diwali festivities. Our politicians love to bring out the saris and sherwanis (anyone remembers the upturned jootis that Sam Dastyari rocked up in once?) Perhaps it’s time to introduce your friends or neighbours to an item or two of traditional Indian clothing. A short - or long - discussion on the philosophy behind Diwali could turn out to be interesting. And the mithai might be a welcome change from cheesecake and macaroons. If getting them to join you at the Garbas or Durga pooja or the mela is difficult, why not bring Diwali to them. Many of us probably already do this, in the form of a plate of mithai and sparklers taken round to the neighbours, and candles for colleagues at work. You are spreading the Light or awareness of Diwali your way. From all of us at Indian Link to you and yours, khushhaali aur sammriddhi. Happiness and prosperity this Diwali.
OCTOBER (2) 2018 9
CONTENTS SPECIAL FEATURES TEMPLE ATTACK Priest recounts events of dreadful night
INTERVIEW Minister for Immigration David Coleman
19
19
23
20
PEOPLE Carers Award for Swati Lele
23
FIRST PERSON Harry and Meghan at my school
27
KIDS Diwali art contest finalists
32
27 COVER STORY
32
14
What I (don’t) know about Diwali
YOUR ULTIMATE INCLUSIONS
‘Everything you’ve ever wanted in your new Masterton Home’ masterton.com.au or 1300 44 66 37 10 OCTOBER (2) 2018
Jim wouldn’t have it any other way www.indianlink.com.au
The story of Deepavali
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 11
YOUR SAY
TEMPLE ATTACK
HELLO HARYANA
PAWAN LUTHRA reported on the formal launch of The Association of Haryanvis in Australia. Association of Haryanvis In Australia wrote: Thank you Pawan Luthra for being part of the launch of Association of Haryanvis In Australia and writing about it. Your support is much needed for AHA to succeed in its mission and fulfilling the objectives that it has set for itself as well as the community. Som Datt Sharma wrote: Good beginning and beautiful description. Best wishes for a brighter future, keep it up. Mahinder Chaudhry wrote: Congratulations. Ashu Jat wrote: Sewa Singh Redhu, do I need to say anything about you and your work? I don’t think so! Keep up the good work. All the best. Prianka Gupta wrote: It was indeed an AHA moment to see the relentless hard work and passion of the group come to life. Hari Sallakonda wrote: May this success lead to a greater achievement in the years to come.
RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA’s interview with the priest of the vandalised Hindu temple in Regents Park drew the support of many. Keith Wolfson wrote: The Australian politicians, both fringe and mainstream, who have successfully used race and religious fear and bigotry to strengthen their power gain from acts like this, but Australia should actually weep in despair and shame at our having become this sort of nation. Please ask them to create a GoFundMe account and publicise it through the media and I and others will give money to help rebuild. Neha Malude wrote: Keith Wolfson that’s incredibly thoughtful of you. Betty Jager wrote: Anyone who does such a hateful crime against peace loving people is nothing but negative, hateful beings. You will build it and it will be better than before, Good luck. Ryzara Harricharan wrote: I am a true believer of Karma, not revenge. Dorothy Bell wrote: Bless you & I hope Karma works here. Krish-Ravina Ballu wrote: Very sad news. Let’s all of us help and support to build this temple. Galvin David wrote: Evil is evil whether a temple is destroyed or a church is burnt. Hope the bad guys are brought to justice. Peter McKenzie wrote: I think it would be nice if as many people as possible could send them a small donation, as a gesture of friendship and solidarity.
MONKEYING AROUND
We shared a viral video of a Karnataka bus driver letting a langur steer the bus carrying 30 passengers. Murali Venkatraman wrote: I think this is part of the worldwide campaign on vehicle-driving without human drivers. It is called autonomous driving in the west where the bus drives itself. But in India, it is coupled with animal empowerment.
INDIAN LINK ON TWITTER
KASHIF HARRISON @kashif_ harrison shared the cover of Indian Link’s 25th anniversary issue and wrote, “Fancy being on the cover of @indian_link’s anniversary issue this month with my favs, 25 years and counting.”
SAY IT AGAIN 12 OCTOBER (2) 2018
PROMISES, PROMISES
We shared the video of Luke Foley, Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of NSW, promising “full refund on your Opal card for ‘avoidable delays’” if Labor is elected. Harmanjit Kaur wrote: Imagine if they do this with Myki. We’ll probably save 90% of what we spend. Shruti Malaviya wrote: If this happens, all my travels will be free, haha. Betty Jager wrote: They promise us the world and as soon as they are elected forget it all. Vandana D’souza wrote: What’s avoidable delay?
Always grateful and impressed by how accessible doctors, including specialists, are in Mumbai. I have a minor wound that’s been challenging to heal. Was able to see surgeon and dermatologist straight away! Would’ve faced a very long wait indeed in Australia. Sharell Cook, India-based Aussie travel writer award.
Literally all exams so far – especially biology Siman Kaur, HSC student
www.indianlink.com.au
EMOJI NOSTALGY
Indian Link Radio’s SAGAR MEHROTRA asked listeners what this popular emoji means: some of the interpretations were hilarious! Bindu Dubey wrote: Namaste, welcome. Enough now, bhai - tere pair padta, ab mujhe chhod bhai apne faltu jokes se. Rachit Mehta wrote: Ab bas, bohot ho gaya. Lokesh Saraswat wrote: This was probably invented by an Indian. Jab koi usse paise udhaar maang leta tha ya fir udhaar mange hue paise koi vapas maangta tha toh bhai ko koi lamba chouda dialog chipkna padta tha so he creatively created this emoji to escape the embarrassment. Kritika Bose wrote: Was originally meant for ‹high five› and is now commonly used for thank you or appreciation. Smiti Khurana wrote: Maaf kar bhaiiii Nirmala Bisht Katyura wrote: Namaste in Hindi and Amen in English. Preeti Saini wrote: Dafaaaa ho!
CAPTION CONTEST
Looks like we all had great fun with the pic of Will Smith out and about in an autorickshaw in India. Sujatha Sunil Kumar wrote: If there is a WILL there is a way. Leyla Singh wrote: Midget mobile, so if we hit a bump I guess the horn will go off. Jayanthi Vellore wrote: Love the tuktuk bro, I will travel around the world now. Raman Bhatia wrote: India to USA nonstop. Arix Bishnoi wrote: Long trips only. Murali Venkatraman wrote: Where there is Will with a rickshaw, there is a way. Saba Nabi wrote: Aaja meri gaadi mein baith ja, Aaja meri gaadi mein baith ja! Mukesh Rai wrote: Sir, return fare lagega. Vapis khali ana padta hai. Shashank S Singh wrote: Borivali....borivali..borivali! Raj Saneja wrote: What kind of cheap car is this?
FUN FAIR
The Indian Link team caught up with fans and readers at the recent Blacktown Diwali mela. Rachit Mehta wrote: It was nice to meet and greet the Indian Link Radio team in person. Congratulations to Indian Link for its 25the anniversary. Good job! Sagar Mehrotra wrote: It was so nice to meet the community! Thanks for dropping by.
So was asbestos in schools. Ash Sarkar, British activist and academic, on US commentator Megyn Kelly’s comment that Blackface at Halloween “was okay” when she was growing up
NATIONAL EDITION
WHO WORE IT BETTER
Robin Wright 37%
It’s helpful to examine the Quad less as a bloc of four countries and more as a matrix of trilateral and bilateral relationships. Dhuva Jaishankar, nonresident Fellow with the Lowy Institute in Australia
Shilpa Shetty 63%
On a personal note, I have this year witnessed two historic events - legalisation of gay marriage in Australia (I was in Sydney when it happened in December 2017) and the scrapping of 377 in India. Namita Bhandare, author at Hindustan Times
OCTOBER (2) 2018 13
COVER
What I know about Diwali The only thing I know is that it’s a Hindu festival. Natalie Moshegov, Sydney
Diwali seems like a beautiful festival with all those lights. I have never been to India, but if I ever had the chance to, I would love to be a part of the festival and experience the culture. Karen Wang, Sydney
Ok, I know nothing about it but my mum says “It’s an Indian festival, a celebration, but unfortunately I do not know what or how it is celebrated. Maxine Feldman, Sydney
I don’t know very much about Diwali. I know that it’s a special celebration in Indian culture that goes for a number of days. People exchange gifts and eat lots of delicious food. It seems like a wonderful time to share with family and friends. Kate Romeo, Sydney
Diwali is the Festival of Lights, where many come together to celebrate their religion. The festivities of Diwali are wholly important to Hindus, as well as Sikhs and Jains. Isabella Coveney, Sydney
Diwali for me means a delicious feast of Indian cuisine. Diwali for you, probably means exchanging gifts with friends and family? Daniel Chen, Melbourne
For me Diwali is a spiritual celebration of what’s good in the world, appreciating the light within no matter what your creed or colour. My knowledge if it’s origins isn’t so great. I think it comes from lighting lamps upon Rama’s return from exile in the Forrest. An ancient celebration of happiness that is wonderful I’m is still going strong! Grahak Cunningham, Perth I believe it is a very traditional festival of India, and involves a lot of special activities with family and friends. It is so warm and welcoming with all those lights and colours and food and fun! Mary Hammer, Adelaide
14 OCTOBER (2) 2018
I know it is a very important Hindu cultural celebration. I googled it, and now I know why the family across the road have every light on in the house once a year. Penny Pavlakis, Sydney
www.indianlink.com.au
I’ve heard of it, but not sure what it is or means. Georgie Kyrikos, Sydney
I have heard of it. It is a Hindu Festival. Is it to do with colours? Lorraine Moolman, Perth
I’ve been to a few Diwali celebrations, both in Australia and overseas and it’s been a magical and joyous experience every time! It’s a beautiful celebration of life and good over evil. Lyndsey Stoney, Perth
Diwali is a celebration of life, where we ate food and laughed -however you can say the same about all Indian holidays! Does Bahubali have something to do with this one? Christopher Vanek, Brisbane
As far as I know it’s the Festival of Lights. In South Africa, Indians celebrating this would light little clay containers with oil and wick. There were also lots of tremendously tasty Indian sweets offered! Janine Holgate, Sydney
I love that I get to celebrate Diwali. It’s really nice that the Indian community is so open and inviting. I am looking forward to the food, music, dancing and colours. Donna Nygaard, Adelaide
Diwali is an opportunity for me to engage in the diversity and richness of the Indian culture. Susie Wilke, Adelaide
Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness – people celebrating will illuminate their homes with light. Ben Zhang, Melbourne
I believe Diwali celebrates religious customs, specifically the rituals and practices partaken to show gratitude and belief Ben Jackson, Brisbane
NATIONAL EDITION
I have always been fascinated by Indian celebrations as they are so vibrant and colourful. However until I got to know my Indian neighbours I had no understanding of their significance or true meaning. I now know that Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights and symbolises light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Kerren Lumsden, Sydney
It’s the Festival of Lights – similar to the Christian “Christmas” with a focus on family and sharing. Love the yummy sweets and bright colours as it has a true Festival feel! Antoinette Mullins, Sydney
OCTOBER (2) 2018 15
INSPIRATION
Photo: Bhumi Mehta
Lead Kindly Light
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. Aristotle His high endeavours are an inward light That makes the path before him always bright. William Wordsworth
See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see. Wayne Dyer
16 OCTOBER (2) 2018
We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own. Ben Sweetland
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schweitzer
Nothing can dim the light that shines from within. Maya Angelou
As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others. Marianne Williamson Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. Martin Luther King, Jr.
www.indianlink.com.au
THE YOUNG ONES
GET LIT! Nerdy Diwali: Fun facts about sparklers Early man may have discovered sparklers by accident when some bamboo leaves may have got thrown into a fire and resulted in a sizzle or explosion. Sparklers and fireworks were invented by the Chinese in the 6th century. The skill of creating and setting off fireworks is called pyrotechnics. It’s from the Greek word pyro, “fire,” and techne, “art.” The “classic” type of sparkler consists of a thin metal rod that has been dipped in a thick batter of slowburning combustible material and allowed to dry. Chemistry: Sparklers are made from metallic fuel (including aluminium, magnesium, iron, titanium and ferrotitanium).
NATIONAL EDITION
Sparkler burns can land you in hospital. At first fireworks were only orange and white. In the Middle Ages new colours were achieved by adding different salts. For example, barium burns green, while calcium creates orange. Blue is known for being the most difficult colour to create, from copper. There still isn’t a full-proof chemistry to make bright blue. However, red, green, orange and white are very easy to produce. A sparkler reaches a temperature of up to 2,000°C, which is 20 times the boiling point of water. To put that in context, iron out of the ground can melt at around 1510°C and steel often melts at around 1370°C. Three sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blow-torch
Sparklers remain too hot to touch for several minutes after they have gone out and will therefore still cause burns. Light one at a time. Put burnt sparklers in a bucket of water. Fireworks came first, not weapons. Since gunpowder is linked with fireworks, many people may think fireworks were created from weapon ingredients, when actually it is the other way around. Sparkler bombs are constructed by binding together as many as 300 sparklers with tape, leaving one extended to use as a fuse. The resulting blast can approach the power of a stick of dynamite. These devices have caused deaths – they can also be ignited accidentally by heat or friction.
Many firework sounds are created on purpose. The sizzling, booms or screaming sounds that accompany certain fireworks are created using elements like organic salts, aluminum or titanium powder. Sparklers can be used to make funny pictures. All you need is a totally dark setting, a sparkler to draw with and a camera recording a long exposure. You can learn how to make your own sparklers from science websites. A safer (better?) alternative could be to use glow sticks and glow necklaces which are non-toxic and can also last for up to 8 hours. If sparklers can be dangerous, why do they use them on birthday cakes and at weddings?
OCTOBER (2) 2018 17
Full Time Manager Position KFC Western Suburbs
Australian Hindi Indian Association
Managers are responsible for managing the restaurant/s while ensuring the provision of fresh, quality products, friendly and efficient service and maintaining clean and wellpresented facilities for our valued customers!
Grandparents Day Celebration Saturday 10 November 12.30pm – 4.30pm
Requirements/ key selection criteria Positive Energy, Customer Focused and Team Player
Pennant Hills Community Centre, Ramsay Road, Pennant Hills
Sound communication and interpersonal skills Experience
A free event for all AHIA members. Bridge the generational gap and celebrate the role of grandparents and older people in our community.
Fast Food experience preferred, if not full Training will be provided to the right candidate. Retail Traineeships are also available for employees who meet the required criteria.
Children’s performances and talks by grandparents
Must have full time working visa
and children on the special bond they share.
Benefits
Entertainment by Avijit Sarkar of Natraj Academy
Competitive salary plus bonus
A refreshment and tea/coffee will be served
On the job training, development and career progression Flexibility to suit your lifestyle
For further details contact: Yash Bhasin 0423454086, Kali Gupta 0402 092 967, Sushma Ahluwalia 0411967374, Meeta Sharma 0411966585, Sarita Sachdev 0407870490 .
If you want to make a difference and be a part of the continuing success of KFC, apply now and submit your resume and a covering letter detailing your experience to: kfcrecruitment@mail.com
Over
Coaching College
60 Campuses in
! rks NSW / VIC / QLD / WA / ACT / SA & NZ o W t a h n T There must be one near you! Tuitio
BUSINESS ACHIEVERS AWARD Winner Tuition, Training & Children’s Services Hall of Fame
PRINCIPAL SCHOOL: 65 Archer St, Chatswood NSW 2067
Over 27 years of Success Stories ACER Exam on 23 February 2019
*Advanced Scholarships
To Reward 2019 OC Successful Students All students who gain entry in an approved OC class in 2019 can enjoy our
Preparation Class
4 hours Mock Tests specially designed for students sitting for Scholarships Exams
Selective Schools Exam on 14 March 2019
HALF PRICE
*Year 5 Extra Mock Test 4 Full Length Mock Tests each lesson: English, Maths, General Ability & Written Expression
COURSE FEE*
Year 4 OC Exam on 31 July 2019
*Year 3 OC Trial Test 1 Trial Test each lesson: English, Maths & General Ability
Please bring your Opportunity Class offer letter upon enrolment. Offer ends 25 November 2018. *Terms and Conditions Apply.
