Indian Down Under - August-September, 2013

The Indian Down Under POBox 99 Thornleigh NSW2120 Ph (02) 9875 2713 Mobile: 0414 155 402 Email:
indiandownunder@gmail.com
VOL 25 No. 6
Print Post Publication No. 23572300014
Annual Subscription incl. postage & handling $17
Newsagencies $1 inc GST
August - September 2013
SRK
Inside this Issue:
8, 9: Election 2013 - Indians decide
21: Director Alex Broun talks to TIDU about
the play on Swami Vivekananda
23: Interview with Arun Goel - Consul
General on PBD in Sydney
30: Manju Mittal in midst of stars at Cannes
Madhuri
to rock
Sydney
02 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER August - September 2013
WARRAWONG
Shop 132,
(next to TRADE SECRETS)
WESTFIELD WARRAWONG
Ph: 4274 1650
FAIRFIELD
Shop H28A,
(next to Rivers)
NEETA CITY Court Road
Ph: 9727 9213
CAMPBELLTOWN MALL
L38 - Next to home mart
Queen st,
Campbelltown
Ph: 4627 1286
NEW STORE
Open Monday-Friday only
1/1 Swaffham rd,
Minto
Ph: 9820 2611
August - September 2013 THEINDIANDOWNUNDER
Australian Hindi Indian Association (AHIA)
presents
Diwali Party 2013
Sunday October 27
6 to 10pm
Dinner Cruise at
Sydney Harbour
Tickets $65
(Children under 12 NOT Allowed)
Includes: 3 Course Delicious Dinner, Wine,
Beer, Soft Drinks Entertainment, DJ
NO BYO
Ticket Bookings:
Yash Bhasin 0423454086
Tilak Kalra 0413753134
Rajendra Channa 0404554212
Rakesh Sachdev 0407229093
Bank Details : A/C Name: AHIA Diwali 2013
National Australia Bank BSB: 082330 A/C Number: 534859215
Mere
Mere
Pati Ki
Pati Ki
Shadi
Shadi
Writer
Neena Badhwar
Director
Rekha Rajwanshi
Cast
Pupinder Mintu
Neeru Singh
Priya Singh
Ruchira Virmani
IAABV Hindi School
Giblett Ave Thornleigh West
Public School Community
Hall
Sunday September 15, 2013
Time: 1 - 2 pm
Synopsis: Tajmahal Ka Tender explores the possibility of Shahjahan coming
alive and giving orders to construct the Taj Mahal in today's day and age. The
bureaucratic machinery along with its infamous RED TAPE comes into action
and takes the emperor for a long roller-coaster ride. Whether the Tajmahal is
finally made or not, is a thing to be seen. The play is full of wit, humour and
sarcasm.
Director Saba Abdi Writer: Ajay Shukla
Co-Director Radhika Mathur
Cast:
Shahjahan Mandeep Keith; Jahanara Soni Mohan; Darbari
Satinder Sandhu; Gupta ji (beaurecrat) Pankaj Yadav; Sudhir
(Gupta jis assistant) Satish Mathur; Bhayaji (Contractor) Bapi
Dey; Neta 1 Aditi Dey; Neta 2 Nishant Mohan; Sethi ji (vigilant
officer) Iqtedar Abdi
Sharma ji (pollution control officer) - Sunjay Kalra; Mrs Chopra
Anju Kalra
Technical support:
Sound Sunil Kumar & Sharad Bhasin
Background Voice Sunil Kumar

T
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j
M
a
h
a
l

T
a
j
M
a
h
a
l

K
a

T
e
n
d
e
r

!
K
a

T
e
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e
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!
On the occasion of Hindi Divas IABBVHindi School presents
On the occasion of Hindi Divas IABBVHindi School presents
on Sunday September 15 , 1-2pm
Thornleigh Public School Hall
Giblett Ave Thornleigh
August - September 2013 THEINDIANDOWNUNDER 05
Time to decide:
The elections are upon us
Editor's Letter
August-September 2013 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER 7
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Films and Art: Neeru Saluja, Abhishek Sood,
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Parthasarthy, Neena Badhwar, Rekha Rajvanshi,
Manju Mittal
Body-Mind-Spirit: Dr Sunder Das, Kanaka
Ramakrishna, Faith Harper, T Selva, Dilip Mahanty
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Fiji Diary: Karam Ramrakha
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T
he kingmaker Murdochs direc-
tions to Australian voters are loud
and clear: Kick this mob out.
How blatantly audacious!
There remains no doubt that the
Australian media, in general, has been
especially unkind to the Labor
Government. Be it 2GBs Alan Jones or
6PR broadcaster Howard Sattler: to treat
a nations Prime Minister with such
indignity is undignified journalism, to say
the very least.
True that some of the flak Labor
receives is justified. Their continued
infighting has eroded their now disen-
chanted vote bank. Labors public image
is also ruined by corruption scandals in
NSW. Enmeshed in such adversity it is a
wonder that they are still running neck to
neck with the Coalition. At least the elec-
tions will not be a wash out for Labor as
it had appeared just a month ago.
In spite of the negative issues sur-
rounding Labor, if these are sidelined for
a moment, it is not easy to find fault with
their visionary policies. To bring about
social justice has been Labors hallmark
for many decades. Equality of pay for
women, terminating military conscrip-
tion, universal health care through
Medibank, Legal Aid, Industrial
Relations reforms, Disability support pro-
gram and accessible superannuation for
all are only a few of such policies to
name. The big end of the town may
manoeuvre public opinion by full page
advertisements against the Mining Tax or
the old Carbon Tax but its underlying
principles are for long-term benefits not
only for Australians but for all
humankind. The Liberal/Coalition poli-
cies, on the other hand, look for growth
through less taxation, lesser controls,
more privatisation. That is a business
model they portray for the countrys
future. The Coalition also represents a
more stable team, indeed surprising that
there has been no challenge coming from
a hugely more popular Malcolm
Turnbull. The Coalition has rather been
sparse on details of their policies. They
claim they will stop the boats but how
that will happen is based merely on testi-
mony from the Howard era, a different
time that may not repeat itself. The prob-
lem is complex and it is not easy to find
a solution. Rudd has actually poached so
much from Coalitions proposed solutions
that the Abbott team is now at a loss to
come up with something drastically dif-
ferent. Rudd has energised the elections
so much so that Abbott looks a mellower
man in comparison. It will be interesting
to see on the day of reckoning who has
the last laugh.
I
n India, overtaken by natures fury,
the politicking is of a different kind.
There have been torrential rains in the
mountainous north-west ranges where
Hindu devotees undertake pilgrimages in
their millions during the May-October
season. A large part of the state of
Uttarakhand is inaccessible in the remain-
ing part of the year. Pilgrimage to the
four temples in Badrinath, Kedarnath,
Gangotri and Yamnotri, popularly known
as Char Dham, is an expression of
extreme devotion for the Hindus. It is
also a challenge to normal householders
from plains to visit shrines located at alti-
tudes in excess of 3,000 metres.
The whole terrain is virtually unstable
having risen from an ancient seabed
where the geology is conglomerates of
round stones in clay matrix. The parts
were made accessible largely after the
1962 war with China. Landslides are
commonplace in the region as huge parts
of mountain sides collapse after the rains.
Good building practices are non-existent
as year after year trade persons face the
unstable slopes with
stones, a complete
waste of money as the
stone faces are unable
to retain the earth pres-
sures behind. With
availability of better
transport, the region
attracts more pilgrims.
Hence more accommo-
dation is built along
riversides but without
any building controls
and engineered designs.
The catastrophe has
been waiting to happen.
This years rains were unprecedented,
causing complete devastation around
Kedarnath shrine. The governments
response was indifferent and unprofes-
sional to start with until the army and air
force moved in to safeguard thousands of
stranded pilgrims. People complained of
being left without food and shelter for
several days. We may not know the actu-
al toll but there are estimates of more
than a thousand lives lost.
The governments have to be prepared
for such natural or even unnatural
calamities. There are standard operating
procedures which all developed nations
follow to respond to emergencies. It is
high time that the Indian government
takes heed of these procedures and pro-
vides timely relief to her people in need.
Election battle is brewing in India
too. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra
Modi has launched BJPs poll campaign
in right earnest. Addressing a mammoth
public rally in Hyderabad, the as yet
undeclared primer ministerial candidate
of his party unveiled his vision of the
government. He said its only religion
should be 'India first', its mantra should
be the Constitution, its belief should be
'Bharat Bhakti', its power should be peo-
ple's power and its worship should be the
welfare of 125 crore people.
Modi has wrought developmental
miracle in his state but whether that
model can be replicated on the national
scale is questionable. The taint of Gujarat
anti-Muslim riots will not be erased easi-
ly. But Manmohan Singh governments
performance in its second term has been
so lacklustre and bedevilled by so many
scams, that voters are unlikely to give the
Congress led front a third term. Rahul
Gandhi has still not shown any desire to
run for prime minister or the drive and
vision to lead his party to power.
Visit us at :
www.indiandownunder.com.au
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has ener-
gised the elections, scheduled for early
September, so much that Tony Abbott
looks a mellower man in comparison.
Kedarnath temple, centre foreground, is unscathed even
though oods have caused destruction all around.
8 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER August-September 2013
Opinion
By Karam Ramrakha
Karam C Ramrakha,
Barrister and Solicitor, Putney
Chambers, 36 Pellisier Road,
Putney, NSW, 2112. Phone: 02
9808 2760, Mob:0434 986 123,
Email:
karamcramrakha@gmail.com
W
e, in Fiji, were besotted
with Bharat Mata, tak-
ing a lot of inspiration
from Mother India. As India lay
subjugated under the British yoke,
we, in Fiji, felt the pain and also
chorused for India's Freedom.
There is a feeling that Indians
abroad may be drifting from India
while in Fiji we kept a very close
touch. The Arya Pustakalaya run
by the inimitable Arya Samaj fed
us with books and magazines
from India. There was
Dharamyug, and Illustrated
Weekly of India. But the
favourite was Babu Rao Patel and
his magazine Mother India.
I recall that Fiji asked the
Indians to help in Fiji's Coconut
Industry. We had friends from
South India advising us. When I
pointed out that coconuts go to
waste and there is no utilisation of
coconut tree timber, the expert
from India replied in typical
South brevity "Plenty leads to
waste".
Where we took inspiration
from India was the political life
and system in India. The Indians
first introduced symbols to enable
illiterates to vote. I recommend
Taya Zinkin's book on India
where I first read about the sym-
bols. I introduced it to the Fiji
electoral system. India would also
use finger blacking to prevent
multiple voting. We also copied
that in Fiji, and it prevails else-
where today.
Compared with India and Fiji,
elections in Australia are, to say
the least, anaemic versions of
democracy. Where are the
Maidans with thousands listening.
Neither Rudd nor Abbott would
hold a meeting in the Sydney
Cricket Ground. Who indeed
would turn up. In Fiji (and
indeed in India) people sit or
stand for hours listening to politi-
cians.
When Rudd and Abbott debat-
ed, it was like Bud Abbott and
Lou Costello. Neither inspired us.
What is really wrong with
Australia. There is very little
political education. We do not
realise how valuable our vote is,
and how we can change the des-
tiny of our country. I am amazed
at the number of people who vote
informal, or indeed the people
who fail to register or vote (in
both cases attracting a small fine).
If you have not registered to
vote, or do not intend to cast your
vote, or vote informal, take heed.
You are throwing away your pre-
cious right. Turning your back on
your country and the Government
will not help you. President
Kennedy inspired a generation
saying Ask not what your
country can do for you. Ask what
you can do for your country. But
Khalil Gibran the Lebanese mys-
tic would put it thus:
"Are you a politician asking
what your country can do for you
or a zealous one asking what you
can do for your country? If you
are the first, then you are a para-
site; if the second, then you are
an oasis in a desert."
By Karam Ramrakha
L
iberals (Capitalism) versus
Labor (Socialism) - do the
old equations still apply in a
world where global forces buffet
and affect every country.
Australia, the so-called 'Lucky
Country', has, for the past 21
years, remained the Big Countries'
'Recession-Free Oasis' while the
rest of the world has been on the
verge of a continual economic col-
lapse.
I am no Jeremiah but the
Mining Boom in Australia is virtu-
ally over. China's growth rate is
expected to halve. Some predict our
real estate prices crunching by 40
per cent and the dollar hitting 60
cents. Perhaps not as dire, but
Australia is in for a rough ride.
Neither Rudd nor Abbott can
prevent that. It is election time and
both leaders sweet-talk us for our
votes.
Let's examine how we let the
Mining Industry 'out of jail' on the
Mining Tax. The original tax ver-
sion was to generate $4 billion, but
the mining industry's whopping $17
million campaign against the tax
frightened the electoral wits out of
Labor and allowed the miners to
write their own tax cheque. Now
we will collect a measly $700 mil-
lion (of which Rio, our biggest iron
ore miner, will not pay a cent).The
Treasury is left devastated.
Abbott and Hockey (along with
Gina Rhinehart and Forrest), who
openly campaigned against this tax,
promise to abolish it altogether.
They want everything for them-
selves. Gina Rhinehart is on record
as saying that African labourers
work for $2.00 a day.
The question to ask the leaders
is, "Is the Federal Government pay-
ing for its programs in place. Is it
able to pay for its ageing society.
Abbott and Hockey say Labor can-
not, but Liberals can. The mantra,
according to Abbott, is simply
'Remove Labor' and "she'll be
right, Jack".
The only solution would be to
raise taxes including the GST to 15
per cent and apply it to food. Rudd
says this is Abbott's secret agenda
but Abbott is silent. Its policies are
in the mail, so to speak, and all
will be revealed in 'good time'.
The country is caught between a
rock and a hard place. All the vot-
ers see is the leaders milling around
in sympathetic crowds and kissing
babies. Of course, Abbott is the
supreme Opposition Leader. He
made life toxic for Julia Gillard,
making the country believe that all
its economic ills derive from the
Carbon Tax. He famously said,
"Climate Change is Crap". Also,
the rest of the world should reduce
its carbon footprint before Australia
takes any steps. He will abolish
carbon tax altogether.
A frightened Mr Rudd tries to
win votes by saying he will reduce
it.
Manufacturing Industry. I am
afraid this is gone. Abbott protested
when Rudd gave the industry $200
million. Despite everything
Australia should retain its manufac-
turing industry rather than see it go
to Asia. Rudd has set out on paper
a summary of a seven point plan to
restore our competitive edge. Sadly
we are not hearing much of this.
Education. As Bob Hawke said
we must survive by being the
Clever Country. Rudd has adopted
the Gonski Report holus-bolus and
even persuaded Victoria and
Queensland, the two Liberal states,
to embrace his proposals. I see no
clear signal on this from Abbott and
Hockey. To become a Clever
Country, we have to make sure
everyone goes to school, and either
qualifies at university or learns a
trade. No more, no less. It cannot
happen by wishing it to be so.
Now we come to Jobs. Both
leaders promise to create jobs at a
time when we are losing skills to,
of all places, New Zealand where a
call centre can operate cheaper than
Australia. Abbott will reduce civil
service by 12,000 jobs but it will
be done, and here he uses a deli-
cious word, "attrition".
What does that mean?
Downsizing. Forcing longer unpaid
hours on staff. Getting two persons
to do the work of four. Using part-
time staff where they work three
days and do five days' work.
Yes, I admit if employers have
to compete with lowly paid workers
in China or India they have to
resort to such tricks. Here, the
Trade Union Movement which is
now so decimated and often dis-
credited tells us that Abbott will
introduce Work Choices. Of course
he will.
Minor parties. At least Abbott
has made the right move in saying
this time he will not form a
Minority Government. Tony
Windsor, one of the independents
whom Abbott wooed in 2010 to
form a minority government is on
record to say that Abbott said, "he
would sell his arse" to become
prime minister.
Abbott smells victory. And with
it comes arrogance. There is a
touch of Queensland's late Sir Jo
Bjelke-Peterson in him. Abbott has
said that if he wins and does not get
control of the Senate, he will seek a
Double Dissolution.
Anyway, this country is badly
divided. There is little political edu-
cation, only hysteria, and media. I
predict a hung parliament once
again unless Abbott and Hockey
can shock the country into unity.
I see the spectre of Rupert
Murdoch looming over Rudd. In
1975, Murdoch's News Limited
became so single-mindedly toxic
against Whitlam that his journalists
went on strike. This time his Daily
Telegraph has mounted a blitz on
Rudd. Not a civilised whimper or
protest from Abbott or Hockey or,
indeed, from that apparent gentle-
man Malcolm Turnbull.
Come 7th September .. will we
see Rudd back in the Lodge or
Tony Abbott riding his bicycle to
Government House to receive the
Crown. The voters will decide. For
me the old division between Liberal
(Unbridled Capitalism) and Labor
(Restrained Socialism) still apply. I
would rather suffer under the latter
in the dark days ahead.
Compared with
India and Fiji,
elections in
Australia are, to
say the least,
anaemic versions
of democracy.
Where are the
Maidans with
thousands listen-
ing. Neither Rudd
nor Abbott
would hold a
meeting in the
Sydney Cricket
Ground. Who
indeed would
turn up.
The Mining Boom in Australia is virtually over.
China's growth rate is expected to halve. Some
predict our real estate prices crunching by 40
per cent and the dollar hitting 60 cents.
It's election time but the energy is lacking
Labor nor Liberal, but China will determine Aussie future
By Rekha Bhattacharjee
A
fter the coup, the resurrection comes
to a halt read a headline in The
Australian newspaper recently. The
Murdoch Presss national broadsheet was
quoting a Newspoll survey report but summed
up the events of the past few months without
being too nasty to the Labor Prime Minister
Kevin Rudd.
Two weeks into the campaign to grab the
Kirribilli House keys, Tony Abbott led
Liberals have surged ahead of Labor Party
and seem to be all set to return to power on
September 8.
If we are to take aforementioned Newspoll
and other similar surveys with the seriousness
they deserve, the Coalition now leads Labor
on a two-party-preferred basis, 52 to 48 per
cent.
As the ruling party experiences that sink-
ing feeling all over again, Kevin Rudd must
be forced to think that unlike his first electoral
honeymoon, the second one has been short
and far more cacophonous.
Kevin Rudd and his comrades would have
to battle incredible odds if they are to get
their nose ahead of the Liberals on the first
Saturday of September. Whatever the outcome
of the impending Federal elections maybe,
one has to give it to Kevin Rudd for making a
contest out of what was a dead heat till Julia
Gillard was ousted by the unrelenting Federal
Member from Griffith in Queensland.
It would be an understatement to say that
Kevin Rudd hit the ground running once he
regained the lost PM crown. The first few
weeks of resuming the Parliamentary leader-
ship were hectic as Kevin Rudd managed to
pull the rug from under a somewhat compla-
cent Liberal front bench.
The policy somersaults came swiftly and
decisively. The Carbon Tax which had
dogged the Labor claim on Kirribilli House
was swept aside. The PNG deal demonstrated
the ruthless and opportune side of Rudds per-
sonality which could have helped Kevin Rudd
retain the Prime Ministership in 2010.
The former diplomat from Queensland
also had the benefit of claiming credit for
whatever good Julia Gillard had done in her
tenure. The Gonski education reforms, the
disability scheme and steering Australia out
unscathed from the global financial crisis
(GFC) were some of the positives which
would make any campaigner stand tall against
opponents with significant policy black
holes.
Tony Abbott and his Liberal colleagues
could not have wished for the worse and must
have rued the change of the leadership by the
Labor Caucus on that fateful day in June.
Gone were the days of gloating over the unbe-
lievably favourable Newspoll surveys and the
chances of Kevin Rudd knocking out the
pugilist became too real.
What has managed to stop and turn the
Rudd flotilla back at least for now is not too
hard to decipher.
Three years of undermining his own
partys government has dented Kevin Rudds
persona in an irreparable manner. A New
Way maybe a catchy slogan which may have
temporarily energised the Labor ranks but the
Australian electorate cannot wipe away the
memories of the toxic Labor politics while
Kevin Rudd was the Foreign Minister under
Julia Gillard or when he relegated himself to
the backbenches.
As expected, the other spanner in the fast-
rolling Rudd wheel has come from the
Murdoch press. The media house, which
reportedly owns 70 per cent of the Australian
newspapers, has not forgiven Labor for the
media reforms proposal under Julia Gillards
stewardship.
As one analyst has recently mentioned
....enraged the Murdoch press by proposing
media reforms utterly incompatible with the
way its chairman does business in this coun-
try. The viciousness and the scale of the
Newscorps wrath may have surprised even
the worst critics of the media Mughal.
Though it is an impossible task to quantify the
damage caused by the Murdoch onslaught, it
became an uphill task for Kevin Rudd and co
once the Labor constituency started getting
bombarded by the headlines like Kick this
mob out screaming from the front pages of
the blue collar tabloids.
If the Murdoch press got enraged by the
suggestions of the controversial media
reforms, they got rattled by the prospects of
the National Broadband Network (NBN) eat-
ing into the main revenue churner in Australia
Foxtel. Many observers would argue that
Kevin Rudd and his comrades have erred in
announcing the changes to the Fringe Benefit
Tax (FBT) and increasing levy on tobacco and
alcoholic products. Murdoch press has
slammed the Labor with headlines like New
FBT rules mean locally built cars face a dou-
ble tax sting and other misleading informa-
tion.
The Labor critics have been conspicuous
in sparing the Coalition from the criticism
over not announcing how it would fund its
grandiose tax cuts and scrapping of the carbon
tax. The Coalition silence over the $70 bil-
lion black hole is too deafening.
In conclusion, while the psephologists are
busy oiling their tools to get their forecasts
right, the army of Labors old romantics are
busy stressing over an electoral battle the left
of the centre party does not deserve to lose.
After all, the Labor diehards point out,
how many developed countries have emerged
unscathed from the Global Financial Crisis.
Not only that, they thunder, how many of the
OECD countries have managed to keep the
economy in the black and get top rating from
all the global rating organisations.
In my opinion, Labor should not have got
themselves in such a tight corner in the first
place. It is like champion Greyhound getting a
kick in the guts from the owner for perform-
ing too well.
On a personal note, the Tony Abbott tri-
umph on September 7 could also mean an end
of the Malcolm Turnbull story. If that hap-
pens, the Member from Wentworth would be
definitely the most deserving Australian politi-
cian who never became the Prime Minister.
A
n Indian prime ministers
principal private secretary
wields enormous power,
patronage and influence, much
more than a cabinet minister. More
often, it is headed by individuals of
genuine stature and quality. Great
trust is put by the prime minister to
his principal secretary and his per-
sonal aide. Sir C.P. Srivastava, an
IAS officer, was former PM Lal
Bahadur Shastris aide, friend and
biographer. Sir C.Ps book, A
life of Truth in Politics on Lal
Bahadur Shastri, gives insight and
details of important events that
remained unpublished for a long
time. Sandwiched between the tow-
ering personality of Pandit Nehru
who dominated the Indian political
scene for seventeen years and fol-
lowed by no less a controversial
figure as Mrs. Gandhi, the nineteen
months of Shri Shastris time have
faded with only references in histor-
ical work.
Yet, no where in the annals of
history of the world can one find a
prime minister of a country and
president of another country becom-
ing pall bearers to a prime minister
of a third country.
On 11 January 1966, Prime
Minister Kosygin and Pakistans
President Ayub Khan, a war adver-
sary of the day who became a
friend grieving pall bearer, carried
the coffin of Prime Minister Shastri
on their shoulders to the gateway of
the Soviet aircraft. Great tributes
were paid to Shastri ji.
The US ambassador to India
during that time, Chester Bowles,
said, Shastri was an extraordinary
man." He divided the Indian leaders
into Adams and Jacksonians. The
Adams were the ones educated in
UK/USA. These people, according
to him, were not thoroughly Indian.
They had one foot in Asia and one
foot in Europe. But, bright and
charming people, nevertheless.
Shastri was a Jacksonian, with
firm roots in India. He had never
been out of India until after he had
become Prime Minister. There were
many of these, and Chester Bowles
concluded by saying that he had
more faith in the Jacksonians for
the future. In the four decades in
parliament', Prime Minister Atal
Behari Vajpayee compared Prime
Minister Nehru and Prime Minister
Shastri - Nehru, with regal up
bringing on the one hand and
Shastri who fought his way through
abject poverty. Nehru was a bar-
rister who had acquired western
education and imbibed western cul-
ture at Cambridge University on the
one hand and Lal Bahadur Shastri
who obtained his Shastri degree at
Kashi Vidya Peeth on the other.
Despite these dissimilarities Shri
Shastri proved a worthy successor
of Pandit Nehru, which shows the
inner strength and elasticity Of
Indian society.
Sir CP throws light on Shastri
the man, the statesman and leader.
His honesty and humility shines
through. Insight into the details of
his conversations with Shastri ji, his
thoughts at the time of the most
important historic event are present-
ed in full detail.
The Tashkent Declaration
signed by Prime Minister Shastri
and President Ayub Khan in the
presence of Prime Minister Kosygin
of USSR was a historic event after
the Indo-Pakistan war. It restored
peace between India and Pakistan
and eliminated the danger of war.
This peace was achieved most hon-
ourably in accordance to the rele-
vant resolution of the United
Nations Security Council.
The nineteen months of Shastriji
as Prime Minister faced a number
of daunting problems. He dealt with
Food crisis, declared Hindi as the
National Language on the 26th of
January 1965, tackled Chinas
threatening gestures and the
Pakistan war. More Challenging
was the achievement of peace with
Pakistan his last act. The epilogue
that Sir CP wrote, spoke volumes
of Shastri ji the man.
When he died his life sheet
was spotlessly clean. He left no
money, no house and no land. He
did leave an example which will
continue to inspire, fortify and
encourage all those of every com-
munity and creed who believe that
the only foundation for national life
must be dedication to truth and hon-
esty. He never sought for himself
any superlatives or fulsome praise.
Epitaph that he might have liked
would read: Lal Bahadur Shastri - 2
October 1904 to 11 January 1966.
In deep respect for A life of Truth
in Politics.
Sir CP fills the void prevalent
in most historical works of modern
India. It is of immense importance
to students of modern Indian history
and other readers.
The Third Eye by Rekha Bhattacharjee
Analysis
Laboring against incredible odds
Son of the soil became PM
Though it is impossible task to quantify the
damage caused by the Murdoch onslaught,
it became an uphill task for Kevin Rudd
and co once the Labor constituency started
getting bombarded by the headlines like
Kick this mob out screaming from the
front pages of the blue collar tabloids.
Shastri:
A life of Truth in Politics: Lal
Bahadur Shastri
The Tashkent Declaration signed
by Prime Minister Shastri and
President Ayub Khan in the pres-
ence of Prime Minister Kosygin
of USSR was a historic event
after the Indo-Pakistan war.
Book Review
New Delhi: Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh has pitched
for political stability and sec-
ular values even as he told
Pakistan to end all anti-India
activity if it desired friendship
with India.
Making his last
Independence Day speech
from the Red Fort ahead of
the 2014 Lok Sabha elections,
Manmohan Singh detailed the
achievements of the
Congress-led UPA govern-
ment since it first took power
in 2004.
Speaking in Hindi under
an overcast sky, the 81-year-
old prime minister presented
the big picture, placing
emphasis on the government's
successes, detailing what
more could be achieved and
admitting to some weak
areas. In comments laced
with political overtones,
Manmohan Singh declared
that there was no place "for
narrow and sectarian ideolo-
gies in a modern, progressive
and secular country.
"Such ideologies divide
our society and weaken our
democracy. We should pre-
vent them from growing," he
said in a crisp 35-minute
speech, speaking from behind
a bullet-proof enclosure at the
Red Fort.
"We need to strengthen
those traditions of our country
which teach us to promote
tolerance and respect for
thought processes different
from ours."
Thousands of security per-
sonnel were deployed at the
venue, where India's first
prime minister, Jawaharlal
Nehru, began the tradition of
addressing the nation every
Aug 15 after India gained
independence in 1947.
Delhi itself came under a
thick security blanket amid
fears of possible terror
attacks.
Stating that India had wit-
nessed major changes after
every decade, the prime min-
ister said there was a need to
build an environment of polit-
ical stability, social cohesion
and security.
Manmohan Singh said
India desired friendship with
all neighbouring countries but
relations with Pakistan would
improve only when it pre-
vents the use of its territory
for anti-India activity.
He referred to the "das-
tardly attack" by Pakistani
troops this month that killed
five Indian soldiers in
Kashmir and vowed to "take
all possible steps to prevent
such incidents".
He asserted that in no
other decade had India seen
such economic development
as in the past 10 years - when
the United Progressive
Alliance was in power.
The economist-turned-
politician admitted that India's
growth rate had fallen to 5
percent. "We are trying our
best to remedy the situation...
I believe this phase of slow
growth in India will not last
long."
India, he said, grew in the
last nine years at an annual
average rate of 7.9 percent.
The prime minister
claimed a reduction in Maoist
and terrorist violence but
admitted that "Naxal attacks
happen from time to time".
He said the UPA had
taken key measures to make
governance responsive, trans-
parent and honest.
New Delhi: India's two main parties - the governing
Congress and the opposition BJP - are losing ground
among voters, an opinion poll showed, with regional
groups set to take nearly half of parliament seats in
next year's election.
A national government largely made up of regional
parties, with their own diverse agendas, is likely to be
fragile and unwieldy, putting at risk Asia's third-largest
economy, whose growth rate has already tumbled to a
decade low after a period of policy paralysis.
The Congress, which is battling allegations of cor-
ruption, would drop to 121 seats from the 206 it now
holds in the 545-member Lok Sabha, if voting in the
election were to reflect the poll, conducted by Team
Cvoter, a public opinion research company, for India
Today.