* All Tests followed by thorough explanation of key questions. * Weekly Detailed Professional Report. Free Assessment & Enquiry: (02) 9415 1977 NSW Branches: - 0410 816 186 Ashfield Bankstown - 0434 658 369 Bella Vista - 0422 564 943 Beverly Hills - 0478 398 200 Blacktown - 0450 480 991
18 OCTOBER (2) 2018
- 02 8065 4805 Burwood - 0419 180 147 Cabramatta - 0425 171 324 Carlingford Campbelltown - 0425 242 191 - 0432 810 282 Campsie
NO. 1
Castle Hill - 0410 715 136 Chatswood - 02 9415 1860 Eastwood - 0431 626 619 - 0404 088 574 Epping - 0401 744 551 Hornsby
Hurstville Kogarah Lidcombe Parramatta Randwick
- 0478 398 200 - 0478 398 200 - 02 9649 2959 - 0478 841 982 - 0420 566 134
www.north-shore.com.au
- 0411 763 758 Rosebery - 0401 078 766 St Ives - 0403 076 636 Surry Hills - 0481 308 999 The Ponds Wentworthville - 0423 284 406
ACT - 0431 999 544 QLD - 07 3343 1883 SA - 08 8123 1663
VIC - 03 9898 9880 WA - 08 9328 8228
www.indianlink.com.au
SPECIAL REPORT
“We will rebuild” Priest Pandit Paras Ram Maharaj recounts the events at the Bharatiye Mandir as vandals struck BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA
W
hen priest Pandit Paras Ram Maharaj arrived at the Bharatiya Mandir at Regents Park for regular worship on the evening of Sunday 14 Oct, he knew immediately something was amiss. “It was about 6 pm,” Panditji recounted to Indian Link. “I saw some smoke, and wondered if someone had started the evening puja (worship) without me.” Then he saw a young woman come out and take the garden hose in. “Andar do-teen log the (there were two or three people inside)” he said. “They made a quick getaway via the back window.” Upon entering, Panditji was shocked to see the premises desecrated, idols smashed to the floor and temple property strewn about. “Hamare dost ne police ko phone kiya (a friend phoned the police,” Panditji went on. “They came and sealed the premises immediately. They conducted their forensic tests, and left only at 2am.” No findings from the enquiry have been made public yet. The community has been shocked as news of the incident got out via a release put out by the Hindu Council of Australia. That the misdeed occurred at the auspicious time of Navratri – a major Hindu festival – is doubly hurtful. The
NATIONAL EDITION
festival, a major celebration for Hindus, spans nine nights. Members of the congregation at Bharatiya Temple have been attending worship daily for Navratri. “We made temporary arrangements at the back of the temple premises,” Panditji revealed, so that daily worship continued as planned. “Some 250 members have been attending our prayers.” What have the security arrangements been like at the temple? “Kuch khaas nahin (no special arrangements), because we never felt the need,” Panditji replied. The Hindu Council of Australia said that the incident “has caused a lot of pain and anguish to devotees”. Meanwhile, government ministers have scampered to allay fears among the Hindu community, reminding all of the punishments that such acts accrue. The NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams said in a statement, “The NSW Government will not tolerate the desecration of items of cultural and religious significance, which threaten the cohesion of multicultural communities. I am appalled at the destruction of more than 30 statues of Hindu Gods and the setting of small fires inside the Bharatiya Mandir Temple in Regents Park.” He added, “The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government recently strengthened the Crimes Act to protect our diverse communities from individuals who publicly incite or threaten violence against people based on their race or
religion and will carry a maximum threeyear jail sentence. I understand police are currently investigating the vandalism and sincerely hope the perpetrators are brought to justice.” Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman also condemned the attack, saying, “Vandalism of a place of religious gathering, which is central to its community, is deplorable. These actions go against the very essence of Australian society.” NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley also expressed his shock at the incident. “This is a crime against peaceful Australians who live their faith and hurt nobody. I am disgusted at the desecration of more than 30 statues of Hindu Gods, and the setting of small fires throughout the temple.” Daniel Mookhey MLC, added, “These actions have no place in Australia and do not represent our respectful multicultural, multi-faith and law-abiding community.” Many members of the community took to social media to express their dismay. They were joined by those from the mainstream, such as Keith Wolfson who wrote on Indian Link’s Facebook page, “The Australian politicians, both fringe and mainstream, who have successfully used race and religious fear and bigotry to strengthen their power gain from acts like this, but Australia should actually weep in despair and shame at our having become this sort of nation. Please ask
them to create a GoFundMe account and publicise it through the media and I and others will give money to help rebuild.” Temple Committee President Indrajit Rai confirmed to Indian Link that indeed such a move has been seriously considered. Does Panditji have any suspicions as to who may have committed this deplorable act, and why? “They were a group of youngsters,” he replied. “It’s hard to say why… But it looks as though it was a hate crime. You can tell by looking at the pictures.” The temple has been operating at its 42 Kibo Road address since it was purchased 20 years ago – it used to function as an Anglican Church before that. Temple authorities claim they’ve had no problems, or experienced any form of hardship, since its inception in 1994. In 2013, the Auburn-based Sri Mandir Temple had suffered an arson attack. Looking to the future, Panditji observed, “Safai karke, punar-nirvaachit karna padega. Temple Committee Hindu Council ke sahyog se dhan raashi ekattha karegi. (We’ll clean up and then start the process of redevelopment. Our Committee will fundraise with the support of the Hindu Council.” The festive season has just been ushered in for Hindus the world over, and the thoughts will be utmost in Sydney’s Hindu community now that we should see it through with the usual spirit of sharing that marks all our celebrations.
OCTOBER (2) 2018 19
INTERVIEW
“The regional migration concept is not new”
PAWAN LUTHRA in conversation with David Coleman, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
T
he newly appointed Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman was emphatic in his support for a multicultural Australia when he dropped in at the Indian Link offices earlier this month. Minister Coleman was elected to the seat of Banks in 2013, which itself is a very diverse seat with over 30% of its electorate from a Chinese background, a large Vietnamese population and now a growing Nepalese community. David won the seat for the Liberal Party for the first time since the seat of Banks was created in 1949. Prior to entering politics, Coleman was worked in corporate roles with McKinsey & Co, LookSmart, dStore, PBL Media and the Nine Network and Yellow Brick Road Holdings Limited. He discussed a number of wide ranging issues about his portfolio. On the success of the Australia’s immigration program The results speak for themselves. We are one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world. Our history and heritage is steeped in the successful integration of people coming to Australia. In the post war period, we had successful migration from various parts of Europe - Greece, Italy etc. and now we have a number of migrants coming in from China, India, Vietnam and all of them contribute to our country. I want to emphasise on the positive impact of immigration in our society and our economy: there are over 1.4 million people employed in small businesses started by migrants. We need to be celebrating our successful migration program.
20 OCTOBER (2) 2018
Even in my own electorate of Banks, I have some wonderful contributions made by Indian migrants. Sudha Natarajan from RAINS is such an inspiration, who wanted a place for the Indian elderly to meet and so she got the community together and was able to from the funds accumulated, buy a house on Forest Road which is now a great community centre. I am also aware of the work which Terry Sidhu and his team at the Revesby Gurudwara do, to make sure there is lots of interaction with the local community. And these are only two stories - there are many, many more. On the issue of big Australia vs sustainable Australia, and the proposal for migrants to live outside big cities It is not a matter of numbers but rather that the program should match our needs. For example, South Australia is desperate to get 15,000 more migrants, as are places like Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, Cairns in Queensland, the Northern Territory and other places. In recent years, the gap in skilled migrants required in regional parts of Australia as compared to those settling in Sydney and Melbourne has widened. We believe that by better planning, we can match the needs of the regional communities with the needs of the migrants. For those who feel that we may lose some migrants to Canada or US where there is no restriction of where people might live, we feel that there is enough of a demand of people wanting to come to Australia. The regional concept is not a new concept, we just need to finetune it. On infrastructure ‘bursting at its seams’ with new migrants
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has appointed a minister for Population and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge because he understands the importance of this issue. Minister Tudge is looking at ways in which the federal government can improve infrastructure and though the states have the responsibility, we can help as well.
democracy, the acceptance of equality between men and women, and to accept people of who they are. We also believe that some level of English is appropriate so migrants can participate in normal daily life activities in Australia. Having that degree of English is necessary to be involved in Australian life.
On sending detainees at Nauru to New Zealand, where they have been offered refugee status We cannot forget what happened under the previous Labor government, when we saw over 1,200 people drown at sea, and when 8,000 children were placed in detention. There were significant human tragedies, so we cannot allow people smugglers to go back to the market and say come to Australia. We have a special arrangement with the New Zealand government according to which their citizens can live and work in Australia. Even today we have some 700,000 New Zealanders living here. By sending detainees from Nauru to New Zealand, allows a back door entry into Australia and so the people smugglers can get back to their evil work.
On the blow up of the backlog for processing citizenship applications from 23,000 in 2014 to 210,000 in 2018 (the average processing time is now sixteen months) Firstly, the number of applicants for citizenship has increased by 177% from 2010, so that means our resources are stretched. Also, there are still some boat arrivals who we are processing - they have limited documentation with them which means more time is being spent on their applications. And for overall security issues, we need to make sure we do the right diligence before we welcome anyone as an Australian citizen.
On the issues of overhauling citizenship laws by increasing the general residence requirements from one year to four years, and on introducing a standalone English proficiency test We need to make sure that there is a full understanding and appreciation of what Australian citizenship means. Prospective citizens need to understand that Australian values mean that we maintain the rule of law, the value of our
On the destabilising issues within the Liberal Party and why people should vote for it at the next election The Liberal government has delivered great outcomes. In 2017, more jobs were created in Australia than ever before. Free trade agreements were signed with Japan, China and Korea, which is very beneficial to our farmers. Our party has invested in education and health and we have been very successful in managing our economy very well. We have kept Australia safe and along with our economic management, on national security, we have a very strong record.
www.indianlink.com.au
GOGRETC0082_10K_Promotion_Press_358x250_English.indd 1
NATIONAL EDITION
18/10/18 3:29 pm
OCTOBER (2) 2018 21
Success Stories Start Here ...
#1 #1
Success Stories Start Here ... for teaching quality ^ (8 years in a row) #1 for student support* teaching quality ^ #1for for overall employment* yearsstarting in a row) #1 for(8 median salary* #1 for teaching scale* #1 for student support* * Victorian Institution Survey Results 2017. #1 for overall employment* Australian Federal Government’s Quality #1 for median starting salary* Indicators Learning and Teaching (QILT) www.qilt.edu.au #1 for teaching scale* ^ Good Universities Guide 2010–2017
* Victorian Institution Survey Results 2017. Australian Federal Government’s Quality Indicators Learning and Teaching (QILT) www.qilt.edu.au ^ Good Universities Guide 2010–2017
20% Bachelor Programs
20%
Bachelor of Information Technology Scholarships Available - Business Information Systems Bachelor Programs - Mobile App Development for November 2018 - Software Development Bachelor of Information Technology - Networking and Security Scholarships Available - Business Information Systems Master Programs - Mobile App Development Bachelor of Commerce for November 2018 Master of Technology - Software Development - Accounting - Software Engineering - Networking and Security Master Programs - Enterprise Systems & Business Analytics Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Commerce Master of Technology Master of Professional Accounting - Accounting - Software Engineering Bachelor of Business
- Enterprise Systems & Business Analytics Master of Business Administration Master of Professional Accounting Master of Business Administration
ENROL NOW 1300442482
admissions@iibit.edu.au
ENROL NOW /IIBITAUS 1300442482
WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON Sydney Ground Floor, 841 George Street Sydney, NSW 2000
admissions@iibit.edu.au Adelaide Level 6, 127 Rundle Mall Adelaide , SA 5000 /IIBITAUS
Infotech Professionals Pty Ltd. Trading as International Institute of Business and Information Technology.Provider CRICOS Code 01917B Federation University Australia CRICOS Code 00103D
Sydney Ground Floor, 841 George Street Sydney, NSW 2000
Adelaide Level 6, 127 Rundle Mall Adelaide , SA 5000
Infotech Professionals Pty Ltd. Trading as International Institute of Business and Information Technology.Provider CRICOS Code 01917B Federation University Australia CRICOS Code 00103D
22 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
PEOPLE
A carer’s story Swati Lele of Padstow NSW wins a NSW Carers Award
BY JYOTI SHANKAR
A
s per the NSW government, one in ten people in our state are carers who provide unpaid support to their loved ones. This is largely a thankless job too, as often the receivers of care are not in a position to acknowledge this value. The NSW Carers Awards is an initiative that helps to recognise the remarkable contribution these carers make to their loved ones and the wider community, and one of the recipients of the award announced this month, is Swati Lele. Swati is 28-year-old Geeta’s mother and carer since her birth. Geeta, who has severe intellectual disability, mobility issues, autistic tendencies and chronic epilepsy, requires 24-hour care. Speaking with Indian Link, Swati tells her story as a carer - essentially the life story of Geeta and a story of incredible fortitude and immense love of this family. A group of friends who have closely followed Swati’s journey from a struggling mum to a disability advocate, collectively nominated Swati for the award. Swati is a pharmacist in the emergency department of Bankstown Hospital. Her job brings her in touch with people with disabilities and their carers on a daily basis. Apart from fulfilling her pharmacist role, Swati listens to their experiences and tries to help them. “I equally draw strength from my
NATIONAL EDITION
interactions with them. What I do at work and what I do at home is all intertwined and shapes my life,” says Swati. Her calm manner belies the enormous amount of work she puts into her daily routines. Swati is quick to point out that she cannot take the credit for her award alone, for husband Sanjay has been an integral part of this journey. He has always been the bread winner and Swati worked part-time to fulfil the caring role, but he has now taken an early retirement to look after Geeta. They self-manage Geeta’s NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) plan. “This can be quite complicated,” says Swati, “but it is the best way to provide Geeta the most ideal care.” Swati says that after NDIS came into play, the whole gamut of disability care is changing. This scheme’s focus is on the person with disability and not their carers. Support groups for carers, previously funded by the government, are disappearing. “We used to go for outings, share lunches and support each other and I miss that,” says Swati. However Swati believes that like every new system, NDIS will improve. “It has lots of teething problems but we can now get the support when we want and what we want. We still have a long way to go. We go to forums to speak about what is right and what is not working.” Bringing up a child with disabilities often takes a toll on relationships but in the case of the Leles, it has only become stronger. Older son Kiran, cannot imagine a life without Geeta and says this is his “normal”. Sanjay and Swati
take turns at caring for Geeta and balancing other activities in their lives. Swati is also very thankful to her incredible network of friends. The couple are very much a part of the local Indian community. Sanjay is involved with the SBS Marathi radio, in theatre and in organising the 2019 three-yearly Akhil Australian Marathi Sammelan in Sydney. Swati’s father, Nana Badve, who migrated to Australia in 1974, was also very involved with the Indian community here, before he passed away in 2010. Now Swati also cares for her 87-year mother four days a week, along with the support of her two younger sisters. Thinking about what the future will be for Geeta, is scary for Swati. “As much as our health, and Geeta’s health permits, we will continue to provide her care. When we are no longer able, we need to find a place where Geeta can be settled. It is a difficult decision to make and just thinking about it makes us teary and emotional,” continues Swati, with a strength in her voice that comes from acceptance. Never failing to see the humour in situations probably helps. Recounting a recent incident Swati said, “We were at the local markets; Geeta was carrying her blue ice-cream container, which she plays with all the time. A man came and put a 5-dollar note into it!”
On outing to the supermarket can be interesting too. “When Geeta oohs and aahs, children ask their mothers about her or just stare,” says Swati, who does not miss this opportunity to introduce the children to Geeta, and ask them to say hello to her. She says that what carers need is not pity but more empathy, more recognition. Saying things like “You are such a beautiful girl” to their child, “You are doing such a great job”, “Is there are anything I can do to help,” makes them feel better than saying “I am so sorry”. That is the key message Swati would like to convey.
OCTOBER (2) 2018 23
SPECIAL FEATURE Main pic, left to right: Lily Hirsch, Verna Blewett, Gertrude Sinha (Hirsch) aged 97 and Kiron Sinha aged 92. Taken in their lounge room with one of Kiron’s paintings in the background. Kiron is holding one of the walking sticks he carved and used daily. Sadly, Kiron was completely blind by the 1990s. Photo Verna Blewett Below: Kiron with Kamona (Bulbul) aged about eight; Gertrude and Kiron sitting in the garden; Mrs Gandhi would come by helicopter, land in the paddock next door to the house, view the artworks and stay for tea. She bought many of Kiron’s works for display at home, in public buildings and as gifts for visiting dignitaries.
Art of loving in tragedy The extraordinary and fascinating story of an Indian artist and his Austrian wife BY HAMIDA PARKAR
T
hree human tragedies, one war, one genocide, and a partition, led to the birth of a lasting love story between two artists, Indian-born Kiron Sinha and Austrianborn Gertrude Hirsch. The 72-year union left a rich legacy in its wake, which the Adelaide-based Verna Blewett and her daughter Lily Hirsch, social scientists and researchers, are trying to capture in a catalogue and a book. A promise to capture - and preserve - artist Kiron’s creations, started their journey. It has taken them to Australia, parts of India, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi, to trace lost and dispersed art works. How the artist couple met, and found an anchor in each other, is quite fascinating. Gertrude lived in Vienna in the 1930s. Her family were of Jewish origin, and uncomfortable with the rise of the Nazis,
24 OCTOBER (2) 2018
probably realised they would have to leave. After completing her Diploma in Fine Arts with top marks at the Vienna University in 1936, Gertrude’s interest in theosophy led her to Theosophical Society where she met then-President George Arundale and his wife Rukmini Devi. “They offered her an art teacher job in Kalakshetra School in Chennai, paid for her passage, and she left on a boat in 1937,” Verna recounts to Indian Link. Her brother Leopold moved to Australia in 1938. “He tried convincing their parents, but they refused. They didn’t survive the Holocaust (1941-45), and died in Theresienstadt,” says Verna. Verna’s late husband Robert Hirsch was Leopold’s son. Ironically, at about the time Gertrude was travelling to India, Kiron Sinha himself was on a boat, escaping from China which was hit by the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-45). He had been studying in Nanjing University after securing a scholarship, post his Diploma in Fine Arts from Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati. “It was a premiere university for arts at the time, we suspect it was granted by
Nandalal Bose (a leading figure in modern Indian art). Those records no longer exist, as their early records have gone missing,” Verna reveals. They met at Kalakshetra. Kiron taught the older children, and Gertrude, the younger ones. “There were a lot of men sniffing around her, Kironda said, which I thought was un-Indian,” Verna chuckles. “She was very beautiful, tiny, frailbuilt, slender, gorgeous woman. He was gorgeous himself: tall, dark, handsome. They married in 1938.” The pair stayed put in Chennai for around seven years. “I know they were there in 1942, as they had painted two large murals on the walls of Women’s Christian College, which still exist, and I was able to photograph earlier this year,” says Verna. “He went to Mahabalipuram,
perhaps alone, and had a look at the fabulous caves and monuments. I also did, they influenced his paintings, the women in large breasts and curvy forms.” Gertrude melded her life into his completely, taught him anatomy and composition, and was the subject of his work. He made sculptures dedicated to her. “She dropped her art career for him. She used to say to me, look, I am an Indian woman, and so, I support my husband. She got the jobs, and he painted
www.indianlink.com.au
The singing Baul c1956: This glorious painting was bought from Kiron and Gertrude by Verna’s in-laws, Leo (Gertrude’s brother) and Gerda Hirsch. They chose it from the collection that visited Australia with Gertrude and Bulbul in 1963, so it was painted in the early 1960s or even earlier. This painting is reproduced on the front cover of Dr Jeanne Openshaw’s book, “Seeking Bauls of Bengal” (pub 2002). Photo Verna Blewett
At the Lily Pond c1975: This painting, oil on a chattai (about 2.5m x 1.5m) was given to Verna by Kiron in 2008. It shows Radha playing Krishna’s flute in the moonlight surrounded by the Gopis. Fireflies twinkle in the evening sky. At this time the palette of turquoise, purple and yellow was quite unfamiliar to his contemporaries. Photo Verna Blewett
full-time,” recalls Verna. “They had a daughter in 1945, Kamona, Bulbul for short. Bulbul Studio, which later became Bulbul Art Gallery, was named after her. Unfortunately she died in an accident, in 1972. I can see different styles in his work – before her death, and after.” “Kironda always described himself as born under Saturn, his life was a life of loss, which was sadly true. It was like the loss of the Holocaust had met the loss of Partition. He lost his family: his mother died when he was 12, his father perished during Partition, his sister died as a child, his brother later. They lost their land, and finally their daughter,” she shares. The couple was caught in the cross-fire of India-Pakistan partition in 1947 as they had moved to Lahore by then. “He left his paintings behind, and she also lost her possessions. That is the only place we couldn’t get to, where they spent a significant time. He had to escape since he was Hindu and got the last train out from Lahore in 1947, with two-year-old Bulbul. Gertrude followed them later.” After returning, they built a home and settled in Santiniketan, near Kolkata, living there from late 1940s until their deaths – Kiron in 2009, at 95, and Gertrude in
NATIONAL EDITION
2011, at just over a 100. By this time, Indira Gandhi, likely his classmate from Santiniketan, became his patron, and developed a friendship with Gertrude. “I have handwritten letters to them from Indira Gandhi. She also bought paintings as PM, gifting them to foreign dignitaries and diplomats, which I’d love to find,” she says. “They even stayed with her during an exhibition in Delhi. Two of his paintings are in the reception room at Nehru Museum.” There was regular correspondence between the Hirsch families: Leo, his wife Gerda and their son Robert wrote letters to the couple. In 1963, Gertrude visited her brother with Bulbul and held exhibitions of Kironda’s work in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. “Robert was 13. Many paintings were sold, we are keen to find them,” says Verna, who also wrote them letters, as a new entrant to the family. “We married in 1986, I am from a boring Anglo-Celtic background,” she laughs. “In 1988, Robert visited them in India, meeting Kironda for the first time. Kiron wanted his artwork introduced to an audience outside India. He felt he had been ignored, partly true, as he wouldn’t
Murals Women’s Christian College: Painted on the wall of the Student Common Room at the Women’s Christian College, Chennai, in 1942. The left hand panel depicts women from various parts of India celebrating Spring. The right hand panel depicts daily village life around Chennai with huts and palm trees in the background. Photo Verna Blewett
play the art game, or promote himself, and expected people to touch his feet. He knew he was brilliant, and was, but didn’t want to put in work towards recognition.” “A difficult man, he had a wonderful sense of humour and was very intense about his artwork. If there was a surface, he just covered it with some form of decoration. He painted what was around him, influenced by European masters, like Rembrandt, and his use of light,” observes Verna. “You can see that in many of his paintings: the colours were completely foreign palettes for the time and for an Indian artist. The influence lost points for him in the early days with Nandalal Bose, who was pushing local, and there was some conflict there.” Verna herself didn’t meet Kironda and Gertrude until 2007. “I saw his gallery, and murals he had painted on his wall, sculptures in the garden, and was just gobsmacked, overwhelmed with the beauty that was there. I realised there were no records of this wonderful legacy. I asked if he would let me do this and he said yes. I am doing this to help him get the recognition he deserves, as promised,” she says. The mother and daughter have been visiting India every year since,
spending time, recording conversations, photographing, researching for the catalogue and book, except in the year 2015 when Robert died. Verna has made this her retirement career now since Lily has started her own. “It is a huge task. I had hoped to have an outline for the book ready, but the catalogue took time, as I was consulting. We’ve captured over 700 records – of his paintings, sculptures, designed ceramics, murals, frescoes, block-printed fabrics. It will be released this year, and housed on our website and with the International Federation for Art Research in New York, as a catalogue raisonné,” says Verna. “Their life is worth documenting, with the intersection of Holocaust and Partition – and the place their paintings played in the development of Indian art. Mukul Dey wrote about him as an artist who introduced new palettes, his style was so exceptional and different. Amazingly, we have found support from all quarters. It’s been a story served by serendipitous events.” Check out Verna and Lily’s work on Kiron Sinha and Gertrude Hirsch at www.bulbulart.com
OCTOBER (2) 2018 25
Best Value Apartments in the North West
1 beds $445k - $525k | 2 beds $540k - $635k
| 3 beds $680k - $699k
Close to new North-West Rail link open in 2019 and existing Schofields station Proximity to future Schofields town centre, existing Rouse Hill Town centre & variety of schools both public and private Take advantage of NSW Government First Home Buyer incentives and save up to $34,000 Georgette features communal gardens and barbeque areas for residents to enjoy Enjoy living in sun drenched open plan apartments with parking and air conditioning
Display Suite now open: 27 Schofields Road, Schofields 2762. Thursday & Friday 12-2pm, Saturday & Sunday 1-4pm
kewschofields.com.au • 1800 733 187
26 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
FIRST PERSON
(Very) Special assembly
Principal Ms Gail Cluff leads the special guests in
ADITI SADAKALE, a Year 12 student at Parramatta’s Macarthur Girls High School, on her recent brush with royalty
I
t was Friday, and we were getting ready for a special assembly at school. It’s a state visit, we were told; the Premier would be visiting, along with the Minister of Education. Oh, the Premier. Is that why we’ve had the police around here so much, with their sniffer dogs, and the helicopters above? The assembly began and the Premier began to make her speech. And somewhere along the line she said, “Please welcome our special guests the Duke and Duchess of Sussex!” And the royal couple just walked in! We just erupted in surprise – everyone
had their mouths open as Harry and Meghan, er, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, entered, waving. I have to tell you, I got a wave – yes I do believe the two of them were waving to me directly! The official program then began, with performances and presentations for the special visitors. Harry and Meghan went around the school as we had a special event on, based on the extra-curricular initiatives at our school, especially by the students involved in the ‘In League in Harmony Youth Advocate’ program. We had visiting students from other schools too.
They told Harry and Meghan about their activities in mental health, poverty alleviation etc. Prince Harry spent a fair bit of time with the NRL students, and learning about their activities for In League In Harmony. Meghan spoke very well. She said that being at our school reminded her of her own school years – she went to an all-girls school which was very diverse, just like Macarthur Girls. Both seemed very polite and so nice! Rest of the day, we were simply too excited to concentrate in class, digesting what had happened at our school that
morning. Even the teachers were surprised – they had no idea either! It was also the second day of the HSC exams for the senior girls that day, and they felt it was a delightful post exam surprise. It was a great day really, I never dreamed I would get to see royalty up close, and that too at school. Next day, I was busy spotting myself in the pics that came out in the media. But I’m so proud of the photo I managed to get (main pic above) of Harry and Meghan as they walked in, even though I was in shock! As told to Rajni Anand Luthra
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 27
Happy Deepavali ADVERTISEMENT
From Luke Foley and your State MPs We wish you and your family a joyful Deepavali
Luke Foley MP Leader of the Opposition, Member for Auburn
Luke Foley MP
Member for Auburn
Michael Daley MP
Member for Maroubra
Shaoquett Moselmane MP Member of the Legislative Council
28 OCTOBER (2) 2018
Jodi McKay MP
Member for Strathfield
Greg Warren MP
Member for Campbelltown
Sophie Cotsis MP
Member for Canterbury
Courtney Houssos MLC Member of the Legislative Council
Guy Zangari MP
Member for Fairfield
Stephen Bali MP
Member for Blacktown
Daniel Mookey MLC Member of the Legislative Council
Edmond Atalla MP
Member for Mount Druitt
www.indianlink.com.au
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 29
INDIAN NEWS Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel are deployed next to railway tracks, as Amritsar prepares for the resumption of railway services. An accident here on 21 October 2018 killed at least 60 people when a train ran over a crowd that was watching the burning of Ravana effigy during Dusshera celebrations on 19 October 2018. Photo: AP
2018 Seoul Peace Prize for Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been named as the recipient of 2018 Seoul Peace Prize, a biennial award instituted to crystallise the wishes of the Korean people for peace on the Korean Peninsula and the rest of the world. According to a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry, Modi has been awarded “in recognition of his dedication to improving international cooperation, raising global economic growth, accelerating the human development of the people of India by fostering economic growth in the world’s fastest growing large economy and furthering the development of democracy through anti-corruption and social integration efforts”. More than 100 candidates were proposed by over 1,300 nominators from around the world, according to the External Affairs Ministry statement. Modi is the 14th recipient of the award. Past laureates include distinguished global personalities like former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and renowned international relief organisations like Doctors Without Borders. Established in 1990, the Seoul Peace Prize recognises those who made great contributions to the harmony of mankind, the reconciliation between nations and world peace on the basis of the ideals of the 24th Seoul Olympic Games held in Seoul, Korea in 1988 in an atmosphere of friendship and harmony of the peoples around the world.
Sikkim becomes world’s first organic state
Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling received the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Future Policy Gold Award from its Deputy Director Maria Helena Semedo, who commended the Himalayan state for setting an example to the world by becoming first totally organic state. Chamling said on the occasion, “An organic world is definitely achievable. I also
30 OCTOBER (2) 2018
appeal to the world community that we do not carry out any kind of development work and business at the cost of the environment. Let us build an organic world together.” Nicknamed the “Oscar for best policies”, the award is co-organised with the FAO by The World Future Council (WFC) and IFOAM - Organics International, and recognises “the world’s best laws and policies promoting agro-ecology”. Presenting the award, Semedo said, “Sikkim is an outstanding example on how to successfully transform the food system and ensure respect for people and planet and the award recognises the state’s leadership and political will.” Sikkim’s transition to organic farming “has benefited over 66,000 family farmers, reaching beyond just organic production to include socioeconomic aspects such as consumption and market expansion, rural development and sustainable tourism with its comprehensive and inclusive approach”, she said. The award recognises the policies adopted by the state starting with a political commitment to support organic farming in 2003 that led to the 2010 Sikkim Organic Mission.
at the cost of my comfort. I believe that differently-abled people don’t need pity. They only deserve equal opportunities to prove themselves,” Nishtha said upon her return to India. The 23-year-old is a commerce graduate from Venkateshwara College, Delhi University, and presently pursuing MA in economics from Mithibai College, University of Mumbai. Earlier, Nishtha had also won the Miss Deaf India title on February 26 this year in Jaipur. She is the brand ambassador for Sivantos India Pvt Ltd. (Formerly Siemens Hearing Instruments Pvt Ltd.), the world’s leading brand of hearing aids. The beauty queen has won several medals in judo, and has played in AITA, ITF and Asian tour tennis tournaments. Nishtha had also participated in Deaflympics 2013 (held in Sofia, Bulgaria), World Deaf Tennis Championship 2015 (held in Nottingham, UK) and Deaflympics 2017 (held in Samsun, Turkey). Nishtha’s mother Punam Dudeja said, “We were heartbroken when we came to know that our child will not be able to hear lifelong, but we did everything to make our daughter’s life a successful one.”
Haryana girl wins Miss Deaf Asia crown
World’s tallest ‘Statue of Unity’ to be inaugurated in Gujarat
Haryana girl Nishtha Dudeja has won the Miss Deaf Asia 2018 title at an international pageant held in Prague recently. Nishtha, who is the first Indian to have won any title at the Miss Deaf World Pageant, said that she faced tough competition from contestants from China, Thailand, Taiwan, Israel, Czech Republic, Belarus, Mexico, South Africa and other countries at the 18th edition of Miss and Mister Deaf World-Europe-Asia Beauty Pageant 2018. The beauty from Haryana’s industrial city of Panipat, around 85 km from New Delhi, who was born deaf did not think of herself being differently-abled and chose to take her chance in the field of beauty. “I want to thank my parents for their consistent support who were always there to help me. Now I want to help deprived people even
Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat hopes that the world’s tallest statue, that of Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, known as the “Iron Man of India”, will promote tourism through its unique features. These include a viewing gallery at a height of 153 metres that offers an expansive view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges and other sites. The 182-metre-high ‘Statue of Unity’, to be inaugurated on 31 October, is a tribute to the country’s first Home Minister who played a major role in integrating the princely states into the Indian Union after the partition of 1947. It is almost 29 metres taller than China’s Spring Temple Buddha, the world’s current tallest statue at 153 metres, and almost twice as high as the 93metre Statue of Liberty in New York.
“Currently work is on to give the final touches to the viewing gallery located at the chest of the statue at a height of 153 metres. The gallery can accommodate up to 200 visitors at a time. It will offer an expansive view of the dam, the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges and other sites,” S.S. Rathod, Chairman and Managing Director of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL), which is overseeing the project, said. The statue, being built at a cost of Rs. 2,389 crore, is located at Sadhu Bet Island on Narmada river, 3.2 km downstream of Sardar Sarovar Dam. The 1,210 metre long concrete gravity dam is one of India’s largest water resource projects and a major tourist attraction. The Statue of Unity will boost tourism, with one estimate putting the daily numbers at 15,000, and it can become one of the most visited spots in India, a state government official said. The project includes a garden at the base of the statue and two high-speed lifts which will carry 40 people at a time to take them to the viewing gallery. There will also be a museum and a sound and light show depicting the life and times of Sardar Patel. There will also be a moving walkway for the disabled and senior citizens. A shopping centre is being created while a selfie point has been designated a few meters from the statue. And, flowers are being planted on the hills adjoining the statue to give the area a ‘Valley of the Flowers’ look. Built by Larsen & Toubro, work on the statue started in December 2014 and was to be completed in 42 months. This was extended by another four months because the critical design phase took longer than expected, Kanungo said.