BJP would fare only slightly better, improving its
strength to 130 from the 116 seats it holds now,
according to the poll.
Elections are due by May 2014.
Narendra Modi, the likely prime ministerial candi-
date for the BJP, remains the most popular leader in
the country, but his ratings have dropped to 45 percent
from 57 percent in a January poll, Cvoter said.
India
New Delhi: Bomb blasts in Assam and
Manipur marred an otherwise peaceful
Independence Day celebration across India
that also saw Gujarat Chief Minister
Narendra Modi take on the prime minister
and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah voice unhappiness over the
"different treatment" meted to his state.
Suspected Bodo militants tried to dis-
rupt the Independence Day celebrations in
Assam by triggering a blast in Tengapara
of Kokrajhar town, injuring one person. In
Manipur, a bomb blast marred the celebra-
tions as Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh
appealed for peace in the state.
In New Delhi, Congress president
Sonia Gandhi hoisted the national flag at
the party headquarters. Top party leaders
including Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh, and Rahul Gandhi were present. Omar Abdullah voiced pain at the criti-
cism over the communal violence in
Kishtwar and demanded to know why
Kashmiris were treated differently.
After taking the salute and hoisting the
tricolour at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar
amid tight security, Abdullah alleged the
Kishtwar incident had been "exploited".
In Hyderabad, slogans of "Jai
Telangana" rent the air during the celebra-
tions at Gandhi Bhavan, headquarters of
the ruling Congress party.
Andhra Pradesh saw unprecedented
security with protests against the proposed
division of the state being seen in a few
places in the Rayalaseema and Andhra
regions. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash
Singh Badal, in his Independence Day
message, complained of his state being
ignored by the central government.
Maharashtra celebrated the day in the
shadow of Wednesday's naval tragedy in
which 18 sailors were feared killed after an
Indian Navy submarine sank. Chief
Minister Prithviraj Chavan hoisted the tri-
colour at a function in the Mantralaya.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh
Yadav expressed hope that the state will
regain its prominent position in the coun-
try, while West Bengal Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee unfurled the tricolour at
the Indira Gandhi Sarani in Kolkata.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant
Soren, in his first Independence Day
address, declared that his government was
ready to hold talks with Maoists if they
gave up violence.
Reports of Independence Day celebra-
tions came from other states, including
Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh,
Himachal Pradesh as well as abroad.
New Delhi: With election talk in the air, President Pranab
Mukherjee asked people to vote in a stable government to
ensure economic development even as he warned Pakistan
that India's "patience has limits" and it will take all "nec-
essary steps" to protect its security.
In his second Independence Day address after becom-
ing head of state in July 2012, Mukherjee said corruption
was draining the nation's resources. He took a dig at
politicians who he said had turned legislatures into "com-
bat arenas". The president also had a word about protect-
ing nature and respecting the environment, saying the
recent Uttarakhand flood disaster was nothing but a "wake
up call" and "it is time to wake up".
Mukherjee said that before he addresses the people
again on Aug 15, 2014, India would have had another
general election. "This great festival of democracy is an
opportunity for us to elect a stable government which will
ensure security and economic development."
On the latest flare-up with Pakistan, particularly in
reference to the recent killing of Indian soldiers, he said:
"Despite India's consistent efforts to build friendly rela-
tions with neighbours, there have been tensions on the
border and repeated violations of the ceasefire on the Line
of Control, leading to tragic loss of lives."
Mukherjee was referring to the killings of the five sol-
diers by Pakistani troops who sneaked into Jammu and
Kashmir last week. Without naming Pakistan, the presi-
dent said: "Our commitment to peace is unfailing but even
our patience has limits. All steps necessary to ensure
internal security and protect the territorial integrity of the
nation will be taken." Mukherjee cautioned the people
against disturbing the fine balance between man and
nature that could result in disaster. "In our race for devel-
opment, we must be careful not to disturb the balance
between man and nature. The consequences of such
imbalance can be disastrous," he said, in reference to the
Uttarkhand flash floods that killed thousands.
Noting that corruption had become a major challenge,
the president said it was sapping the resources of India
and spreading disillusionment and cynicism.
"Corruption has become a major challenge. The pre-
cious resources of the nation are being wasted through
indolence and indifference. It is sapping the dynamism of
our society. We need to correct this regression."
He had a word about the decline of institutions like
parliament, saying legislatures looked more like "combat
arenas". rather than a forum to pass laws.
"Democracy breathes through a vibrant parliament, an
independent judiciary, a responsible media, a vigilant civil
society, and a bureaucracy committed to integrity and
hard work. It survives through accountability, not profli-
gacy," he said. "And yet we have allowed unbridled per-
sonal enrichment, self-indulgence, intolerance, discourtesy
in behavior and disrespect for authority to erode our work
culture," he said, using strong language reflecting the con-
cerns of the nation's first citizen.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
addressing the nation on the occasion of
67th Independence Day from the ram-
parts of Red Fort in Delhi.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohd.
Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh
and other dignitaries, during the 'At Home' function,
organised on the occasion of 67th Independence Day at
Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on August 15, 2013.
PM warns Pak, bats
for secular India
President calls for stable government
Regional parties set to capture turf
from BJP, Congress in 2014: Poll
I-Day celebrated across India with fervor
Anna Hazare leads largest India
Day parade in New York
Sensex closes in red; rupee tumbles
to sub-60 levels
New York: Indian social activist Anna
Hazare and Bollywood star Vidya Balan led
America's largest India Day parade in
Manhattan as thousands waving the country's
tricolor flags celebrated India's independence
The 33rd annual India Day parade down
Madison Avenue on Aug 18 featured 40 col-
orful floats, marching bands and convertibles
and cheering revellers marching to the beat
of dhols. Another highlight of the parade was
a replica of the Red Fort in an 80 by 10 feet
area in Manhattan near the parade route to
showcase India's heritage.
Many parade-goers along the orange,
white and green lined route wore "I am
Anna" paper hats to signify their support to
Hazare, whose anti-corruption crusade has
inspired thousands at home and abroad.
The parade drew elected officials and
political candidates, including Reshma
Saujani, a Democratic candidate for public
advocate in New York and Joe Lhota, a
Republican mayoral candidate ahead of the
Sep 10 primary.
"I think our voice is getting more politi-
cally powerful," said Saujani, who would be
New York city's first Indian-American politi-
cian, if elected. "It's important for the com-
munity to be out recognizing that."
"What we're really doing here is celebrat-
ing coming to America." Also joining the
event organized by the Federation of Indian
Associations (FIA) were former Indian Chief
of Army Staff Gen V. K. Singh, Tamil film
star Sarath Kumar and his wife Radika Sarath
Kumar, a television and film actress.
Hazare will be ringing the opening bell at
the Nasdaq stock exchange Monday morning
to mark India's Independence Day with many
IT companies listed on Nasdaq.
Mumbai: A benchmark index of Indian equi-
ties markets continued to fall for the third
consecutive session Aug 20, losing 61 points
as the rupee tumbled to another record low.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of
the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE),
which opened at 18,142.83 points, closed at
18,246.04 points, down 61.48 points or 0.34
percent from the previous day's close at
18,307.52 points. On Aug 19, the rupee post-
ed its biggest single-day loss in nearly two
years, sliding 2.3 percent. This led to a mas-
sive sell-off in the equities markets with the
Sensex falling by 290.66 points or 1.56 per-
cent. The bearish sentiment in the market
was led by the rupee hitting yet another
record low in early Aug 20, falling below 64
against a dollar.
The partially-convertible rupee touched a
new low of 64.11 in pre-noon trade at the
inter-bank currency market here, surpassing
the previous record low of 63.30 Monday.
Later it recovered a bit and was trading at
63.25 against a dollar at 5.00 p.m. Indian
standard time, after an apparent intervention
by the RBI. Last Friday and Monday's trade
losses eroded market capitalisation by around
Rs.3.10 lakh crore. Selling pressure was
observed in automobile, consumer durables,
healthcare, information technology (IT), tech-
nology, media and entertainment (TECk) and
capital goods stocks.
Bollywood star Vidya Balan and Anna
Hazare at the New York parade
India
One-handed terrorist Tunda held, claims innocencey
Dhaka: More than four days after the hor-
rendous tragedy, Bangladeshi rescuers on
April 27 pulled 29 more people alive from
beneath the rubble of the collapsed building
that has left over 350 people dead so far.
The rescuers who managed to reach the
ground floor of the eight-storied building
which crumbled like a pack of cards April
24, believed that many more are still alive
in the wreckage, reported Xinhua.
In one of the worst tragedies in
Bangladesh's history, officials say rescuers
have so far pulled alive more than 2,500
people including several lucky survivors,
keeping alive the hope that more lives can
be saved as the rescue operation continues.
"352 bodies have so far been pulled out
of the collapsed building," Badrul Alam
Khan, a police official at a control room set
up to provide information about the disaster
fatalities, told Xinhua Saturday night.
Of the bodies, 341 have been handed
over to their relatives, he said.
Following the cracks which were detect-
ed just one day before the accident, the
workers were evacuated and the garments
authorities declared a leave for Tuesday.
But nobody bothered about the cracks when
officials of the factories forced the workers
to join workplaces in the building on the
next morning.
Rescuers reportedly came up with a list
of 761 people who are still unaccounted for.
According to the sources, almost all the
fatalities are workers of the five factories --
Phantom Apparels, Phantom Tac, Ether
Tex, New Wave Style and New Wave
Bottoms -- which make clothing for many
major global brands.
The building is owned by a leader of
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling
Bangladesh Awami League party who
reportedly constructed it without permission
from relevant authorities, and assured the
owners of the factories that there was no
problem despite cracks detected.
Alleged LeT terrorist Abdul Karim
Tunda being presented in court.
India
No poor in India will remain hungry: Sonia Gandhi
New Delhi: The legal right to food security
is "unparalleled" and will ensure that no poor
in India remains hungry, UPA chairperson
Sonia Gandhi said here Aug 20 while launch-
ing the ambitious food security programme
in Delhi.
Delhi is among the first states to launch
the programme that is expected to provide
cheap staple food to two-thirds of the
nation's population.
The launch of the programme - seen as
both a major welfare as well as populist
move designed to swing votes for a belea-
guered Congress in the upcoming elections -
coincided with the 69th birth anniversary of
late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi said the right to food secu-
rity had been conceived so that no poor
remains hungry.
"We decided to formulate the Food
Security Bill so that the poor do not remain
hungry, their children do not sleep hungry
and they do not suffer malnutrition," Sonia
Gandhi said at Talkatora Stadium here.
"The guarantee of food provided by the
food security scheme on such a large scale is
unparalleled in the world," she declared,
adding that states had benefited from welfare
schemes of the United Progressive Alliance
(UPA) government.
"We know that the work is not over and
there is a need for a lot of struggle. It is our
duty to keep in mind interests of the poor,"
she said, calling the launch of the pro-
gramme historic.
She said the public distribution system
(PDS) had many shortcomings and the Food
Security Bill had given importance to
reforms in it PDS so that the "real benefici-
aries get benefits and there is no scope of
corruption".
The Food Security Bill is yet to be passed
by parliament. The Delhi government
unveiled the food security program on the
basis of an ordinance promulgated in June.
The Congress chief handed over food
security ration cards to beneficiaries along
with a 5 kg rice packet each.
Sonia Gandhi said that the Food Security
Bill will provide benefits to 75 percent of the
rural population and 50 percent of the urban
population, totalling about 80 crore.
She said the food security programme
will empower women. Food Minister K.V.
Thomas accused the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) of delaying the passage of the Food
Security Bill in parliament.
Referring to a letter written by BJP
leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra
Modi to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to
call a meeting of chief ministers, he said con-
sultations were being held on the bill since
2009.
New Delhi: The UPA govern-
ment's decision to carve out a
new state of Telangana out of
Andhra Pradesh has fueled
demands for statehood from some
other regions.
The announcement on
Telangana - a territory of about
35 million people which has
provoked anger in Andhra and
Rayalaseema regions of the state-
- has spurred old demands for
creation of separate states of
Vidarbha from Maharashtra,
Bodoland from Assam,
Gorkhaland from West Bengal
and Bundelkhand from UP and
MP to fulfill regional and ethnic
aspirations.
The All Bodo Students' Union
has threatened to launch a mass
movement for Bodoland. Gorkha
Janmukti Morcha has called an
indefinite shutdown in the North
Bengal hills to press for its
demand for a separate state. Vilas
Muttemwar, Congress MP from
Nagpur, has written to Sonia
Gandhi to consider demand for a
separate state of Vidarbha.
The Bahujan Samaj Party has
renewed its demand for breaking
up Uttar Pradesh into four states -
Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Harit
Pradesh and Awadh Pradesh
arguing that the country's most
populous state of 200 million peo-
ple was not administratively gov-
ernable.
Analysts and social scientists
said there was imperative need to
address concerns on governance
of people in regions demanding
statehood. With Telangana, India
will have 29 states and seven
UTs.
JNU Prof Anand Kumar
favored appointment of a second
states reorganization commission
(SRC), "It is necessary because
we failed to promote a sense of
political justice among the
deprived pockets of India which
are very large containers of
poverty, social backwardness and
political violence." Most of the
recommendations of the first SRC
in the 1950s were accepted.
The NDA government had
created new states of
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and
Uttaranchal (now Uttarakhand).
While Chhattisgarh and
Uttarakhand have seen stable
governments, Jharkhand has wit-
nessed political instability.
New Delhi: When Defense minister
A.K. Antony said Pakistan army's
"specialist troops" were involved in
the attack that killed five Indian sol-
diers in the Poonch district of
Jammu & Kashmir Tuesday, he
was actually pointing to the
involvement of the elite Special
Services Group (SSG).
Army sources, in fact, said the
well-planned, military-style
ambush of the soldiers around 450
meters inside Indian territory was
probably the handiwork of the
"Musa company" of the Pakistan
army's SSG, which consists of spe-
cial forces commandos trained for
covert and irregular missions
behind enemy lines, in conjunction
with terrorists, The Times of India
reported.
The "imprint" of SSG was also
clear in the beheading of an Indian
soldier and the mutilation of anoth-
er's body by a Pakistan "border
action team (BAT)" in the Mendhar
sector on January 8. This was then
confirmed by Army chief General
Bikram Singh himself.
This time too, after Gen Bikram
Singh visited Kashmir in early
August to talk to the local com-
manders and "piece together" the
ambush that killed the five Indian
soldiers, he briefed Antony before
he made his statement in
Parliament.
"We all know that nothing hap-
pens from Pakistan's side of the
LoC without support, assistance,
facilitation and often, direct
involvement of the Pakistan army,"
said Antony.
Antony warned Pakistan not to
take India's restraint for granted.
"Naturally, this incident will have
consequences on our behavior on
LoC and for our relations with
Pakistan," he added, betraying a
hard stance in New Delhi ahead of
an expected meeting next month
between Pakistan Prime Minister
and his Indian counterpart
Manmohan Singh on the sidelines
of the UN General Assembly.
A short time later, Sharif, who
took power in June with a pledge to
improve relations with India, told
foreign ministry officials that he
was sad over the "loss of precious
human lives", said a statement from
the Pakistan High Commission in
New Delhi.
"The prime minister said it was
imperative for both India and
Pakistan to take effective steps to
ensure and restore ceasefire on the
LoC," the statement said. Sharif
said he looked forward to meeting
Manmohan Singh.
Pakistan's special
commando force behind
LoC attack
Telangana decision
revives multiple statehood
demands in India
The food secuirty bill is UPA Chairperson
Sonia Gandhis pet project
The nine districts of Andhra Pradesh will now constitute
the state of Telangana.
Bodies of the 5 slain soldiers brought to Patna
India warns Pakistan over killing of 5 jawans;
Sharif appeals for peace
'Chennai
Express'
success good
sign for
industry: SRK
Mumbai: "Chennai Express" is
doing brisk business not only in
North India, but also at the south-
ern box office and in international
markets as well. The romantic
comedy's lead actor Shah Rukh
Khan feels it's a good sign for the
Indian film market.
"It's a good sign not only for
us, but for the films that came and
that will come in the next five-six
months... the market of Indian
films is so big," Shah Rukh told
reporters, where he came with the
film's director Rohit Shetty and
interacted with media and fans.
Also starring Deepika
Padukone, the movie is a co-pro-
duction by Shah Rukh's Red
Chillies Entertainment and UTV
Motion Pictures.
Released on Eid, the romantic
comedy is said to have set new
records - it has got the highest paid
preview collections, highest week-
end collections, highest overseas
collections for an opening weekend
for a Bollywood film and also the
fastest film to reach the Rs.200-
crore-mark.
'Chennai Express' has crossed
Rs 200 crore mark: Shah Rukh
and director Rohit Shetty
clerbated with fans.
Mumbai: In a major setback to the
Indian Navy, a Russian-made con-
ventional submarine caught fire and
sank with 18 sailors at the Mumbai
dockyard Aug 13 after two near
simultaneous explosions.
Three officers and 15 sailors on
board INS Sindhurakshak were all
dead, Defence Minister A.K.
Antony admitted. The deep sea
attack vessel, recently refurbished
in Russia, suffered an unexplained
minor explosion just after Tuesday
midnight. Immediately later came a
deafening blast heard almost in the
whole of south Mumbai.
In no time, the 2,300-tonne
submarine, a Kilo class powered
by a combination of diesel genera-
tors and electric batteries, was on
fire, the flames leaping high.
TV footage of the incident
showed a huge ball of fire lighting
up the night sky in Mumbai's
Colaba area where the heavily
secured naval dockyard is located.
The fire lasted for nearly three
hours before it was brought under
control. The vessel eventually sank
around dawn, with the 18 officers
and sailors.
Naval officials said the rapid
spread of the fire and the intensity
of the explosions left the trapped
men with no chance of escaping.
"We cannot rule out sabotage,"
navy chief Admiral D.K. Joshi told
the media after Antony visited the
disaster site.
"But indications at this point do
not support the (sabotage) theory,"
he said. "At this point of time we
are unable to put a finger on what
exactly could have gone wrong."
The submarine was commis-
sioned in 1997.
India
INS
Sindhuraks
hak that
sank docked
in Mumbai.
By Amulya Ganguli
The standard explanation for the pre-
vailing sense of despondency is the
"ethical and governance deficits",
which, in Finance Minister P.
Chidambaram's words some time
ago, have characterised the govern-
ment in recent times.
But there is another, more potent
cause. It is the absence of an inspir-
ing leadership in the Congress and
other parties, and the dearth of the
Big Idea which motivates a nation.
Instead, what is being witnessed
is the listless, bureaucratic execution
of routine jobs by various ministries
without a clear enunciation of the
goal towards which the country is
supposed to be heading. Moreover,
they seem to be working at cross-
purposes.
For instance, there is the curious
spectacle of the environment min-
istry wanting to submit its own
views on genetically modified crops
to the Supreme Court over and
above the government's petition.
Evidently, the cabinet does not have
the last word on the subject.
Not surprisingly, this particular
ministry has been held responsible
by the well-known economist,
Arvind Panagariya, for robbing the
reforms of their momentum although
the market-oriented economic meas-
ures are known to be favoured by
the prime minister.
The reason for this divergence of
opinion is an inability of the people
at the helm, viz. the prime minister
and the Congress president, to
evolve a consensus on the proposed
path. It isn't that Manmohan Singh
hasn't occasionally clarified where
he stands. For instance, on the ques-
tion of GM crops, and also on
nuclear power plants, he has said
that it is the opinion of experts
which should count since these are
not matters which can be decided on
the streets. Yet, the government
takes weeks and months to proceed
on these and other issues, like FDI
in retail, for instance, which was
once rolled back, because the ideo-
logical background of these meas-
ures is not cogently presented.
It is obvious that unless the reins
of leadership are gripped by a firm
hand and the ideological direction is
specified, the present uncertainty
will continue.
Considering that the general
election is less than a year away, it
is however unlikely that there will
be a change in the leadership style
or an articulation of the Big Idea
which should guide a nation, as it
was when Indira Gandhi raised the
"Garibi Hatao" (Banish Poverty) slo-
gan in 1971, or Rajiv Gandhi spoke
in 1984 of taking India into the 21st
century, or V.P. Singh promised in
1989 to eradicate corruption.
It can seem, therefore, that the
Congress's unexpected victory in
2004 caught it unprepared to either
select a leader with firmly held
views or formulate a clear ideology.
As is known, Manmohan Singh
declared himself to be an "acciden-
tal" prime minister who was chosen
because Sonia Gandhi refused to
accept the crown of thorns. It is pos-
sible that the sudden selection left no
time for either Manmohan Singh to
convince the party about his right-
wing views, or for the party presi-
dent to signal a return to a
Nehruvian past of Fabian socialism,
which she seemingly favours.
Hence, the drift.
What is worrisome is that it isn't
the government alone which is in the
throes of indecisiveness. The entire
political class seems to be in the grip
of this malady. As much is evident
from the leadership tussle in the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which
is unable to summon the courage to
name a prime ministerial candidate.
Evidently, a decade after its
ouster from power at the centre and
Atal Behari Vajpayee's retirement,
the party has failed to fill the vacu-
um created by the former prime
minister's withdrawal from public
life. In addition, if there are differ-
ences in the Congress on the eco-
nomic line, the BJP is undecided
about its guiding political philosophy
- whether it should be the cultural
nationalism (one nation, one people,
one culture) of Hindutva, or the
Gujarat model of development.
While the national parties are
plagued with indecisive leaders, the
regional parties have the prima facie
advantage of having determined peo-
ple at the top. But this plus point is
negated by the fact that these are all
one-person outfits. Moreover, their
creed has nothing to do with eco-
nomics. It is focussed almost exclu-
sively on feathering their own nests
and holding on to power by hook or
by crook.
The result is that none of these
leaders has the potential to emerge
from his or her local base to play a
larger role on the national stage.
Whether it is the Bahujan Samaj
Party's Mayawati, who was
favoured by a Third Front led by the
Communist Party of India-Marxist to
be prime minister in 2008-09, or the
Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh
Yadav, who has publicly expressed
the hope of being the prime minister
this time, their ambitions evoke deri-
sion and not hope. As an editor said
on TV, if Mulayam Singh becomes
the PM, the last man leaving the
country should switch off the lights.
The paucity of leadership means
that the country will continue to be
rocked almost on a daily basis by
events big and small, whether it is
the suspension of an officer in a
state or a border skirmish.
A nation adrift: Lack of leadership & Big Ideas
Dalmiya congratulates India
A for tri-series triumph
Blow to navy as submarine
explodes, sinks with 18 men
Comment
New Delhi: Backed by her
bronze medal-winning per-
formance at the World
Championships last week,
P.V. Sindhu entered the top-
10 of the women's singles
rankings for the first time in
her career.
In the latest Badminton
World Federation (BWF)
rankings, released in early
August, the 18-year-old
jumped two places to No.10
while citymate Saina Nehwal
retained her No.4 position.
After reaching the men's
singles quarterfinals of the
Worlds, Parupalli Kashyap
also rose three places to be
ranked World No.14 in the
men's singles rankings.
However, no Indian fig-
ures in the top-25 list of the
men's, women's and mixed
sections of the doubles events.
Kolkata: Indian cricket board
interim chief Jagmohan Dalmiya
congratulated the India A team
for its triumph in the tri-series
in South Africa.
In a statement, Dalmiya said
the talented side's showing was
an indicator of the bright future
ahead for Indian cricket.
"I congratulate all the mem-
bers of the India A Team for the
victory in the final of the South
Africa A Tri-series. It is an
assurance that Indian Cricket,
with plenty of talent available,
has a bright future," Dalmiya
said. India A avenged their dou-
ble defeat against Australia in
the league stage by winning the
all important tri-series final at
the LC de Villiers Oval in
Pretoria. The in-form Shikhar
Dhawan (62) and Dinesh
Karthik (73) took India A to
243. The formidable Australia
A batting were expected to
chase down the target but they
could never recover from a dis-
astrous start, ending at 193 all
out in 46.3 overs.
Sindhu enters top-10
in world rankings
Mahendra Shah is a Pennsylvania, US,
based cartoonist.
P.V. Sindhu won bronze in
World badminton
Championships
The in-form Shikhar Dhawan
is the find of this series
Bollywood
By Neeru Saluja
J
immy Shergill has carved a niche for
himself in the industry with his intense
acting. Since the time he made his
debut in Maachis, he has caught the atten-
tion of cinema lovers. One often wonders
the potential of this actor as he portrays
each character with such ease.
Jimmy Shergill was in Melbourne for
the premiere of his film Rangeeley at the
Indian Film Festival organised by Mind
Blowing Films. On his fourth visit to
Australia, Jimmy visited Sydney,
Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to promote
the film and Punjabi cinema.
Excerpts from the interview:
Tell us more about your home pro-
duction Rangeeley with Neha Dhupia.
While I have done a few Punjabi films
before, this is Neha Dhupias first Punjabi
film. She is a Punjabi and this is a gift
from her side to her Punjabi fans. My last
film was on politics but this is a complete
entertainer. It has all the elements of enter-
tainment comedy, romance, action,
music, dance numbers -- and will appeal to
adults and kids. Its a slice of life picked
up from reality and has been shot in
Chandigarh and Ambala. I play the char-
acter of Sunny, a local Punjabi boy who is
a recovery agent (a loan agent who recov-
ers bounced cheques). Its a typical love
story where a girl and boy meet at the gol
guppa shop in Punjab.
Coming from Punjab with no star
connection, tell us how you made your
foray into Bollywood?
I was born in Gorakhapur, Uttar
Pradesh in a Sikh family. We had a house
in Patiala and 6th standard onwards I did
my schooling in Nabha and Patiala. I land-
ed in Mumbai to join acting classes with
Roshan Taneja. My fate changed when I
met Gulzar to become his assistant direc-
tor. Before I realised, I got offered a small
role in his film Maachis. At that time, no
one knew me and after a long struggle, he
saw something in me. So I grabbed the
opportunity. Along with acting in the film,
I also assisted him in direction. It was the
first time I saw a film shot!
After Maachis, do you think you got
stereotyped in the same kind of roles?
Maachis was a stepping stone in my
career. But only three years later I got a
breakthrough in commercial cinema
through Mohabbatein. People couldnt
recognise me as in Maachis I had this long
hair and bearded look while in
Mohabbatein I was clean shaven. It was
like redefining myself as an actor.
I tried my best not to get stereo-
typed in the same kind of roles. It was
a conscious decision to choose the
characters I wanted to play. I didnt
want to stick to the chocolate boy
image. I wanted to keep doing varied
roles. I never wanted to be slotted in
the same kind of role.
After playing all kind of characters
in Hindi and Punjabi films, which films
are close to your heart?
The most memorable role was from my
first film Maachis and Mohabbatein.
The closest to heart roles
happen whenever I
play an army or air
force character.
Those heroes
are the real
heroes and
playing a
role from
the mili-
t a r y
c a m p
h a s
always
had a
speci al
a p p e a l
for me. I
have also
enjoyed my
role in
Munna Bhai
MBBS, Sahib
Biwi aur Gangster
and Tanu Weds Manu.
My dream role would be
light-hearted stuff. My Hindi film
roles have been a bit intense. So in Punjabi
films I like to do entertaining roles.
Personally, I enjoy this kind of stuff.
This year has been a busy year for
you as an actor and producer. How do
you strike a balance between family and
your profession?
Right now Im on a 45 days promotion
for my film Rangeeley. After seven days
in Australia with a premiere in Melbourne,
I will head back to Mumbai. As an actor
you need to balance your life. My son
Veer is nine years old. He is into sports
and loves cricket, football, swimming and
tennis. Hes busier than me! Whenever he
doesnt have school we spend time as a
family. Like any normal person I finish my
work and love sitting with my family. I
enjoy the security of my family and spend-
ing time with them. Im an introvert and an
extrovert, as Im comfortable with people
I know and usually take a lot
of time opening up.
Punjabi cinema
still struggles to
get worldwide
fame like
Bol l ywood.
As a
P u n j a b i
actor, how
do you see
your con-
tribution?
I see
my duty as
a Sikh
t o w a r d s
Punjabi cine-
ma. The stan-
dards for Hindi
and English films
are very high, and I would like to see
Punjabi films at the same calibre. Punjabi
films have limited budgets but they are
slowly coming up to standard cinema. Its
an emotional market.
90% of the Punjabis still do not want to
watch films in cinemas. It is my duty to
knock on their doors and bring them to the
cinemas.
What satisfies you the most as an
actor?
As an actor I put in a lot of love. I
work hard for the characters I play and I
like it when critics appreciate my role. Its
a whole cycle that you are looking at. If
the critics like you, then people like you.
Though I have been acting for more
than a decade, this phase is one of the
best and happiest phases of my acting
career.
With no sugar daddy in Bollywood, Sikh-born
Jimmy Shergill has still made a place for himself as
an actor. He is currently promoting his Punjabi
film Rangeeley and likes out-and-out
entertainers like this one.
Jimmy as lover boy
in Mohabbetein
Jimmy Shergill
(middle) in
'Rangeeley'
Mahie Gill, Randeep Hooda and Jimmy Shergill in Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster
Bollywood
T
IDUs Facebook page lifted with
delight as people read the news of SRK
the most popular and favourite
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khans news of
him heading to Sydney for a concert on
October 7, 2013. It soon made headlines in
the social media having been confirmed by
none other than by the NSW Premier who
announced Khans concert under the banner
of Parramasala to be held from October 4-7.
Considering that Sydney is feeling let
down by the cancellation of Rehmanishq
scheduled for August 24, Temptation
Reloaded is surely tempting Sydneysiders as
well as others from the rest of Australia as it
gathers momentum with Madhuri Dixit as the
star attraction who will set the stage on fire
with SRK. Another leading actress would
soon be announced as well and Sydneys
social network is rife with Katrina Kaifs
name.