France to have memorial for World War I soldiers
A memorial dedicated to Indians who fought in World War I would be unveiled in France next month. The national memorial, located at Villers-Guislain, about 200 km from Paris, will have India’s national emblem and is distinct from the Indian Memorial at Neuve Chappelle which was built by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The memorial is being built by the Indian government through the USI (United Service Institution of India). It will be the second Indian national memorial overseas, the other one being on the ramparts at Ypres in Belgium. Squadron Leader (Retired) Rana T.S. Chhina, Secretary of the Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research (USI-CAFHR), said that the memorial will have Ashoka Chakra in bronze and a plaque in French in honour of the Indian soldiers. A bronze marigold wreath is also part of the design. The USI, as part of ‘India Remembers’ project, has mooted the proposal to have the marigold as a uniquely Indian flower of
www.indianlink.com.au
Visitors are greeted with a heavy downpour as they visit a pandal (makeshift temple) at the Durga Pooja festival in Kolkata. Cyclone ‘Titli’ triggered the heavy rainfall in with at least twelve deaths reported. Photo: AP
remembrance. Chhina said poppy is universally recognised in the UK and many Commonwealth countries as a symbol of remembrance and commemoration since the end of World War I. He said there was a strong need for India to have a uniquely Indian symbol that could allow citizens in India, as well as the international diaspora, to acknowledge the valour and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces in the service of the nation, including those who fell in the two World Wars. Chhina said the sculptor of memorial in France is Ram Vanji Sutar, who is also associated with the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He said the USI is helping to promote the niche concept of ‘Battlefield Tourism’ to popularise historical sites where Indian soldiers have fought and died over the ages. “We realised that local economy of a lot of places in Europe is sustained by battlefield tourism. People and school children visit these sites and see the places where the battles had been fought and there is huge spike in local economy,” he said. He said there was nothing about Indians at these places, though India made a significant contribution to Britain’s war effort in World War I. “We felt that it needs to be rectified,” he said. Chhina said such guides were also being produced for places in India including Kohima and Imphal and sites associated with India’s First War of Independence in 1857.
Einstein Prize for Indian American professor Abhay Ashtekar
Over four decades after he began his scientific engagement with gravitational science, Professor Abhay Ashtekar is set to receive the prestigious Einstein Prize conferred by the American Physical Society (APS). The prize for 2018 carries an award of $10,000 and its citation reads: “For numerous and seminal contributions to general relativity, including the theory of black holes, canonical quantum gravity, and quantum cosmology.” Ashtekar is professor of physics, Evan Pugh Professor, Holder, Eberly Chair, and director of the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos at the Pennsylvania State University. “The prize is special because is it the highest honour bestowed by APS in the broad area of gravitational science. The first Einstein prize was awarded jointly to Peter Bergmann and John Wheeler, who introduced general relativity to American universities by creating research groups. Perhaps because the first award often sets the tone, subsequent prizes have come to recognise ‘lifetime achievements’. So the news was deeply satisfying,” Ashtekar said. Ashtekar’s passion for physical sciences started while he was in high school in
NATIONAL EDITION
India, where he was schooled in Marathi, his native tongue. “Then I was exposed to Hindi and English literature and realised how deeply literature is tied to specific cultures. At the same time, I learned Newton’s laws and universality of gravity - what makes the apple fall on earth also makes the planets go around the sun. This was stunning by itself,” he said. What he found most remarkable was that, unlike art and literature, which are “so tied to human conditions”, Newton’s laws transcend both. “It was striking to me that the same Newton’s laws are taught and admired in India as in China, Japan and the West.” “Later, fundamental physics seemed to me to be the deepest and purest way to pursue understanding of Nature (the external world). In graduate school, I chose to work in general relativity, cosmology and quantum physics because that is where the most fundamental questions about space, time and the nature of the physical universe are discussed,” he said.
A library run by factory workers is changing lives of kids
At first look, it is just another small room with one wall almost crumbling. But this 25-square yard space means the world for children of factory workers and labourers in Punjab’s industrial hub Ludhiana. Without any grant or support from corporates or the government, this education endeavour by workers and daily-wage earners living in the Rajiv Gandhi colony area of Jamalpur in Ludhiana’s Focal Point industrial area, is making a world of difference to the lives of children who come here every day with their working parents. The Shaheed Bhagat Singh Pustakalaya has no fancy address, no high-profile CSR support and no big-time NGO dedicating its resources. Yet, it is on a mission - to create a small education revolution by touching the lives of the many children coming here to study. Messages from martyrs like Bhagat Singh, Safdar Hashmi and others adorn the walls of the library. Behtar zindagi ka raasta behtar
kitaabon se hokar jaata hai (The road to a better life passes through good books) - a board outside the room says. “The library is entirely an effort of workers and labourers of the industrial units in Ludhiana, who live in the vicinity of the LIG (low income group) flats and Rajiv Gandhi colony,” Lakhwinder Singh, the man behind the mission to guide the workers’ children to a better future, said. The library has been set up under the aegis of the Karkhana Mazdoor Union by collecting funds from the workers. Contributions ranged from Rs 100 to Rs 5,000. Most workers themselves earn less than Rs 10,000 per month. Lakhwinder, 33, who himself has done an advanced diploma in dye and mould making from a central institute in Chandigarh and has been living in Ludhiana since 2006, is the main force behind the library project. “We began everything on a small scale. We got no funding from the government or any corporate. The children coming here are not being forced to do so. They come here on their own and like our method of teaching,” he pointed out. Ludhiana, one of the largest industrial hubs in Asia, with a population of 3.5 million people, is known for its bicycle industry, textile units, auto-parts manufacturing and scores of other businesses. A majority of the workforce here is that of migrant workers from other states, especially Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who have been living here for decades. The library becomes abuzz from 4.00pm to 7.00 pm every day when the children come here to get an education. Krishan Kumar, a teaching volunteer, uses hands-on concepts, including showing films, to create awareness and impart education. The library has over 500 books in Hindi and Punjabi stacked on iron shelves. “We make a lot of friends at the library. It is like a family,” Arjun, 12, a student of class VI in a government school, said. Lakhwinder pointed out that the parents of a majority of the children who come to the library have themselves not studied beyond Class VIII or are illiterate, but do not want their children to suffer the same fate.
“The room can accommodate over 30 children. At times, we have to put a stop on the numbers as the room cannot accommodate more children,” Lakhwinder pointed out. For an annual charge of only Rs 50, the children are provided a library card and are allowed to take two books home at one time. The fee is charged so as to make the children responsible for the books they take. “It’s quite nice and refreshing to come here. Learning here is a lot of fun,” Khushi, 13, a student of Class VII, said.
Have you voted for Google’s ‘Doodle 4 Google’ contest?
Google has opened public online voting for 20 children shortlisted for its annual ‘Doodle 4 Google’ competition. The annual competition, announced early in August, encourages creative, art-loving students across India to bring their imagination to life for the search engine giant’s logo. This year’s theme was “What inspires you?”. The doodle, incorporating letters G-o-o-g-l-e, was to be created using crayons, clay, water colours and graphic design. From a beautiful sight at the beach to nature’s tiny creatures; India’s farmer community to the Indian folk music; space exploration to learning from animals; children drew their inspiration using crayons, clay and graphic designs. Of the 75,000 students, from Class 1 to 10, across the country who sent in their entries, more than 55 per cent were from non-metro cities, including Visakhapatnam, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Bareilly, Kottayam and Bhubaneswar. The online voting will continue till 6 November (until 10.00am.). People can cast their votes on the Doodle 4 Google 2018 voting page. The doodle with the maximum votes will get featured on Google’s home page on Children’s Day that falls on 14 November and the national winner would win a Rs 5 lakh college scholarship, a Rs 2 lakh technology package for their school, as well as a trip to the Google office in India, among other prizes, the company said. IANS
OCTOBER (2) 2018 31
CENTRESPREAD
COLOURS OF DIWALI
WINNER 8-12 Yash Mandowara 8
HIGHLY COMMENDED 8-12 Gauri Tripathi 9
Aarushi Patangay 8
Hashini Senthilkumar 9
Manoghna Ramagiri 12
Pavani Pathak 10
Ariba Omar 8
Ronen Gupta 8
Shirin Agarwal 8
Zalak Bhatt 9
32 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
What a fantastic effort by our younger readers! It’s been an overwhelming response to our kids’ Diwali Art Contest this year. We loved each and every artwork that made it to Indian Link’s annual Diwali art contest this year. Congratulations to our winners Yash Mandowara and Adwita Guru, who win book vouchers worth $75, and runners-up Gauri Tripathi and Maneet Brar, who win $50 vouchers each. Yash Mandowara’s design will be featured on Indian Link’s 2018 Diwali card. We hope to see even more colourful designs next year! Wish you all a joyous Diwali.
WINNER 7 AND BELOW Adwita Guru 7
HIGHLY COMMENDED 7 AND BELOW Maneet Brar 7
Aisha Anand 7
Jaskeerat Kaur 7
Nikhil Mtta 7
Saanvi Patnia 6
Zia Bharuchi 7
Vidhaat Jagadish 5
Saanvi Chaudhary 6
Shreya Vudayagiri 7
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 33
WHAT’S ON FESTIVAL Karva Chauth Mela Sat 27 Oct (4:30 pm – 9:30 pm) Fun-filled event with competitions, performances, food stalls and merchandise stalls. Bowman Hall 35 Campbell Street, Blacktown. Details 0401 321 070. Rouse Hill Deepawali Festival Sun 28 Oct (9.00am – 11.00pm) Diwali festival organised by Hindu Council Australia. At Rouse Hill Dr, Rouse Hill. Details 02 8250 4007. Diwali mela Sun 28 Oct (11.00am – 8.00pm) Federation of Indian Associations of NSW presents Diwali mela at Holroyd gardens, Merrylands. Details 1300 339 368. Deepavali Milan 2018 Sat 3 Nov Mark the tenth anniversary of Deepavali Milan at RSL Club Hornsby with good food, Bollywood dances, raffles, goodies pack. All balance proceeds to War Widows of India. Details Col. Virender Sahni 0416 965 764
Grandparents’ Day at Hornsby Youth & Family Community Centre, Cnr. Muriel and Burdett Streets Hornsby. Program includes Yoga, Bollywood dance and music, craft, morning tea and lunch. Details Bijinder Duggal 0412 786 569
Poetry with Michelle Cahill Thu 1 Nov (7.00pm – 8.15pm) An evening of poetry with noted poet Michelle Cahill. At WestWords Centre for Writing, 91B Grose St, Parramatta. Details 02 8677 4815.
Indian Support Centre annual dinner Sat 27 Oct (6.30pm – 10.00pm) The Indian Support Centre presents its 3rd annual dinner and entertainment night at Granville Town Hall, 10 Carlton St,. Details Subba Rao 0411 335 999.
Sydney International Festival of Films by Children: Indian films Sat 10 Nov (1.00pm onwards) The Bardic Studio organises an annual festival of films made by children under 12 years of age. This year’s festival includes films by Indian children, at Event Cinemas Campbelltown. Details bardicstudio. com.au/2018-campbelltown-program
Diwali Artspace exhibition 7 - 20 Nov The Hindu Council of Australia and the Strathfield Council are hosting a unique Diwali themed art exhibition. At Strathfield South High Street Library, 64 High Street, Strathfield. Details 02 9642 1596. ENTERTAINMENT Halloween with desi touch Wed 31 Oct (5.30pm – 10.00pm) Scare this Halloween with a desi touch! Lots of entertainment, performances and more. At Bowman Hall, Blacktown. Details 0403 228 019.
AHIA Diwali Sun 4 Nov (6.30pm onwards) Glam Diwali with a twist of masti. Theme: Glitterati. Venue Concord Function Centre, 138-145 Majors Bay Road, Concord. Details Preeti Thadani 0402 034 959.
Haryanvi Saanjh 2 Nov (6.30pm onwards) The newly launched Association of Harayanvis in Australia (AHA) celebrates Haryana Day 2018. Basha’i Centre Silverwater. Special feature: live performance by Harvinder Rana. Details 0424 000 242
Diwali mela Sat 3 Nov (11.00am – 11.00pm) Diwali mela hosted by Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Australia at Northumberland St carpark, Liverpool. Details 0418 445 310.
STAGE Musical tribute to Bapu Fri 26 Oct (5.30pm – 7.00pm) Janaranjani Radio Group invites you to an evening of a musical tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. At Consulate General of India, Level 2, Castlereagh Street, Sydney. Details 02 9772 0007.
South Sydney Diwali dhoom Sun 4 Nov (6.00pm – 11.00pm) South Sydney Diwali dhoom at Torwood Lounge Function Centre, 247 Rocky Point Road, Sans Souci. Details 0402 072 612. Diwali Bhangra bash Fri 9 Nov – Sat 10 Nov (9.00pm – 3.00am) Non-stop bhangra, Bollywood and Punjabi music with live Dhol to celebrate Diwali. At Ivy Den, Lounge & Terrace, 330 George Street. Details 0412 739 020 Diwali Mela Sat 10 Nov (5.00pm - 11.00pm) SAAA Hindi School Kogarah invites you to the Diwali Mela 2018 and cultural performances, magic show, Bollywood dhamaal, free sparklers and dinner. At Parramatta West Public School Young Street, Parramatta. Details 0427 090 724 Strathfield Diwali Sat 11 Nov (11.00am – 4.00pm) Deepavali Fair Sydney invites you to festival of lights. At Strathfield Park, Homebush Rd and Chalmers Rd, Strathfield. Details 02 9748 9999. COMMUNITY Grandparents’ Day Fri 26 Oct and Fri 9 Nov (11.00am – 2.00pm) AASHA Seniors and Darcy Road Public School will organise a multicultural intergeneration
34 OCTOBER (2) 2018
To add your event email media@indianlink.com.au
Aadal Velvi Sat 27 Oct (5.45pm – 8.45pm) Kamban Kazhagam Australia, cordially invites you to Aadal Velvi 2018, a Bharatanatyam exposition by Nrityachoodamani Priyadarsini Govind. At Sydney Baha’i Centre, 107 Derby St, Silverwater. Details 02 9748 1111. Gaana Galatta Sat 27 Oct (7.00pm – 11.00pm) Gaana Galatta 2018 that celebrates Tamil talent. Dance competition, choreographed performances and more. At UNSW Science Theatre, F13, UNSW, Union Rd, Kensington. Details gaanagalatta@gmail.com. MISC Colin and Curry Fri 2 Nov (6.30pm – 9.00pm) Curry With A Twist combines a masterclass on authentic Indian curry by Jane Alam Sheikh and an exclusive performance by Colin Buchanan. At Village Church, 122 Johnston Street, Annandale. Details 1300 22 44 53. Masterclass with Harpal Sokhi Sun 4 Nov (11.00am – 2.00pm) Indian celebrity and TV Chef Harpal Sokhi is coming to Sydney for a masterclass in association with Hindu Council Australia. At Parramatta Park, Macquarie Street, Parramatta. Details 02 8250 4007.
Ayurvedic vegan cooking Sun 18 Nov (1.00pm – 5.00pm) This workshop will reveal the secrets of spices; how to awaken the consciousness of these spices as well as other whole-food ingredients to maximise their health-giving properties. At BIJA YOGA, Level 1, 1c Castlereagh Street, Penrith. Details 0419 437 033. Eco Textile workshop Tue 20 Nov (6.00pm – 8.00pm) A 4-week course with local textile artists, Ivana and Xenia Taylor to learn how to up-cycle textile waste. You can also learn traditional techniques including Indian Kantha stitching. At Warringah Mall Library, Shop 650, 145 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale. Details 02 9942 7999. SPIRITUAL Holy meeting Thu 15 Nov (6.00pm – 11.00pm) A Maa Darshan (Holy meeting) where you will have the chance to ask questions on matters of health, relationships, career, spiritual transformation. At Breathing Space Yoga, 48 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach. Details 0414 224 686. Vedanta classes with Arsha Vidya Australia All classes except chanting classes are on Zoom. Details Shankar Arunachalam 0403 059 658 Bhagavad Gita, Sundays 6pm Upanishads, Saturdays 8.45pm Beginners class, Sundays 2pm Vishnu Sahasranama, Sundays 10am Vedic chanting classes, Saturdays 6.30pm Global Organisation For Divinity Australia: Activities at Namadwaar G.O.D Australia gladly informs that Namadwaar, Chanting and Prayer Centre at 44 Oakes Road Winston Hills, is fully operational. All members of the community are welcome to have Darshan of the Lord and participate in Nama chanting and other programs. Details godivinity. org.au Shanti Mission Satsang Sundays 9.30am Held at Shanti Mission Abode of Peace Ashram (1 hours north of Sydney), 45 Kings Road Coorabong and also in Sydney at the Henley Community Centre, 2 Crown Street, Henley. Details 4977 3300.
ACADEMIA PhD scholarship for project at La Trobe University Professor Angela Taft is offering a PhD scholarship to work on the HARMONY project at La Trobe University. It’s a controlled trial of general practice intervention to control domestic violence in migrant communities. For details, email ann.wilson@latrobe.edu. au. Applications close 31 October. Public lecture Mon 29 Oct (6.00pm – 8.00pm) A public lecture hosted by the UTS Climate Justice Research Centre on ‘The Global and the Planetary: The Great Divergence of the Anthropocene’ by Dipesh Chakrabarty. At University of Technology Sydney, Building 4, Harris Street, Level 3, Room 310 (CB04.03.310), Ultimo. Details 1300 275 887. FUNDRAISER Indians for Aussie farmers The Facebook group Indians in Sydney is raising funds for Australian farmers grappling with drought this year. With all funds going directly to Aussie Helpers and Drought Angels, they are aiming to raise $15,000. Details check out the Facebook page Indians in Sydney The Great Australian Curry Challenge The Great Australian Curry is Opportunity International’s annual fundraising campaign where families across Australia are invited to cook a curry, share it with friends and raise funds to help families journey out of poverty. Opportunity uses the funds to provide families in India, Indonesia and the Philippines with small loans to build businesses, earn regular incomes, educate their children and break the cycle of poverty in which their families have been trapped for generations. To get involved, head to www.au.opportunity.org and set up a fund-raising page. Invite your friends, family or colleagues along to enjoy your curry and show their support by donating through your fundraising page. You can share a spice night at home, host a curry cookoff at work or let the professionals do their thing by heading out to enjoy a curry at a restaurant. Fundraiser walkathon for Diwali Sun 11 Nov (8.30am onwards) Vision 2020 is organising a Healthy Diwali Walkathon at Parramatta park (meeting point Garraway Picnic centre) 8.30 am. Transport: parking available & free shuttle bus available from Parramatta Station every 10 minutes Also featuring free activities like yoga, Bollywood dance, story time for kids etc along with fresh food available at reasonable prices. Funds raised go towards building a block of toilets for a school in Chennai, India. Details Prema Krishnan 0423 257 609 Handbags and toiletries needed Want to donate your unwanted handbags in good condition, creams and lotions, sanitary goods and make-up items? To send them on to women in shelters, email Bindi Shah wisekidsworld@gmail.com
www.indianlink.com.au
Advertisement
. i l a w i D y p Hap I extend my warmest wishes to those celebrating Diwali. May the light of Diya guide you towards peace, prosperity, happiness and good health. Wishing you and your families a
Happy Diwali. The Hon. Tony Burke MP
Tony.Burke.MP@aph.gov.au www.tonyburke.com.au
Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Australia Federal Member for Watson Authorised by Tony Burke MP, Level 2 Roselands Shopping Centre, Roselands 2196
Complete Migration Services International
Want toFREE!!! work, study CALL & live in Australia or New Zealand? NSULTATION NOW ON 0413 553 553 140 140 1ST CONSULTATION FREE!!! CALL NOW ON 0413 Contact us! We do the hard work for you!
1ST CONSULTATION FREE!!! CALL NOW ON 0413 553 140 1STCONSULTATION CONSULTATION FREE!!! CALL NOW ON140 0413553 553140 140 1ST NOW ON 0413 CALLFREE!!! NOW ONCALL 0413 553 Australian Registered Migration Agents and Mortgage Brokers. We help with all your Australian and New Zealand Migration related enquiries.
1ST CONSULTATION FREE!!!- Partner CALLandNOW ON 0413 553 140 Our services Include: New Zealand Entrepreneur Family Migration Specialist - Advice and Lodgement on Migrational Pathways - General skills Migration Advice Lodgement - Student Visa Advice and Lodgement - State Sponsored Visa/ ENS/ RMS/ TSS Advice and Lodgement - Business Migration Advice and Lodgement
Work Visa now available
- Admission in Australian Colleges and Universities - AAT Review Procedures in Australia - Immigration changes introduced as of March 2018 - Permanent Skilled changes as of March 2018 - Temporary Skilled Visa Shortage Update
We also specialise in: - Home and commercial Loans (MFAA Certified) - International Money Transfer
SPEAK WITH US BEFORE ITS TOO LATE! CONTACTS: Syed Mohiuddin Director Syed Mohiuddin Director Ground Floor, 57 Macquarie Street Ground Floor, 57 Macquarie St Parramatta, NSW 2150 Parramatta, NSW 2150 Mob: 0421Mob: 119 628 0421 119 628, Ph: +612 8677 5161 Ph: +612 syedcompletems@gmail.com 8677 5161 syedcompletems@gmail.com syed@completemigrationservicesint.com.au syed@completemigrationservicesint.com.au
NENW EW OF NWEON EEO W ENN W W F O OFFF FIIFFCCOFIECE FESISCEFICES IFSCES NEWAdil Mohiuddin
Adil Mohiuddin
S
O
FFICEDirector Managing S
CANADA Managing Director Ground Permanent Street residency Ground Floor, 57 Macquarie St Floor, 57 Macquarie Contact: Priyanka Ajaykumar Parramatta, NSW 2150Parramatta, NSW 2150 of Canada Mob: 0413 553 140 Migration Agents Mob: 0413 553 140,Former Ph: Employee +612 8677 5161 Migration Migration Agents AgentsNumber Consulate General. Registration Ph: +612 8677 5161 Migration Agen Migration Agents Registration Number Registration Number Migration Agents adil@completemigrationservicesint.com.au 1171248 Registration Number Registration Num 0435 549 106 adil@completemigrationservicesint.com.au 1171248 1171248 www.mara.gov.au 1171248 www.mara.gov.au
Registration Number www.mara.gov.au www.mara.gov.au
1171248
NATIONAL EDITION
1171248
www.mara.gov.au
www.mara.gov.au
OCTOBER (2) 2018 35
FESTIVAL
Ga ga for garba Punjabi girl goes to the Garbas, and finds herself sucked in
BY JYOTSNA SHARMA
I
t was a sight to behold. More than a thousand people, decked out in dazzling finery, dancing almost in sync. Welcome to the Garbas, a large scale community dance ritual during the auspicious time of Navratri (Festival of the Nine Nights). At a recent Sydney event organised by the Gujarati Brahman Samaj of NSW Incorporated, some 2,400 people attended a fabulous Garba night at the Blacktown Leisure Centre in Stanhope Gardens. Skirts twirled as dancers whirled - in large circles on the dance floor, their gentle swaying motion drawing others in to join. For newbies like yours truly, it was
36 OCTOBER (2) 2018
hard not to get sucked in, as we watched fellow dancers and picked up the steps. With some very traditional Gujarati music - and sumptuous food - the enthusiasm was palpable, and yes, the dancing was contagious. It was a family evening for most and the little ones kept up with the adults admirably even forming their own little cliques! A big chunk of credit for the success of the evening goes to the talented and tireless musicians who kept the crowd moving for hours. Singer Gautami Bhatt told Indian Link, “When I first arrived in Sydney in 1992, there were very few Gujaratis here, and even then we’d get together and find a way to do Garba during Navratri.” She emphasised the importance of celebrating your roots, especially since the community has grown exponentially over the years. “Yet I do think it’s a great platform to unite many different communities, including Australians, in the most inclusive way possible. For me personally and as an artiste, Garba makes
me feel closer to the goddess and I draw strength from it all.” Another singer Rajal Shukla, performing since 2003, chimed in, “I consider this an opportunity to do some good for the community, as the Gujarati Brahman Samaj donates all funds raised to charity. Of course it also helps to keep our traditions alive and pass them on to the next generation.” Young keyboardist Vishal Lakhiya was all ardour and passion for the evening. “I enjoy the opportunity to make the Garbas relevant.” Singer Bhagirathi Bhatt has been performing in professional capacity since 2010, not just in Sydney but in the UK as well. “Music has been a passion since I was a child, but being Gujarati, singing Garba gives me unparalleled satisfaction!” She and her team were all supported ably on stage by singers Atul Kumar and Pinkal Pandya, percussionist Ketan Parmar and Dhol players Bobby Dave and Anand Konnur.
Each year the Gujarati Brahman Samaj donates all proceeds to some charity and the recipient of this year’s donation is the Dada Bhagwan Foundation (DBF): a spiritual non-profit organisation formed with the goal of spreading peace, harmony and ultimate bliss to the world through the science of Akram Vignan or the path to self-realisation. In this festival dedicated to the Goddess Durga, in which her nine avatars are worshipped, it is the feminine principle of nature that is invoked. The term Garba can be traced to the word Garbha Deep, Sanskrit for ‘womb’ and ‘light’. Garba was traditionally performed around a big Garbha Deep, representing life just as a foetus in the mother’s womb. The dance worships the power and divinity of goddess Durga or Amba. The Garba evening turned out to be an effective way for the community to bond, spread love, laughter and celebration. It was absolutely enchanting to witness a venue, on the other end of the planet, transform into a mini-festive Gujarat.
www.indianlink.com.au
International Migration Centre
Woodfired PIZZERIA for Sale
Contact us for all your Australian Visa needs • Skilled – independent and Australian sponsored visas • Independent and sponsored visas for regional areas • Student visas and graduate skilled visa • Fiancé, partner and other family visa applications • Business skill – Temporary, provisional & permanent visas • Bridging visas • Applications for Review and Appeals Tribunals
We have moved to new address
Suite 2, Level 1,
57 – 59 Dunmore Street Wentworthville NSW 2145 Phone 02 86287336
CONTACT DETAILS Amrit P Jagota (MARN 0532014) Ph 0414 338 423 Manvinder K Josan (MARN 0962796) Ph 0410 719 375
NATIONAL EDITION
Great Opportunity to Secure Profitable Business established since 1998 Loyal Community Northern Beaches • NEW LEASE
• LOW RENT
• NEW FITOUT
• TRADING 6 DAYS • TRAINING PROVIDED
Selling Price Negotiable For Inquires contact 0431 671 989
OCTOBER (2) 2018 37
SPECIAL FEATURE Lace Geometries by Cecilia Heffer
Stitching it together Textile and fashion academics from UTS collaborate with master embroiderers in India to bring new life to India’s rich heritage of thread-work
BY JYOTI SHANKAR
A
s mass produced garments took the fancy of consumers in the latter half of the last century, and machine-embroidered clothes began to be preferred over the intricate handmade garments of yesteryears, the thread-work art forms of India gradually started to die away. Today however, some of these Indian embroidery art forms are seeing revival and rediscovery, thanks to cross-country collaborations. The Sydney exhibition Embroidered Relations: From India to UTS achieves this and many other outcomes. This exhibition, displayed in the UTS library foyer at Ultimo, Sydney until 21 October, shows the works of three practice-based academics and textile artists, Cecilia Heffer, Armando Chant and Donna Sgro, from the UTS Fashion and Design Studio. It celebrated the fusion of Indian craftsmanship with Western design sensibilities. The body of work of each
38 OCTOBER (2) 2018
designer is unique. Cecilia’s work explores the integration of handmade crafts with emerging technologies. Her exhibit, Lace Geometries, a mixed work of silk, natural dyes, machine stitching, hand embroidery and lace, was developed out of a collaboration with a master embroiderer from Vrindavan, Ashok Ladiwal. Donna Sgro’s works aim to reframe the value of fashion garments beyond issues of identity. Her research experiments with biomimicry, creating an innovative pattern cutting method which mimics insect processes such as the butterfly metamorphosis. Armando’s practice uses drawing and mark making, which is the foundation of art and design practice, to generate abstract and interpretive images on fabrics. Though this exhibition only displays the works of these academics, the Global Studio program of the UTS Textile and Design School has produced many works in collaboration with Indian artisans from places such as Kullu, Pushkar, Vrindavan, Delhi and Bengaluru. It all started in 2011 when Julie Lantry, now the Director of an organisation called Artisan Culture, approached the University to ask if they could start such a program. Herself a
former student of UTS, she says she was oblivious about the varied forms of Indian embroideries as a student. It was only later when running her business that she was introduced to these traditional master craftsmen, and questioned why this wasn’t taught at school. Now each year, students of the UTS Fashion and Design Studio get an opportunity to visit India and work closely with local textile artists to create unique garments using traditional methods such as block-printing using natural dyes, chikan work, kantha embroidery and the like. “It is a life-changing experience for most students, while contributing to the local economy and keeping these beautiful art forms alive,” says Julie. “It is exciting for students who are novices to see their designs transformed with the skills of these artisans and for the artisans to see their skills being used
in unique designs - a win-win for both,” adds Donna. Kullu Karishma, a handicraft house, now sponsors the design weave of one of the students at UTS. Alicia MinterHunt went to their workshop in Kullu where she learnt hand weaving, spinning, natural dyeing and felting. She was awarded the Kullu Karishma weave sponsorship for her final year collection which involved a weave of her design in 60 meters of hand-dyed colour. Such collaborations bring Indian artisans to world-wide attention and have been instrumental in the revival of some beautiful art forms of embroidery. Where once these artisans were reduced to make a living only by creating embroidered garments to adorn the statues of deities in temples, they now work with designers around the world to create haute couture.
It is a life-changing experience for most students, while contributing to the local economy and keeping these beautiful art forms alive Julie Lantry www.indianlink.com.au
Photos: Karina Glasby and Paul Pavlou
A Donna Sgro creation
Cecilia Heffer and Donna Sgro;
NATIONAL EDITION
The work of design student Alicia MillerHunt, winner of the India-based scholarship
OCTOBER (2) 2018 39
40 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
send Money Overseas most reliably and securely within 10 minutes through moneygram send Money to any bank account at the best rate and flat fee of $15 (No Limits applicable on amounts) exchange your currency with us, we give the best rates and do not charge any commission send money to our own branches in all major towns and cities in Fiji and New Zealand Ask us about our commercial business, we do import payments and all international business related remittance at best rate and a flat fee of $15.00 only NeW ZeaLaND BraNCHeS 649 369 1723
aUSTraLIaN BraNCHeS Parramatta Parramatta Blacktown Liverpool Hurstville Sydney CBD Darling Hbr Brisbane City
NATIONAL EDITION NATIONAL EDITION
02 9806 0977 02 9806 0955 02 9831 8033 02 9877 2201 02 9585 2881 02 9235 2553 02 9211 3021 07 3220 2881
St.Lukes Brown Bay Sylvia Park Mid Queen New Lynn Hamilton Wellington
649 846 6637 649 476 2086 649 525 4111 649 377 5478 649 825 0121 647 834 3293 644 589 9582
Manukau Mt.roskill Papatoetoe Lower Queen Pakuranga rotorua Christchurch
649 262 2931 649 620 4757 649 277 4000 649 365 2280 649 577 3223 647 350 2425 643 343 3357
FIjI BraNCHeS Suva Suva Nadi Lautoka Nausori
679 331 7755 679 310 0512 679 670 2257 679 666 7855 679 347 7042
Namaka Labasa Nasinu Ba
679 666 1242 679 881 1106 679 339 2007 679 667 8155
www.lotusfx.com OCTOBER (2) 2018 41 JULY (2) 2014 15
SCHOOL
Never ask why Navigating through your child’s emotional education
BY MOHAN DHALL
P
arents should know that when it comes to a child, or indeed adult, expressing what most people call a “negative” emotion - as a general rule - never ask why. In an age when people are more isolated than ever before, despite greater online ‘connectedness’, understanding this is important As a default: never ask why. If a child is expressing anger or frustration, it actually does not matter, at that instant, why. What matters is understanding and communicating the language of feelings. If a child is upset or silent, at that moment it does not matter why they are upset or silent. What matters more, at that particular time, is for them to feel connected through empathy. Such empathy might sound something like this. “You seem really upset. What’s on your mind?” This is vastly different to “Why are you angry?” Alternatively, “You seem really quiet… something upsetting you or getting you down?” in contrast to, “Why are you so withdrawn?” Empathic statements require an adult to be able to read and also articulate emotions without asking why. In my opinion, the use of the word ‘why?’ can be emotionally dangerous for three reasons: 1. It assumes that the upset person will be able to articulate exactly how they feel, using the language of emotions – when most people actually cannot do this easily. It is even more difficult at times of emotional stress. 2. Asking why has the effect of making most people feel defensive. It can feed the premise that there has to be a rational basis for what they feel. As rational (or logical) thinking and feelings (or emotions) are often not linearly related, asking why can make the person feel both confused and misunderstood. This can also worsen the situation.
42 OCTOBER (2) 2018
effects. This process does not detract from teaching children appropriate management through rational thinking. However, it does not over value rational thinking. Overrationalisation can lead to suppression of emotions and children feeling isolated and misunderstood. This is evident when children say to their parents, “You don’t understand me” or “You never listen”. 3. Asking why can carry an overtone of judgement, particularly if the person asking why is not someone who is emotionally expressive. If a predominantly rational person asks a person who can clearly express emotion, why they are feeling upset, then the emotionally expressive person can feel judged and unworthy. If children grow up having to answer ‘why’ they feel, as opposed to learning ‘how’ they feel, then their emotional education is one of distance from self-understanding. In this way, asking why can often create a pattern of verbal rationalisation which does not make children any more capable of self-management or resilience. Indeed, it can make children grow up thinking it is normal to mask or hide emotions rather than embrace them.
Highly verbal children
For children who are highly verbal, having acquired language early, the temptation to have them vocalise and ‘own’ their feelings through adults asking why can be particularly fraught. This is because it can outsource parenting to a child through requiring the child to tell the parent what is happening. This reverse onus can be contrary to helping children feel safe. Asking a child why they feel particular feelings, at a time of heightened emotion, can have the effect of the child managing the parent. This can affect a child’s boundaries and understanding of emotional safety.