Well, Temptation Reloaded is the con-
cert of the year featuring King Khan and the
dancing sensation Madhuri Dixit the
favourite pair of the famous movie Dil to
Pagal Hai This spectacular production of
Temptation Reloaded descends upon Sydney
on 7th October at Allphones Arena, Sydney
Olympic Park.
After selling out in 12 countries around
the world, its finally Australias turn to wit-
ness Bollywoods brightest stars in this amaz-
ing production of Indian music, dance and
comedy.
Temptation Reloaded flaunts Indias #1
ranked movie star, and the undoubtable King
of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. This hand-
some and popular superstar has featured in
over 75 films, has over four million twitter
followers, has been named by Newsweek as
one of the worlds 50 most powerful peo-
ple, and has been dubbed by the LA Times
as perhaps the worlds biggest movie star.
He is estimated to have a fan base of over one
billion people, a truly staggering figure for an
entertainer.
Joining Shah Rukh Khan on stage will be
leading Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit.
With a string of awards to her name, Madhuri
has been named the Best Bollywood Actress
Ever by Rediff, has been given a tribute by
the Indian Film Festival in LA, and in 2010
The Economic Times named her in their list
of 33 women who have made India proud.
With the magical stage chemistry between
Shah Rukh and Madhuri, plus a cast and crew
of 110, this is the largest and most exciting
Bollywood production Australia has ever
seen. The extravaganza will showcase state-
of-the-art production, mind-blowing visuals
and stunning costume changes.
The Indian cinema industry is the biggest
movie ticket market in the world, with a phe-
nomenal 3.3 billion tickets sold every year.
Australia is considered the fifth biggest mar-
ket for Bollywood outside India.
NSW Premier and Minister for Western
Sydney, Barry OFarrell announced early last
week that NSW had secured Bollywood leg-
end Shah Rukh Khan to visit Sydney in
October as part of the fourth annual
Parramasala Festival in Parramatta.
Parramasala is a key arts and cul-
tural event on the NSW Events
Calendar and brings some of the
worlds best artists to Western
Sydney, said Mr OFarrell.
With SRKs huge appeal
and this spectacular perform-
ance, 14,000 lucky people
will experience unique and
exciting entertainment,"
Destination NSW CEO
Sandra Chipchase said.
"SRKs fans wont be
disappointed, and
Sydney wont disappoint
the fans wholl travel here
to see this superstar per-
form. "The past two years
have been a labour of love as
weve worked tirelessly to bring
this show to NSW. With a travel
party of over 110, spectacular
stage production, and the biggest
Bollywood stars, it will be the first
time weve seen such an extravagant event,
UAE Co-Founder and Promoter Ritchie
Perera said.
"It was a coup for us to secure such a stel-
lar line-up for this milestone event. Were so
excited to be a part of Temptation Reloaded,
its a privilege to bring Shah Rukh Khan and
this event to the wider Community, UAE
Co-Founder and Co-Promoter Eric Woo
added. With tickets starting from $99, this
show sure will be a sell out!
Who would have thought that Madhuri
Dixit happily settled in America and a mother
of two and deep into the housewife role would
move back lock, stock and barrel with her
husband Dr Nene and her two sons to
Bollywood and recreate her charisma on
screen. And to think of Madhuri coming
Down Under was just impossible as Mrs
Nene left not only the film industry but
the country as well. As she is back, the
SRK show has been able to pull her in
Temptation Reloaded.
This Bollywood Diva needs no intro-
duction often cited as one of the best
actresses in Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit is
in a league of her own. Shes loved for
her performances, her beauty and her
accomplished dancing. She also has the
kind of smile that could light up your day.
With 1988 blockbuster Tezaab in
which Madhuri starred opposite Anil
Kapoor, that years highest grossing
movie, Madhuris crowd-pleasing dance
number to Ek Do Teen became an all
time hit. Next was 1990 super-hit film
Dil which was not only the biggest box-
office hit of the year in India; it was also
the film which earned her the first
Filmfare Best Actress Award of her
career.
In 1993, Madhuri set the screen
on fire with the song Choli Ke
Peeche Kya Hai in the film
Kha l na ya k.
Not even the
cheeky lyrics
could dis-
tract her
from her
bri l l i ant
d a n c e
moves.
Four
years later Madhuri set the screen on fire once
again with her dance moves, this time starring
opposite Shah Rukh Khan for the blockbuster
musical romance Dil to Pagal Hai. The film
won three National Film Awards, seven
Filmfare Awards and has attained classic sta-
tus over the years.
After their successful pairing in Dil to
Pagal Hai, Madhuri and Shah Rukh came
together again in the 2002 film Devdas. Not
only was the film declared a box-office hit, it
won the Filmfare Award for Best Film among
nine other Filmfare Awards and five National
Awards. Devdas was also nominated for the
BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language
Film and was also Indias submission for the
Academy Award for Best Foreign Language
Film. In 2010 Time
Magazine named
Devdas as the
best movie of
2002 among all
the movies
released around
the world that
year. In
2 0 0 7 ,
Ma d h u r i
starred in
the musi-
cal, Aaja Nachle. Her performance was so
highly appreciated that she had the New York
Times saying, Shes still got it.
With six Filmfare Awards, four for Best
Actress, one for Best Supporting Actress and
a special Filmfare Award for completing 25
years in Bollywood, Madhuris star continues
to shine.
Temptation Reloaded with Shah Rukh
and Madhuri and their production team of 110
will set the stage alight on October 7.
Be there at this Bollywood extravaganza
as we are sure that Mr. Barry OFarrell him-
self will be there to witness the magic of
Bollywood!
King Khan and dancing diva Madhuri Dixit will recreate their magical chemistry as seen in
Dil To Pagal Hai, a hit musical romance of 1997.
Feeling let down by the cancellation of Rehmanishq, Sydneysiders
as well as others from the rest of Australia are now looking forward
to see Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit star in the concert under
the banner of Parramasala schedule for Oct 4-7.
Community
By Neena Badhwar
G
ambhir Watts, chairperson of
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Australia, was bestowed the
Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in
June this year. He received the honour
for his services to help promote multi-
culturalism in NSW.
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, or BVB as
it is popularly known, with Gambhir
Watts at its helm, has recently celebrat-
ed its successful ten years. And it is
Watts who has steered the ship that has
taken exposure of Indian presence in
Australia to a new high. He has, for the
Indian community, established BVB as
an ideal institution with a mission
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning
the world is one family. Says he,
BVB stands true to Australia where
people from over 200 countries from
around the world live and make
Australia a rich multicultural tapestry.
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is based on
the philosophy of Let noble thoughts
come from all sides, says Gambhir as
he has organised its agship event Holi
Mahotsav a festival of colours right in
the middle of Sydney city with over
30,000 people attending this cheeky yet
colourful festival full of joyous
atmosphere and entertainment with
food to all the Holi revellers. Not
just restricted to Indians, the festi-
vals is patronised by people from
the whole multicultural milieu of
Sydney, even tourists who curiously
observe, enjoy and participate in this
festival which has become an iconic
celebration that the city is proud of
during the months of March/April
every year. Holi celebrations at
Darling Harbour have become rather
a three day event with parades, work-
shops, essay competition by school
kids culminating into a joyous colour-
ful day-long festival of Holi colour and
entertainment which all enjoy.
Having migrated here in 2000,
Gambhir has very quickly achieved a lot
on the cultural front as if he is a man on
a mission. A true cultural ambassador of
India, he has involved himself with
Diabetes Australia where he certied
translation in Hindi. He tried, in
Bankstown, for a couple of years ve
over cricket matches between multicul-
tural teams but gave up as logistics did
not work out.
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has also
sponsored many cultural functions by
the community with BVB supporting
events which look for support under
Gambhirs banner. Another great idea
was holding a World Cultural
Concert which was held at Sydney
Town Hall as TIDU was witness to an
excellent medley of dances on show
by various communities that included
Indian, Spanish, Tibetan and other
artists. This event celebrated the variety
of culture and tradition and how they are
being maintained and propagated here
far away from the land of their origin.
Says Gambhir, quite determinedly,
I will start it again as it nished after
two annual events due to renovations to
Sydney Town Hall.
Gambhir was also appointed a com-
missioner with CRC Community
Relations Commission working as chair-
person of northern region advisory
council for three years while running an
accounting rm Taxation Guru as in
India he was involved in commissioning
new project and procuring nances for
state and government industrial bodies.
All that work has helped him form a
solid foundation in Australia to work
from. Not only has he done work
through BVB in Sydney but also
Australiawide.
When asked that one gets the impres-
sion that he is a devout Gandhi follower,
he says, Frankly I did not know about
Gandhi because of my association with
BJP. While setting up BVB I was
approached by a Japanese Nicheran
Buddhist organisation Soka Gakai
International in Olympic Park which
launched an exhibition called Gandhi
King Ikeda showcasing Mahatma
Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr and So
Ka Gakai President Daisaku Ikeda.
Watts was asked to speak about Gandhi
along with Martin Lawrence of King
foundation from USA and Stuart Rees of
Sydney Peace Foundation. This created
interest in Watts as he read close to a
dozen books studying Gandhiji and his
philosophy day and night. Once
Gambhirs wife Bhauji said, He stays
awake every night till 4am reading,
thinking and working on various proj-
ects, which gives an insight into
Gambhirs life as he became a man pos-
sessed with spreading Gandhijis mes-
sage. Not only has he read and lectured,
Gambhir has also become a Gandhian in
his daily life.
As he speaks, Eye for an eye
makes everyone blind; I want the
winds of wisdom of various cultures to
blow through me but I refuse to be
blown away; no culture can survive
if it is exclusive all Gandhis quotes
come out of Gambhirs mouth quite
naturally as he has set up early this
year an International Centre of Non
Violence, Australia when he invited
Ila Gandhi granddaughter of
Gandhiji -- to Australia for a three day
conference.
We have an impressive list of
patrons from Australia, India, USA and
Norway, Mayor of Sydney, Professor
Stuart Rees and Deputy commissioner of
Police NSW, all who have been inu-
enced by Gandhijis message of non-vio-
lence, says Gambhir.
BVB also runs Indian cultural study
classes and in other languages including
Sanskrit, a Bhavans Weekly an E-
news informing every one of its activi-
ties and yoga articles. It also sends out a
serious yet highly respected and treas-
ured magazine Bhavan Australia which
carries many inspiring articles including
many on the life of the great Mahatma.
Gambhir also publishes a Hindi maga-
zine Navneet an E-Zine again sent to
all the community.
To have come to Australia at the age
that he came, almost post retirement,
Gambhir did nd his Indian roots here in
Australia having seen how people here
in Sydney revere Indian culture and
Mahatma Gandhi. Who else but a wife
can be a sure witness to a man who is
just too busy spreading the message as
she gets overlooked. Gambhir is de-
nitely a man on a mission and he found
his roots, discovered Gandhi in Australia
and became his disciple in a true sense.
Multiculturalism man in a hurry
Gambhir Watts
Gambhir Watts
came to
Australia
post-retire-
ment only in
year 2000. Yet,
the head of
Bharatiya Vidya
Bhavan has
accomplished
so much
that he was
bestowed the
Order of
Australia Medal
(OAM) in June.
Bollywood
By Neena Badhwar
I
t was an opportunity to see Zenia
Starr from up close not only when
she won Raj Suris Miss India
Australia (MIA) competition, but also an
ample proof of her talent when Sydney
community attended a premiere of a
movie Zenia acted in. It was My
Cornerstone in which she played the
main role of a young nurse brought
fresh from India who gets embroiled in
the family drama and politics surround-
ing the wealth of a stroke-ridden old
lady. Zenia played the role quite well as
if she was a real nurse. She is a therapist
who sees patients in a clinic and follows
her acting passion during the evenings
by attending acting classes
As we talk Zenia discloses that she is
a full fledged therapist and practices
while chasing her dream to become an
actor in Bollywood and local Australian
movies. Zenia has also starred in another
movie Backyard Ashes - a movie
based around cricket which was shot in
Wagga Wagga and would soon be
released.
Zenia is a beautiful girl, with great
smile and expressive eyes and she car-
ries herself with graceful charm that is
rare to find these days. No wonder she
was picked the winner over others the
night of MIA 2013 announcement in
Sydney in April this year. Busy as she
can be it has been some time before
TIDU has caught up with Zenia.
A NIDA trainee, Zenia is cur-
rently busy studying acting in
Redfern to be specific, a
technique in acting which she
says many Hollywood
actors follow the
Meisner technique. Its
all about learning act-
ing such as feeling,
living in front of a
camera. We work in
pairs and organically
come up with instinc-
tive, real impulses
and pick on each
others body lan-
guage to respond.
Although working
long hours, Zenia
says she is able to
do so only
because of an
understanding
boss.
Zenia went for
Miss India
Australia com-
petition not
because she
likes model-
ling, but
because she
decided to
go for it to
see whether
it can help
her hone her
skills and
take some tips
from Raj Suri who she
considers as her true men-
tor and was curious to find
out how MIA can help
sharpen her acting and to
see the possibility of using
it as a stepping stone to
enter Bollywood.
On the night of the
announcement of MIA win-
ner, Zenia says she was the
most surprised as she had
already told her parents to
leave the camera at home
as she thought that other
contestants were much,
much better. For my tal-
ent quest I could have
relied on acting but I per-
formed a dance and played
guitar. But when Raj came
to know that I like to act
he insisted that I act out a
scene. For that again I
picked a role from Chetan
Bhagats novel Two
States and did a mono-
logue dressed up as a
man. I said to my par-
ents, who would choose me for a winner
in a beauty pageant contest considering I
did what I did which was not as glam-
orous as many other contestants who
presented items in beautiful costumes
and looked dazzling,
It was a real surprise for me that
night! remem-
bers Zenia. I
feel hon-
oured to
be cho-
sen as
the
title
gives me the opportunity to represent
Australia as well as India and to be able
to proudly say that I am both in an
open and honest way. In Malaysia where
girls from all over the world came to
contest Miss World India I came across
girls from Indian homes from various
countries who spoke for example perfect
French in French accent and then they
could speak Hindi, Punjabi or even
Gujarati. We were so similar in our
upbringing yet living so far apart. I
made a number of friends and networked
as we spent a week there taking part in
various activities organised for us and
photo shoots.
It was fascinating to see a deaf girl
win the competition as her sister did sign
language for her when she danced by
sensing the beats through the floor. It
was a wonderful experience and to be
able to make friends, Indian girls who
were not only beautiful but also grace-
ful.
Raj Suri is a great mentor, teacher
who is honest and open about you. He
gives you constructive points to work on
and is open enough to say on your face
what you can be lacking. He admires
and asserts in us all to be proud and
become representative of both the cul-
tures. According to Zenia, Bollywood
is changing and becoming more realistic
as independent film makers such as
Anurag Kashyap, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
are all coming to the fore as public
accepts new wave of cinema which
is more realistic and more relaxed.
Escapism is also necessary but I
like the kind of Bollywood films
which are more in tune with the
public and the world they live in.
And what about entry into
Bollywood? Says Zenia, I do
plan to go there, God willing, but
I also love Australian films and the
challenge they bring. The films
here are of quite a good quality and are
quite professional and how they give a
lot of space to an actor to develop on the
set.
Zenias dad Rocky is an actor who
has acted in Indian teleserial called
Neenv and is a painter who even paint-
ed many paintings in My Cornerstone
and has encouraged Zenia into acting.
She says she has always loved theatre as
she was the captain of the school and
liked to dance, act and perform. But first
thing she did was to work hard and
study for a 4-year physiotherapy degree
after her school. Having come from an
artist background and at the age of one
year when she came to Australia,
Zenias passion lies in going back to
where she came from her roots and
her passion which is acting and this
MIA 2013 winner is quite determined as
one can make out from her talk.
Zenia, winner of Miss India Australia 2013
Zenia plays the lead in My Cornerstone,
which premiered recently in Sydney.
Community
By Neena Badhwar
R
avi Bodade, Manager, Air India,
did not realise when he came to
Sydney that he will be under the
spotlight after a long time as many man-
agers of Air India to Sydney came and
went. Almost 16 years since 1997 when
Indias national air-
line Air
I n d i a
shut its
servic-
es to
India and
s t o p p e d
flying. Due to
huge corporate
losses against compet-
itive prices and services by
Malaysian Airlines, Cathay
Pacific, Emirates and Singapore
Airlines, Air India has been losing
out on the 200,000 passengers
worth of business to India with
Singapore Airlines holding major
traffic share to the Indian subconti-
nent. The Centre for Aviation in an
analysis said of the market: India-
Australia is largely an untapped market
with significant potential, given both the
volume of trade, tourism and VFR traffic
between the two nations, yet it remains
without direct air service.
Qantas tried to replace Air India by
introducing direct flights but abandoned
the route in May 2012.
TIDU talked to Ravi Bodade who said
that the flights start from 30th of August,
2013 with first Air India flight starting
from Delhi which on its inaugural flight
will have VIP passengers in Indias Civil
Aviation Minister Ajit Singh, Minister of
Tourism, Dr K Chiranjeevi who will be
part of the contingent on board. He added
it may also include other special guests not
yet confirmed who will be with them and
some passengers and will be part of the
functions to launch and celebrate
Maharajahs return to the Australian
skies.
While Ravis posting has created an
euphoria with Air Indias return, its clo-
sure has always made people talk about its
failure to capture the market as they have
all curiously asked, When is Air India
coming back? Many have been disap-
pointed with Air India previous-
ly due to run down planes
on the Australia-
Sydney route.
Even if they
w e r e
ready to fly
Air India they were not happy with the
service, the food and the rest.
Not any more.
Air India has been struggling to make
a comeback since 2010 but it needed air-
crafts big enough to accommodate the
nonstop service in both directions. Says
Ravi, We have state of the art aircrafts
Boeing 787 and we have a whole fleet of
them which will carry passengers to more
than a dozen Indian cities. But the main
one is a 7-day nonstop service with 4-days
a week doing Delhi-Sydney-Melbourne
Delhi on Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Fridays and Sundays; and the rest three
days that is Mondays, Thursdays and
Saturdays it will be Delhi- Melbourne-
Sydney-Delhi.
The planes we have are Boeing 787
Dreamliners which have full flat beds in
Business Class and economy seats are
quite comfortable with very good leg
space, says Ravi, adding, Moreover,
Air India has always been known for
excellent cabin service with variety of
food and entertainment. Jain veg, Indian
veg and non veg, continental, Kosher,
Thai, Asian veg, Low salt, Baby meal and
even diabetic meal and much more.
About the fares, he says, Air India is
offering highly competitive rates at
around $927 return to Delhi till the 30th
of September. This flight easily connects
to other 12 cities which include Mumbai,
Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Chandigarh,
Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad,
Trivandrum, Kozikode and Cochin.
Fares to these cities are margin-
ally less and can range
between $860 and
$900. Also
we have
extra 9 cities
that include Goa,
Pune, Baroda, Jaipur, Udaipur,
Lucknow, Varanasi, Coimbatore and
Vishakhapatnam for an extra $100 on top
of the Delhi fare.
In all Air India flies to 45 domestic
cities in India and to major 6 cities there
is a 2 hours wait at Delhi airport whereas
to the rest of the cities the connecting
flight will be next day early morning.
People can use stopover packages with
hotel stay at the airport costing $40 to
$100.
Ravi says that there is also service to
Kathmandu, Male and Rangoon with base
fare with taxes of less than $1000 return
economy.
Air India also flies to London ($1596
return), Frankfurt ($1381 return), Paris
($1339 return) and Birmingham ($1447
return). On the way to these cities there is
a complimentary stay provided at Delhi
IGI airport at Hotel Eton Terminal 3, con-
dition being that the passenger makes an
advance confirmation for hotel which is
mandatory and can be done through Air
India website: www.airindia.in or ringing
1800AirIndia number.
The introductory return fare
Sydney/MelbourneDelhi will rise to
$1027 after September 30 and in the peak
period that starts on December 11 the
economy fare will be $1640 return.
Air India also provides for 20 kg
baggage and
the inaugural extra 10
kg till September 30. After that
it is 20 kg but if passengers
enrol in fre-
quent flyer
program by
logging into www.flyingre-
turns.com.in they get extra 10 kg and
earn a 1000 bonus points every time they
fly with no conditions attached to how
many times they fly to India or even the
world.
On a final note, Ravi appeals to the
community that Air India is here to pro-
vide first class service and first class fly-
ing experience with direct connectivity to
India seven days a week, competitive
fares, comfortable aircrafts. So, Make
best use of it and make Air India a
success.
The Dreamliner plane of Air India.
TIDU spoke
with Ravi
Bodade,
Manager,
Air India
Community
By Neena Badhwar
A
lex Broun, director, actor and
past director of Sydneys Short &
Sweet Theatre festival is quite
busy these days. He is directing a play on
the life of Swami Vivekananda an idea
brought to him by Madhu Sen.
Alex has written TV and film scripts
and also about 70 short plays which have
been staged all around the world in vari-
ous festivals in over 600 productions.
Quite well known in India too as Alex
started Short & Sweet theatre festival in
Delhi first - a genre and style of short
plays as short as ten minutes took off so
well that it spread to Mumbai, Bangalore
and Chennai. Alex spent six months in
India having visited the country for the
first time. He observed India from a dif-
ferent angle and ended up writing a cou-
ple of short plays as he travelled through
the landscape. Says Alex about short
plays, they say everyone has a novel in
them though I am not sure about that but
definitely I am sure that people do have a
ten minute play in them.
The beauty of a short play according
to Alex is, You can write the idea in less
than 1200 words, cast actors and even
help direct it and see it come live on stage
in front of your very eyes, as many from
Sydneys Indian community have attended
his workshops organised every year in the
month of June by Abhinay School of
Performing Arts.
Once one comes in contact with
Indians and India it is impossible that the
country will not rub on them. Same hap-
pened with Alex as he found India quite
an amazing place -- first he was over-
whelmed by its sheer vastness but also by
a society which is so diverse. From
Delhi to Chennai I found tremendous tal-
ent in people. I developed deep fascina-
tion as I saw different languages being
spoken, different cultures and lifestyles
that people live merging into each other
yet one sees not much tension. Here in
Australia we have a massive fear of Islam
yet in India people living side by side, yet
practice different religions and are quite
accepting of each others differences.
Back in Sydney, Alex could not get
away from India and its heritage as he got
asked to direct a play on Swami
Vivekanandas life on the 150th anniver-
sary of Swami Vivekanandas birth. The
play is titled Oneness Voice without
form which will be staged on September
17 and 18 at the Sydney Opera House.
Catching up with Alex while he is
attending a retreat doing sessions with a
swami on meditation and yoga we are
sure he didnt realise that directing a play
on Swami Vivekananda can turn out to be
a life changing experience, not just for
him, but also the rest of the cast and the
production team. Alex, who is addressed
as the guru of short plays, is a guru of
sorts himself as he conducts his theatre
workshops where one does activities that
equally relax and help one enter into a
realm of a different kind.
Says Alex about the play, It is a great
challenge to portray the character of
Swami Vivekananda as I have spent read-
ing through his complete works for the
past few months. One mans struggle to
search for enlightenment his whole life
was really quite extraordinary.
He is a great character someone who
wanted to find God and how he struggled
to spread the message of his guru Swami
Ramakrishna. How he impressed people
like Rockefeller, Sara Burnhart in those
days who became his disciples. He is a
great character on stage.
It took a lot of time and thought to
put his life into a script, something that
will carry the message of Vedanta - that
all religions in essence are same though
their paths may be different and they all
aim to ultimately find spiritual enlighten-
ment. Especially in todays world which
is full of tension due to reli-
gions.
Talking about the cast,
Alex has been able to pull in
very talented people Saheb
Chatterjee, a Calcutta based
actor and singer who has an
uncanny resemblance to Swami
Vivekananda. Says Alex, And
he can sing too as Vivekananda
was a very good singer.
We have Dana Dajani - a
Dubai based Muslim actress play-
ing the role of sister Nivedita.
Holy Mother Sharada Devi is
played by Isaro Kayitsi while a
South African actor Robert plays
Swami Ramakrishna.
The play has such a varied
and multicultural cast that is spe-
cial as they are all keen and have
been deeply touched by the life
story of this great man who
changed the world through his mes-
sage. Will there be the recreation of
the famous speech by Swami
Vivekananda at the World Parliament
of Religions? Alex assures, I am
sure people who come to witness the
play will go back with a deep feeling
of having seen Swami Vivekananda
live on stage, Saheb looks very much
like Swami Vivekananda.
Alex and his team have been
rehearsing nonstop for the play
Oneness Voice without form, yet
Swami Vivekanandas real form will
sure make many in the audience happy.
It has been a life changing experience
for us all who are involved in the proj-
ect. Do come and experience it for
yourself, says Alex.
Dana Dajani, a Dubai based Muslim actress, plays the role of sister Nivedita.
A veteran of Short & Sweet theatre movement,
Broun will bring Oneness Voice without form
play on the life of the Swami with a multicultural
cast to Sydney Opera House on September 17-18.
Saheb Chatterjee, a Calcutta
based actor-singer with an uncanny
resemblance to Swami Vivekananda,
plays the lead.
Alex
Broun,
director
Community
I
ndian community enjoyed sun-soaked Flag Hoisting day on 15th August and message from back
home by President Pranab Mukherjee as read out by the Consul General Arun Kumar Goel. In his
address to the nation on the eve of 67th Independence Day, President Mukherjee expressed seri-
ous concern over the way Parliament and state legislatures function and said corruption has become a
major challenge.
Noting the "widespread cynicism and disillusionment" with governance and functioning of institu-
tions, he said elections next year is an opportunity to elect a stable government that will ensure secu-
rity and economic development.
Photos: Vish
Vishwanathan
Community
Sydney PBD will discuss wide variety of topics
Q. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in
Sydney does sound like a great idea for
the Indian community to maintain its con-
nection with the mother country, even
take it at a higher level. Hows the com-
munity involved in celebrating this Divas
through the convention happening in
November 2013?
Consul General Arun Goel: For
organising the Regional PBD in Sydney
(RPBD), it was decided to have a National-
level Committee as also State-level
Committees in all the States of Australia.
The intention is to not only spread the
word with their help through the local
community organisations, but also have
greater reach within Australia and neigh-
bouring countries.
Q. The PBD Sydney is a convention
of about 1,000 delegates. How are we
including the remaining half a million
NRIs in Australia?
We are aiming for an attendance of
approximately 1000 delegates at the
Regional PBD in November. It is, of
course, too optimistic to expect each and
every one of the half a million Indian ori-
gin population in Australia to be able to
spare the time to attend the convention in
person. However, later on the proceedings
of the Convention would be well-publi-
cised, perhaps even put on YouTube.
Q. What are the main topics of dis-
cussion at the Convention that will affect
the future of Indian community in
Australia?
The aim of the Convention is to afford
an opportunity to participants to not only
network, but also share and exchange
views on a whole range of topics like bilat-
eral business opportunities in Services,
Resources, Skills, Infrastructure, higher
education, primary commodities, etc.,
youth dialogue, sharing experiences the
Indian diaspora in the Pacific, Honouring
Success Stories, Scientists and Academics,
Women in Business, session on media, etc.
Q. Who are the dignitaries coming
from India and from other close by
regional countries?
We expect participation at senior levels
of Govt. of India Ministers, as also indus-
try bodies like CII, OIFC, etc.
Q. We understand that it is a self-
funded event, what are the sources of rev-
enue and how affordable will it be for a
commoner to attend the meet?
An event like the Regional PBD is a
self-funded initiative unlike the main PBD
which is organised in India every year by
the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.
To meet our costs, a number of leading
companies, banks, businesses have been
requested to financially sponsor the event.
With the money raised, we expect to heav-
ily subsidise the participation cost of the
delegates. Details would be put up on the
website shortly.
Q. Has the venue been decided as
the event time is closing in?
Yes, the venue has been decided
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
at Darling Harbour, Sydney after assess-
ing various options which could accommo-
date up to 1000 delegates, as also ease of
reaching the venue, etc.
Q. Have the previous regional con-
ventions such as in New York, Singapore,
Toronto and other cities had any fruitful
liaisons, activities, business networking or
government to government relationship
with the help of the local NRIs
So far, 11 PBD Conventions have been
held in India since 2003 and the Regional
PBD in Sydney would be the 7th such
regional convention to be held outside
India. The decisions/deliberations of ear-
lier conventions are taken into account by
the MOIA and result in certain initiatives
intended to help NRIs in their interactions
with the home country as also sort out their
problems. For example, Indian
Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) has
been created by levying a fee of US$ 2 on
every visa/consular service to provide a
corpus to meet emergency expenses relat-
ed to deaths abroad/assistance to women,
etc..
Q. Can you mention some success-
ful NRI ventures that have come about
through these conventions.
PBD Conventions provide the largest
platform to the PIOs and NRIs for
exchange of views and networking on mat-
ters of common interest. Among the deci-
sions taken by the Government of India as
a result of wider consultations held at these
Conventions, are formulation of the
Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme,
establishment of Overseas Indian
Facilitation Centre, conceptualizing of
Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, formation of
PMs Global Advisory Council of People
of Indian origin, setting up of the India
Development Foundation, enabling profes-
sionals holding Overseas Citizens of India
cards to practice in India in accordance
with the provisions of relevant acts, pro-
viding for voting rights to NRIs, launching
of the Global Indian Network of
Knowledge (Global-INK), etc.
Q. For the Sydney PBD, what ideas
the national and state committees have
come up with?
They have identified local dignitaries to
be invited, artists whose services could be
availed and reinforced our sponsorship
efforts. Their views have also gone a long
way in finalizing the themes of various
breakout sessions.
Q. When the PBD was set up a High
Level Committee came up under Mr
Singhvi I remember that while he was
in Sydney people raised some issues,
grievances to do with properties that the
NRIs had lost due to their absence from
India and they do not have time to go and
fight in Indian courts. Has the MOIA
helped people stuck in such situations?
Yes, one of the major concerns of
PIOs/NRIs remains; difficulties being
experienced by them in terms of their
ancestral property in India and cutting the
delays in their interactions with the con-
cerned Government departments. MOIA,
as also State Governments, are seized of
this matter and certain recent initiatives
have been announced.
Q. As CG which grievances NRIs
approach you for?
There are increasing instances of
domestic violence/harassment being faced
by NRI women, who seek assistance from
the Consulate. Moreover, for any other
issues, which the community wants to
bring to my attention, I am always
available.
Q. After the floods in the
Uttarakhand region there was constant
discussion about the fundamental prob-
lems in maintaining the stability of the
mountain ranges which are intrinsically
soft. Besdies, it seems there is no co-ordi-
nated response to emergency management
in India. The US has FEMA, Australia is
building Urban Search & Rescue,
Emergency Response committees at
Federal, State and Local levels. There is
NRI experience available on volunteer
basis which can be mobilised for India
Yes, certain countries like Australia
and New Zealand have very well-devel-
oped disaster management expertise which
could be of use in India. Recent floods in
Uttarakhand have shown that Indias
National Disaster Management Authority
has a long way to go in terms of meeting
the expectations.
Q. How would you like the local
Indian community to get involved in this
PBD convention?
We would like the community to be
aware of the forthcoming event and partic-
ipate in this in ever greater numbers, as
also support it in whatever manner possi-
ble.
We also expect Indian community
organisations to help generate a momen-
tum which could result in greater partici-
pation and registering for the Convention.
TIDU asked some questions from Consul General Mr Arun Kumar Goel on the regional
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) being organised by the Government of India and
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in Sydney in November:
Consul General Arun Kumar Goel
Q. What is the progress with the
India House - a property bought by
the Government of India in Sydney
where the Consulate General of India
will have an office and also meeting
and conference rooms for the local
Indian community?
A. Sadly, there is very little
progress as yet with respect to moving to
the Government India property for the
Consulate at Castlereagh Street bought
by the previous Consul General.
Q. What sort of turnaround is
on the visas in Sydney with VFS these
days?
A. The arrangement with VFS is
working very well. There is no back-
log. Review meetings are held on week-
ly, fortnightly and monthly intervals and
a constant watch is kept on any pending
Consular issue.
Q. Has the Indian student issue
dwindled or are there still some mat-
ters for which people seek your atten-
tion?
A. Yes, the situation with respect to
Indian students is much better than
before, but still there are isolated inci-
dents which come to our notice.
However, the following issues require a
solution, to improve the conditions for
Indian students:
a. Grant of travel concessions on
public transport by NSW and Victoria
Governments to International students.
[The concessions announced last year by
NSW have been found to be too bureau-
cratic and complicated, amounting to
hardly any student availing the benefit.]
b. Provision of adequate accom-
modation for international students at
various universities/colleges at least for
their 1st year of stay in Australia.
c. Long periods of waiting before
students are able to secure visas once
their admission has been accepted by the
concerned Univ./College.
d. Time-consuming and expen-
sive requirement to sit for English lan-
guage tests, again and again (i.e.
IELTS).
e. Slow progress with respect to
mutual recognition of degrees between
India and Australia.
Q. Besides PBD any other high-
lights of your time in this post
A. It is my effort to take up the con-
cerns of our community/businesses with
the Government of NSW and South
Australia, and see how best we can
progress on these.
CG responds to questions
related to consular services
Community
By Neena Badhwar
I
ndian film industry is celebrating 2013 as
the year of its centenary with the first
movie Raja Harishchandra a silent
movie made exactly a hundred years ago in
1913. There have been events, news reports
and TV programs and even a Bollywood star
studded show doing the rounds around the
world while Cannes Film Festival paid its
own tribute to Bollywood and its contribution
to world cinema.
We asked around some of the Bollywood
lovers in Sydney about their favourite film
stars from new and the old eras.
80 year old Mr IC Khanna says he has
always liked Aamir Khan. But when remind-
ed of choosing an actor who impressed him in
the history of Bollywood, he chose Ashok
Kumar who he thinks was always a great actor
having played varied roles in some of the
most memorable films. He also likes an old
actor Chandra Mohan.
Our TIDU reporter Neeru Saluja, while a
great fan of Hrithik Roshan, nominates
Amitabh Bachchan as her most favourite star
acknowledging him as the actor who has sur-
vived the test of time and is an ever a green
actor, Amitabh for sure the way he has
evolved while many who ruled Bollywood
succumbed to the harshness of the film world
and demanding fans.
True, while a female actress relies on her
beauty and acting skills, many top heroines
went downhill after having reigned supreme.
Examples: Mala Sinha, Suchitra Sen, the
Junglee girl Sairo Bano, soon as they lost
their beauty, so was their steep fall from the
top spot as they were rejected by the same
fans who put them on a pedestal in the first
place. Male actors would tend to have longer
film careers in those days when they could
prance around the trees with much younger
actresses, some as young as their daughters
even.
While some in Sydney love the Kapoor
brothers Raj, Shammi and Shashi each
with a unique style of acting, there are many
who just never miss movies of Ranbir
Kapoor, son of Rishi and Neetu Singh, these
days. Akshay Kumar is another favourite.
Vikram Sharma, of Voice of India, Monika
Geetmala, says he likes many actors but he
has watched Bobby Deols movies with great
interest. Says he, Not only Bobbys movies
have been great he is a very down to earth
guy. Once he was at my spice shop and I
offered him a cup of tea but Bobby offered
to make tea himself in a pan and brought
two cups one for himself and one for
me.
Shah Rukh Khan is on his way
to Sydney with his concert
Temptation Reloaded and surely
Sydney is buzzing with excite-
ment to see their favourite film
star setting the stage alight
with his antics.
Recently Bollywood megastar Amitabh
Bachchan has been voted the 'Greatest
Bollywood Star' in a poll conducted by
Eastern Eye, a British Asian weekly newspa-
per.
The newspaper had compiled a list of '100
Greatest Bollywood Stars' on the occasion of
Indian Cinema's 100th anniversary.
The 70-year-old megastar is considered to
be one of the pillars of Bollywood and as the
greatest, most influential personality in the
Indian film industry. The actor, in a career
spanning 40 years, has acted in more than 180
films.
"If you take longevity, impact, number of
fans and varied body of work into account,
then Amitabh Bachchan is arguably the great-
est movie star in the history of world cinema.
No other movie star has remained at the very
top for as long as he has or made a positive
impact on the lives of so many," said Asjad
Nazir, South Asian showbiz editor of Eastern
Eye.
The survey for the greatest Bollywood
stars was conducted by using audience votes
through social networking sites, box office
figures, cinematic impact and critical acclaim,
the newspaper said.
The charisma of veteran actor Dilip
Kumar still stands the test of time as he made
it to the second spot followed by Shah Rukh
Khan in the third position. Dilip Kumars
Devdas with Suchitra Sen in which he gave
an iconic performance definitely was much
superior than SRKs later version with
Aishvarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit. The Dola
re number from SRKs Devdas is a
favourite of Bollywood dancers of Sydney
who just love to dance to the song.
Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit grabbed
the fourth spot. The 46-year-old actress
topped the poll among Bollywood actresses.
So much so that Madhuri moved lock, stock
and barrel with hubby Dr Nene and her two
sons from America as she could not resist the
offers from Bollywood as she has made a suc-
cessful entry back into films and into the
hearts of her millions of fans who just cannot
have enough of her.
"I am proud to be a part of that and I am
also proud to be a part of the whole movement
where cinema is getting better and we are try-
ing to do something different," Madhuri said
in an interview.
The great showman of Bollywood, Raj
Kapoor, rounded off the top five list of great-
est stars. Nargis, who is one of the greatest
actresses in the history of Indian Cinema,
landed in the sixth position. Both Nargis and
Raj Kapoor made famous romantic pair on
screen whose films such as Awara, Shri 420
and Barsaat were hits during the fifties, not
only in India but also abroad. Russians and
the people in the Middle East and eastern
European countries loved his movies and still
sing Awara hoon
Other Bollywood biggies who have round-
ed off the top 10 list include Dev Anand,
Waheeda Rehman, Rajesh Khanna, and
Sridevi in the last spot.
Dev Anand is another great favourite that
NRIs love with top favourite film of his being
Guide. Waheeda Rehman still rules through
the movies that we love to watch such as
Chaudhvin Ka Chand and Khamoshi.
Rajesh Khannas movies look fresh even now
and full of positive energy as this evergreen
star enters the screen. Aradhana and
Anand are everyones favourite in Sydney as
they relive his nostalgia and talk about him as
if he is still alive. Surprisingly there were
three tributary concerts in Sydney in memory
of Rajesh Khanna. Sridevi who was recently
seen in English Vinglish, was the sexy
bombshell of Mr India days who entertained
us all and still does whenever her movies are
replayed. While new films and new stars
make huge waves backed by publicity as mil-
lions are spent to promote their movies,
Bollywood stars of the golden ear without any
PR have millions of fans worldwide. The
proof is YouTube where the old stars still
reign supreme. No wonder the poll with seven
Bollywood actors from the old era who made
it to the top ten spots proves that old is still
really the gold!
In the list of '100 Greatest Bollywood Stars'
compiled recently by a British Asian weekly,
the top 10 slots are dominated
by stars from an earlier era.
Amitabh Bachchan (1), Dilip Kumar (2), Shah Rukh Khan (3), Madhuri Dixit (4), Raj Kapoor (5).
1
2 3 4 5
Community
August - September 2013 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER 25
A journey of True Blessings with Mahesh Trivedi
S
ome love music, othesr read-
ing, some watch movies as a
hobby while many love trav-
eling. And if you take Mahesh
Trivedi he is happy following a
spiritual journey discovering every
day new insights, an awareness of
the higher kind. Having migrated to
Australia 22 years ago, Mahesh has
formed new friends, new begin-
nings and a life which he says is
full of true blessings. Hence the
title of his book True Blessings
Live a spirited life. Mahesh feels
that at the core of human heart we
have the same feelings, same emo-
tions and needs to connect to each
other although we may be miles
apart culturally.
He says, Life in Australia
became a challenge at every step,
while my previous thoughts and
beliefs may have been limiting my
life to explore and grow. Australia
opened me and through facing the
challenges I came across they creat-
ed opportunities as I became more
aware and stopped comparing one
situation with another.
His book deals chapter wise
with Awareness is a journey and
eight inner callings of soul lead-
ing a joyful journey that comes
once the soul is freed of the belief
patterns as it slowly turns into a
journey of the self someone
who can enjoy life to its fullest
along with the members of ones
family. The book is a simple read
of close to a hundred pages in all,
yet it is full of simple answers,
observations and quiet reflection.
For him life is a song provided
we learn to sing it music is a
nurturing element to the happiness
and health of the soul. If you are
happy then the whole world is
happy with you and around you.
True Blessings is a simple
book of inspiring sayings, anec-
dotes and is a book that is recom-
mended for a daily read of a few
pages as it affirms your belief in the
God almighty. Rather than living a
stressful, fast paced and busy life,
Mahesh suggests that we take time
to pause and reflect and apply prac-
tical wisdom to various challenges
which come our way. Opening of
minds by this practice can help cre-
ate positive situations and opportu-
nities for us to grow advises
Mahesh.
The book was launched at an
impressive gathering of community
members at the Gujarati Brahman
Samaj Centre at Granville on July
20. Mahesh spoke about the book
and its significance as well as
friends he has made in Brian Bailey
and Sean Donovan.
True blessings by Xilbris
Corporation is for sale at $20
through Orders@Xilbris.com.au or
by ringing Mahesh on 0419 204
230.
I
ndian Senior Group Hornsby
had a delightful evening of
film music from the golden
era. Sunaheri Yaadein on July
21 sung by Vinod Rajput and
accompanied by his talented team
of musicians as he took all into an
era of their young days though the
songs still live fresh in our mem-
ories.
Pushpa Jagadish started with
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke and Mera
dil ye pukare aaja and more
while Vinod sang Mana janab ne
pukara nahin, Chaudanvi ka
chaand ho and Sharda Sharma
sang beautiful Mohabbat aisi
dhadkan hai whereas young
Sugandhas Mast Mast was just
too good while Shardas grand-
daughter, young Priyanka sang
Heer from the movie Jab Tak
Hai Jaan. Young Lalit impressed
all with couplets of Bulle Shah
before his renderings.
The evening passed quick as
Kanchan Passi described Vinods
love of singing from his young
days and how he would have won
over his wife Renu when he asked
for her hand in marriage.
It was a relaxed atmosphere
and the musician that most
impressed was Sri Lankan Dr.
Gamani, an old gentleman in
Vinods Band Baja group who
uses around 20 different musical
instruments to create haunting
live sounds in the backdrop.
When asked he says, I dont
even understand the songs as they
are in Hindi but I developed the
love of these old songs listening to
Radio Ceylon in the heydays
when it was compered by Amin
Sayyani. To name a few,
Gamani uses chimes, tambourine,
trinangle, quiro, jingles, rattle,
soft shaker, metal shaker, cabasa,
rain stick, jam block and bells.
While Vinod is quite adept at
harmonium his musicians use
electric organ, tabla and violin
and more. These people practice
for days and work hard on the day
from early morning to set up all
the cables and instruments and the
sound system. We in the audience
do not realise what goes on at the
back to organise this kind of
concert.
An entertainment at $8 is a
total steal an evening that is
relaxing and enjoyable with the
company of likeminded people.
Dave Passi, president, says
the logistics working behind the
scenes are too many that even his
wife has to chip in a lot of work.
ISGH is the lifeline for all Indian
seniors who look forward to the
day every month as they reli-
giously attend these social meets
as games, activities and games are
organised. Consul General Arun
Goel was the chief guest as he
spoke that the senior group was
so special that a group of seniors
was visiting Sydney later this year
to connect to the seniors here. He
stressed the importance of such a
gathering and how in a foreign
country Indian seniors were cop-
ing while braving themselves to
help their children abroad.
Rekha Rajvanshi compered
the programme in a witty manner
as she made people laugh at her
interjections and jokes. Dave
Passi thanked everyone who
helped making this soulful,
evening full of old film songs
organised by ISGH a success.
Mahesh Trivedi and his wife Ila (second from left) at the
launch of his inspirational book.
Vinod Rajput with Consul General Arun Goel
Sugandha - the Mast Mast song girl
Priyanka
Dr Gamani and his array of musical
instruments
Rekha Rajvanshi, the compere
ISGH takes a trip down memory lane with Vinod Rajput
Community
Konkni Sydney community celebrates Eid
Young Sanjay releases smartphone app for
early breast cancer detection
H
on. Tania Mihailuk MP, Member for Bankstown
greeted Australian Indian Konkni Muslim chil-
dren from Konkan region of Maharashtra in India
on the occasion of Eid Celebrations during a get together,
which was held on the August 10, 2013 at the Zahid
Restaurant Bankstown, NSW.
The children between the ages of 7 and 10 years
observed the full 30 days of fasting during the month of
Ramadan who went through real test of patience,
endurance and abstained themselves from eating or drink-
ing water for almost 13 hours every day from dawn to
dusk were honoured by Ms Mihailuk.
She mentioned how important it is to keep oneself
abreast of ones culture and religious faith and distributed
trophies to the children. Some of the office bearers of the
Konkni Society were honoured for their outstanding com-
munity services as well.
Konkan is situated about 200 kms from Mumbai, the
commercial capital of India. The region is also famous
internationally for the exotic Alphonso mangoes.
Mr Siraj Sarguroh, Chairman of Konkni Muslim
Society Of Sydney thanked Hon Tania Mihailuk for grac-
ing the occasion . Members who put in the hard yards in
organasing the event included Mrs Zebun Maldar, Mr
Shakur Tisekar, Mr Amin Sorate, Mr Akhalak Parkar and
Azim Khambiye, Mr Siraj Sarguroh also received certifi-
cate of appreciation from Ms. Mihailuk . Mr Muhsin
Dadarkar through his extempore compering in Arabic,
Urdu, English and above all Konkni language entertained
the audience. Two young talent, Iram Sirguroh and Yusuf
Dawre did excellent compering of the entire function.
S
anjay Sreekumar, a Software
Engineering student in Australian
National University and his team have
developed a mobile phone App for early
breast detection which he launched at
Australian Parliament House in Canberra.
Sanjay is the son of Sreekumar Janardhanan
and Sunitha Sreekumar settled in Canberra.
The Australian Parliamentary group,
"Federal Parliamentary Friends of Breast
Cancer Awareness among Young Adults"
inaugurated the App on Tuesday, June 25,
2013 in the Parliament House.
Ambassadors of many countries and repre-
sentatives of Ambassadors and MP's from
Australia were present at the inauguration.
Australian Prime Minister, Mr. Kevin
Rudd, is also part of the Parliamentary
Friends of Raising Breast Cancer
Awareness group.
Sanjay explained the features of the App
and presented how to use the App. He
demonstrated how the App is designed to
achieve the goals of Ease of use, monthly
reminders for checkups and easy spreading
of the App through users, businesses and
non-commercial organisations.
Maria Vamvakinou, MP and Ken
Wyatt, MP also talked on the occasion.
Maria mentioned that "It is important that it
is not just Females who could contract
breast cancer.
Men are also susceptible". Ken Wyatt
noted that he personally knows four Male
Breast cancer patients.
The App has been designed for use by
any one very easily and has the ability to
proactively remind the users to do monthly
checkups. Sanjay stated that many
advanced features are coming up in the App
including multiple languages and promotion
through myAppBadge.com
Leticia Lentini, Google Australia/New
Zealands Events and Branding Marketing
Manager was also present in the Launch
and promised all support for the promotion
and success of the App. Sanjay has plans to
include 'Panic button' in the App, which
would help find the nearest medical facility
to contact in the event the person doing the
monthly checkup find something suspi-
cious.
"This app is so useful, since if someone
does not know how to do a self examination
for Breast Cancer, just take your
Smartphone with the Yap App to the bath-
room and just follow the simple instruc-
tions. Be a part of the journey and save
lives" Leticia is quite happy that Google is
supporting this effort through their grants
for yapstuff.org.
Ms Roz Hill, Managing director also
talked on the occasion. Maria Vamvakinou
MP and Ken Wyatt MP praised Roz Hill for
the excellent humanitarian work being con-
ducted by Roz.
(from right): Hon Tania Mihailuk MP, Siraj Sarguroh, Chairman Konkni Society of Sydney and children who
received trophies in appreciation for fasting during Ramzan.
Sanjay Srinivas (in the middle) at the app launch
On the Occasion of Hindi Divas
Australian Hindi Committee (AHC) and
IABBV Hindi School Inc
Present
There will be a Childrens Photo-Essay Competition for students in Years 6-12
The topic for this competition is FRIENDSHIP - WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU. Children are to submit a collage (consisting of 2-5 images) and
write an original short essay (125-200 words) based on this topic in Hindi.
Participants will be able to use photographs, images, pictures, drawings and artworks. The collage and essay must reflect a childs view of the person they admire
and demonstrate creativity and effort. Please see criteria and instructions for entry below. Top three entries will receive a prize.
Criteria: Submission format: A4 page for photo collage, A4 page for essay
A4 cover page with contact information: name, grade, age, school, phone number, email address, postal address.
Photo collage: Two to five photos, images or graphics Essay: 125-200 words
Please encourage all to participate. There will be a panel of judges for both competitions. Entries will close on 7 September 2013.
We request all Hindi speakers / supporters / teachers / schools / students to join in the celebrations and present a united face to promote India's national language
Hindi. We would like to extend our deep gratitude to the Consulate General of India, Sydney for supporting this event. We also acknowledge the continued support
of The Hindu Council of Australia, United India Associations, Australia India Business Council, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Australian Hindi Indian Association, ILASA
- Indian Literary & Art Association of Australia, Hindi Samaj and and various other individuals and associations Australia wide; All Hindi Schools and Print, Radio
and Television Media. We are also supported by Project Vision, Multicall, Thornleigh Curry House, Maytas Pty Ltd, Uneek Conveyancing and Sharmas Kitchen.
For further information please contact:
For Essay Competition contact: Santram Bajaj (AHIA): 0414 553 739; Rekha Rajvanshi (ILASA): 0403 116 301
For Childrens Hindi poetry recitation competition contact: Tara Chand Sharma (AHC): 0409 981 355, Mala Mehta, OAM (IABBV): 0412 283 677; Nirupama Verma
(Hindi Samaj) 0421 895 310
Sponsorship
or Donation to
recover the cost of the
program will be
greatly appreciated.
Hindi Mela ( )
Sunday 15 September 2013
Venue : Thornleigh West Public School, Giblett Ave, Thornleigh NSW 2120
1. 10.00am-11am Student Session display of students work and resources
2. 11am -12.00pm Childrens Hindi poetry recitation competition
1st group of children Year 1-Year 4
2nd group of children Year 5-year 7
3rd group of children Year 8-year 12
Anybody can participate. Entries will close on 7 September 2013
3. 12pm - 1.00 pm Light Snacks
4. 1pm-2.30pm Hindi Plays - Tajmahal Ka Tender and Mere Pati Ki Shadi
Contact:
Mala Mehta
0412 283 677
Vipin Virmani
0419 636 161
Community
By Vish Viswanathan
E
very Day a little more was the
message for the evening by the NSW
Premier Barry O Farrell reiterating
the NSW Governments commitment to
grow Australia India Trade & Investment.
He appealed to the business community
members attending the Australia India
Business Council (AIBC) NSW annual
Australia India address to identify new
opportunities in various fields so that the
NSW State benefits for funding its program
of supporting schools and hospitals.
Recalling the historical Australia India trade
relationship which started in 1792 with a
ship arriving on Oz shores with essential
commodities, the Premier stated that
Australia India business relation is growing
from strength to strength over the years. He
stated that all states irrespective of the polit-
ical nature of governance - Labor or Liberal
- have steadily and continuously been con-
tributing to the growth of the trade.
The Premier particularly complimented
the efforts of the past Prime Ministers Bob
Hawke and John Howard who made repeat-
ed visits to India during their tenure and in
the recent times the visit by Julia Gillard
during her term as Prime Minister at the
low ebb of the Australia India relations due
to international student attacks. He stated
that when he visited India for the first time
as NSW Opposition Leader, he vowed to
make regular annual visits to India to help
further the trade and investment for NSW,
should he win the election.
This year Barry OFarrell as NSW
Premier will go on this third trade mission
to India. Recognising the importance of
India and China as economic powerhouses
important to the growth of NSW, a
Multicultural Business Advisory Panel has
been created under the chairmanship of Mr.
Nihal Gupta. The Premier complimented
the efforts of AIBC in NSW and stated that
it is marching on a mission of growth and
success along with NSW Government,
which will promote Education and Training
in India. The Premier was delighted about
the Dreamliner launch by Air India and
hoped it would boost the tourist traffic to the
benefit of NSW.
Earlier, Sheba Nandkeolyar, president
AIBC NSW, welcomed the Premier and
guests Mr. Arun Kumar Goel, Consul
General of India, NSW Ministers Hon.
Victor Dominello and Pru Goward, other
dignitaries, business leaders and the local
media. The Government of Indias com-
mitment and support to Australia India
Trade was emphasised in a message sent by
the High Commissioner of India, HE Biren
Nanda, read by Dipen Rughani, the
National Chair of AIBC and the Master of
Ceremonies.
Consul General Goel also highlighted
the economic importance of the coming
regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)
meet in Sydney PBD and Air India
Dreamliner flights to Australia. The cultur-
al entertainment of the AIBC event was pro-
vided by Bobby Singh and other artists with
a Fusion Tabla performance. The evening
concluded with vote of thanks by John Cox,
NSW vice-chair of AIBC.
AIBC address highlights growing trade
between India and NSW
Childs play
NSW Premier O'Farrell delivering AIBC's annual address Sheba Nandkeolyar, Premier O'Farrell, Nihal Gupta and Dr Harinath
At the Sports Day of the Indo Aus Bal Bharti Hindi School in Thornleigh, children practised yoga under the sun with Mr Jagdish Chaudhary and tried to balance spoons as they
ran for the spoon race. Due to rainy weather sports day was cancelled twice before and only the third time round sun shone smilingly as it turned to be a fun-filled event attended
by parents, teachers and community members.
Manju Mittal
I
f you are an Indian, Bollywood films are
part of growing up. It is great to see the
Indian Film Industry being celebrated and
honoured on the occasion of its 100th
Anniversary at an internationally respected
platform like the Cannes Film Festival. This
truly signifies the impact India has made on
world cinema. Each year Cannes attracts
more than 35,000 film professionals and over
4,500 journalists. It is an unparalleled cinema
carnival.
On 15th May, the first day of festival, my
initial goal was to get into Cannes before
midday but being first day in Nice I needed
to figure out the train timings, and I realised
that I sort of failed at that goal when I final-
ly got down at the Cannes festival. I picked
up my badge and collected the media bag and
press screening guide. I was late as I ran into
the Press Conference room. I saw The Great
Gatsby team were leaving the press room --
watching Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan
and Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio
walking together took my breath away. The
Australian director Baz Luhrmanns The
Great Gatsby, a blockbuster movie, was cho-
sen to open the festival this year.
Cannes is a master class in precision.
Everything is micro managed, right down to
which direction the stars look in as they pose
on the red carpet so that the photographers
can capture the incredible fashions.
Unfortunately the French couldnt control the
weather, which is why on opening night in
Cannes, beautifully dressed celebrities strug-
gled to keep billowing gowns and hair in
place as rain put a dampener on the famed
red carpet. Despite the rainy wet weather I
loved to watch thousands of fans gathered
under the umbrellas to grab a glimpse of their
favourite stars. Leonardo DiCaprio, director
Luhrmann, Tobey Maguire, Isla Fisher and
Amitabh Bachchan got a rousing cheer from
the crowd, some of whom had stood for
hours in heavy rain just for a glimpse. I also
saw the jury of our own Bollywood as Vidya
Balan, Sonam Kapoor, Malika Sherawat,
Amisha Patel walked by in their dazzling eth-
nic dresses. Vidya Balan and Sonam Kapoor
wore saris adding nose ring for good measure
while Aishwarya was in an elegant black lace
print gown with shimmering sequins.
Aishwarya, being the brand Ambassador of
LOreal, is a regular at Cannes.
French actress Audrey Tautou hosted the
opening and closing ceremonies of the
Cannes Film Festival 2013. She opened the
gala star studded evening with a montage
video clip of Spielbergs greatest movies
before the filmmaker took to the stage for a
standing and prolonged ovation. Vidya Balan
was honoured as member of the jury along
with Nicole Kidman, Anglee Christophwaltz
and jury president Steven Spielberg.
The ceremony was declared open by the
Legendary Big B and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Amitabh Bachchan said in his speech,
Bharatiya cinema 100 varsh poore kar chuki
hai aur is avsar par main Cannes Film
Festival ko apna aabhar prakat karta hun aur
dhanayad deta hun ki unhone mujhe aaj
amantrit kiya aur itne bhavya samaroh mein
hume sammanit kiya hai. Dhanyawad, with
those words he expressed gratitude for the
invitation to the festival. It was the first time
in 66 years that somebody had addressed the
audience at Cannes in Indias national lan-
guage. Without a doubt the 66th Festival was
all about the Gatsby as director Baz
Luhrmann said that he felt a great honour for
all those who have worked on The Great
Gatsby to open the Cannes Film Festival.
It was amazing to see Marche du Films in
action. In the huge festival venue, I got hope-
lessly lost for a good amount of time. No
matter how hard I tried I never knew exactly
where I was. I was incredibly impressed with
the organisation as well as quality of the fes-
tival. Every day was an opportunity to meet
great film makers, celebrities and journalists
from around the world. I was sitting down at
Cannes Majestic hotel lobby when Australian
actress Nicole Kidman walked in, her pres-
ence electrified the hotel at Cannes. A few of
us pulled out our cameras, Nicole smiled and
continued walking before a crowd could
gather she slipped into the restaurant area and
to a secluded dining space upstairs. Cannes in
old times they say is how the festival used to
be in the 1970s and the 80s. Famous actors
and filmmakers would walk down the streets
mingling with the less famous, you could
bump into them at lovely restaurants that line
the street. Today, Cannes is entirely publicist
controlled.
At the film festival, it was truly a joy to
experience films from all over the world for
their big premiere with thousands of people.
The gala screening of Bombay Talkies took
place in Cannes on May 19. Bombay Talkies
is one film comprising of 4 short stories by
the 4 directors - Karan Johar, Anurag
Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee and Joya Akhtar.
It is a movie made in celebration of 100 years
of Indian Cinema and the beginning of
a new century of cinema for India.
Before its screening, Karan Johar
said, I am extremely honoured
that Bombay Talkies has been offi-
cially selected at Cannes and has
received such an overwhelming
response internationally.
I personally enjoyed watching
Bombay Talkies, it is vibrant and
colourful. Amit Kumars
film Monsoon Shootout
was screening at The
Grand Lumiere theatre.
The hall was full and
the audience responded
to the film with strong
applause. The
Lunchbox, Ugly,
Monsoon Shootout
and Bombay
Talkies are films
that have tried to
make the global
audience realise
that contemporary
Indian Films have
much more to
offer than the reg-
ular song and
dance.
The amfARs
20th Annual
Cinema against
AIDS gala at the
Cannes Film
Festival paid trib-
ute to late
Hollywood legend
Elizabeth Taylor
with a gold
themed fashion
show on Day 9,
hosted by actress
Sharon Stone. The
show also featured
designs by Indian
designer Tarun
Tahiliani. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stuck to
the theme and wore a gold sari by Tahiliani.