Articulating feelings and the language of emotions
In the parent-child relationship it is parents who should manage their children, including through articulating for the child the emotions the child feels. Articulation by parents, until such time as children can articulate (accurately identify and name) a wide range of emotions on their own, has three positive effects on children: 1. It instantly lets the child learn the language of emotions because the emotions they are feeling are identified and labelled. 2. It normalises the feelings because by naming feelings a parent is affirming it is okay and real to feel a range of emotions. This removes a sense of judgement. 3. It provides an appropriate avenue for the management of feelings and the empowerment that management brings. When parents are able to identify and name the feelings that their children feel then it can have a wide range of positive
A word of warning
The process of identifying and naming feelings is quite difficult, despite it sounding easy. In my experience most people find it hard at any point in time to articulate how they are feeling, using a full range of emotional identifiers. Rather they use what I call “banner” emotions.
Banner emotions
Banner emotions include such labels as “sad, angry, happy”. These banners belie a range of deeper emotions such as alone, isolated, powerless, frustrated, anxious, agitated, unsettled, torn, ambivalent, apprehensive and the like. Teaching children the difference between banner emotions and the richness of emotions under these banners is crucial to a deep understanding of self. Time-poor parents, running between work, school and home can find the demands to identify feelings too much. This is understandable. Learning to avoid asking why is a wise first step.
“You seem really quiet… something upsetting you or getting you down?” is way more constructive than, “Why are you so withdrawn?” www.indianlink.com.au
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 43
ADVERTORIAL
HINDU COUNCIL MARKS 20 YEARS
The early years (1998-2009)
The history of Hinduism in Australia goes back to the arrival of the First Fleet. It is understood that there were some Indians, possibly Hindus, who arrived with early European settlers. A recent study of Indigenous Australian DNA suggests there was some form of migration from India to Australia about 4,000 years ago. The White Australia Policy was officially abolished in 1973, but non-White immigrants, including Hindus, had been arriving even earlier. Non-White migrants from many different countries with quite different backgrounds who came to Australia organised themselves in many diverse religious, linguistic, cultural, and artistic groups. The first Hindu association called the Sri Mandir Society, established the first Hindu Temple in 1977 in HCA presents the Hindu perspective on mainstream social issues such Auburn NSW in an old Salvation Army as (above) organ and tissue donation Hall. The first Hindu temple built in NSW Parliament in 2003 when Bob Carr of a religious nature and to comment the traditional Indian architecture was the Premier and in 2004 at the Federal on matters such as food labelling and was the Sri Venkateswara Temple at Parliament when John Howard was the marketing of goods that offend religious Helensburgh NSW which opened its Prime Minister. These functions continued beliefs. Also, it strengthened the doors to the public in 1985. Since then to be celebrated to this day. relationships between various Hindu many Hindu temples have been built in A very important landmark in the organisations; took on the organising of every state in Australia. The late Satguru early history of Hindu Council came in Pad Yatra walks from temple to temple Sivaya Subramuniyaswami from Kauai 2004 when the then Foreign Minister in NSW, and advised the government on Aadhenaman, Hawaii USA visited Sydney of Australia, Alexander Downer and Hindu religious matters. in 1989. He suggested to a group of the Foreign Minister of Indonesia Dr local Hindu leaders that the leaders of Wirajuda decided to have a Regional Participation in the all the Hindu associations should meet Interfaith Dialogue consisting of a number Environmental Movement periodically and discuss matters of mutual of countries. Our Foreign Minister The Climate Institute (Australia) interest to strengthen the Hindu group. recognised Hindu Council as being the Ltd in 2006 invited various religious He quoted a similar successful experience sole representative of the Australian organisations in Australia to submit their in California USA. He suggested that we Hindu community at a national level and views according to their faith, on the should get together and celebrate Ganesha appointed it as the only Hindu participant problem of climate change facing the world Visarjana Festival every year. in these meetings. The Hindu Council took community. HCA made its submission on This was agreed upon and the Ganesha part in the inaugural meeting of this series Hinduism’s view on climate change. The Festival was first celebrated in 1990 at at Yogyakarta, in Indonesia in 2004, and Climate Institute published that document the Sri Venkateswara Temple grounds subsequently at the second meeting at Cebu entitled “Common Belief: Australia’s Faith in Helensburgh. It was a grand success in Philippines in 2006, at the third meeting Communities on Climate Change”. with over 30 different associations taking at Waitangi in New Zealand in 2007, and This marked the beginning of the part with many thousands attending. It at the fourth meeting at Phnom Penh in involvement of HCA in the climate change continued for the next nine years as the Cambodia in 2008. This recognition by the movement. Its representatives have biggest festival in Australia. The Ganesha Australian Government have facilitated the attended various interfaith conferences and Visarjan festival is still being conducted in activities of the Hindu Council ever since. forums on the subject and have made their a very successful fashion at Helensburgh. contributions. In 1998 the founders of Ganesha The second phase On 2nd October 2008 (Mahatma Visarjan Committee with a number of (2009-2017) Gandhi’s birthday) HCA with the support other Hindus decided that we should Under the leadership of its first President of ARRCC (Australian Religious Response formalise Hindu unity and the Hindu Dr A Balasubramaniam OAM, the first 10 to Climate Change) Inc, a multi-faith Council of Australia was born in June years laid the foundations of the Hindu organisation committed to addressing 1998. The objectives were manifold. The Council of Australia, the establishment of climate change issues, launched a campaign membership of the Hindu Council was HCA Constitution and key annual projects for observing “Meat-Free Day” to tackle the open only to other Hindu organisations such as Deepavali celebrations at Sydney problems relating to climate change, global in Australia. It was meant to unite all the as well as at Parliament House, Canberra warming, cruelty to animals and human associations together so they could have and paving the way for self-sufficiency. health. HCA has continued to support a unified voice for all the Hindus living From 2009 to 2017, under guidance ARRCC activities. It helped organise a multiin this country. The initial brief was to of its second President Prof. Nihal Agar faith Eco-Forum in 2011 and prepare and publicise Hinduism to the non-Hindus AM, the Hindu Council strengthened launch the Hindu Climate Action Kit. in Australia. It was felt that the best way the organisation’s structure and its to do so was to celebrate Deepavali, the membership base, established the Hindu Hindu Education Festival of Lights, in a grand scale every Council as Australia’s peak Hindu The Hindu Council was also consulted year. This festival was inaugurated in 1999 organisation, made strong roadways to by the NSW Board of Studies in 2005 to and was held at the Fairfield Showground work with the Australian Government on formulate the Hinduism component of the in Sydney’s west on 24th October 1999. It issues relating to Hinduism, and worked Syllabus for the 2-Unit Course on Study of was a very successful function with many on the recognition of Hindu Priests and Religions at the HSC level. Subsequently thousands attending, in spite of the fact Hindu Marriage Celebrants. It also built the Cambridge University Press also that heavy rain greeted us that day. at continued her own graduation in 2006. ties with other religious organisations consulted the Hindu Council on the The HinduAstha Council to publicise to approach the government on issues contents about Hinduism in the textbook Hinduism by celebrating Deepavali at the
44 OCTOBER (2) 2018
published by them. The Hindu Council has now opened up chapters in all the states, and having become a truly national body, has grown from strength to strength. It speaks on behalf of the Hindus at the national level - with government, with the other associations, and with the public. It takes part in a number of multicultural activities and represents Hindus in many interfaith discussions and dialogue.
Current structure and activities
The population of Hindus in Australia has increased substantially during the last two decades. We are now over 1.9% of Australia’s population and approx. 500,000 in number, speaking over 12 of the different languages spoken in India. Our needs have changed substantially including those of our children who are born in Australia or out of India. In addition to that, issues related to women who are the back bone of the Hindu family needs to be addressed. This actually means that the Hindu Council of Australia will have to be vigilant about what our community needs are and how we can fulfil them. Considering this in November 2017, the Hindu Council established a new organisational structure with National Executive team led by National President Prakash Mehta as well as a separate state executive team in all the mainland states of Australia. Jay Raman OAM is the president of NSW Chapter.
Present focus
• Working closely and putting extra effort with media, government agencies and the multi-faith community for raising awareness about Hindu values and icons to proactively manage to avoid usage of offensive and improper use of Hindu images and discrimination • Focus on Hindu chaplaincy in hospitals, universities and other public institutions • Education related to Hindu scriptures and values • Women’s programs and engagement • Youth programs in partnership with member association and in the interfaith space • Community service and support with Hindu benevolent fund and Karma kitchen • Celebration of major festivals with a view to raising awareness about Hindu culture • Improve two-way communication and close working relationship with member organisations and general Hindu diaspora from all parts of the world settled in Australia • Establishment of a Hindu Museum to present history of Hindus in Australia and display important practices, art and cultural aspects of Hindus for Australian public, as well as people of Hindu origin. • Presentation of “Gargi Awards” to Hindu women for their outstanding contributions to the community For more information visit www.hinducouncil.com.au
www.indianlink.com.au
FREE - Expression of Interest Skilled Migration (PR) Temporary Visa (485) State/ Regional sponsorship Relative Sponsorship Visa All Skill Assessments Specialise in CDR / RPL
FREE - Student services Change of Course/ College/ Uni Offshore Student Visa Student Visa Extension Student Dependent Visa Refused Cases GTE Explanations
Employer Nomination Scheme RSMS Permanent Residence 457 (Work Visa) Short Term Work Visa Business Investment Visa Business Setup Job Placement Assistance
Visitor Visa Long Stay Visa for Parents Spouse/ De-facto Visa Same Sex Partner Visa Parents Visa Child Visa Remaining Relative Visa
Know Thyself as Soul
You are a soul of a permanent unchangeable nature, and if you would live as a soul, you would never be affected or changed by outer changes. -Sant Baljit Singh Nurture your spiritual life through meditation on the inner Light (Jyoti) and Sound (Naad) and realise your true self. All events are free. for further information
Sant Baljit Singh
1800 462 193 www.knowthyself.org
JULIAN LEESER MP Federal Member for Berowra
Level 11, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills NSW 2120 9980 1822
julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au
julianleeser.com.au
julianleesermp
Authorised by Julian Leeser MP, Liberal Party of Australia, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills NSW 2120.
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 45
FOOD
Guilt-free Diwali Indulge your sweet tooth, but with these oats-based recipes by GAURAV MASAND for a healthier Diwali this year
OATS LADDOO Atta ke laddoo or pinnis are rich and tasty sweet treats. They are one of the easiest of preparations when you want something sweet yet healthy. Oats laddoo is our Aussie take on it.
Ingredients
2 cup oats, powdered using a mixer
Keep stirring to avoid burning.
½ cup ghee
Then add ghee along with nuts and desiccated coconut.
¾ cup nuts
Mix well for a few minutes, then turn off the heat.
3/4 cup desiccated coconut 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Add powdered sugar and mix it all well.
Method
Heat a pan and dry roast oatmeal for 10 mins on low flame or until rawness disappears.
Make equal sized laddoos or balls out of it before the mixture cools off. Store in an airtight container.
OATS CHIKKI Chikki or brittle is a traditional Indian recipe which is an essential at Diwali. It is made in many variants with coconut, peanuts and even with chana dal (split bengal gram). Here we make it with oats, nuts and dried berries. You can also make a vegan version by using olive oil. For best results, cook the jaggery until it turns brittle as mentioned below in the recipe.
Ingredients
1 cup oats ½ cup nuts (almonds, walnuts), chopped ¼ cup dry berries (eg blueberry, goji berry) 1 ¼ cup jaggery 1 tbsp ghee or clarified butter 1 tsp cardamom powde
In bowl of water, add a drop of hot jaggery to check if it is brittle. If not, cook further for a few minutes and retry the same process. Add cardamom, oats, nuts and mix well. Switch off flame, add the berries.
Method
Spread mix on baking paper or a greased tray. Press evenly using a rolling pin.
In a pan, add ghee and jaggery; mix on low flame and stir for 10 mins.
Draw desired incisions using a knife. Allow to cool, and then break along the incisions. Store in an air tight dry jar.
Dry roast oats for 10 mins on low flame, then keep aside.
OATS DHOKLA Ingredients
1 cup oats ½ cup semolina ½ cup yogurt ½ cup water 1 tbsp ginger-chilli paste 1-1/4 tsp eno fruit salt ½ tsp sugar Salt as per taste
For tempering
2 tbsp oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 1-2 slit green chillies Handful of curry leaves
46 OCTOBER (2) 2018
Method
Dry roast oats for 10-15 mins on a low flame and then grind into a coarse powder, keep aside. Dry roast semolina for 10 mins on low flame, keep aside. Mix all ingredients into a smooth batter except eno fruit salt.
Pour the batter into thegreased bowl. Steam for 15-20 mins or until cooked. Allow to cool, cut into pieces.
Tempering
Heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves and chillies.
Grease a dhokla pan (or bowl) with oil.
Spread this mixture on the steamed dhokla.
Add eno fruit salt to batter and mix well.
Serve hot with chutney.
www.indianlink.com.au
The Affordable Luxury Home Builder Brand new homes built on your land with 4 bedrooms, ducted air conditioning & luxury gourmet kitchen from $239,900
Visit us online or in person at one of our display homes Marsden Park
Gledswood Hills
Edmondson Park
13 McLoughlin Street, Marsden Park (Off Richmond Road) Phone: 02 4589 9809
53 Gledswood Hills Drive, Gledswood Hills (Access Raby Road) Phone: 0435 440 144
11 Ardennes Ave, Edmondson Park (Off Camden Valley Way) Phone:02 8731 3374
1800 527 526 kaplanhomes.com.au
Luxury is Our Standard
Photos and images contain items that are optional upgrades at extra cost.
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 47
n o s ’ t I i n ! STRATHFIELD aga
vs GRANVILLE
DIWALI LIGHTS C O M P ET I T I O N If you live in the Strathfield or Granville Electorates, you can enter our competition by sending us images of your house decorated by Diwali lights. The w inner will b e invi ted to exclu an sive d i n n NSW P er at arliam e nt wit Jodi M h cKay M P a nd Julia Finn M P
LET’S CELEBRATE DIWALI! Jodi McKay MP
Julia Finn MP
Member for Strathfield Strathfield@parliament.nsw.gov.au 9747 1711
Member for Granville Granville@parliament.nsw.gov.au 9637 1656
MA
Member of
Professional Immigration Advice at Affordable price.
MIGRATION SERVICES
Contact us for MARCH 2018 changes and your options
Migration Alliance
1
1/;: 111;,f 11\j'1 1l11\i, IIIIJ:/1:;JI Migration Agents Reg1strat1on Number WWW mara gov au
Sonal Agrawal
Is the TSS visa for you? I Need Skills assessment for RSMS? Seek admission to World's Top ranked Universities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, UK and 20 more countries!!! To know more,
get quick services with FREE online assessment
PERMANENT RESIDENCE
BUSINESS & WORK VISA
• Skilled Migration
• Business Innovation Visa • Business Investor Visa
• All Skill Assessment
• RSMS Permanent Residence • Employer Nomination Scheme
• State I Regional Sponsorship • Temporary Visa 485 • Relative Sponsorship Visa
• CDR/RPUACS Speciality
ji◄
• Short Term Work Visa 400 / 408 TSS 482 (Work Visa)
•
STUDENT VISA
FAMILY VISA
• Offshore Student Visa
• Long Stay Visa (Parents)
• Student Dependent Visa
• Spouse De-facto Visa
• Student Visa Extension
• Partner Visa
• MT Review
• Child Visa
• Change of Course/ UNI/ College
• Visitor Visa
�-,...._
• Specialist in ACS I TRA I Engineers Australia I CDR I Skill Assessment
• Remaining Relative Visa_ .
We are registered Migration Agents and specialise in all Australian Immigration matters.