Mallika Sherawat opted for a Dolce &
Gabbana lace gown. Sharon Stone, Nicole
Kidman, Stacy Keibler and models Irina
Shayk, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Heidi
Klum, Liberty Ross, along with singer Kylie
Minogue, designer Roberto Cavalli and
socialite Paris Hilton were some of the
celebrities who attended the event.
Actors Nandita Das, Puja Gupta and
Ameesha Patel held the Indian fort at
Cannes. Puja, in a Gauri and Nainika gown,
and Ameesha in a Manish Malhotra lehenga
attended the premiere of All Is Lost. Day
11 of the 66th Cannes film festival saw the
screening of director Jim Jarmuschs retro
cool vampire film, Only Lovers Left Alive,
which was attended by the movies cast Tom
Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton and John Hurt,
among others. The last couple of days in
Cannes were crazy.
The rest of my time there was
spent moving to various places. I
had fantastic meetings with many
journalists who seemed very inter-
ested in my newspaper - The
Indian Down Under in Australia. I
visited the Indian Pavilion a few
times and met juror Vidya Balan
there. She looked happy and
relaxed. She said she was
having a great time. She
also said she had no idea
what people were saying about her sartorial
choices for the red carpet and she didnt care.
She wanted her choice of clothes to reflect
her identity If I am happy when I look into
the mirror, its all good, she said.
The 2013 Cannes Film Festival finished
on 26th May. Awards were announced at the
closing ceremony. Best director & best
screenplay: LaviedAdele, a French film;
Best film: Palme Dor Jury prize went to
Kore Edo Hirokazu (Japan); Debut film win-
ner was Anthony Chon (Singapore); Best
actress was Berenice Bejo (France); Best
actor - Bruce Dern in Nebraska (U.S.A)
and short film winner was Safe by moon by
Byoung- Gon (South Korea).
Cannes is an absolutely gorgeous place.
Besides the festival I loved the night life
there. The town is lively and awake all night.
In Cannes I have seen sunshine, rain,
windy wild, freezing weather in 10 days.
Only on the last day did I remember to tour
the town and did some shopping. Plenty of
places to eat and drink yet nothing was cheap
as it would be during a festival such as
Cannes -- even Macdonalds had raised their
prices. Up until then I had been looked after
well by Cannes which was like a dream. I
had lived every moment, every minute to be
near the glamour not just of Hollywood, but
Bollywood as well as film personalities from
all over the world congregated in one place.
It was beyond my expectations.
It was the best decision in my life I ever
made and thanks to TIDU which got me the
media entry though I personally pursued
Cannes totally obsessed. It was the best
experience ever and I plan to be there again
next year.
Bollywood
Preferring an ethnic look, Vidya Balan didnt care what people were
saying about her sartorial choices.
Indian film industry was celebrated and honoured this year
on the occasion of its 100th anniversary at an internationally
respected platform like the Cannes Film Festival.
Sonam Kapoor, like
Vidya Balan, sported
a nose ring at the red
carpet.
Bollywood
Amitabh Bachchan with The Great Gatsby team. The DiCaprio starrer with a small but powerful role by Big
B opened the Cannes Film Festival 2013.
Actresses Ameesha Patel and Puja Gupta
pose on the red carpet as they arrived for
the screening of a film.
The smouldering Nicole Kidman was snapped on her way to an
exclusive restaurant.
The author Manju Mittal with Mallika Sherawat
and with Karan Johar.
Bollywood and Hollywood
actress Aishwarya Rai poses
as she arrives at the evening
gala.
Community
T
he Ministry of Overseas
Indian Affairs of the
Government of India and
the High Commission of India in
Canberra will host the 2013
Regional Pravasi Bharatiya
Diwas (PBD) Convention in
Sydney over three days from
November 10-12, 2013.
In a function held on May 30,
2013, Vayalar Ravi, Minister of
Overseas Indian Affairs of the
Government of India, and the
Hon. Barry OFarrell, Premier
of NSW, jointly made the
announcement via video link in
New Delhi and Sydney.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas
(PBD) has been celebrated in
India on January 9th each year
since 2003 to mark the contribu-
tions of the overseas Indian com-
munity in the development of
India.
Regional PBDs are organised
by the Ministry of Overseas
Indian Affairs with the collabo-
ration of the host Government,
the Indian Mission, prominent
overseas Indians and organisa-
tions catering to the needs of the
Indian Diaspora.
Session Themes at PBD
Sydney 2013:
Diaspora Issues and the
Ministry of Overseas Indian
Affairs; Sharing of Experiences;
Trade and Investment; Services;
Manufacturing; Resources;
Infrastructure; Skills and
Education; Women in Business;
Youth; Education; Media;
Indian Languages.
Regional Pravasi Bhartiya
Divas convention will be held at
Sydney Exhibition and
Convention Centre.
www.pbdsydney2013.com.au.
The objective of this conven-
tion is to reach out to those
members of the community who
have been unable to participate
in the annual PBD in India and to
provide a platform for the Indian
community in Australia and the
Pacific to contribute to the rela-
tionship between countries of the
region and India.
Participation in the event is
expected from all States and
Territories of Australia and from
neighbouring countries including
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia,
Manila, Hong Kong, Papua New
Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji and
the Pacific Islands.
This convention is not only
for the Indian community, but
for all persons who are interest-
ed in plugging into Indias
growing relationship with
Australia and other Pacific
countries. It is expected that
more than a thousand individuals
will participate in the confer-
ence.
The Confederation of Indian
Industry, the Overseas Indian
Facilitation Centre and the
Australia India Business Council
will participate in the Regional
PBD Convention in Sydney.
The programme of the event
will feature discussions on dif-
ferent aspects of Indias relation-
ship with Australia and countries
of the region including
resources, energy, infrastruc-
ture, agriculture, manufacturing,
services, skills and education,
languages, women in business,
youth, media and culture.
Speakers at the event will
include Ministers and prominent
dignitaries from Australia and
India, prominent members of the
Indian community, Australian
and Indian business, academi-
cians and mediapersons.
Registration fees (inclusive
of lunches and dinners):
Early Bird- up to September
30 - A$ 325 per head (incl. GST)
After Sept. 30 - A$ 425 per
head (incl GST)
For Registration please log onto:
www.pbdsydney2013.com.au.
Regional PBD to be held in Sydney
OZMACE an alumni chapter of MA
College of Engineering launched in Sydney
GOPIO meet coincides
with mini PBD
S
ydney will also host 2013 GOPIO International Biennial
Convention together with Women's Conference to be held on
November 8 and 9, the location for Regional PBD. GOPIO
(Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin) members worldwide
enjoy a reduced registration fee at the PBDs. Umesh Chandra,
GOPIO International coordinator (Oceania) as the convention con-
vener called the initial planning meeting to mobilize the Convention
planning Team. The theme of GOPIO's Biennial Convention 2013 is
"The Indian Diaspora in Oceania: Growth and Opportunities".
The venue for the convention is Sapphire Function Centre in
Blacktown which is in the western Suburbs of Sydney. The conven-
tion is likely to attract delegates from around the globe especially
from the Asia Pacific region.
Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Overseas Indian Day) Convention in Sydney is scheduled for November 10-12, 2013.
T
he inauguration of MA
College of Engineering
Alumni association for the
Australian chapter took place in
Sydney on 13 July 2013.
About 65 people consisting of
old students of the college and
their families attended the func-
tion. The college is in Ernakulam,
Keraa.
The principal of the college,
Dr. George Issac came from India
to inaugurate this function.
Delegates of the global alumni
from UAE and USA also attended
this function. The Chairman of the
global alumni M.J Cheeran high-
lighted the need for an organisa-
tion of this nature, which brings
together professionals and entre-
preneurs towards networking and
friendship within the members and
families.
Joy Joseph and Mathew
Kavalam from MACE Alumni
UAE chapter spoke on the occa-
sion highlighting the need for this
organization towards nurturing the
Australian MACE family.
Thampi Antony represented
MACE Alumni from USA.
Thampi is an acclaimed
Malayalam actor and producer and
all were thrilled to have an actor in
the midst.
The president of the Sydney
Malayalee Association, K.P
Joseph was the chief guest for the
event.
Vijay Badhwar, Retired Chief
Engineer PWD of NSW, was
among the distinguished guests
who were present at this function.
The proceedings were followed
by a grand dinner and there was
ample time for all members to
interact and savour memories of
their life as a student at the
Engineering College.
The Alumni organisation was
named as OzMACE, MACE
ALUMNI, Australia.
Election of office bearers was
also conducted. Xavi Joseph,
George Abraham, George Jacob,
Subeen Mathew, Paul Kochukudy
and Santhosh Kumar were elected
as office bearers.
The next global meeting of
MACE Alumni is proposed to
be in San Francisco in the year
2015.
Raimoll Viji, Principal Dr. George Issac; Secretary George Jacob; Treasurer George Abraham; President
Xavi Joseph and Executive committee member Paul Kochukudy
On the Occasion of Hindi Diwas
Indian Literary and Art Society of Australia Inc Presents
Hindi poetry of ROMANCE in Bollywood films
& A Kavi Sammelan of selective Australian Hindi Poets
Saturday, 14th September 2013
4.00 pm-6.30 pm, Epping Leisure and Learning Centre,
1 Chambers Court, Epping, NSW 2121
Contribution: $10 Per person, includes food & tea
Rekha Rajvanshi: 0403 116 301 Pradeep Upadhyay: 0431 619 876 Dave Passi: 0413 760 300
Vinod Rajput: 0421 017 592 Vijay Kumar Singh: 405 464 663 Kulwinder Kaur: 0414 503 200
Ritu Bharma: 0433 997 665 Rajpal Sandhu: 0434 421 052 Mukesh Jani: 0402 385 320
Aruna Gupta: 0409 871 857
ISGH
Indian Seniors Group Hornsby
Community
2 Indo-Australians brave
it in the federal elections
F
ederal elections are upon us when we
become the boss for a short while
when things become frantic and
leaders of both ruling and the opposition
parties try to woo the public into voting one
or the other. Many undecided voters, the
swingers finally pick one winner. Many
uphappy ones form their own parties
Palmar United Party is one formed by busi-
nessman turned politician from
Queensland and the party is fielding 150
candidates for every seat from every state
of Australia. And with regard to the Indian
angle, as TIDU had covered the story on
enormous interest into politics shown at
NSWs local Council elections last year
with over 20 Indian candidates fighting for
local council elections in NSW, it came
across two Indian candidates who have
braved to stand in the federal election.
They are Ganesh Loke stand-
ing as candidate for
Parramatta for Palmar
United Party and Suresh
Rajan from Western
Australia standing for
WikiLeaks Party of Julian
Assange.
TIDU spoke to Ganesh
Garry Loke, an IT business-
man and Bollywood movie
producer of a movie
Sarfaroshi in which he has
also starred with Ayub
Khan. From reel to the real
world Ganeshs aim is to
fight the system and corrup-
tion as he says, While the
movie is to inspire the youth
to join the system and poli-
tics and make a difference
from within, I have been
involved in Sydney with the
Marathi community group
and have done a lot of social
work for them, holding
meetings, functions, and
helping the newly arrived
Indian migrants. Si thought
why not stand in these elec-
tions. We have conducted
cricket sessions, also the
local Aussie, Chinese
members of the community
in Parramatta know me
through the work I have done.
When asked why a party with one
mans name tag attached to it, says Loke,
It was because Clive registered United
Australia Party but Liberals went and reg-
istered Uniting Australia Party to confuse
people, hence his name.
Talking of policies, says Loke, Its all
misinformation being fed about carbon tax
as in India, China, US and Brazil there is
no carbon tax. Do you know that all the
energy companies are owned by Al Gore &
Co.
Strange as we thought Al Gore was the
proponent of doing something about global
climate change!
Mr Palmar believes in revising the
UNHCRs Refugee Convention, a plan
relating to the Status of Refugees which is
outdated as it was signed in 1951 after the
second world war a mandate to provide,
on a non-political and humanitarian basis,
international protection to refugees and to
seek permanent solutions for them and not
just solely restricted to Europe.
It needs to change and should not be
used as a policy aimed by the two parties to
win brownie points to do with the issue of
refugees coming by boat to Australia.
Unfortunately it is and will decide who
wins this federal election finally.
Says Loke, See our partys policies
before you vote and again I say that it is
your chance to make a difference.
Second is Suresh Rajan, standing from
Western Australia as one of the seven can-
didates fielded for the WikiLeaks Party
spanning the states of Victoria, Western
Australia and NSW.
Mr Assange announced the candidates
online from the Ecuadorian embassy in
London and is himself seeking a Senate
seat.
The party says if elected it will demand
that the Labor Governments new PNG
asylum policy is transparent and that peo-
ple held in immigration detention are held
there for no longer than 45 days as Assange
said his party would hold the government
to account.
WikiLeaks is a party of accountability,
its not a party of government, he said.
Its a party to put into the Senate, to
make sure whoever is put into the govern-
ment does their job. Its an insurance
against the election.
D
avid Malacari, Artistic
Director of this years
Parramasala is
ecstatic with the response gen-
erated by Shah Rukh Khan and
Madhuri Dixits concert
Temptation Reloaded. But
when approached by TIDU,
says he, We have organised
for the first time for the festival
to open it with a parade which
starts at Town hall square and
ends up in Prince Alfred Park
next to Riverside theatre.
There will be dances, dec-
orated camels, exotic saddlery,
great markets, food stalls right
around the Riverside theatre.
He adds that ticketed and
free events are all in close prox-
imity to each other ticketed
ones at Riverside and free ones
outside as Masala markets sell
food, wares and there will be
the regular exhibitions, docu-
mentaries and other events such
as the performance of Indian
acrobats called the Malakham
acrobats from Mumbai who
have resurrected this ancient
Indian street art as they go
around town performing and
publicising Parramasala festi-
val.
This time round in the 4th
year we are also showing a
silent movie of Perth born
actress Mary Anne Evans of the
Indian film industry in early
1900s and her silent movie
Diamond Queen which will be
played along with live orchestra
created by 14-15 Australian and
Indian musicians.
Another attraction is
Aakash Odedra a rising star
of contemporary dance and pro-
tg of Akram Khan who pres-
ents dances choreographed by
well known choreographers.
Aakash presents a solo show.
And to the community, says
David, Come and enjoy the
wonderful atmosphere at Prince
Alfred Park, free entertainment
and food and the rest as world
class events are held inside
Riverside theatre. Theres
much more as we announce our
official program in the first
week of September.
Be there and become
Parramasala yourself as it is
Parramatta which makes up an
interesting multicultural masala
of all with this great festival
being part of the town where
many of us live.
You can show what we are
as a culture and how we pro-
mote it to the rest of the
Sydneysiders.
Ganesh Garry Loke with Clive Palmar.
Ganesh Garry Loke is an IT businessman and
producer of Bollywood movie Sarfaroshi.
Parramasala festival director David Malacari
Parramasala this year is camels, acrobats and
fun as SRK and Madhuri join in!
Community
By Neena Badhwar
L
ong time ago when children
were little I used to make
them read cars number
plates and then get them to read
letters to make words and whoever
spotted more words was the win-
ner. While doing this exercise I
spotted a car with CIA.
Obviously then the next thing to do
was to spot the car with FBI but
was never able to for years.
Finally in Australia, I found,
CIA and FBI do coexist as the
community on the occasion of 67th
Independence Day celebration by
the Council of Indian Australians
(CIA) at Bowman Hall, Blacktown
witnessed dance groups of Sydney
compete with dances which were
visually enticing as well as a chal-
lenge. The dance competition was
won by none other than the Panjabi
Sangeet Centres FBI Bhangra
Dance Academy. Finally, finally
CIA and FBI did share a platform
as FBIs young men created a riot
as a bhangra group would do and
is expected to do. They walked
away with the $500 cash prize yet
every dance impressed the 350
strong audience.
Since it is election time in
Australia one could see all the
politicians, MPs present as they go
around making a connection by
showing their presence. They say
that the election result is to be
decided by the Sydneys diverse
and multicultural community in its
west. Election stress may be but
the evening was relaxed and must
have relaxed these candidates who
are on the campaign trail and have
a busy schedule.
Says CIA president Subba Rao
Varigonda, about the night and the
election itself, It is great to see all
these candidates as election fever
approaches. We are keen to know
the policies around ethnic commu-
nities such as ours as issues like
jobs for newly arrived Indian
community befitting their qualifi-
cations, policies related to 457
visas are burning issues for the
Indian community. The nights
celebration became quite sombre
when video clips of people caught
in floods were shown as they were
washed away by the surging gush
of water. They were young, youth-
ful boys and girls enjoying near the
creeks sitting on rocks as tonnes of
water came swirling down. One
would surely want to know what
happened to those people. The fury
of the nature in Uttarakhand region
is still not explainable as people
actually went for pilgrimage in the
region which is known for its reli-
gious spots and temples with
mythological stories of signifi-
cance abound and the recent floods
there caused death of more than
10,000 people. May be more. That
night we also watched a video of
Queensland floods and both these
films must have left a strong image
in peoples mind that global cli-
mate is definitely changing. CIAs
effort to fundraise for floods in
India and Australia was appreciat-
ed. Not only that CIA also sup-
ported on the night CINI a Child
in Need India drive that is dedicat-
ed to the cause of vulnerable
women and children in the area of
health, nutrition and education.
CIA also participates in Clean-Up
Australia Day in Sydney when its
members collect bags of rubbish.
Says Subba, We strive to
build closer relationship between
India and Australia through vari-
ous activities we pick up as a team.
Last year we invited Dr Kiran Bedi
and presented her a cheque of
$17,000 for all the benevolent
work she is involved in. And she is
coming back again in end
September for another inspiring
talk like last year.
So it is not just the CIA and the
FBI angle it is definitely much
more with dances in the fore-
ground but real community as well
as policy issues to elect a govern-
ment in the background by the
flagship called Council of Indian
Australians.
S
ydney community had its
own Oscar experience as
Stanley Thomas movie
My Cornerstone starring Zenia
Starr, Savita, Rocky, Aishverya
Nidhi and Santosh Verma was
screened for the premiere pre-
view at Fox Studios Hoyts
Cinema. Guests came dressed as
stars in their own right. Though
the uncut version of the movie
was too long on a wintry night. It
was a true red carpet moment as
whos who of the community
turned up. With wine and canap
aplenty, the movie, though with
a good issue from a senior
migrants point of view, needs an
editors strict scissor which
Stanley Thomas promises that it
has been cut into a tight 90 min-
utes in its final version. My
Cornerstone is a movie about a
stroke ridden wealthy old lady
and how she match makes a
nurse from India played by Zenia
with her spoilt grandson while
theres tussle for her inheritance
between the daughter and the
daughter-in-law.
CIA celebrates I Day serving many causes
My Cornerstone Red Carpet
L to R: Nutan with Zenia, Kulwinder, Aishverya and Savita
Raj Suri of Miss India Australia beauty pageant with My Cornerstone team Aishverya with Arti Banga (right) of Desi Entertainment E-Mag
One of the several dance performacnes in the competition
August - September 2013
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THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER 37
Santram's Grey Page
L
ast Sunday (August 4), I was invited to
attend a seminar on Organ donation,
organised by the Telugu Association of
Sydney.
The speakers included Dr. Sundram
Rachakonda, Prof. Anders Aneman, Dr.
Deepak Bhonagiri, Prof. Aalan Richards,
Dr. Priya Nair, Ms Ellie McCann and Mr.
Shiva Ford.
It was stressed that many lives can be
saved and the quality of life of many others
can be improved by the donors, living or
deceased. Some recipients of the organs told
their stories how they got a new lease of life.
It was pointed out that only 3.5% of the
Indian population in NSW have pledged to
donate their organs as against more than
80% of the Caucasians! Whether there are
certain religious taboos, fears or lack of
proper awareness among the Indian commu-
nity, it is hard to say.
I must congratulate Mr. Subba Rao
Varigonda and his executive of the Telugu
association for conducting this seminar to
educate our community about the importance
of organ donation. For further information,
please go to www.donatelife.gov.au.
1. Think fibre, fibre, fibre!
This important food component
is a great help when it comes to
lowering cholesterol. Some fibres
are better than others such as
water-soluble options like oat bran,
psyllium seeds, guar gum or
pectin. These form a gel that binds
bile and cholesterol in the gut to
allow for excretion as part of your
bowel motions. They have also
been found to decrease the bad
(LDL) cholesterol and improve the
levels of good (HDL) cholesterol.
2. Go vego
Vegetarian diets have been
found to be effective in lowering
cholesterol. Increasing the amount
of fresh vegetables you consume
will support your general health by
supplying the body with a range of
important vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants.
3. No, sweetie
Few people realise that eating
sugar promotes the production of
cholesterol in the body. Sugar is
also addictive. If you eliminate
sugar from your diet for a while,
you'll find that simple foods such
as carrots and grains actually taste
sweet
4. Kick caffeine
Coffee should be kept out of
the diet altogether or at levels of
one to two per day.
5. The happy hour hazard
Alcohol is known to elevate
cholesterol levels so it's best to
steer clear.
6. Get moving
Exercise has been shown to
decrease total cholesterol while
improving good HDL cholesterol.
7. Eat more garlic
Garlic may have a mild choles-
terol lowering effect. Raw
chopped or crushed garlic can be
taken daily on a spoon. It can help
to mix it with honey to help take
the edge off.
8. Stomp out stress
The link between stress and the
production of cholesterol is well-
established, so take time to relax.
Regular relaxation will help to
keep your stress levels under con-
trol. Some suggestions include
meditation, relaxation CDs, exer-
cise, yoga, reading or getting your
worries down on paper.
M
any women over the age of
30 have had a moment or
two when their bladder has
had a mind of its own. Women expe-
rience two main types of bladder
weakness. One is caused by bodily
stresses such as sneezing, laughing
and coughing, and the other is when
there is an intense need to visit the
toilet. Doctors call this "urge incon-
tinence".
Why does my bladder react like
this?
Sometimes an intense desire to
urinate can be caused by a urinary
tract infection such as cystitis. You
should always check with your doc-
tor normally all it will take is a
course of antibiotics to clear it up,
and with it the bladder weakness.
There are other causes of blad-
der weakness, such as too much
caffeine and certain other foods.
Most common causes
Weakened and stretched
pelvic floor muscles (sometimes
resulting in prolapse) from pregnan-
cy and childbirth
Thinning and drying of the
skin in the vagina or urethra, espe-
cially after menopause
Certain medicines
Constipation
Being overweight
Urinary tract infections
Vascular disease
Diseases such as diabetes,
Alzheimers disease and multiple
sclerosis
How can you make my bladder
stronger?
The obvious answer is, if there's
no urinary tract infection involved,
to cut down on the amount of caf-
feine you drink in coffee and colas.
As alcohol is also a diuretic (ie
makes you pass water), it is better to
cut down on it or avoid it entirely.
Some studies have also shown a link
between urge "incontinence" and
citrus fruits, spicy foods, artificial
sweeteners, milk products and fruit
and vegetables that contain lycopene
(strawberries, tomatoes, rhubarb
etc). Keep a diary of what you've
consumed and your toilet habits
eliminate one food at a time for
seven to ten days and see if there
is an improvement.
Keeping regular bowel move-
ments and maintaining a healthy
weight also prevent pressure
building up on the bladder
make sure to eat 30 grams of
fibre each day and it will help
with both goals. Other things you
can do include stopping smoking
and altering any medications that
you're on (in conjunction with
advice from your doctor) as
these may affect your bladder.
You can also carry out Kegel
exercises which are movements
of the pelvic floor through this
movement the muscles strengthen
and may help to prevent those occa-
sional "spillages". Try these for
three to six months most women
with mild to moderate bladder weak-
ness find that they really help.
Many women also find that spe-
cially designed absorbent pads, sim-
ilar in size and shape to sanitary
pads, are just the thing to help them
put bladder incidents into perspec-
tive and get on with their lives.
Disclaimer: The Health tips in the article
are taken from various well established
and reliable sources and are given to you
in good faith. However, readers are
reminded to take care and consult their
doctor if not sure, as no responsibility can
be accepted by the writer of this column or
The Indian Down Under.
Just for Seniors
By Santram Bajaj
Health & Well-being
Best ways to keep your posture perfect
When you are sleeping
Propping your head up with too many pillows or sleep-
ing on mega-soft unsupportive ones can trigger back
problems by straining the neck and back. The head should
be well-supported but kept in line with the
spine, say experts. If you lie on your back,
use one pillow to avoid an unnatural
bend in the neck. Sleeping on your
side puts the least stress on your
spine, but you may need two pillows.
If you sleep on your front (the worst
position for your back), you may not
require any pillows.
Doing the housework
Housework should be a workout. So, when you vacuum, never stand
still and simply push the machine back and forth. Engage your tummy
muscles, move with the vacuum and bend at the knees never the
waist.
When you have a cold
Sneezing is one of the top five causes of back pain, say osteopaths. The
sudden force can have a whiplash effect, causing both back and neck
pain. So, when you feel a sneeze coming on, bend your knees to absorb
the force into your lower legs instead of your spine.
Using high-heeled shoes
High-heeled shoes, particularly stilettos, force the entire weight of the
body on to the front of the foot, altering your posture, putting pressure
on your pelvis and lower back. Spongy inner soles will help absorb
some stress.
When watching TV
Slumping in front of the box places enormous strain on your back, par-
ticularly if you have a cushion-backed soft sofa. Ideally, watch TV
while sitting upright on a dining room-type chair so that your hips are
slightly higher than your knees the best position for your back.
At your desk
Sitting still at work and hunching over computer keyboards caus-
es more back problems than excessive lifting and carrying. Think
'BBC' Bums to Backs of Chairs. This ensures you sit upright and
avoid the dreaded 'C' slump. Foam seat wedges will ensure your pelvis
is positioned higher than your knees.
Using your computer
Place your feet flat on the floor and ensure the top of the screen is level
with your eyes to discourage you from slumping. To counteract repet-
itive mouse action, take some time out mid-morning and mid-afternoon
to sit with your hands in your lap. Gently pull shoulder blades up, then
back and down. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
When on the phone
If you're at work, stand up and arch your back when taking or making
a call on the phone. Never cradle the phone between the ear and shoul-
der and type at the same time. This can contribute to neck and shoul-
der stiffness. Beware of 'text neck', caused by hunching over your tele-
phone and over flexing the tissues and joints in the neck. This can result
in shoulder, neck and wrist pain in the short term, and curvature of the
spine and arthritis in the long run. Gently rotate your head and neck
after sending text this will keep you feeling supple.
When you are driving
Make sure your headrest is positioned at the correct height to protect
against whiplash in a crash. Position your rear view mirror so you have
to sit up straight to see in it. Whenever you stop at traffic lights, suck
in your tummy. A strong core will protect your back.
Just Stretching
Stretching each muscle group for 15-30 seconds every day can make all
the difference to protecting your back. But being able to bend over to
touch your toes doesn't necessarily mean you're flexible. You need to
move in six directions. That's flexing forwards and backwards; rotat-
ing to the right and left and moving sideways right and left and it all
can be done sitting, lying and standing.
8 great ways to lower your
cholesterol, naturally
Kegel exercises, which are movements
of the pelvic floor, help women with
mild to moderate bladder weakness
find that they really help.
What you can do about a weak bladder
Community
T
he Other Way a play writ-
ten directed and acted by
Stefo Nantsou and created
by Sydney Theatre Company
(STC) and Bankstown Youth
Development Services (BYDS)
with a cast of over 50 actors was
performed at the Sydney Wharf
Pier 4/5 on July 19.
The Other Way is the fourth
production showcased by Stefo
Nantsou who is a resident director
with Sydney Theatre Company. It
gave a true mosaic a sort of col-
lage of life that is on the street in
any main Australian city. Nantsou
has an eye of a keen observer and
his plays are about the changing
landscape of Australia and its soci-
ety. People notice the change but
go about their normal daily lives
while Nantsou gets into the middle
of it all and turns it into a play so
close to real life. For this play he
worked for months with students
of Sydney High schools Sir
Joseph Banks High and Easthills
Girls High - through various work-
shops and pulls in people from
multicultural and mainstream com-
munity to produce this huge cast.
Previously known for his
Leviathan 2010, Deep
Suburbia 2011 and Look The
Other Way 2012 Nantsou is a
thorough and a consummate actor
and a writer with keen observa-
tion. Slowly he has been able to
bring Sydney Theatre company
round to agreeing that as the peo-
ple mix has changed from a total
white insular society and its
themes we need to seriously look
at themes such as The Other Way
which are creating a new genre
and unique style of their own. If
Shakespeare lives anywhere it is in
the heart of Sydneys West with
the multicultural society and is
perhaps an ethnic.
Nantsou is so special that he,
through his work, has convinced
STC that the audience also is quite
multicultural and should not be
overlooked. Presence of Andrew
Upton, actress Cate Blanchetts
husband and artistic director of
STC who was present on the night
of the performance proves that the
change is slowly getting accepted.
Stefo not only just played one
part but many like a chameleon
changing himself into many outfits
and blended completely in the var-
ious scenes of The Other Way.
Aishverya Nidhi with her two kids
went about in the scenes in her sal-
war kameez as we all wondered
what is this Indian lady doing there
a feeling one gets as one goes for
a walk about in shopping malls.
The drug addict mothers role was
well done and so also by many
other talented actors. Excellent
play, Nantsou!
S
akhi Sangam this July was a crowded event of fun, music,
dance and food. Hundreds of ladies dressed up on the day as
stalls sold wares, jewellery and clothes to many eager ones
ready to spoil themselves. While performances were happening in
the middle, many could not help but to get up and dance at the
back. Dressed to kill many wore colours more than what is on the
colour spectrum in all shades and hues. The Sakhis do not just
make the Indian ladies but also pull in their Aussie friends who
also try to wear Indian outfits and look forward to the days vari-
ety program and food as they get their hands tattooed with henna
designs. And when the whole hall takes to the dance floor one can
witness the Aussie friends enjoying the most of dancing to the
Indian music. What a great day put together by Nandini Thadani
and her team!
This is the real way!
Vignettes from Sakhi Sangam in July
Andrew Upton (4th) with Nantsou (3rd) and Aishverya Nidhi (fifth from left)
Organiser Preeti
Thadani
(daughter of
Nadnini, the
spirit behind the
show) and son
Rahul with Mala
Mehta.
Dressed to kill
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India
High Commission of India, Canberra
invite all to:
PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS CONVENTION
(Overseas Indian Convention)
At Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre
November 10 - 12, 2013
Registration Now Open at:
www.pbdsydney2013.com.au
Please avail yourself of the earlybird discount by registering quickly :
Registration fees inclusive of lunches and dinners):
Early Bird offer up to September 15:
A$ 325/- per head (incl. GST)
After September 15:
A$ 425/- per head (incl GST)
Diaspora Issues and the
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs
Sharing of Experiences
Trade and Investment
Services
Manufacturing
Resources
Infrastructure
Skills and Education
Women in Business
Youth
Education
Media &
Indian Languages
Session Themes at PBD Sydney 2013
Body Mind Spirit
S
wami Tyagananda is a
Hindu monk of the
Ramakrishna Order and
presently the head of the
Ramakrishna Vedanta Society in
Boston. Currently, he is also the
Hindu chaplain at MIT and
Harvard. He is also a member of
American Academy of Religion
and the Society for Hindu-
Christian Studies. He has present-
ed papers at academic confer-
ences and he gives lectures and
classes at the Vedanta Society,
MIT, Harvard, and other colleges
in and around Boston.
He is visiting Australia these
days as he gave an inspiring talk
on how one can achieve spiritual-
ity by following 4 simple steps:
Two things one should remem-
ber and two that one must try to
forget if one wants to make any
progress in our spiritual pursuit
on August 18 at Sydney Vedanta
Centre. He said, At least then
we can make some headway into
the spiritual journey that we have
undertaken.
He added that instead of try-
ing to reach for the stars in the
skies why not be practical like
the man who is happy just to
pluck mangoes from the tree
nearby in a practical sense.
Perhaps what he was getting at is
that if we set lofty ideals and aims
they may be difficult to achieve in
ones lifetime, but if we follow
spirituality in short steps perhaps
we can reach ultimately the stars
too.
The very first step in life is to
reduce stress and embark on a
spiritual quest, Swamiji gave
four simple things to do: First two
to forget and the next two things
to remember. Two things to for-
get are: 1. What good you have
done to others and 2. Forget what
bad other people have done to
you. Two things to remember
are: 3. That everything in this life
is impermanent - always chang-
ing, and 4: In this changing world
only God is the Constant. He is
indeed your constant friend in all
the adversities, every situation,
and all the stages in ones life.
These four rules can help you
tremendously, he advised.
Swami ji on spiritual sadhana
and how it can help you: If a
person is clear about why he
needs to do sadhana, then he will
be successful in practising sad-
hana. The person who wishes to
do a spiritual practice should
know what it means to be
involved in sadhana. Some people
say they dont have time for spir-
itual practice, but when a stressful
person can find time to sleep, eat
and do other things, he will defi-
nitely find time to practise sad-
hana, but he must have the will to
do it. For instance, a person who
wants to cross a narrow bridge
will cross it if he has no other
alternative, but while doing so,
his mind is focused and he thinks
only about crossing the bridge in
his mind. He will experience a
heightened level of concentration,
irrespective of the high level of
stress involved in doing so.
Swami Tyagananda is travel-
ing in Australia and New
Zealand. He will be giving a talk
in Canberra on 23rd of August, a
day long workshop in Sydney
University on September 16;
Brisbane September 6;
Melbourne September 12 and
Townville September 7 and 8.
Follow his blog on his talks:
h t t p : / / a d v a i t a -
academy.org/t al ks/General -
T a l k s - b y - S w a m i -
Tyagananda.ashx
Vedanta Centre at Ermington has embarked on an ambitious building project under Swami Sridharananda. Two huge slabs have been poured this year
as first stage of building work will complete by February next year.
Swami Tyagananda is visiting
Australia from Boston
2 things to remember and 2 to forget
Swami Tyagananda on
Gratitude
T
he date was July 16, 2008.
It was late in the afternoon
and I was sitting in my
hotel room in Louisville,
Kentucky, in USA. I was sched-
uled to speak that evening for the
Kentucky Association of School
Administrators. I was a little
down in the dumps. I hadnt
gotten to exercise lately because of
my travelling schedule and recent-
ly Id experienced some mild bouts
of vertigo (that inner ear condition
that can cause the room to start
spinning). You got it...speaking
and spinning are not good part-
ners!
My keynote presentation was
scheduled for 7:00 PM, but I had
been invited to show up at 6:00 to
see a performance they said Id
enjoy. Little did I know that I was
about to see something I would
never forget.
They introduced the young
musician. Welcome...Mr. Patrick
Henry Hughes. He was rolled onto
the stage in his wheelchair, and
began to play the piano. His fin-
gers danced across the keys as he
made beautiful music.
He then began to sing as he
played, and it was even more
beautiful. For some reason, how-
ever, I knew that I was seeing
something special. There was this
aura about him that I really cant
explain and the smile... his smile
was magic!
About ten minutes into
Patricks performance, someone
came on the stage and said...Id
like to share a 7-minute video
titled, The Patrick Henry Hughes
story. And the lights went dim.
Patrick was born with no eyes,
and a tightening of the joints which
left him crippled for life.
However, as a child, he was fitted
with artificial eyes and placed in a
wheelchair. Before his first birth-
day, he discovered the piano. His
mom said, I could hit any note on
the piano, and within one or two
tries, hed get it. By his second
birthday, he was playing requests
(You Are My Sunshine, Twinkle
Twinkle Little Star). His father
was ecstatic. We might not play
baseball, but we can play music
together.
Today, Patrick is a junior at
the University of Louisville. His
father attends classes with him and
hes made nearly all As, with the
exception of 3 Bs. Hes also a
part of the 214 member marching
band. You read it right...the
marching band! Hes a blind,
wheelchair-bound trumpet player;
and he and his father do it togeth-
er. They attend all the band prac-
tices and the half-time perform-
ance in front of thousands. His
father rolls and rotates his son
around the field to the cheers of
Patricks fans. In order to attend
Patricks classes and every band
practice, his father works the
graveyard shift at UPS. Patrick
said...My dads my hero.
But even more than his unbe-
lievable musical talent, it was
Patricks attitude of gratitude
that touched my soul. On stage,
between songs, he would talk to
the audience about his life and
about how blessed he was. He
said, God made me blind and
unable to walk. BIG DEAL! He
gave me the ability...the musical
gifts I have...the great opportunity
to meet new people.
Patrick Henry Hughes
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in Canberra
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restaurant is up for sale.
All the financials are available for the
right buyer.
The owners are committed elsewhere.
Only genuine customers apply.
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Apply to:
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Body-Mind-Spirit
By Suman Khanna Aggarwal
S
o, summer has finally
come, mused six year old
Krishna, as he sat next to
the dustbin outside the house
where his mother worked as a
domestic servant. It was a blis-
tering hot afternoon in June but
the little boy did not feel the heat.
In fact the hotter it got the better
it was - as the watermelons
would be, accordingly, much
more sweet, juicy and tasty.
A pleasant sound broke his
reverie it was the clatter of
plates and dishes as the cook
cleared the table and brought
them to the kitchen to wash. Ah,
the long-awaited moment had
finally arrived! The cook would
now throw the peels of the water-
melon into the dustbin outside
and Krishna could avail himself
of his treat. For, as soon as the
servant turned his back, Krishna
would hang over the dustbin,
reach his little hand in and come
up with the peels of the water-
melon! He would then run away
with them, sit under the big neem
tree near the garage and merrily
eat what was left of the pulp,
savoring each bite till he reached
the absolute green skin of the
peel.
Today, however, the little
boy glanced furtively around, his
big innocent eyes full of appre-
hension lest anyone see him,
before reaching for the peels.
Moreover, he could no longer sit
under his favorite haunt - the
neem tree, as yesterday, the
Memsaab of the house had seen
him there and had promptly
delivered a long lecture on
hygiene and even complained to
his mother. With tears in his big
eyes and a wrench in his little
heart he had thrown away the
peels, as though parting with
dear friends. To top it all his
mother had scolded him thor-
oughly, spanked him and even
deprived him of the customary
one rupee she gave him daily to
eat sweetened ice from the
Burfwalla
So today Krishna sat under
another tree in the far side of the
compound and cautiously
savored his delicacies. As he ate,
his thoughts turned to the story
his mother had told him about the
beloved Lord Krishnas antics -
stealing butter from all the hous-
es in the neighborhood and run-
ning away to eat it in a quiet
spot. His little intellect failed to
understand how people willingly
let Lord Krishna do makhan-
chori, and considered themselves
blessed in return that he had
stolen butter from their homes,
while grudging him leftover
peels of the watermelon which
they had already relished. After
all, was he not also a boy like
Lord Krishna- dark like him and
even his namesake?
After discreetly leaving what
was left of the peels in the hedge,
Krishna ran swiftly to the neigh-
bouring house, where two peach
trees heavily laden with fruit
were his current best friends. He
would talk to them and of his lit-
tle joys and sorrows as he ate the
peaches. The hot sultry afternoon
was the best time for siesta for
the rich and consequently the
best time for Krishna to fill his
perpetually hungry stomach with
ripe peaches while the rich slept
in air-conditioned rooms inside.
Luckily the branches were low
and within his reach- low enough
not to attract the Malis attention.
As he sat eating the peaches
he wondered if he would get any
dinner at night. Each afternoon
Krishna wondered and usually
guessed right about the one and
only meal his family could
afford. If his father came home
drunk then the chances of his
father bringing money home
were almost nil. Consequently all
of them would go hungry to bed,
after being kicked around, a lit-
tle. If the Memsaab was pleased
with his mother then she might
bring home enough for five hun-
gry mouths to eat. But today the
time would hardly pass for
Krishna, for he had heard his
mother say that she would come
home late as there was a dinner
in the house where she worked
and she had to stay on and help.
That meant A FEAST- a platter
full of leftover delicacies that the
rich had eaten! Unfortunately the
dinner finished very late and
hungry Krishna was fast asleep
with the blessed sleep of six year
olds by the time his mother came
home!
Poor Krishna was usually the
one to get the worst of everything
in the family. When his elder
brothers had reduced their
clothes to rags, they were cut up
to his size. His older siblings
managed to get occasional tips by
doing odd jobs - but Krishna was
entirely dependent, even for a
miserly two rupee coin to spend
at the annual mela, on his drunk
fathers sobriety and his mothers
meager savings. On Diwali he
consoled himself playing with
used patakas and on Holi by
playing with plain mud water in
place of coloured water and ash
for coloured powder!
Nevertheless, his little heart
was always gay and it took very
little to make him happy. He
would be thrilled with the multi-
coloured butterflies he caught
and at the sight of the glow-
worms at night. He had plenty of
friends - both kids and adults. An
old woman, whom everyone
called masi, was extremely fond
of him. She would save little
tasty bits for him from her share
of food, which she got from the
house where she was employed
as a baby-sitter. She had also
been a midwife and had been
instrumental in bringing Krishna
into the world. He had been the
last of her cases, as she was too
old now for such work.
Krishnas one great ambition
was to have a good square meal,
consisting of all the food he liked
best, followed by a big sweet
watermelon as desert. It was
pathetic to see the hunger in his
eyes, as he watched rich boys
munching apples while going to
school.
One day when Krishna woke
up in the morning he could not
lift his head without being dizzy.
His body too felt hot and his
limbs heavy. It was quite late in
the day and the room was empty.
His parents had gone to work and
his brothers and sisters to school.
He felt a raging thirst, but could
hardly get up and drink water
and from the surahi kept in the
corner of his jhuggi. At last when
his thirst became unbearable, he
dragged himself painfully across
the floor, to the corner where the
surahi was kept. With feeble
hands he tried to pour out the
water. not a drop came out.
His mother had forgotten to fill
the surahi before going out to
work! He was too weak to call
out to masi living in the neigh-
bouring jhuggi. He tried to walk
out to in order to drink water
from the tap outside, but fainted.
When he came to his senses,
his mother was holding a glass of
water to his lips, coaxing him to
drink some. Masi was sitting
next to him feeling his forehead.
His eldest sister was fanning
him.
It felt strange to have so many
people fuss over him. He raised
his head and drank the water. It
had never tasted better before.
Though it was mid June, he felt
feverish and chilly. His mother
covered him up with a torn, dirty
blanket.
After a while he was given
some bitter medicine and then
he could not believe his eyes - his
mother was actually bringing him
a cup of milk to drink and a rusk
to eat with it. Supported by
Masis arm he tried to drink the
milk and eat the rusk- but it tast-
ed bitter. Nevertheless, he was
forced to drink up all the milk.
He felt sick after drinking it and
soon vomited it all out. By now it
was night and his head was
throbbing painfully. He could
Contd. on page 46
WATERMELONS IN SUMMER:
A short story
Body-Mind-Spirit
By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
I
n America, the Fourth of July commem-
orates the day America received its inde-
pendence as a nation in 1776.
Throughout the country, people gather in
parks or at lakes to celebrate and watch fire-
works shows. In Chicago, one such gather-
ing place for celebrations is along Lake
Michigan. Chicago is known for being built
along the shores of this lake, and there are
wonderful lessons we can learn from those
who were instrumental in planning Chicago.
Chicago is considered one of the leading
centers in the world for city architecture,
and many students go there to learn from the
greatest architects.
The city features some of the most beau-
tiful skyscrapers in the world. Attention was
also given to planning how the city would be
laid out. An architect named Daniel
Burnham was instrumental in the design of
Chicago and the preservation of its lake-
front. When he published his vision for
Chicago, he was sixty years old. Sadly, he
died two years later; however, his dreams
for the city live on.
Inspiring
contributions
of architect
Daniel
Burnham
D
aniel Burnhams parents were fol-
lowers of the teachings of E m m a
n u e l Swedenborg, an 18th century
Swedish scientist and m y s t i c . Daniels
parents instilled in him the belief that one
should be of service to others. At twenty-
six, he began working in an architects
office and met John Root, who became his
business partner and collaborator. Burnham
grew to be a highly respected architect. He
and his partner helped develop the first high-
rise office building. After Root died in 1891,
Burnham helped coordinate the World's Fair
of 1893 held in Chicago. He also helped
plan entire cities, including Washington,
D.C., Cleveland, San Francisco, and
Manila.
Daniel Burnham will be remembered in
Chicago as the man who envisioned a city
complete with lakefront parks for its citi-
zens, and his plan is still used today. He saw
the beauty of Lake Michigan and thought
that the shoreline should be preserved for
use by the public. In many cities, we find
that the shoreline along an ocean, river, or
lake is often prime real estate and ends up
being used by commercial realtors for busi-
ness and hotels, or by private individuals
who build their homes along the water.
However, Burnham felt that all people
should enjoy the beauty of the lakeside. For
this reason, the entire property along the
lake has been designated for the public.
Thus, if you go along Lake Michigan in
Chicago, you find public beaches, public
parks, walking and bike trails, museum cam-
puses such as the Shedd Aquarium, the Field
Museum, and Navy Pier that are open to the
public.
Chicago mayors since then have pre-
served this concept of keeping the lakefront
for the public to enjoy rather than having
individuals or companies claim it for them-
selves. There is a spiritual lesson in this
preservation of Lake Michigan so it is open
to all. God is an infinite lake whose shores
are also open to all. People of all cultures,
countries, genders, ages, and social back-
grounds can bathe in the beautiful shores of
Gods eternal ocean. It is not the sole right
of any one group to find God. All can find
God.
Creation of
the First
Ferris Wheel
O
ne of the popular sights of Chicago
is the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
Daniel Burnham also had his hand in
its invention. A few years before the great
world exposition of 1893, Burnham had seen
the world exposition or fair in Paris, where
the Eiffel Tower was introduced. He wanted
to have something spectacular to rival this at
the Chicago Worlds Fair. George Ferris
tried to come up with something special but
Burnham was disappointed in all his
attempts.
He finally told him, Make no small
plans; they have no magic to stir men's
minds. Inspired, George came up with the
idea of a Ferris wheel. At first, people made
fun of him, calling him a wild man. People
even nicknamed George Ferris as "the man
with wheels in his head." However, George
persisted and built a wheel the likes of which
no one had seen before.
It was a huge revolving wheel, and stood
higher than any existing building in
Chicago. It carried two thousand people at a
time and weighed 1200 tons. People came
from long distances to see this wonder, and
it was one of the hits of the 1893 Worlds
Fair in Chicago.
The development of the Ferris wheel
showed that we could achieve whatever we
set our mind to do. Whether we invent
something new or we set our sights in find-
ing God, all is possible when we make a
decision and stick to it until we reach the
goal.
Besides riding the outer Ferris wheel, we
can ride the Ferris wheel within that rotates
our soul from the earth-earthly to the high-
est spiritual realms in which our soul unites
with God.
The ride is open and available to all. We
merely close our eyes, look within, and our
soul will be uplifted until we reach the pin-
nacle, the abode of God.
Spiritual lessons from the sights of Chicago
Divine
sights and
sounds
within each
of us
T
here are fantastic realms of
beauty, bliss, Light, and
Celestial Music within us. While
we may enjoy the lovely summer flow-
ers that line the roadways of Chicago or
other cities, we can witness flowers of
heavenly colors far beyond anything we
can see in this world by going within
through meditation. As we walk
through the streets of Chicago we can
hear a variety of musicians playing,
whether rhythm and blues, jazz, rock,
classical, country and Western, or rap;
we can go to a theater to enjoy opera, a
musical show, or a symphony orches-
tra. Yet we can hear more uplifting,
blissful music when we invert our
attention through meditation. Delicious
foods are also offered, yet these outer
flavors are pale reflections of the lus-
cious tastes of the inner divine Nectar
of godly love we drink when we go
within through meditation.
As we enjoy the outer sights, let us
not forget to spend time daily in the
inner sights by sitting in meditation.
We can make progress by meditating
with full accuracy, and if we spend
even more time, we can accelerate our
spiritual progress.
Daniel Burnham
hear his father curse his mother as she
urged him to fetch a doctor.
No doctor came. There was no
money. For two days Krishna lay in a
delirium. All sorts of homemade mixtures
were tried on him but to no avail. On the
third morning his fever had risen alarm-
ingly.
In his delirium, he felt his mother pick
him up in her arms and take him to the
Memsaabs house. He wondered why his
mother was crying. He could feel her hot
tears on his cheek. The Memsaabs
brother, who was a doctor, examined
him. His diagnosis was - severe food poi-
soning. Everybody was at a loss to know
what could have been the cause until it
was remembered that the dirty dustbin
from where he had been eating the peels
of the watermelons was the source of the
infection. The week that followed was
one of sheer agony for the six year old
boy. He could not digest anything.
Consequently he became weaker by the
day. The medicines that the family could
afford did not work. Gradually he became
conscious for less and less time each day.
Masi, who watched over him day and
night as she nursed him, heard him bab-
ble in his delirium about watermelons
and peaches, about becoming rich and
owning a garden full of watermelons
which he could distribute generously
among his friends feeling as rich as a
king!. Poor soul - he who had known no
respite from hunger, felt satiated in his
dreams, as he lay dying.
When there was absolutely no hope
left they lifted him from the bed and put
him on the floor. Some ganga jal (holy
water) was forced between his lips.
Dimly he saw the familiar faces around
him. They all were crying ... but now he
felt strangely at ease. He wanted to tell
them not to grieve...as he had never felt
so peaceful before.
Through his dimming senses he heard
Masi say through sobs...My Krishna
will go straight to heaven... God claims
early the children he really loves. On
hearing Masis words Krishna smiled. He
had always pictured heaven as a big place
with fields and fields of lovely, big, ripe
watermelons in summer and apples in
winter. ... And God to supervise that
everyone got their share!
(Dr Suman Aggarwal, a true believer
in Gandhian philosophy and a Gandhian
scholar, runs an NGO charity, Shanti
Sahyog in New Delhi working in Kalakji
slums on children education and health,
womens health, education and empower-
ment and employment.)
Contd. from page 45...
Columns
I
nstead of spending hundreds of dollars on
cosmetics and getting a painted look these
days our grandmothers and mothers in
times old relied on simple looks yet their
faces glowed with healthy, shiny skin. Why
is the world turning so plastic these days?
Even some of the top actresses are ad-
vised to tone down and look simple and
earthy for the parts they are playing so that
they look authentic and portray the character
in its true sense. Can one ever imagine Jane
Austins Lizzy of Pride and Prejudice look
all painted with streaks in her hair...
Here are some recipes which can make
one look beautiful without spending stacks of
money and chasing forever the so called rat
race of copycat beauty provided by beauty
clinics.
Homemade masks, face cleansers, home-
made wax to get rid of unwanted hair and
moisturisers are all there in ones kitchen and
less damaging on the skin as they are mixed
fresh without any chemicals or preservatives:
Recipe for an Anti-aging
Clay Face Mask
The whole wheat flour in this anti-aging
mask is great for sloughing off dead skin
cells. It, along with Jojoba Oil, contains vi-
tamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects
your skin from environmental toxins. It is
said that it slows down the aging process of
the skin. The white clay is the mildest of all
clays. It is even suitable for sensitive skin. It
stimulates circulation to the skin while gently
exfoliating and cleansing it
Ingredient
55-85grams white kaolin clay powder
(White or Chinese clay)
1 tablespoon Whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
rose hydrosol
Mix the clay with enough rosewater and
the rest of the ingredients to make a smooth
and sticky paste that will stay on your face
without it running off. Smooth the paste gen-
tly and equally with your fingertips on your
clean face and neck whilst keeping the eye
area clear. Now lie down, relax and leave the
mask on for 15-20 minutes. Then wash it off
with alternately cold and warm water and end
with a splash of cold and then pat your skin
dry with a clean towel. Finally tone and ap-
ply a moisturiser.
Daily Facial Foaming
Cleanser
This foaming cleanser recipe is great for
oily to normal skins and is mild enough to use
as a daily natural skincare regimen.
Ingredients
1 part Castille Liquid soap
4 parts distilled/demineralised water
(as per method below)
2 drops Bergamot essential oil
2 drops Sweet Orange essential oil
2 drops Tea Tree essential oil
Method
Shake all ingredients together in a clean
foaming pump bottle. Final mixture MUST
be water-thin in order for the pump bottle to
work at its best. Add more or less distilled
water accordingly.
Shake before each use.
This mask is great for soothing chapped,
sunburned or otherwise irritated
skin.
Extra tip: This mask works
well for other skin types as well.
For oily skin, add a couple drops
of lemon or lime juice. For dry
skin, mix in a couple tablespoons
of honey.
Ingredients
1 cup natural yogurt (just-
out-of-the-fridge cold)
cup oatmeal (any type of
basic oatmeal works here)
Preparation
Mix the ingredients together.
Apply to the skin for 10-15
minutes.
Wash off mask with a wash-
cloth steamed in the microwave
(careful that it's not too hot).
Recipe for Sugar Wax
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon water
Preparation
To make sugar wax, cook the ingredients
over low heat for about 45 minutes until the
sugar caramelizes. Once the sugar mixture
cools you should be left with a sticky taffy-
like wax.
Apply this with a plastic knife or wooden
stick in the direction hair grows. Take a piece
of cloth (you can tear up an old sheet), press
down firmly and then pull off in the opposite
direction of hair growth.
Lemon and Lavender
Moisturizer
2 drops lavender oil (speeds healing)
2 drops lemon oil (cleanse skin and re-
duce wrinkles)
2 drops glycerine (for healthy skin)
1/2 cup purified water
Put all these ingredients into a bottle and
shake it up.
After this, put it on your face and then
store in the fridge to use at a later time. This
smells great and will leave your skin mois-
turized without it feeling oily.
Beauty mask, moisturisers made at home!
Feel Good and Look Beautiful
BUY OR SELL A HOME, BUT ONLY IF YOU DARE
M
y wife and I recently sold our
home in Winnipeg and are in the
process of buying one in the
Chicago suburbs. Ive learned a lot about
home buying and selling, and would like to
share some tips with you, in case youre
daring enough to buy or sell a home. I use
the word daring because I strongly advise
against it, just as I strongly advise against
committing murder. And trust me, at some
point during your home buying or selling
process, you will want to kill someone,
most likely your real estate agent. At a min-
imum, youll find yourself wondering if its
okay to spend the rest of your life paying
off a debt, and whether your credit rating
will be affected if it happens to be a debt to
society.
I dont mean to scare you I just want
you to be prepared for the bitter feelings
that might arise if the process doesnt go the
way you hoped, such as if youre forced to
sell your home for less than you owe the
bank. (This is known as a short sale in real
estate terminology, because you will be
short of money to pay the bank, the bank
manager will get short with you, and
achieving your retirement goals will be
nothing short of a miracle.)
If you still feel compelled to buy or sell
a home, its a good idea to learn as much as
you can about the process. Lets start with
some home selling tips:
De-clutter your home. Its impor-
tant to make your home look spacious, so
please rent a storage unit somewhere and
fill it up with everything you dont require
for your day-to-day living needs, except
perhaps your husband. Trust me, potential
home buyers are not going to be impressed
with your collection of seashells from all
over the world, even if youve glued them
together in the shape of Barack Obama.
Remember: home buyers want to be pleas-
antly surprised, not shell-shocked.
Update your kitchen. This is really
important to women, as I discovered when
my wife and I walked into a gleaming new
kitchen and her eyes lit up more brightly
than on our wedding day. Too bad we were
just visiting a friends house.
Dont hang around during home
viewings. When a real estate agent is show-
ing your home to potential buyers, its real-
ly not a good idea for you to be lying on the
couch in the living room, watching an
episode of Wife Swap. Its better to dis-
appear for an hour or two, and by disap-
pear, I dont mean in the walk-in closet.
Trust me, if theres anything more off-put-
ting to a home buyer than seeing a row of
leisure suits from the 70s, its seeing a pair
of eyes behind them.
Put away your photos and other
personal items. Home buyers want to pic-
ture themselves living in your home, not
picture you on a beach in Hawaii. You
dont want them to get the wrong idea.
Wife: That bikini seems a little tight on
her.
Husband: Not as tight as our finances
will be if we buy this home.
Tight finances are certainly a good rea-
son to be careful when buying a home.
Here are some tips to help you:
Always verify facts. The seller may
claim that the roof was installed in 06 and
the carpet was installed in 08 but you
need to make sure it wasnt 1906 and 1908.
Do as much research as you can.
Google the home, Google its owner, Google
the neighbor, Google the neighbors dog.
The latter may seem extreme, but wait until
you need to retrieve an errant ball. Pretty
soon, youll be calling the police to retrieve
part of your butt.
Location is important. If a home is
next to a busy road, you can count on get-
ting a good price. If its next to an Indian
grocery store, you can count on getting
good rice.
Dont let your agent pressure you
or mislead you. Real estate agents can be
very helpful, but theyre also eager to see
you making a purchase. If your agent sends
you a text on his iPhone that a particular
house will be scooped up within a week,
what hes trying to scoop up within a week
is his commission. Not all agents are like
this, of course. Some have Blackberries.
THE HUMOR OF MELVIN DURAI
Cookery
N
avratri (nine nights) is one of the
most auspicious periods in Indian
Calendar. First seven days, many
people observe fasting. The eighth day is
known as Ashtmi and some people observe
fast on that day as well. The ninth day is the
celebration day and is called Navmi. The
coming Navratri is in October, starting from
the 5th.
The Navratri fasting period has some
restrictions on the type of food, vegetables
and spices. No cereal, egg, fish, meat, onion
or garlic can be used by the fasting persons
and some families will not even allow them
at home.
However there is good news. Despite
above restrictions, delicious meals can be
prepared that will suit all fasting members
and even tempt the rest of family members.
Although designed primarily for this holy
period you can always use them when look-
ing for some different dishes.
I would like to share these recipes with
my readers as Navaratri approaches full of
festivities a time of celebration, dandia
raas and much more. Fasting should not
come in the way of joining celebrations due
next month:
Ingredients for Base
1 cup grated pumpkin
cup Kuttu ka Atta
1 tsp ginger paste
2 green chili finely chopped
tsp salt
Water as needed
Ingredients for Seasoning
1 tabs ghee
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 to 3 dry red chili (whole or sabut)
Place all the ingredients for the base and
mix them. Add water in small quantity at a
time and mix. Prepare dough that is of medi-
um consistency (i.e. not too soft or not too
hard). Divide the dough into 3 parts. Make a
long roll of each portion about inch (2 cm)
diameter. Boil some water in a steamer pot.
Place the 3 rolls over the sieve and cover.
Steam cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Test by
inserting a thin knife and see if it comes out
clean. When this test is ok, remove from
heat and let it cool. Cut into inch (2 cm)
long pieces and keep aside.
Place a pan on the stove and add the 1
tabs ghee. When it is melts, add cumin seeds
and fry till they pop and give a very sweet
and strong aroma. Then add the dry red chili
(whole) and fry for 1 more minute. Add all
the Muthia pieces and mix well. Serve with
tooth picks fitted to each piece.