Opening Hours: - Mon - Fri 9am to 5 pm - After hours appointments and Weekend prior appointments available - EFPTOS Facility available
48 OCTOBER (2) 2018
Suite 2, Level 2, 48 Macquarie Street Parramatta Australia 2150. Tel: +61 2 9891 2574 Fax: +61 2 9806 0523
www.auramigrationservices.com.au info@auramigrationservices.com.au For appointments: 0433 986 780 I 0404 175 866
www.indianlink.com.au
FICTION
The anatomy of a diya
A simple symbol can become a powerful element that helps one discover the soul and understand divinity
BY RANI JHALA
“C
ome, my child,” Ma said as she led the way. I took my first step as I heard her add with a smile, “There is much I need to learn from you.” ‘Ma’, as Mata Sitamayee was lovingly called, was among the many neo-saints of modern India. As society moved towards materialistic success, Gurus and Mas were sprouting everywhere. It was normal to see each of these saints amass large followership, amidst them several famous and materialistically successful people. It is these folk that become the true evangelists for these saints, to whom they give the bulk of their donations. So when Ma asked me to come forward, I was elated at the privilege, yet matter-offact about the honour. People knew of me, the world-renowned actress, more than they knew of Ma. Of course she would pick me from the crowd, and of course she would want to learn from me. I followed Ma and her assistants into the prayer hall. There in the centre of the room was a fountain. Around it was a winding waterway that meandered around, in a serpentine formation. A waterfall slid over a rock face that made up one wall of the great hall. “Come, child, it is a special night; help me prepare the lamp,” said Ma. “Special night? Oh I see, thank you Ma, that is very kind of you,” I replied, trying to sound modest. Of course it would be a special night. It was not often that fame
NATIONAL EDITION
graced a modest ashram such as this. I looked up to see Ma smile. As we reached the fountain, several of her assistants came in with trays and placed them on the ground. Ma sat on the floor and motioned for me to sit beside her. As I moved to her side, I watched as more women arrived with trays, placing them besides the ones they had already put down. “What would you like to be - the lamp, the wick or the oil?” Ma asked. “I do not understand,” I replied. “We are preparing the lamps for tonight. Everyone will help by adding that which represents them best,” Ma clarified, and then added, “I see confusion. What does it take, my child, to make a diya (lamp)? The container, the wick and the oil! If you think your life is like a container, then decorate these earthen lamps. If your life has been like a wick, roll this cotton into slender wicks. If your past resembles the oil, take this jug and pour the oil into the painted lamps.” “How do I know which item represents me best, Ma?” I questioned. “Ah, I see that some things are not taught in the celluloid world,” she said, smiling. “Come, we will learn together.” We sat down and Ma picked up an earthen lamp. With the colour yellow made from turmeric paste, she painted dots along its entire rim. “Here take this bit of pottery, a vessel made for our convenience, so that it can hold that which is put in it. It is made of earth, air and water, and represents us. It has great capacity to hold and imbibe that which is put in it, and it has the strength to let burn without being burnt. It is the Karmayogi,” she explained. I looked at the lamp in Ma’s hand and then back at her, “Ah Ma, it represents
us,” I whispered. “Yes, child, it is our body,” she confirmed. Then, pinching apart a small ball of cotton, she rolled it gently between her fingers, transforming it into a slender thread. “This bati (wick) is made from the softest of things. It twists and merges to form a strong twine. It thirsts for knowledge, it hopes for direction. It knows its purpose. It is the Dharmayogi,” Ma stated. “I see Ma, it is our mind,” I marvelled at my own intelligence. “Yes, it is the Dharmayogi who wanders through life burning fiercely for knowledge and is ever-thirsty for answers,” she replied. Then Ma picked up the pitcher and poured the oil. I watched as the wick absorbed the liquid until saturated, and could absorb no more. “Fuel, the power behind every action; the strength behind every deed. It is the source sought by all. The final part, that unites and completes. It is the Purnayogi.” Ma handed me the lamp tenderly. Seeing me frown, she explained, “Child,
this is your soul. It is that which connects and that which empowers. It is that which enlightens and that which liberates. It is your powerhouse.” “Ma, I see now, the lamp is man, useless until the mind and soul unite to enlighten,” I said. “Yes my child, did I not say, I have much to learn from you?” Ma smiled. I knew by now, the game Ma had just played. From the teacher I had become the taught. Now aware of how Ma worked, I asked, “What is so special about tonight, Ma?” Even as I asked, I knew I was no longer the reason. “It is Deepavali, my child. The night when good triumphs evil: when darkness is overcome by light. The moment when a nation welcomes back justice, truth and divinity! It is the event that confirms the return of righteousness and gives back the power that once belonged to the Gods,” said Ma passionately. I looked down, ashamed. Here I was, Bollywood’s leading lady, thinking I was the centre of the night, when all I really was or would ever be, was another spark of the mighty flame that Ma was uniting with its source.
Here I was, Bollywood’s leading lady, thinking I was the centre of the night, when all I really was or would ever be, was another spark of the mighty flame, whom Ma was uniting with its source OCTOBER (2) 2018 49
w e r C o g KET
i IC R d C F n I S U M M ER 0 S I ZZ L
E
BAY OF TENDULKAR Love cricket? It’s time to go crazy about it! INDIGO CREW have reserved an exclusive bay at all India – Australia One Day International matches.
We call it ‘Bay of Tendulkar’ and that’s where YOU want to be!
Wear your Team India shirt, grab funky Sachin-style wigs from us, and get ready to make some noise and colour at every game! Boundaries, wickets, catches, drops…. We’ll cheer them all !
BAY OF TENDULKAR Stadium
Date
SCG
12th Jan
Adelaide Oval
15th Jan
MCG
18th Jan
HOW TO GRAB A SEAT IN ‘BAY OF TENDULKAR’ 1 Email us at myindigocrew@gmail.com 2 We will send you a promo code 3 Use that code when you book your ticket through Ticketek
Only 200 seats, HURRY! Buy your ticket today!
DISCLAIMER: Indigo Crew, an Indian Link initiative, is a cricket supporters’ group. Indigo Crew and the Bay of Tendulkar are not in any way affiliated with, or endorsed or authorised by, Sachin Tendulkar or any other person or team.
50 OCTOBER OCTOBER 2018 (2) 2018 20
www.indianlink.com.au www.indianlink.com.au
@indigo.crew
facebook.com/indigocrewAU
DRESS TO DAZZLE A special bay reserved for our Sari and Sherwani Day at the India vs Australia Test matches. Bring out your best SARI on Day Three!
The cricketers have to wear white, but not us! So let us dazzle the crowds on Day 3 of every Test Match by turning out in our best saris, sherwanis and kurtas! The best dressed will win fantastic prizes!
NATIONAL EDITION
Adelaide Test
8th Dec
HOW TO GRAB A SEAT IN OUR SPECIAL SARI - SHERWANI BAY
Perth Test
16th Dec
1 Email us at myindigocrew@gmail.com
Melbourne Test
28th Dec
Sydney Test
5th Jan
DAY 3 Sarees & Sherwanis!
2 We will send you a promo code 3 Use that code when you book your ticket through Ticketek
OCTOBER (2) 2018 2018 21 51 OCTOBER
ENTERTAINMENT
cineTALK MIDDLE AGE SURPRISES… AND MIDDLE CLASS ANXIETIES
BADHAAI HO
Starring: Gajaraj Rao, Neena Gupta, Ayushmaan Khurrana, Sanya Malhotra, Surekha Sikri Director: Amit Ravindernath Sharma
HHHHH
Stop right now and do yourself a favour. Go see Badhaai Ho. You will come out smiling but also deeply moved by the artless charm of that great big universe known as the Indian Muddle Class, and I do mean “muddle” where so many contradictory cultural, religious and political forces co-exist uneasily and yet without friction. Some such controlled chaos defines the world that the Kaushik family inhabits with such fluent ownership. We’ve seen an abundance of commendable comedies on Delhi’s confounded middleclass such as Dibakar Bannerjee’s
Khosla Ka Ghosla and Habib Faisal’s Do Dooni Chaar. But none so delectably oblivious of its responsibilities of pinning down the characters to their cultural canvas. We meet the family - rather run into them - as though their existence does not depend on our attention. This is the hallmark of above-ordinary cinema. The characters must seem to exist from long before the camera was switched on. I don’t think the Kaushik family knows or cares about Sanu Vargghese’s ruminative camera work. Gajraj Rao, an actor of enormous skills I never had the chance to take so seriously until now, plays the patriarch with a problem. He has just impregnated his wife (Neena Gupta, restrained and effective) at an age when parents are supposed to be celibates. Elder son Nakul (Ayushmann Khurrana, owning
the sexually challenged middleclass space) can’t take the jibes and snide remarks from friends and has a massive showdown with his girlfriend’s elitist mother (Sheeba Chadha, so in-control that I forgot she was acting). Then there is the family’s grandmother played by the firebrand Surekha Sikri who lights up every moment of her screen-time like a 4-year-old who has just discovered the joys of playing with fire. This is exactly what director Amit Sharma and his writers Shantanu Shrivastava, Akshay Gildial and Jyoti Kapoor seem to be doing in this film. The risk of turning a story on belated pregnancy into a farce, or preachy (like B.R. Ishara’s Kaagaz Ki Nao), looms large over this exceptionally unconventional comedy. The director swerves the plot neatly away from all innuendos to capture with
sullen satire a family coping with an unexpectedly outrageous crisis. Badhaai Ho is a work of wondrous writing and incredible acting. Both aspects of the film are so unassuming in their impact that the untrained eye may miss the skills that go into scripting and performing a film that questions our collective hypocrisy when we are scandalized by the thought of our parents having sex. In this film the narrative is supremely self-satisfied though never smug. The characters do not mouth lines that they ought to. Rather they say what they have to say when and if they want to. In a sequence after sex, Ayushmann asks his girlfriend (Sanya Malhotra), “Is this something parents should be doing?” By the time Ayushmann’s Nakul gets the answer, we are completely and unconditionally immersed in the goingson, our heart reaching out to the family as it comes to terms with the fact that the parents are not morally wrong in producing a child at an age when they should be grandparents. Badhaai Ho is a treasure house of commendable performances. When Gajraj Rao bursts into “Babu” English with his son’s girlfriend, you chuckle at the linguistic pretension of all the patriarchs of the world who equate the English language with upward mobility. Early on I decided this film qualified as a masterpiece for its solid robust grip over working class anxieties. Towards the end, when Neena Gupta’s character skips the baby shower and goes straight to labour, I felt I was a part of the Kaushik family. When the family’s younger son Gullar (Shardul Rana) bursts into tears on seeing his newly-born baby sister, I wanted to comfort him. To tell him it’s okay. I understand. Subhash K Jha
INDIAN LINK RADIO APP
52 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
achieved is a thing to behold, beyond any attempt to define or explain. Tumbbad is shot in rain-infested ruins that manifest the dismantling depravity of a civilisation on the brink of moral breakdown. Standing at the centre of this universe of damnation is Vinayak, performed with brutal brilliance by Sohum Shah. Is he not among the finest contemporary actors of India? To handle with such ferocious fluency
DARKNESS AND DESPAIR TUMBBAD
Starring: Sohum Shah, Mohd Samad Director: Rahi Anil Barve, Anand Gandhi
HHHHH
This magnificent movie haunts your senses for long after the closing images of raging destruction in the stunning finale. Little wonder that the incredible Anand Gandhi who created - no, I won’t use the mundane word ‘made’ - the astonishing The Ship Of Theseus, is closely associated with Tumbbad. The visual imagery of this film is incomparable. Perhaps Sanjay Leela Bhansali on a particularly anxious night, would think up the visual language of Tumbbad, raging and divine.
Feverish and fertile, this is a work of luminous lunacy. A parable on greed, lust and lustful greed, this magical mystical film weaves layer after layer of drama based on illusion, subterfuge and self-delusion. The vortex of the violently intense drama are two anti-heroes: greed and a man called Vinayak who fornicates (in a manner of speaking) with an evil God. And if that strikes you as an oxymoron, then be prepared for more of the same. Tumbbad offers a tumble of overweening contradictions. It captures the chaos of a world governed by greed and the rapid fall of a man who knows no other God larger than greed. Based on a folklore about a banished blacklisted God and a man who thinks
gold coins are all one needs to be happy, the plot creates a blinding blur at the borderline between Good and Evil. Repeatedly we see Vinayak spiralling down a dark sinister well, the most frightening descent into a man-made hell you’ll see in cinema. Co-directors Anand Gandhi and Rahi Anil Barve have dared to enter a world that on paper seems impossible to render visually. Yet they’ve done it! A large share of the credit for the film’s visual resplendence must go to cinematographer Pankaj Kumar (who also filmed The Ship Of Theseus). To translate into visual terms the devastating images of satanic hankering seems like an impossible feat. Just how the film’s visual magnificence is
the diabolic complexities of a character so steeped in greed… And then there is little Mohd Samad as Vinayay’s son. The young actor is required to express an overweening desire to grow into negative adult emotions without losing his character’s innate innocence. Together, Shah and Samad are exceptional. But the film has many other heroes. The bleak landscape bleeds a monsoonal tragedy suggesting ruin and diabolism; Ajay-Atul’s background score is so evocative and articulate - easily the best I’ve heard in a recent Indian film. But above all, this film is a writing triumph. It wrenches the supernatural genre from its roots and transports it into a land so eerie and enchanting, I felt I was suspended between a startled sigh and a satisfied swoon. If you think cinema is predominantly a visual medium then don’t miss Tumbbad. Subhash K Jha
OUTDATED AND CLICHED NAMASTE ENGLAND
Starring: Arjun Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Aditya Seal, Alankrita Sahay, Satish Kaushik Director: Vipul Amrutlal Shah
HHHHH
Designed from a sloppily crafted script sans any logic, delivering an equally tactless message, and steeped in mediocrity, Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s Namaste England, is a big disappointment. It is supposedly about “the freedom of making one’s choices”. Namaste England is a forced concept, where a married couple separate due to their own whims and fancy only to reunite later after realisation dawns on them. Jasmeet (Parineeti Chopra) comes from a traditional family, where women are not supposed to work, but where their main role is to give birth and care for children. So when Paramveer (Arjun Kapoor) falls hook line and sinker for Jasmeet, she makes him promise to let her follow her dreams and work as a jewellery designer. He agrees with a caveat, “If the decision is solely mine, then yes.” And their love story begins with
NATIONAL EDITION
Paramveer asking, “Jasmeetji, hamare ishq ka inauguration karen ji?” This is a definite lazy way of unravelling a love story. But sadly for the couple, their romance is eclipsed when Jasmeet’s grandfather makes Paramveer’s father promise that they will not make his granddaughter work. Burdened with this promise, Jasmeet, hits upon the idea of migrating to England, where she can then pursue her work. The plot meanders at a frothy pace, and right from visa to illegal immigration, issues are tackled in a half-hearted manner. The dialogues are equally average, run-of-the-mill. The characters are frivolous and cardboard thin, and rationality to their behaviour zilch. While Arjun and Parineeti are competent actors, their performances are juvenile. You squirm in your seat with every passing moment you see them on screen. Aditya Seal as Sam, Jasmeet’s husband of convenience in England, is short-changed as a stereotypical supporting cast. So is Alankrita Sahay as Alisha, Param’s love-interest in England. Satish Kaushik as the visa taut, Gurnaam, does not enhance his
character and thus is an eyesore. Vinod Nagpal as Sam’s grandfather is wasted in a two scene role. Mounted with ace production values, the film seems glossy and vibrant, but this is strictly visual only. The songs are seamlessly integrated into the plot and
are well-choreographed but they do not add value to the story progression. Those expecting to see the beauty of England would be disappointed. Overall, the narrative is slow, with the sensibilities of the late 1990s. Troy Ribeiro OCTOBER (2) 2018 53
S t Fr e re e et En Fe tr y st i va l
PROUDLY PRESENTS
Little India Fair 2018
Celebrating Deepavali - the Festival of Lights
Colourful Festival Stalls Henna Artists
All Day Entertainment & Bollywood Cultural Performances
Exciting Amusement Rides
Local Business Offers & Giveaways
7.30pm: Laxmi Puja & Maha Aarti with a procession of Fire Lamps
12noon - 10pm
This Sat 27 Oct Wigram Street, Harris Park Little India Fair 2018 Sponsors GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSOR
DIGITAL PARTNER
SUPPORTERS
CIA - Council of Indian Australians Inc www.cia.org.au 54 OCTOBER (2) 2018
Charity Fundraising Number: CFN/2241
www.indianlink.com.au
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 55
ENTERTAINMENT
The BUZZ UP-TO-DATE NEWS ON WHAT’S HOT AND HAPPENING IN BOLLYWOOD
SUREKHA
MIRZAPUR SET TO SEE A GLORIOUS BLOODBATH
CALLING YOUNG SCRIPTWRITERS
I
f you’ve got a film script you’ve been nurturing quietly while you work away in the week as an accountant/marketing consultant/IT nerd, here’s your chance. Celebrated filmmaker and screenplay writers Raju Hirani, Juhi Chaturvedi and Anjum Rajabali have invited young scriptwriters to be a part of a ‘Cinestaan India’s Storytellers Script Contest’. This will be the second edition of the contest announced by Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan. “Last year when we announced the Cinestaan India’s storytellers script contest, it was an attempt to give an opportunity to budding writers. We hope that through this contest, we are able to reach out to all those who want an opportunity to write a film script,” said Aamir Khan. The contest follows a transparent process of accepting only those entries that are registered either with the Screen Writers Association (SWA) or with any other organisation where registration is considered valid. Rajabali, who is also the jury chairperson, said, “We are currently shortlisting the scripts from the first edition. The winners will be announced before the year-end.” The Sanju filmmaker, while sharing the details of the contest said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for writers and I am happy to be a part of the second edition of the contest.” Think you have what it takes?