Ingredients
kilo Jimikand (Yam) cut into small
pieces
4 potatoes cut into small pieces
3 tabs oil
tsp black pepper freshly ground
cup fresh coriander leaves finely
chopped
2 tsp lemon juice
cup chopped seedless grapes
Salt to taste
Heat oil in a heavy base pan. Add
Jimikand and potatoes. Fry for 3 to 4 min-
utes and then place cover over them. Reduce
heat and let it cook for another 12 to 15 min-
utes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Place the Jimikand and potatoes into a
mixing bowl and mash the cooked vegeta-
bles. Add the lemon juice, freshly ground
black pepper, green chili, coriander leaves
and salt. Mix well. Divide the mixture into
12 to 16 equal portions and make a round
Pattie of each portion stuffing chopped
grapes.
Shallow fry these till golden brown on
both sides. Serve with chutney.
Ingredients
250 grams paneer, cut into 1-1/2 inch x
1-1/2 inch square (4 cm x 4 cm) pieces about
inch (1.25 cm thick) thick.
cup natural yoghurt
1 tsp green chili paste
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp Kuttu ka Atta
1 tsp jeera (Cumin Seeds) powder
2 tabs oil
tsp to tsp salt (to taste)
Hari Chutney
Add the ginger, jeera, Kuttu ka Atta,
green chili paste and salt to the yoghurt. Mix
well to make a thick batter.
Apply a layer of Hari chutney between 2
paneer pieces and then dip this pair in the
yoghurt batter. Shallow fry these till golden
brown on both sides. Serve hot.
Ingredients
2 cup Kuttu ka Atta
2 cup natural yoghurt
cup grated carrots
cup frozen peas
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp salt
1 tsp soda bi carb
cup water
For Serving with Coconut chutney
Mix all the ingredients together and keep
aside for about hour.
Place small portions of this batter in an
Idli Steamer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12
minutes. Repeat with the rest of the batter.
Serve with coconut chutney.
Ingredients
125 grams of grated cheese
1 un-ripe (raw) banana
cup Kuttu ka Atta
1 tsp green chili paste
1 tsp ginger paste
cup roasted and coarsely ground
peanuts
cup fresh coriander leaves finely
chopped
tsp salt
Oil for frying
Pressure cook the raw banana with skin in
water till 3 to 4 whistles. Remove from heat
and allow to cool. Peel off the skin and mash
the banana. Mix in the grated paneer, Kuttu
ka atta, ginger paste, green chili paste,
peanuts, coriander leaves and salt together to
make a stiff dough.
Divide the dough into several portion.
Shape each portion a ball and deep fry these
balls till golden brown all around.
Ingredients
cup peanut meal (roasted and ground
to powder)
1-1/2 cup natural yoghurt
3 cups water
tsp salt
tsp haldi (turmeric) powder
1 inch (2.5 cm) long ginger piece
finely chopped
Ingredients for the Seasoning
tabs desi ghee
1 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)
8 to 10 curry patta (leaves
2 to 3 dry red chili sabut (whole)
Beat the natural yoghurt so that there are
no lumps left. Then add the ginger, green
chili, peanut powder, salt, water and turmer-
ic powder and mix.
Heat this mixture on a stove. Keep stir-
ring to avoid sticking to the bottom. Cook
for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and
keep aside.
Heat the desi ghee in a heavy pan. Then
add the jeera (cumin seeds) and fry till they
pop and give a sweet aroma. Add in curry
leaves and dry red chili and fry for 2 to 3
minutes.
Add the cashews and almond. Cook till
the mixture starts to release oil. Remove
from heat and transfer this seasoning to the
cooked Kadhi. Mix the seasoning uniformly
in the Kadhi.
Serve hot with Kuttu Ki Roti.
*************
Delicious Navratri fasting meals
Muthia
Paneer Pasanda
Kuttu Idli
Jimikand Pattie
Paneer and Kela Balls
Peanut Kadhi
By Promila Gupta
All about Navratri
N
avaratri in 2013 will start on
Saturday, the 5th of October and
will continue for 9 days until
Sunday, the 13th of October. October 14
will be celebrated as Vijaydashmi or
Dussehra festival. This 10th day marks
the elimination of Ravana by Rama.
Diwali, the festival of lights, this year
falls on November 3.
The Navratri commences on the first
day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of
the lunar month of Ashwin.
Navratri is one of the most important
Hindu fasts and festival which consists of
9 nights dedicated to the Goddess Durga.
The festival is also known as Navaratri,
Navarathri or simply Durga Puja.
Navratri consists of a set of 9 days and
nights where 9 different avatars of the
Goddess Durga are worshipped.
Navratri shortened from the actual
word Navaraatri is an ancient Sanskrit
word which means 9 Nights (i.e, nava
which means 9 and ratri which means
night). While there are various Navratris
in one year, the major and most popular
one is the Sharada Navaratri (also called
the Maha Navratri). Sharada Navratri
usually falls between September and
October and more precisely in the month
of Ashvina according to the Hindu
Calendar. While other Navratris are
skipped by most Hindus, the Sharada
Navratri is celebrated even in many other
countries other than India among people
of Hindu faith. During Sharada Navratri,
special prayers are conducted for the
Goddess Durga, also commonly called
Shakti (meaning Power) or the Divine
Mother. The Durga Pooja celebration
consists of 9 days of festival worshipping
the 9 avatars of the Divine Mother plus
another 10th day called Dussehra or
Vijayadashami which marks the end of
Navratri festival. The period of
September/October (i.e the month of
Ashvina) marks the beginning of autumn
and is known to be a very sacred period
for the worship of Goddess Durga.
The 5 Types of Yearly Navratri
1. Vasanta Navratri
This Navratri is also known as the Chaitra
Navratri or Rama Navratri. It occurs
somewhere between March/April each
year depending on the lunar calendar.
2. Gupta Navratri
This Navratri is also known as the
Gayatri Navratri and occurs somewhere
between June/July. It is one of the less
popular Navratri.
3. Sharada Navratri
This is the most famous Navratri and is
celebrated worldwide among Hindus.
Sharada Navratri occurs somewhere
between end of September to October
each year in the month of Ashvina.
4. Paush Navratri
Another one of the less famous Navratri
observed somewhere between
December/January.
5. Magha Navratri
This one is observed somewhere during
January/February.
The proper use of potent Yantras
M
arilyn Monroe (born
Norma Jeane Mortenson;
1926 1962) was an
American actress, model, and
singer, who became a major sex
symbol, starring in a number of
commercially successful motion
pictures during the 1950s and
early 1960s.
After spending much of her
childhood in foster homes,
Monroe began a career as a
model, which led to a film con-
tract in 1946 with Twentieth
Century-Fox. 1953 brought her a
lead in Niagara, a melodramatic
film noir that dwelt on her seduc-
tiveness. Her "dumb blonde" per-
sona was used to comic effect in
subsequent films such as
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953),
How to Marry a Millionaire
(1953) and The Seven Year Itch
(1955). Limited by typecasting,
Monroe studied at the Actors
Studio to broaden her range. Her
dramatic performance in Bus Stop
(1956) was hailed by critics and
garnered a Golden Globe nomina-
tion. She received a Golden Globe
Award for her performance in
Some Like It Hot (1959).
Monroe's last completed film was
The Misfits (1961), co-starring
Clark Gable, with a screenplay
written by her then-husband, play-
wright Arthur Miller.
The final years of Monroe's
life were marked by illness, per-
sonal problems, and a reputation
for unreliability and being difficult
to work with. The circumstances
of her death, from an overdose of
barbiturates, have been the subject
of conjecture. Though officially
classified as a "probable suicide",
the possibility of an accidental
overdose, as well as of homicide,
have not been ruled out. In 1999,
Monroe was ranked as the sixth-
greatest female star of all time by
the American Film Institute. In the
decades following her death, she
has often been cited as both a pop
and a cultural icon as well as the
quintessential American sex sym-
bol. In 2009, TV Guide Network
named her No. 1 in Film's Sexiest
Women of All Time.
Here are some of her famous
quotes:
*I'm selfish, impatient and a
little insecure. I make mistakes, I
am out of control and at times
hard to handle. But if you can't
handle me at my worst, then you
sure as hell don't deserve me at
my best.
I believe that everything hap-
pens for a reason. People change
so that you can learn to let go,
things go wrong so that you appre-
ciate them when they're right, you
believe lies so you eventually learn
to trust no one but yourself, and
sometimes good things fall apart
so better things can fall together.
Imperfection is beauty, mad-
ness is genius and it's better to be
absolutely ridiculous than absolute-
ly boring.
This life is what you make it.
No matter what, you're going to
mess up sometimes, it's a univer-
sal truth. But the good part is you
get to decide how you're going to
mess it up. Girls will be your
friends - they'll act like it anyway.
But just remember, some come,
some go. The ones that stay with
you through everything - they're
your true best friends. Don't let
go of them. Also remember, sis-
ters make the best friends in the
world. As for lovers, well, they'll
come and go too. And baby, I hate
to say it, most of them - actually
pretty much all of them are going
to break your heart, but you can't
give up because if you give up,
you'll never find your soulmate.
You'll never find that half who
makes you whole and that goes for
everything. Just because you fail
once, doesn't mean you're gonna
fail at everything. Keep trying,
hold on, and always, always,
always believe in yourself,
because if you don't, then who
will, sweetie? So keep your head
high, keep your chin up, and most
importantly, keep smiling, because
life's a beautiful thing and there's
so much to smile about.
A wise girl kisses but doesn't
love, listens but doesn't believe,
and leaves before she is left.
I am good, but not an angel. I
do sin, but I am not the devil. I
am just a small girl in a big world
trying to find someone to love.
If you can make a woman
laugh, you can make her do any-
thing.
The real lover is the man who
can thrill you by kissing your fore-
head or smiling into your eyes or
just staring into space.
Ever notice how 'What the
hell' is always the right answer?
It's better to be unhappy
alone than unhappy with some-
one.
When it comes down to it, I
let them think what they want. If
they care enough to bother with
what I do, then I'm already better
than them.
We should all start to live
before we get too old. Fear is stu-
pid. So are regrets.
From the mouth of a dumb blonde
Inner Space
By Faith Harper
Y
antras (mystical dia-
grams) are powerful
mystical products used in
Vasthu Sastra to enhance energy
flow and correction of a nega-
tive environment.
The proper placement of the
yantras has been found to pro-
vide a cure for the negativity
that afflicts the property and
protect the dwellers residing on
such a property.
On August 4, I joined my
seventh generation Vasthu Sastra
Master Yuvaraj Sowma to per-
form the yantra ceremony on a
land in Brisbane.
The rectangular piece of land
owned by teacher Rohininandan
Das had an alignment problem
and to remedy the defect, he
decided to perform the yantra
ceremony on his plan prior to
the construction of his double-
storey bungalow.
Yantras represents the five
elements earth, air, fire, water
and ether and Das had the sil-
ver version placed on his land in
Parkinson suburb.
Master Yuvaraj explained
that each yantra has a different
purpose and he buried them in
the eight sectors of the property.
They are used for a dweller
seeking contentment, comforts,
education, success and love.
The yantras remove restless-
ness, and avert failure and trou-
bles. They bestow wisdom and
respect, create affection, and
remove worries and bring suc-
cess in the effort to seek spiritu-
ality in solitude.
Master Yuvaraj said the rec-
ommended use is on the land of
a new property (residential or
commercial) for a building or
land that is unable to have the
things arranged according to
Vasthu rules or having defects.
He performed the two-hour
long ceremony which started at
5.30am and was participated by
Das, his wife Kamini Meera and
their twin daughters Sachi Devi
and Sita Devi.
Eight holes were dug in the
eight compass directions of the
land to nullify any negative
effects of the ground and renew
the gravitational power of the
earth.
The prayer items involved in
the ceremony were Turmeric
powder, Kumkum powder,
coconuts, camphor, beetle nuts
and leafs, bananas, rice, brown
sugar, lime, flowers and incense
sticks.
According to Master
Yuvaraj, just as a mantra is a
sound composition, a yantra is a
geometrical composition that
reveals a particular energy con-
figuration whose power increas-
es in exact proportion to the
abstraction and precision of the
diagram.
Used together with a mantra
or seed sound syllables, each
yantra displays the patterns of
force heard in the mantra.
The yantra is a potent and
dynamic sacred symbol. The
concentric lines of yantras define
their volume and create a rhyth-
mic unity.
Yantras function as revelato-
ry symbols of cosmic truths and
as instructional charts of the
spiritual aspects of human expe-
rience.
It is a psychic product of
personal fulfilment.
Though a complex symbolic
construction with multiple layers
of metaphysical meaning, it also
aids man to return to his original
wholeness.
Master Yuvaraj said once a
dweller has performed this cere-
mony, the power of the yantra
buried in the plot can last for 60
years.
Flowers and prayers items
were played on the yantras after
they were placed in each hole
and were later completely sealed
by earth.
Das and his family per-
formed the ritual in deep devo-
tion and respect and they were
happy to be part of the ancient
ceremony.
Meera said that they felt the
sense of fulfilment upon the
completion of the yantra cere-
mony and now wait for the
smooth construction of the
dream house following 100%
Vasthu rules.
VasthuSastra
By T. Selva
Body-Mind-Spirit
Marilyn Monroe:
enduring sex symbol
Master Yuvaraj Sowma perform-
ing the Vasthu yantra puja on
the land in Brisbane.
Meera and her family seeking
blessing from fire offering at the
Vasthu yantra ceremony.
Vasthu Sastra Master Yuvaraj Sowma chanting mantras on the yantra
before placing them on the site of the house in Brisbane.
Childrens Corner
Children's Corner
By Esther
Chaudhry-Lyons
O
nce upon time there
lived three friends in a
jungle. They were a
deer, a tortoise and a mouse.
They used to meet everyday
and enjoy each others compa-
ny. They also would help each
other very much.
One day, the three friends
were playing after having
lunch. A
hunter
came to
the jun-
gle and
saw the
three of
them.
He was
very
happy to
see the
deer. He
tried to catch the deer, but the
deer and the mouse ran away.
The tortoise being very slow
at crawling, could not escape.
The hunter immediately put
his net on the tortoise. As its
legs got struck in the net, it
was unable for it to crawl
anymore. The deer and the
mouse were very sad to see
the tortoise in trouble. They
had to pull him out.
They acted quickly. The
deer went and stood at a dis-
tance from the hunter. The
hunter thought, I have
already laid my net on the tor-
toise. It cannot escape. Now,
I can chase the deer and take
two of them home. He ran
towards the deer. The deer
ran slowly so that the hunter
could chase
him.
The
mouse in
the mean-
time nib-
bled the net
in which
the tortoise
was trapped.
The tortoise
crawled and
escaped into
the river nearby. Seeing this
the deer ran very fast and the
hunter could not see it any-
more. He became tired and
came back to the place where
he left the tortoise. He was
shocked to see that his net has
been nibbled and the tortoise
was not seen anywhere. He
went away disappointed. The
three friends became even
closer after this.
Teacher: Class, we will have
only half days school this morn-
ing.
Class: Hooray!
Teacher: We will have the
other half this afternoon
********
Mother: What did you
learn in school today
Son: How to write
Mother: What did you
write?
Son: I don't know, they
haven't taught us how to
read yet!
********
Student: The brain is a
wonderful thing
Teacher: Why do you say
that?
Student: Because it starts
working the second you get up
in the morning and never stops
until you get asked a question in
class!
********
Teacher: Be sure that you go
straight home
Student: I can't, I live just
round the corner!
********
Q: Why didn't the quarter
roll down the hill with the
nickel?
A: Because it had
more cents.
Q:
Why was
the math book sad?
A: Because it had too many
problems.
Q: What kind of meals do
math teachers eat?
A: Square meals!
Q: Teacher: Now class,
whatever I ask, I want you all
to answer at once. How much
is six plus 4?
A: Class: At once!
Q: Why didn't the two 4's
want any dinner?
A: Because they already 8!
Q: What is a math
teacher's favourite sum?
A: Summer!
Q: What is a
butterfly's
favourite subject at
school?
A:
Mathematics.
Q: What do
you get when
you divide the
circumference of
a Jack-o-lantern by
its diameter?
A: Pumpkin Pi!
Q: What did zero say to the
number eight?
A: Nice belt.
Q: Teacher: Why are you
doing your multiplication on
the floor?
A: Student: You told me not
to use tables.
M
any ancient religions
started in India and
have spread over many
parts of the world, one of them is
Buddhism. Buddhism was started
by Gautam Buddha, today Iam
going to tell you about this great
founder of Buddhism.
Gautam Buddha
Buddha means 'the enlightened
one'. And Gautam Buddha was
one of the greatest religious
teachers that the world has seen.
His teachings expounded in
Buddhism are immensely popular
in Burma, China, Japan and other
South Eastern Countries.
Early Life
The Buddha was born in 563
B.C. as Siddhartha to
Shuddhodana, the king of
Kapilavastu in Nepal. His mother
Mayadevi expired when he was
just 7 days old and he was
brought up by his stepmother
Gautami. Siddhartha was made to
lead a very sheltered life as the
astrologers had predicted that he
would give up worldly pleasures
to follow a different path. The
King wanted to avoid this at all
costs and so did not let him out
of the palace. He hoped that
Siddhartha would one day become
king.
Life Changing Experiences
When Siddhartha had grown into
an intelligent young man, he ven-
tured out of his palace one day,
and chanced on a few sights that
changed the course of his life. He
first saw a very old man who
could barely walk, a sick man
who was in a great deal of pain,
and lastly a corpse. He had never
been exposed to pain before, and
so these sights had a deep effect
on him. His servant explained
that pain and death were
inevitable. This made Siddhartha
very sad and he started to rethink
his life and began to try to fathom
the reason of existence. Seeing
him so thoughtful, his father
decided to get him married and
get his mind off such serious top-
ics. He was married to a beautiful
princess called Yashodhara, who
soon gave birth to a son who they
called Rahul.
A Search for Light
Despite this, Siddhartha found no
happiness in materialistic pleas-
ures and so left the palace in
search of salvation - ' Moksh'.
He was only 29 years old. He
roamed the country, meeting vari-
ous sadhus and saints in his
search for inner peace. He lived
the life of a hermit and underwent
rigorous ' tapasya' to achieve his
purpose, but still could not under-
stand the meaning of or reason
for life and death.
Finally, one day he reached
Bodh Gaya. He was very tired
and so sat under the shade of a
tree. He shut his eyes and was
blessed with a divine light. This
was the turning point, as he real-
ized the truth is within every
human being. The search outside
was pointless. After this he was
known as ' Buddha' or the
enlightened one.
The Right Path and
Immortality
For 45 years, Buddha spread his
message of a spiritual life. He did
not believe in rituals but pointed
to an 8 - fold path towards salva-
tion - that of right speech, under-
standing, determination, deeds,
efforts, awareness, thinking and
living. According to Buddhism,
by following this path one could
overcome desires, which were the
root cause of grief and misery.
The Buddha died in 483 BC at the
ripe age of 80 years, after suc-
cessfully spreading his message to
the world. Buddhism still lives
and has a strong following in var-
ious Asian countries.
The
Dalai
Lama is
the most
famous
Buddhist
leader of
our
time.
The Three
Friends
JOKES & RIDDLES
HISTORY OF OUR
MOTHERLAND INDIA
Laugh and the class laughs with you.
But you get detention alone!!
Aug Mat 1. Well settled parents
looking for suitable matches for their
daughter, 32 years old, working for a
multinational company in Sydney in a
senior corporate position, pretty, 163cm
tall; brought up in and values both Indian
and western culture. North Indian,
Punjabi, from other regional back-
ground, professional boys from well set-
tled family background preferred. Please
contact by email: sur6958@gmail.com
or mobile: 0404147744.
Aug Mat 2. Match for Australian
born, 27year old Sydney based Punjabi
Brahmin girl, post graduate in Law
working for NSW government. Pretty,
tall, fair, homely yet modern girl wants a
professional, educated match. Contact:
vk54554@hotmail.com
Aug Mat 3, 2013. SEEKING
match for my brother, Hindu, Gujarati -
Patel, 32, 6 ft, vegetarian, Masters in
Computing Studies, working and living
in USA (American citizen). Looking for
a loving Gujarati girl, caring with good
family values, well cultured settled or
trying to settle in USA or Australia,
preferably with a PR/Citizenship. Email:
bluepools2012@gmail.com
Aug Mat 4, 2013. MATCH
required for an Aust-born Hindu boy, 35,
5'-6", doctor, living in Melb, never mar-
ried. Caste no bar. Email
:km7000@gmail.com
Aug Mat 5, 2013. Seeking suitable
match ( from Australia ) never married,
for Hindu Girl 34 yrs,Chartered
Accountant (non veg) living in australia
over 25 yrs with eastern and western
family values. Please email with all
details on ganesh2011v@gmail.com
Aug Mat 6, 2013. Seeking a Hindu
boy, non vegetarian, preferably Gujarati
with good family values for my daugh-
ter. She is 33 , divorced, 5'2" and well-
built. She is an Australian citizen, works
as an IT team leader and is well settled in
Sydney. If you are interested please con-
tact us on 0404 595 182 or r.chan-
dra2012@hotmail.com.
Aug Mat 7. Parents settled in
Australia looking for a suitable profes-
sional match for their 30 years old
daughter, height 165cm, smart, pretty
and working as a clinical psychologist,
well brought up and respects Indian cul-
tural values. Professional boys from well
settled family background preferred.
Please contact by email:
fame46213@gmail.com or mobile:
0452227920
Aug Mat 8, 2013. Parents seeking
match for beautiful, multitalented
Medical Doctor daughter (age 27) with
wider interests in life. Correspondence
requested from medical doctor/ dentist
(preference vegetarian) with exclusive
profile : oasis1556@yahoo.com
Aug Mat 9, 2013. Parents seeking
match for fair, slim Hindu Sindhi girl 32
years/ 156 cm working as Lecturer in
leading University. Permanent resident
of Australia with dual degree M.com
(Accounts and Finance), fond of sports,
traveling and cooking. We are a well knit
professional family. Please mail propos-
al with education, job details with recent
photo to : mohri1324@gmail.com and
Contact no. 0431842458
Aug Mat 10, 2013. Well settled
Indian family looking for a suitable
match for their 25 year old medico
daughter, 5 5 tall, born brought up and
educated in Australia. Keen in outdoor
and sport activities, travel and wants a
like-minded Australia educated medico
boy. Write to:
wedding2519@gmail.com
Aug Mat 11 2013: Seeking a
Hindu girl, vegetarian, preferably
Gujarati, with good family values, for
my son. He is 36, divorced, no children,
fair, 58, well-built, non-smoker, light
drinks. He is an Australian citizen, works
as a tax consultant and lives with his par-
ents. His two sisters live separately. We
have lived in Sydney for 19 years.
Contact 0423 328 800 or
sydau714@hotmail.com.
Aug Mat 12, 2013. Seeking a well
qualified Hindu male, aged between 49
54, for a very fair, young looking
Hindu lady, aged 54 and an Australian
citizen. He should be a non smoker and
should have strong moral values. Caste
no bar. She is an eggetarian, divorced
and has a 19 year old daughter living
with her. Contact
lifepartner@hotmail.com.au.
Aug Mat 13, 2013. Hindu Punjabi
business parents invite alliance from a
beautiful educated girl for their highly
qualified son 30/6'3", a very well placed
financial consultant with a leading multi-
national company in UK. Will be in
Australia in July, Caste no bar. Send
BHP to ukshaadi@hotmail.com
Aug Mat 14, 2013. . Well settled
family in Australia inviting alliance for
27 year old, 5"11, Sood Punjabi boy,
B.Software Engineer(honors) and is
working as a senior IT Consultant for the
Australian government on high income.
Seeking Indian girl, caste no bar. Please
call 0414-518-312. Email aumohin-
dra@gmail.com
Aug Mat 15, 2013. Seeking com-
patible well educated, employed profes-
sional/ business match, with Indian
background, broad minded/ mature out-
look, independent, divorcee, age 47
years onward, For caring, honest, friend-
ly, Indian Christian divorcee Australian
citizen, 48 yrs 5'3" tall, much younger
looking than age, attractive, graceful
looking graduate nurse, employed.
Caste no bar. Email details to
emily.lotus@hotmail.com
Matrimonials
MATRIMONIALS
Body-Mind-Spirit
T
o follow the Dalai Lama for 40 years
one must be crazy. Vijay Kranti, a
photo journalist from India, is not
crazy but he has followed His Holiness like
a shadow. He explains, Dalai Lamas
presence in India has turned out like Lord
Buddhas homecoming to His original home
after a gap of over 2,500 years.
Vijays photo exhibition Dalai Lama
the soldier of peace was held in Sydney in
line with HH Dalai Lamas visit to
Australia in June this year. Says Vijay,
This photo festival is an Indian photogra-
phers tribute to the success story of
Tibetan refugee community, the imagina-
tive leadership of Dalai Lama and the
friendly hospitality of the people of India
which, collectively, made it possible to
revive Tibetan culture and national
identity in exile to its original glory.
About the exhibition in Sydney,
says Vijay, "These are my best pic-
tures of Dalai Lama where he is
just outside the frame, but is
strongly visible through the eyes
of those who are watching him
with devotion, awe and admi-
ration." The photographer
has been a great admirer
and a devotee of the
Tibetan religious and tem-
poral head who has become
the best known spiritual
guru of contemporary
times. "It is so easy to
catch Dalai Lama in every
possible mood. Just because he
speaks from his heart and reflects it gen-
uinely through his expressions and body
language. But the only one mood which
I've so far failed to catch over 40 years is -
seeing Dalai Lama in anger. I hope I don't
catch him in this mood ever," says Vijay
Kranti, who has also published books of
collections of Dalai Lama photographs,
largely black and white.
HHDL Riding a yak in Zanskar (1980). The Dalai Lama in deep meditation.
Vijay Kranti, solo subject (His Holiness)
photographer.
Reiki Therapist
Manju is a qualified Reiki therapist. Reiki heals Physical,
Mental, Emotional and Spiritual states. I can offer a wide
range of Reiki services to heal the body, mind and spirit. I
am dedicated to my clients and takes pride in assisting their
healing by channelling this wonderful energy.
Reiki is simple natural healing system through the laying on
hands energy is channeled to the area most needed for bal-
ance. Every treatment is different and healing occurs from
the inside and out. Reiki with Manju is truly a positive and
spiritual experience.
To see if Reiki could possibly help you
please call,
Manju Mittal
0425 204 364
Sports
By K. Raman
H
im being the proud, charismatic, tal-
ented and popular son of Australia,
let us begin by quoting lines from the
popular satirical song titled Shane Warne
song rendered by another iconic satire king
Aussie Kevin Bloody Wilson. It is a 42 line
song, and most of those lines cannot be pub-
lished here, theyd have to be masked ( if I go
ahead the page would be full of endless
XXXXXX) because they are a bit dodgy with
swearing and what not, but Kevin had sung it
loud and clear (YouTube) with no omissions
or beeping:
A cricketin legend, all Australian boy,
A real blokes bloke and we all loved him
for it,
But he has a xxxxxx problem and it is
affectin his game,
So Warnie put your xxxxxx away (the
lines further on become more and more
muggy and dodgy), so I leave it here.
The very name Warne (affectionately
called Warnie) instantly arrests our attention.
It is more or less so universally. Our reaction
may be in a good sense or otherwise, it is
immaterial for Warnie. He is crickets human
headline. As a cricketer his heroics are well
known and well documented. As a rookie in
cricket field he had good looks, chubby
physique, flamboyance, larrikinism and to top
it all, cricketing skills beyond measure.
Today he is talented, famous and rich, put
them in whichever order you wish to. Ably
assisted by the good people behind him he
developed his tweaking and unpredictable ball
curling skill as a prodigious leg spinner.
If Don Bradman was the squeaky clean
Patron Saint of Cricket, or the Saint Mary
McKillap, in flannels and batting pads,
Warnie was the antithesis of those noble qual-
ities, he was the merciless and lethal annihila-
tor on the green, wedded to many question-
able lifestyles. His attitude of give and take
policy paid high dividends as a bowler and he
dictated terms with some of the classy bats-
men, who could not plot a plan to encounter
him. His shrewd thinking and observant mind
found the weakness in the batsman facing him
and in many instances he toyed with them,
leading them to frustration and misery.
He was the Sheik of tweak. At his beck
and call he could bowl googlies, right arm leg
spin generating prodigious spin, flippers,
zootas, toppies, back spinners, and sometimes
a combination of one or more baffling mixed
varieties to put the nervous batsman in a state
of panic. Not being an off spinner, thank
God, he never was involved with the dreaded
Doosra (off spinners reverse spinner that
went like Warnies big leg spinners) or
Theesra. Warnie once showed me the
Doosra grip when I met him. (Doosra as he
showed me is bowled with a scrambled seam
or a perpendicular seam. Seam here is per-
pendicular like a fast bowlers grip -
to the intended ball motion, with the
running action of a typical off breaker.
Speaking on himself, he attributed his
success to my looks, and the way I play: you
combine them that make people interested in
what I do. As a trend setter he was one of
the first cricketers to wear a Nike swooch on
his ears. Soon cricket adoring Warnie fans
aped to wear it and Nikes coffers got fuller.
When he was off the field, stuff hap-
pened; it is one of those cocktail mixtures.
Outside cricket, his life was shrouded with
quite colourful controversies, covered with
unsavoury comments and jokes that could not
be presented in public. Media focused on him
and paparazzi chased him everywhere. He
lived a life pampered by celebrities, tread on
red carpets, and was always glowing in the
limelight. His love life (many described it as
notorious), phone issues, cigarette smoking,
wild parties, carefree texting, boozing issues,
on field antics, involvement with Indian book
maker, incessant sledging alongside his bril-
liance as a player made him a much talked
about but not a likeable sportsman.