56 OCTOBER (2) 2018
From the look of its trailer, Mirzapur - Amazon’s new bust-or-boom series - promises a fusillade of flamboyant fights and bloodshed. First things first. It feels reassuring and comforting to see the very gifted Pankaj Tripathi finally taking centrestage. He was plainly riveting as the Shakespearean mafia don in Shankar Raman’s Gurgaon. He returns to play a restless crime lord with a problematic son in Mirzapur. It’s a world that perhaps Francis Ford Coppola or Martin Scorcese would approve of. There is sly deceit and tormenting treachery as Tripathy’s Kaleen Bhai (he deals in carpets) tries to control his wild son, played by that extraordinarily credible actor Divyendu Sharma, last seen stealing every scene from Shahid Kapoor in Batti Gul Meter Chalu. Divyendu is the Sonny Corleone of this sanguine saga of internecine wars. The dollops of aggression and trippy retribution are served up with a dash of humorous relish. Ali Fazal has bulked up and trimmed his hair to look menacing, and the super-talented Vikrant Massey looks positively mousy as his sibling. These two brothers promise to turn the rugged terrain of Mirzapur into an area of a subverted Mahabharat. The series is splattered with superb actors. Rasika Dugal turns up as Pankaj Tripathi’s sex-starved wife reminding him that he always leaves her unfulfilled. Well, we won’t come away from the series with that feeling.
SHORTER CONTENT: YAY OR NAY?
A gradual increase in demand for shorter content, on digital platforms, seems to be creeping in. So says director Tariq Naved Siddiqui, who has just released his short film The Playboy Mr. Sawhney. “Audiences these days have smaller attention spans so the consumption of shorter content has increased over the last few years, especially, among the younger generation,” he said. The film debuted at the Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films in late October. The 25-minute project boasts a huge star cast, including Jackie Shroff in the lead role, Arjan Bajwa, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Divya Dutta, Neetu Chandra, Manjari Fadnis, Pitobash, Samir Kochhar and Sudhir Mishra. Perhaps that’s why Siddiqui calls it the “Sholay of short films”. Or is it because the long form continues to exert its magic, despite what the film-makers say?
“I haven’t seen a short film till now which has such a huge star cast. We have also shot it like a feature film.” Point proven! “Star cast” and “shooting like a feature film” still define the worth of a film till it hits the screens. But Siddiqui makes a quick comeback. “It doesn’t matter what’s the duration of your film. Now what matters is the subject of your film and how it will impact the audience.” O-kay….
TAKE A KAAGAZ KI KASHTI IN NOV
No prizes for guessing who this upcoming film is based on. Kaagaz Ki Kashti which traces the life of legendary ghazal singer and composer late Jagjit Singh, will release on 2 November. Born Jagmohan Singh in Rajasthan and belonging to a Punjabi Sikh family, Jagjit Singh left an indelible mark in the world of music with his treasury of ghazals, many of them sung jointly with his wife Chitra Singh. The duo, credited with the revival of and popularising ghazals, also composed music for several Bollywood films including Arth, Saath Saath, Sajda and Prem Geet. During his musical career starting 1961 till his demise, Jagjit Singh released some 80 ghazal albums which are popular to this day. He passed away on October 10, 2011. Kaagaz Ki Kashti is an evocative film of not just Jagjit Singh’s life, but also of the monumental legacy he has left behind. The film includes in-depth conversations with friends, family, colleagues and archival footage.
RICHA CHADHA, BELLY DANCER
Actress Richa Chadha is working on her belly dancing skills for a special promotional song for a biopic on south Indian glamour actress Shakeela. Richa plays the titular role in the movie, directed by Indrajit Lankesh. She is training under the guidance of Mumbai-based belly dancing instructor Shaina Lebana. Richa has been taking lessons from
www.indianlink.com.au
YAMIR
CAPTION CONTEST WIN MOVIE TICKETS!
JAGJIT
RICHA
Shaina for the past three weeks and will be training for some more weeks. “I have always loved learning newer forms of dance,” Richa said in a statement. “Belly dancing is not only very attractive and graceful but is also a very tough dance form to learn.” This is not the first time Richa has attempted the dance form. She took lessons three years ago, so she seems to be drawn to it somehow.
AAMIR KHAN IN CHINA
You know how they love him in China. Now Aamir Khan wants to make movies there. Bollywood actor Aamir Khan met a top official from China’s film regulator in Beijing recently to discuss cooperation between India and China in making films. Khan said that he would like to share his filmmaking experiences with industry colleagues from China, seek inspiration and create more excellent works. His sentiment was echoed by the professionals he met, who hoped that China and India could strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation, share excellent films, carry out indepth cooperation in making films and encourage filmmakers of both sides to produce more quality films. Can’t wait to see what comes out of this.
NEW ROLES FOR OLDER WOMEN
Older women are invisible in the entertainment industry? Think again. Surekha Sikri is enjoying her time in the spotlight all over again, at 73. Even after some 40 years, the sprightly Surekha has no plan to slow down, and says she has no desire to retire either. And why should she? She is currently seeing much love coming her way after her portrayal of the nagging grandma in the surprise hit Badhaai Ho. She chuckles when asked about retirement. “Retirement? Hello, I don’t even know that word. What does it mean?” She adds, “That’s a very oldfashioned English concept, that you do something and then you retire and mostly it applies to government servants. Fortunately, I am a freelancer; I can just go on and on.” Surekha made her debut in 1978 with political drama Kissa Kursi Ka, and created a name for herself by working in films, theatre and television. She is credited for projects like Tamas, Mammo, Sarfarosh, Zubeidaa, Jo Bole So Nihaal and Humko Deewana Kar Gaye. But of course she is best known as
WHO WORE IT BETTER? KANGANA RANAUT or PIXIE LOTT in NEDRET TACIROGLU? Share your views + with us on our
Facebook page /IndianLinkAustralia
NATIONAL EDITION
Dadisa from Balika Vadhu. The National Film Award-winning actress says there are interesting roles being written for senior actors these days. “The whole (scene) has changed. You could never think of making a full movie with older characters like Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor in 102 Not Out. They were the main characters of the film. I think there are far more chances for people like me who belong to a certain category, image wise.” Here, she praised director Amit Ravindernath for taking an unusual subject with Badhaai Ho a film about a man whose mother becomes pregnant. “There’s a whole heap of interesting directors and interesting script-writers in present-day Bollywood. They are tackling all kinds of subjects and I think it is a very exciting time for any actor to be in the industry right now,” she added. After Badhaai Ho, Surekha has several projects lined up.
What’s the chitchat between RANVEER and DEEPIKA here? Send your response to: media@indianlink.com.au TO WIN A MOVIE TICKET!!
LAST ISSUE CAPTION CONTEST
WINNER
ON TWITTER THIS WEEK Match the following stars to the tweet they made: Twinkle Khanna, Aamir Khan, Deepika, Kajol 1,200 weeks and still running! Thank you all for all the love that you have been showering on ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ for so many years! It was, it is and will always be an incredibly special film for all of us. We thank you for all the love you have showered upon us over the years and seek your blessings as we embark on this incredible journey of love, loyalty, friendship and togetherness ‘Once we hit forty, women only have about four taste buds left: one for vodka, one for wine, one for cheese, and one for chocolate.’ Here come the Thugs! It’s a big day for all of us. Missing Yash ji. Wish he was here with us. I hope that TOH will make your Diwali a fun and enjoyable ride!
What’s WILL SMITH saying about his fun auto ride here? Meter se nahi jaayega 150/- lagega station tak! MUKESH ROHIRA WON win a movie ticket!
For more caption entries see YOUR SAY Page 13
OCTOBER (2) 2018 57
MATRIMONIALS SEEKING GROOMS Sister based in Sydney seeks suitable match for 39-year-old/5’5’’ Never married Punjabi Khatri girl. Doctor by profession, vegetarian. Settled in India, but willing to move overseas. Currently in Sydney (on holidays). Caste no bar. Email: guruji2111@gmail.com, Mobile: +61 424 386 040 Seeking professionally qualified settled match for Sydney based, never married Australian citizen, Hindu, Punjabi Khatri 45-year-old, 5’3” slim, fair, attractive girl. She is a postgraduate and is working on a good position in a government organisation. Please send details with photo to Indsyd2016@gmail.com. Seeking a match for Australian citizen, Sydney-based Sikh girl born in 1991, 170cm, qualified chartered accountant, working for Australia’s leading bank. Parents highly educated and well settled in Sydney. Please respond to hs52216a@gmail.com
SEEKING BRIDES Seeking 25-30-yr-old Hindu/Punjabi girl from Australia for our 31 year old Specialist Doctor son 5’9”, born and brought up in Sydney. Please respond gupta_rsr@hotmail. com or call 0414 282 510.Match for boy aged 26, Telugu Brahmin family.
Master’s degree IT, 5’10”. Working in Sydney, parents well educated and settled in Sydney. Seeking Indian girl brought up in Australia aged 22-25 degree, qualified, fair, slim and at least 5’3”, working, able to drive. Call 0425 224 614 or email umarajaj.matrimony@ gmail.com Seeking professionally qualified settled match for Sydney based, never married Australian Citizen, Hindu, Punjabi Khatri 44, 6’, athletic built boy. He is project manager with engineering background and is working in a private organisation. Please send details with photo - Indsyd2016@gmail.com.
Himalaya Spice Centre
‘You name it, we have it’ Your one - stop spice shop
Professional match for North Indian boy, 33, 5’11”, Chartered Accountant, Australian citizen & working as a Manager with an MNC bank in Sydney. Family settled in Sydney for 25 years. Girl should be Hindu, 25 to 31, Australian citizen, and Sydney based. Please send photos & details to: sanjdeep6@gmail.com. A 43-year-old, issueless divorcee, 5’5”, PR holder, non-smoker, non-drinker, spiritual, Bihari, Hindu, Srivastava Kayastha working in one of the biggest IT companies of world, seeks an Indian girl willing to relocate to Sydney. Caste, language, state no bar. Ph 0415 063 532
1 Station Street Thornleigh, NSW • 9481 8200
Australian citizen, university educated Indian man, early 50s, working in a government organisation. Contact 0406 688 262, email tamavu@hotmail.com.au
TSS 482 Visas
58 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
Diwali Fair Plaanum Sponsor
www.fian.org.au NATIONAL EDITION
Plaanum Sponsor
info@fian.org.au
FianInc
FianInc OCTOBER (2) 2018 59
BACKCHAT
It’s beginning to look a lot like Diwali
Exam time: Desk lamp Diwali
Exams, jacaranda rangolis… and macaroons for mithai: Diwali traditions at MALLIKA MATHUR’s place
I
t’s jacaranda season. The purple flowers are sprouting, and they look just beautiful from afar. Up close and on the ground, they crumple and crinkle and get stuck on the soles of my shoes, and stress me out somewhat. Then again, perhaps the stress comes from the fact that exams are looming, at this time of the year. The old wives’ tale at my university is that “if you haven’t begun studying by the time the jacarandas are blooming, you’re in trouble!” The jacarandas also remind me of another thing: that Diwali is round the corner. So I celebrate the Festival of Light under my desk lamp bulb. Because we have a giant jacaranda tree in our backyard, the purple beauty used to feature in our family rangolis a
lot. This rangoli would be made with flowers gathered from the garden (ours, as well as a few that spilled over the fence from the neighbours). It was outlined with leaves from the garden, only the ones that had fallen on the ground, though. Since the admission of a fourlegged furry family member, we have been unable to do rangoli successfully. The dog sees rangoli as a garden that has been brought in purely for her leisure. “Beta (my child),” mum says to her, “I love you very much but if you eat and walk through my flower rangoli again I will eat and walk through your bed… how would you like that?” Even with this floral reminder that Diwali is upon us, my parents will remain acutely unaware of the fact that they
have traditionally forgotten to organise their social plans until the festive day is less than two sleeps away. “Oh gosh, is it really on Friday? Work has been crazy this week.... Call the Kumars and see if they want to come over.” “No, they organised their Diwali plans months ago. Let’s see if the Singhs are free.” “We can’t call them, they are not talking to the Jains.” “Let’s call the Jains then?” “The Jains are going to the Kumars’ event.” When the day does arrive, mum will spend “three hours of the day” cleaning and setting up her makeshift temple on the long telephone table. Our puja (worship) needs to be done at a height, so as to avoid the dog walking all over it.
So this means mum will clear the table of the phones, phone chargers, keys, opal cards, receipts, important mail and all other functional household items, and put them away safely where no one will be able to locate them for two weeks after. Diwali at my place means we are going to lose our library cards, documents and USBs, which have made way for framed effigies and silver statuettes whose foreheads are defaced by years’ worth of vermillon. Yet there could be many not-so-traditional twists during Diwali at my place. One year we swapped mithai for western fare. Ganesh got a bite of chocolate macaroon, Lakshmi enjoyed a bite of raspberry macaroon and Vishnu was lucky enough to score a bite of pistachio and
lemon macaroon. When we were kids we used to preserve the number candles from our birthday cakes, to light at Diwali as ‘our special candles’. I think now though, that that was because there could be no other use for a partly used 7 or 8 shaped candle. One year we also got to buy our own novelty candles from the bargain shops: the parents were not impressed when my brother brought out his skull candle and thong candle. I am looking forward to this year’s Diwali though. It will be the first in many years where I do not have exams to keep me away from the celebrations. I am almost as excited as the creators of those WhatsApp greeting pictures that will soon cause the world’s internet to come to a standstill.
INDIAN LINK RADIO APP
60 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
WIN T-20 TICKETS! H S A L C E
D N I v
E H T OF
S U A
TH
S N A TIT
1 Download the INDIAN LINK free app from iTunes or GooglePlay 2 Visit Indian Link’s Stall at the Diwali Mela 3 Enter the competition and be in the draw to win TWO LUCKY WINNERS WILL BE DRAWN ON STAGE AT 7PM
entries from Diwali Fairs across Australia will PLUS Allgo into a draw for one lucky winner to win our BUMPER super bumper prize: A RETURN FLIGHT TO INDIA* PRIZE Will be drawn live at 8 pm on 15 November on Indian Link Radio *Terms and conditions apply
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 61
LET YOUR STYLE SHINE BRIGHT THIS DIWALI
VOGUE EYEWEAR FRAME LENSES FROM $99
*
+
Blacktown - Ph: 9622 4400 // Bankstown - Ph: 9709 2420 // Wetherill Park - Ph: 9729 0339 Cherrybrook - Ph: 9481 4287 // Castle Towers - Ph: 9634 6157 // Liverpool - Ph: 9602 3105 Parramatta - Ph: 9633 2394 // Winston Hills - Ph: 9674 8632 // Miranda - Ph: 9524 6789 Rhodes - Ph: 9743 5616 // Queanbeyan - Ph: 6299 4411 // Rouse Hill - Ph: 8882 9399
*$99 price includes selected Vogue optical frame and single vision 1.49P lenses when purchased as a complete pair. Other lens extras and lens options are available for an additional fee. Conditions apply, see staff for details.
62 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
NATIONAL EDITION
OCTOBER (2) 2018 63
+ PHONE LINE
$
59
99
/mth
MIN CHARGE $189.94
MOBILE
10GB DATA 15
$
/mth
for the 1st 6 months $29.99 /mth thereafter
UNLIMITED NATIONAL TALK & TEXT 100 INTERNATIONAL MINUTES $0 SIM FEE | $0 DELIVERY FEE | NO LOCK-IN CONTRACT
1300 747 410 NBN Bundle: Min Charge includes $109.95 upfront fees + $20 Prepayment. Available in serviced areas. Configured on NBN12 with typical evening speed (7pm-11pm) of 10.9Mbps. Actual speeds may vary. FTTB/N/C speeds to be confirmed when active. Prepayment automatically topped up if it falls below $10. Service barred if prepayment top up payment fails. Mobile: 6 month offer available for new registrations only. Standard plan & pricing available for existing mobile customers. Standard rates apply for excluded usage. Calls and SMS to Premium services are not supported. Data usage is charged per KB or part thereof. Excess Data $10 for extra 1GB blocks. Excluded or excess usage is only possible with sufficient Prepaid Balance. General: These offers may be withdrawn at any time. Plans are for residential customers only and not for commercial use. Visit website for T&Cs.
64 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au
DI L J E E T E G N E Y A J E K
AUSTRALIA VS INDIA NOV–JAN
BOOK AT CRICKET.COM.AU/TICKETS CRICK0304_Indian Press_358x250_Poster 1.indd 1
NATIONAL EDITION
11/10/18 10:20 am
OCTOBER (2) 2018 65
MEDICINE INTERVIEW PROGRAM
acehsc.com.au (02) 9874 7045
66 OCTOBER (2) 2018
www.indianlink.com.au