Speaking of his indiscretions with women
(someone came out with an estimation of him
involving actively with 2,000 damsels).
However, Warnie says I think everyone out
there thinks that theres been hundreds and
hundreds and thousands of women involved.
That is not the actual case. Be it his co-play-
ers, fans or watchers of the game, his open-
ness, approachability, and endearing disposi-
tion put him on the high pedestal as the dar-
ling of all. His larrikinism, showmanship,
magnetic personality, never give up and fight
till the last attitude with shrewd leadership
qualities was always leading him to be nomi-
nated as the Skipper of Australian cricket
team, but Steve Waugh walked away with the
cherry and you know why. Alan Border said,
The more I watch Warnie, the more I am
convinced he would make a wonderful Aus.
Captain
He was born on 13.9.69 at Fern tree gully
- a Melbourne suburb, as the son of Keith
Warne and Brigette Warne under the star sign
Virgo. He is addressed by various pet names:
Twistie, sultan of tweak, Twirler, Show bag,
Earl of twirl, Hollywood (named so by
Border), Truman, Elvis and God knows by
how many more names he is known. There is
a story behind each of these pet names.
Anyway from his meagre beginning as the
delivery boy of Forty winksstore delivering
furniture to clients, he reached an iconic sta-
tus rubbing shoulders with rich and famous,
and probably became as Ponting put it He is
the greatest player who has ever been.
Murali says Warnie is the best. He was the
first to arrive at the 500 Test wicket mark
(achieved playing against all the top nations,
not with the also ran groups).
Warnie according to Ian Healey ate a
highly
b a l -
a n c e d
diet of a
b i g
c h e e s e
burger in
e a c h
h a n d .
A p a r t
f r o m
D o u b l e
cheese burgers,
he ate copious quantities of baked beans,
tinned spaghetti, toasted cheese sandwiches,
jelly snakes and drank thick shakes or
scoonars as dictated by his mind. One of his
school mate who was his constant companion
said that he had never seen Warnie eat any
form of vegetarian food. As a consumer of
baked beans, while touring the sub-continent,
he received big consignments of baked beans
tins regularly from Australia. Needless to
mention here the bad unpleasant side effects
of consuming baked beans.
In 144 Tests, he scooped 702 wickets for
an average of 25.47, his best scoop in one
inning being 8 for 71, had a five wicket haul
on 37 occasions and ten wickets haul on ten
occasions. He started this amazing wicket tak-
ing spree in 1991-92, with Ravi Sastri as the
first victim and Flintoff in 2006-7 as his 702th
victim. As a batsman he scored 12 Test fifties
and 34 ducks. His list of top ten cricketers
may look surprising to some readers. They
are:
Tendulkar, Lara, Ambrose, Border,
McGrath, Akram, Murali, Ponting, Taylor
and Healey. (This is highly debatable).
Tail piece
I should mention the ball of the millenni-
um, in which he was the key figure. The
Ashes series at Old Trafford, 1993. Mike
Gatting was facing Warnie who delivered the
ball pitched wide of Gattings leg stump, but
the projectile spun viciously inwards, and dis-
missed him. It was Warnies first ball of the
Ashes series and truly a warm up ball. It
became part of folklore; the ball drifting for
over a meter of Drunken spin was once in a
lifetime. I had witnessed the incident and one
has to see the forlorn, shocked expression on
Mikes face as he heard the death rattle and
crumbling of the stumps. In crude poetic form
it is described thus by Victoria Coverdale;
Mike Gattings mouth became an O,
With a single delivery which changed the
world
Mikes, Shanes and the mind you know.
He goes merrily along attracting the
crowd, whipping up their emotion, even as
the Ashes is on. He is an ornament to the
game of flanneled fools or the cleanly
attired jokers.
Shane Warne with the author.
In 144 Tests, Shane Warne scooped 702
wickets for an average of 25.47, his best scoop
in one inning being 8 for 71. Off the field, his
life was shrouded with colourful controver-
sies, covered with unsavoury comments and
jokes that could not be presented in public.
The Kersi Meher-Homji column
W
hat an epic thriller! In
financial terminology,
the Trent Bridge Test
deserves a triple-A rating. And
not just because the Ashes opener
was dominated by Anderson and
Ashton Agar.
It had everything: collapses,
recoveries, a dramatic debut
involving a nervous ninety, a cen-
tury, three five-fers, a ten-fer, last
wicket heroics, controversies and
match-deciding DRSs.
Englands nail-biting 14-run
victory will be talked about for a
long time. Although Australia
lost, they will go in the Lords
Test on Thursday with renewed
confidence. The bitter memory of
India when they were white-
washed 0-4 earlier in the year is
now erased.
The Ashes are for grabs. Man
of the Match Jimmy Andersons
magnificent hauls of 5 for 85 and
5 for 73 and Ian Bells 109 were
behind Englands pencil-thin win
but it was Stuart Broad getting a
deafening decision which
swung the match their way.
He was 37 when caught by
Michael Clarke in the slips but
given not out. It was an honest
umpiring error but a BIG mistake.
The snick could be heard over
fifty metres away. He was 37 then
and went on to score 65, eventu-
ally adding 138 for the 7th wicket
with Bell.
The unforgettable final day
started with Australia needing 137
runs for a victory with four wick-
ets remaining. That included an
established batsman Brad Haddin
and the hero of the first innings,
Agar.
But Australia lost 3 for 57 and
was 9 for 231. An impossible
80 runs to win with the last
pair of Haddin and James
Pattinson.
Will the last wicket drama
of the first innings repeat
itself? It did, as Haddin and
Pattinson scored 60 pulsating
runs for the unbroken last
wicket at lunch.
Now only 20 runs for a
win for the Aussies. But a
DRS decided the Test soon
after lunch. Umpire Aleem
Dar declared Haddin not out
but DRS, after ages of replays
and sound tracts, made Dar
change his decision.
So many twists and turns,
so many ifs and buts. The
Trent Bridge Test will be dis-
cussed for a long time, espe-
cially the fairy-tale debut of
Ashton Agar. In his first Test
innings, he batted brilliantly
for 101 min-
utes scoring 98
runs with 12
fours and two
sixes. With Phillip
Hughes he added
163, a Test record for
the last wicket.
He missed his centu-
ry by two runs but was
philosophical about it. He
smiled his way to Test fame.
Records tumbled in the 136
year history of Test cricket. It
was the highest score by a num-
ber 11 batsman in Test annals,
as shown below:
98 by Ashton Agar for Aus v.
Eng, Trent Bridge, 2013;
95 by Tino Best for WI v. Eng,
Edgbaston, 2012;
75 by Zaheer Khan for Ind v.
Bangla, Dhaka, 2004-05;
68 not out by Richard Collinge
for NZ v. Pak, Auckland, 1972-
73;
62 not out by Bert Vogler for
SAf v. Eng, Cape Town, 1905-06;
61 by Glenn McGrath, Aus v.
NZ, Brisbane, 2004-05
60 not out by Wasim Bari, Pak
v. WI, Bridgetown, 1976-77.
Agar is the only debutant in
the above group.
Just like the tied Test between
Australia and the West Indies in
Brisbane in December 1960 and
the Kolkata Test between India
and Australia in March 2001, the
Trent Bridge Test of July 2013
will be recalled with relish and
anguish.
Last wicket heroics for Australia,
but England wins by a whisker
M
any wondered Ashton
Agar who? on the
opening day of the first
Test between England and
Australia at the Trent Bridge Test
on 10 July.
Why risk an unknown 19
year-old left-arm spinner in an
important Ashes Test match,
many asked. As Australias spin
attack is weak I thought why not
give him a chance? He did not
take a wicket and did not even
look likely to grab one on the
opening day.
Silly selectors, I grumbled.
The next day I had to swallow my
words as he became an interna-
tional celebrity with his front
page photos in every newspaper
in Australia and
England.
In reply to
Englands 215,
Australia was on
her knees at 9-
117, still 98 runs
behind with all
top batsmen
apart from
Phillip Hughes
gone. Enters
debutant Ashton
Agar as the last
man.
He received a
benefit of doubt
decision when
given not out for
stumping. What
happened later on became a beau-
tiful dream for Australia and a
nightmare for England.
Agar batted brilliantly for 101
minutes scoring 98 runs with 12
fours and two sixes. With Hughes
he added 163, a Test record for
the last wicket.
Records tumbled in the 136
year history of Test cricket. It
was the highest score by a num-
ber 11 batsman and that too by a
debutant.
He missed his century by two
runs but was philosophical about
it. His parents and two brothers,
present among the crowd, were
ecstatic for his incredible 98,
especially his mother of Sri
Lankan ori-
gin. His innings will be remem-
bered for a long, long time and
soon will become a folklore.
All throughout his innings he
kept smiling; even when dis-
missed in his nervous 90s.
The next day he claimed the
prized wicket of Englands cap-
tain Alastair Cook as his first
Test victim. What a dream debut!
This epic Test and Agars
records have been described else-
where in this column.
Ashton Agar had a dream debut
with 98 runs in the first innings
in the Trent Bridge Test and
claimed one wicket.
Ashton Agars amazing debut
New Australian cricket hero
Ashton Agar with his proud
parents Sri Lankan Sonia
and John.
W
hat a grand victory for
India in Port-of-Spain,
winning the exciting
final by one wicket with just two
balls remaining! Just as well that
MS Dhoni was fit for this epic
match as he guided India to victo-
ry by his cool temperament. After
defending and protecting No. 11
batsman Ishant Sharma for three
pulsating overs, Dhoni ended the
match by hitting 6, 4 and 6.
Give him crisis and Dhoni
scales Mount Everest.
Oddly, India started the Tri-
nation series poorly losing to the
hosts West Indies and Sri Lanka
but improved spectacularly to
trounce the same teams by big
margins.
This enabled them to enter the
Final at Port of Spain to meet Sri
Lanka. It was their second succes-
sive Final within three weeks.
But there was a difference. In
England they had cruised unbeaten
in the Champions Trophy in June.
It was quite different in the
Caribbean in June-July. To come
back after losing two matches
demonstrated their strength of
character. Especially as they were
caned by Sri Lanka by 161 runs a
week before the epic final. Just
look at the scores. Sri Lanka
smashed Indian bowlers to amass 1
for 348, openers Upul Tharanga
(174 not out) and Mahela
Jayawardene (107) putting on 213
runs. Not dispirited by this thrash-
ing, India defeated the West Indies
by a convincing margin of 102
runs thanks to the emergency skip-
per Virat Kohlis brilliant century.
Buoyed by this victory, India
beat Sri Lanka by 81 runs on
Duckworth Lewis rule to qualify
for the final. On a seaming pitch,
opener Rohit Sharma batted
superbly to score an unbeaten 48
as India made 3-119 in 29 overs.
The rain made the pitch more
difficult for the Lankan bats and
they were dismissed for 96. Fast-
medium bowler Bhuvneshwar
Kumar was almost unplayable with
impressive figures of 6-1-8-4.
What a contrast! Sri Lanka had
amassed 1-348 against India on 2
July. Against the same opponent,
they were dismissed for 96 a week
later. Cricket, incredible cricket!
Now to the epic nail-biting
Final in Port-of-Spain. Back from
injury, Dhoni won the toss and
sent Sri Lanka in to bat. They
started well, being 2-171 at one
stage with Kumar Sangakkara
touching form with 71 but then
spinner Ravindra Jadeja struck
crippling blows.
He captured 4 for 23 and SL
lost their last eight wickets for only
30 runs to be dismissed for 201.
Rohit Sharma played another
gallant innings of 58 but the rest
crumbled on a pitch with some
juice. Needing 202 to win, India
was 9-182, now 20 runs to win in
20 balls. Fortunately for India,
cool cat captain Dhoni was still
there. Ice, rather than blood, must
be flowing through his veins as he
blocked balls taking singles to pro-
tect the tall tailender Ishant.
Came the final over with 15
runs needed for victory. No wor-
ries, Dhoni said as he smashed 6,
4 and 6 off successive deliveries
from Eranga and India won by one
wicket. He was the obvious Man
of the Match with fast-medium
bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar the
Player of the Series. Bhuvneshwar
had taken 10 wickets in the series
at an excellent average of 9.70.
The future of Indian cricket
appears rosy with the Under-19
India winning the Under-19 tour-
nament in Darwin on 12 July.
Cool Cat Dhoni
behind Indias
Tri-nation triumph
in Caribbean
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, left, and Virat Kohli hold the trophy after
winning the final match of the Tri-Nation cricket series in Port-of-
Spain, Trinidad. India beat Sri Lanka by one wicket with two balls
remaining. Under Dhoni India has won all ICC Trophies: World Cup
in 2011, ICC World T20 earlier on and now the Champions Trophy.
Just look at the consistency of Virat Kohli, and the confidence of batsmen Shikhar Dhawan
and Rohit Sharma, and spinning all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
The new, super power
face of Indian cricket
I
magine India without Sachin
Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS
Laxman, Sourav Ganguly, Anil
Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Virender
Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir,
Cheteshwar Pujara and Yuvraj
Singh winning matches with flair
and finesse.
Just look at the consistency of
Virat Kohli, and the confidence of
opening batsmen Shikhar Dhawan,
age 27, and Rohit Sharma (26) and
spinning all-rounder Ravindra
Jadeja, 24.
Dhawan has scintillated in his
short international career not only in
the Champions Trophy but also at
Test level.
Against Australia in the Mohali
Test in March, the heavily mous-
tached Dhawan scored 187 in his
Test debut as opener. This was the
fastest Test century on debut. He
was also the sensation of the
Champions Trophy, scoring 363
runs at 90.75 and at an amazing
strike rate of 101.39.
Indias fielding, once her biggest
handicap, has become her great
strength as brilliant catches and
acrobatic ground fielding enabled
India to win many matches. Not to
forget their self-confidence.
This self-belief enabled India to
recover splendidly in the tri-nation
series in the West Indies after a poor
start.
The new face of Indian cricket is
telling the cricket world; move over
super powers we are the super
powers!
I
t was a Final to remember.
Shortened from 50 to 20
overs due to heavy rains, it
went down the wire, to the very
last ball. England neededA a 6
off the final ball to win but failed
to get a run and India won the
Champions Trophy by five runs
in June.
India was at a disadvantage
as they were sent in to bat by
Englands captain Alistair Cook
on a wet pitch.
It was Indias first
Champions Trophy (CT) victory
although they had shared it with
Sri Lanka in 2002-03.
India thoroughly deserved to
win CT this year because they
were the only undefeated team,
winning all their matches com-
fortably.
Despite the wet pitch India
opened their batting aggressively
with Shikhar Dhan dhana dhan
Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. They
batted as if it was an IPL match.
When Sharma was dismissed,
Virat Kohli (43) took over. With
Man of the Match Ravindra
Jadeja contributing an unbeaten
33, India posted 7 for 129 in 20
overs.
Needing 130 for a win,
England was on target scoring 4
for 110 with Eoin Morgan (30)
and Ravi Bopara (30 with two
sixes) in control.
Now only 20 runs for a vic-
tory in 15 balls for England. But
skipper MS Dhoni kept his cool
and gave the ball to the tall, long-
haired Ishant Sharma. After
bowling two wides he dismissed
both the in-form batsmen off two
balls and the match tilted Indias
way.
And India won off the final
ball to lift the Trophy.
Dhawan was the well-
deserved Man of the Series scor-
ing 363 runs at 90.75 and at an
amazing strike rate of 101.39.
The next best batsman was
Englands Jonathan Trott with
229 runs. The dynamic Dhawan
was also the only one to hit two
centuries.
Of the five batsmen to score
over 175 runs in the CT 2013,
three were Indians (Dhawan,
Rohit Sharma and Kohli).
Jadeja took the most number
of wickets, 12, at a superb aver-
age of 12.83 and an economy
rate of 3.75. He was the only one
to capture 5 wickets in an
innings.
Thus it was a golden grand-
slam for Dhoni and his youthful
team which includes a balanced
attack of pace and spin as well as
batsmen who think nothing is
beyond them. Also they fielded
like acrobats.
Let us salute cool cat captain
Dhoni. Under him India has won
all ICC Trophies: World Cup in
2011, ICC World T20 earlier on
and now the Champions Trophy.
To quote Sourav Ganguly,
the former Indian captain and
currently TV commentator,
"Dhoni has been an outstanding
captain. His record as captain is
terrific.
He still has a lot of cricket
left in him and he has done won-
ders to Indian cricket".
As 2013 marks the end of
Champions Trophy, no other
country can snatch it from India.
India wins the Champions
Trophy, bravo Dhawan
and Ravindra Jadeja
The Kersi Meher-Homji Column
I
ndia did it again, her third Trophy in a
month. They lifted the U-19 International
Series after demolishing Australia by eight
wickets at Marrara Oval in Darwin on 12 July.
Earlier they had also defeated New Zealand
in this tri-nation youth series.
The victory in the Final was more than just
a win. It was a cruise for the happy teenagers.
They never looked troubled in their run chase
and reached Australias paltry total of 75 in only
the 16th over to finish the Series unbeaten.
They triumphed by 8 wickets with a massive
34.3 overs in hand.
The Aussie players may have spent the pre-
vious night watching one of last years
Australian U-19 representatives, Ashton Agar,
bat his way into history in England. But they
were unable to use that inspiration to produce
any Agar-like heroics with the bat the same day
Agar scored 98 in his Test debut against
England in the Trent Bridge Test.
In the Final, Deepak Hooda took 3-22 and
India reached the target of 76 without a sweat as
opening batsman AK Bains made an unbeaten
40.
Indias captain Vijay Zol won Player of the
Series award after dominating the tournament
with the bat, scoring 284 runs.
Australian fast bowler Matt Fotia was the
only player to snare a five-for during the tour-
nament and finished top of the bowling table
with 10 scalps at an average of 17.20. Fellow
teammate
Jake Doran, only 16, was the best of the
Aussie bats throughout the tournament with a
spectacular average of 195.00.
The U19 International Series is part of
Cricket Australias Under-19 high-performance
program and has a decorated history of produc-
ing the next generation of Australian players
including Michael Clarke, James Pattinson and
the new Test sensation Agar.
National Talent Manager Greg Chappell has
worked in the last three U-19 programs, includ-
ing identifying and nurturing the talent of Agar
and Pat Cummins, and has watched the U-19
Series in Darwin closely.
Chappell said Australian cricket fans had a
lot to look forward to in the coming years.
Doran is the quintessential all-round crick-
eter for the modern era for he is an accom-
plished wicket-keeper who also bowls some
handy left-arm seamers. He shows enormous
potential as a left-hand middle order player in
the mould of Michael Hussey, Chappell said.
Early signs suggest that talent is not the
problem. It will come down to how much is
learnt from the experiences; then it is down to
commitment, desire and execution, Chappell
added.
Australia is currently preparing for the ICC
U-19 Cricket World Cup, to be held in Dubai in
February 2014.
The next test for the Aussie U-19s ahead of
next years World Cup will be a U-19
Quadrangular series against India, South Africa
and Zimbabwe in India in September.
A
s the media is full of the 11th
cricket World Cup (WC) to be
played in Australia New
Zealand in February-March 2015, let me
pick out some interesting highlights and
trivia.
Australia is the only country to win
the WC four times (in1987 and then a
hat-trick of wins in 1996, 2003 and
2007).
West Indies and India come next with
two Cups each, the Windies winning in
the inaugural year 1975 and in 1979 to
make it two in a row. The reigning
champs India have won in 1983 and in
2011.
Pakistan in 1992 and Sri Lanka in
1996 have won it once each.
In 2011 India became the only coun-
try to win a WC in her own country.
Australia has also been runners-up
twice, in 1975 and in 1996, thus entering
the finals a record six times out of ten.
England entered the WC final three
times (in 1979, 1987 and 1992) without
winning even once. Graham Gooch
played in all three finals, an agonising
experience.
Surprisingly, South Africa has failed
to enter the final even once.
Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and
Saurav Ganguli of India, Glenn
McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting
and the Waugh twins Steve and Mark of
Australia and South Africas Gary
Kirsten are holding all individual records
in the 36 year history of the World Cup.
Tendulkar holds records for scoring the
most runs in WC (2278 runs at 56.95 in
45 matches), hitting most centuries (6)
and scoring most runs in a single WC
(673 in 2003).
Ponting comes next with 1743 runs at
45.86 in 46 matches, hitting 5 centuries.
He has also played most WC matches
(46).
Kirsten has scored the highest indi-
vidual score, 188 not out against United
Arab Emirates at Rawalpindi in 1996.
Mark Waugh (130) and his twin Steve
(82) were the first to be associated in a
double century partnership, adding 207
runs for the third wicket against Kenya at
Vishakhapatnam in 1996.
This record was eclipsed twice in
1999 by Indian batsmen; Rahul Dravid
and Sachin Tendulkar who added 237
runs for the unbroken third wicket
against Kenya at Bristol and then by
Sourav Ganguly and Dravid who added
318 runs for the second wicket against Sri
Lanka at Taunton three days later.
McGrath has the best bowling in a
match, 7-15 v. Namibia at Potchefstroom
in 2003. The next best is also by an
Aussie quickie, Andy Bichel, 7-20 v.
England at Port Elizabeth, also in 2003.
McGrath has taken most wickets in
WC, 71 at 18.19 in 39 matches and most
wickets in a single WC, 26 in 2007.
Gilchrist made most dismissals, 52
(45 catches and seven stumpings in 31
matches), most dismissals in a single
World Cup (21, all caught, in 2003) and
most dismissals in an innings (6 catches
v. Namibia at Potchefstroom in 2003).
Ponting took most catches by a non-
wicket-keeper, 28.
Now from statistical to downright
weird! Australia beat India by one run in
Chennai, India on 9 October 1987 but
that was thanks to the eagle eye of man-
ager Alan Crompton. Australia scored 6-
268 after 50 overs. However, the alert
Crompton had noticed that a hit from
Dean Jones signalled as a four was actu-
ally a six.
At lunch Crompton, the umpires and
captains Allan Border and Kapil Dev
watched the video and two runs were
added to the total. India made 269 and
lost by a run. For his century Geoff
Marsh was adjudged Man of the Match
but many said tongue-in-cheek that the
manager deserved it
more! Inspired,
Australia went
on to win the
World Cup
i n
Kolkata, their first at the fourth attempt.
Australian batsmen are the only ones
to feature in five run outs in a World Cup
match. Not once but twice! First time
was against the West Indies in the inau-
gural World Cup final at Lords on 21
June 1975 when Alan Turner, Ian and
Greg Chappell, Max Walker and Jeff
Thomson were run out.
The second instance was when Mark
and Steve Waugh, Michael Bevan, Shane
Lee and Damien Fleming were run out
against India in Mumbai on 27 February
1996. Only two wickets fell for 441 runs
in the match between Pakistan and West
Indies in Melbourne on 23 February
1992. Pakistan scored 2-220 and
West Indies replied with 0-221
to win by 10 wickets.
Amazingly, the last 344
runs were amassed
without the loss of a
wicket!
The least fancied
India under Kapil
Dev winning the
World Cup at
Lords in England in
1983 remains a per-
sonal highlight.
What more
records and curiosi-
ties will we witness
in the 2015 World
Cup down under?
Will India repeat
her 2011 triumph to win
two World Cups in a row?
Under-19 India
thrash Australian
teenagers to lift
U-19 Trophy
in Darwin
Highlights of Cricket World
Cups from 1975 to 2011
Ponting comes next with 1743
runs at 45.86 in 46 matches,
hitting 5 centuries. He has also
played most WC matches (46).
Sachin Tendulkar holds records for scoring the most runs in World Cup hsitory
(2278 runs at 56.95 in 45 matches), hitting most centuries (6) and scoring most
runs in a single World Cup (673 in 2003).
P
rime Minister Kevin Rudd on July
30 officially launched the ICC
Cricket World Cup 2015 with New
Zealand Prime Minister John Key and
Federal Minister for Sport Don Farrell.
Indian cricketer Kapil Dev was present at
the launch in Melbourne.
This Cricket World Cup is one of the
worlds largest sporting events and will
demonstrate Australias expertise in deliv-
ering outstanding major sporting events.
The World Cup is expected to attract
an additional 50,000 international tourists
to Australia, reaching a global audience of
over 900 million people and generating an
estimated $360 million in additional direct
expenditure across Australia and New
Zealand.
A total of 49 one day matches will be
played at venues in Australia and New
Zealand.
Australian venues that have received
significant infrastructure upgrades funded
by the Federal Government including the
Sydney Cricket Ground, Adelaide,
Bellerive and Manuka Ovals will host
matches.
The World Cup will showcase
Australia as a preferred trade, investment
and recreation destination and to boost
opportunities for Australian firms to build
international business connections.
Co-hosting the Cricket World Cup with
New Zealand has added significance being
the ANZAC centenary in 2015.
The Cricket World Cup 2015 is the
11th edition of the tournament and was
previously hosted by Australia and New
Zealand in 1992.
The Federal Government has worked
in partnership with the New Zealand
Government, Local Organising
Committee, the International Cricket
Council, States and Territories to deliver a
world class event.
The Cricket World Cup is an exciting
global sporting event on our doorstep and
the Rudd Government is committed to
maximising the benefits for all
Australians.
Australia are included in Pool A with
co-hosts New Zealand plus England, Sri
Lanka, Bangladesh and two qualifiers.
Pool B contains South Africa, India,
Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland
and a qualifier.
The 14 host cities are Adelaide,
Auckland, Brisbane, Canberra,
Christchurch, Dunedin, Napier, Nelson,
Hamilton, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth,
Sydney and Wellington.
The top four teams in each pool will
contest the quarter-finals.
Every team in the tournament will play
pool matches in both countries.
If Australia qualify for the quarter-
finals, they will play that game at Adelaide
Oval.
Should Australia make the semi-finals,
they will play that match at the SCG unless
they come up against New Zealand, in
which case the team finishing higher in the
pool stage will have home ground advan-
tage.
India are the defending champions.
Pakistan won the tournament when it was
last staged in Australia and New Zealand
in 1992.
Australia open their campaign at the
MCG against England on February 14.
Their other pool matches are v
Bangladesh at the Gabba on February 21,
v New Zealand at Eden Park on February
28, v qualifier 2 at the WACA on March
4, v Sri Lanka at the SCG on March 8 and
v qualifier 3 at Bellerive Oval on March
14.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will
feature 42 pool matches, 21 in Australia,
21 in New Zealand. Played in 14 host
cities, 7 in each country.
See the link to information on matches
for venues, fixtures and ticket bookings:
http://www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-
world-cup/fixtures
Pool A is England, Australia, Sri
Lanka, New Zealand, Bangladesh,
Qualifier 2, and Qualifier 3.
Pool B will consist of South Africa,
India, the West Indies, Pakistan,
Zimbabwe, Qualifier 1 (Ireland) and
Qualifier 4.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
quarter finals will be played in Sydney,
Melbourne, Adelaide and Wellington.
Semi finals in Auckland and Sydney and
the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground
(MCG) will host the final.
India will complete its group fixtures
against Zimbabwe at Eden
Park, Auckland, on 14
March. In the group, India
will also play South Africa
(in Melbourne on 22
February), Qualifier 4 (in
Perth on 28 February), West
Indies (in Perth on 6 March)
and Ireland* (in Hamilton
on 10 March).
Looking ahead
to the tournament,
India captain
Mahendra Singh
Dhoni said: It
only seems like
yesterday that we
won the ICC
Cricket World
Cup 2011 in
front of a pas-
sionate and
supportive home
crowd.
World Cup is a very
special event for every
cricketer because it only
takes place every four years.
Having tasted success in
Mumbai in 2011, well be
working very hard to retain it.
Im keenly looking forward to the
tournament and confident that well do
well. Our recent victory in the ICC
Champions Trophy 2013 has provided the
team with a lot of confidence, and I am
sure this experience will help us in our
preparations for the World Cup in 2015.
The tournament opens on 14 February
with co-hosts Australia and New Zealand
playing their first matches on the opening
day of the tournament in front of their
home crowds, while the Melbourne
Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the final
on 29 March.
India are ranked number one in the
world in the latest Reliance ICC ODI
Rankings. Up until now ICC Cricket
World Cups all-time leading run scorer
(2278 runs in 45 matches) is Sachin
Tendulkar. India has been the ICC Cricket
World Cup winner in 1983 and then in
2011 by defeating Sri Lanka by six wick-
ets in the final in Mumbai. Let us see if
India can do it again in 2015!
For NSW cricket fans games staged in
the state will be day/night fixtures and
include the following:
South Africa v West Indies
Friday 27 Feb 2015
Australia v Sri Lanka Sunday 8
March
England v Qualifier 2 Fri 13
March
Quarter Final 1 Wednesday 18
March
Semi Final Thursday 26 March
Full details of on the ICC Cricket
World Cup 2015 and tournament quali-
fying are available at www.cricket-
worldcup.com, where fans can also
register for ticketing news and other
tournament updates. Ticketing infor-
mation including tiers and packages
will be released later this year.
PM Kevin Rudd on July 30 officially launched the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Melbourne.
PM Rudd kicks off World Cup 2015
Former cricket superstars, Kapil Dev, Sanath Jayasuriya
Ian Chappell and Dennis Lillee speaking at the launch.
GOWRI & GANESH FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday, 14 Sep 2013 ,
Time: 08:30 am to 04:30 pm
Venue: Wallsend Pioneers Memorial
Hall, 54 Cowper Street, Wallsend
Organisers
Mr Shashi Gowda - 0406 331 889
Mrs Aruna Umeshbabu
Mr Sumanth Murali
For more details email us at newcastle.ganeshotsav@gmail.com
63August - September 2013 THEINDIANDOWNUNDER 63

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