Indian

Indian July 10, 2009

Log on to www.indianweekender.co.nz Volume 1, No. 9
New Zealand’s first Indian weekend magazine
For free distribution

Indian classic goes Moshim’s | 4 Bollywood | 21

Pacific | 11 Big expansion plans Soha Ali Khan
woos small
Thirukkural in Fijian
screen

At a glance
Refocusing on immigration
New Zealand may be missing trade
opportunities because it is targeting
the wrong sort of immigrants, recent
research commissioned by the New
Zealand Institute of Economic Re-
search has concluded. Page 3

From IT to ID
The Indian government has tasked
software giant Infosys’ chief, bil-
lionaire Nandan Nilekani, to create
a new identity system for Indians as
chairman of the new Unique Identifi-
cation Authority of India. Page 6

What went wrong for

gays in India
Earlier this month the Delhi High
Court overturned a 149-year-old law
dating back to 1860, which though,
was rarely enforced. Indian Week-
ender looks at how the law came to
be foisted on India by an alien sense
of morality.Page 15

Investing in CFDs
CFDs- the new way to trade markets
up or down. If you’ve not looked at
or considered trading CFDs, you
may be missing out, says Indian
Weekender financial columnist and
draws a comparison with other
investment avenues. Page 27

Today’s Exchange Rates

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Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz 1

Indian
Innovative climate change assessment
software released for India
Hamilton based CLIMsystems, has developed
climate change assessment software for India.
India is increasingly in the spotlight for its vul-
nerability and exposure to natural disasters that
are driven by climate change. Food security,
water supplies, infrastructure and health issues
are just some of the main sectors that could be
affected by longer term climate change and
related extreme events such as droughts, floods
and high and low temperatures.
“Often government agencies, NGOs and
private industry ask ‘what can we do to assess
risk and adapt our social, ecological and built
environments for the dangers posed by climate
change?’” says managing director Peter Urich.
“CLIMsystems from New Zealand has been
working for 15 years, through its research arm
at the International Global Change Institute of
the University of Waikato, to address these very
issues.”
The unique software system the company has
developed, called SimCLIM, has recently been
released for India and is packed with useful and
scientifically robust tools for assessing climate
change impacts and adaptation options from a
global to local scale. The system is preloaded
with a digital elevation model for India and each
of its states and can be easily enhanced through
the importation of geographic information
system data in the form of shape and vector files.
SimCLIM is a customised geographic in-
formation system (GIS) that can be built for
any area. The new version developed for India
includes a study area of the whole country and
individual areas for each state. The system sup-
ports the creation of different geographical areas
as special study areas through the application of
2 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
Peter Urich: India bound
tools within the system. Also users with local
data can either through their own initiative or
with assistance from CLIMsystems import local
high resolution digital elevation models and
other digital data to produce a highly specialised
system that suits their specific needs
As Professor Colin Woodroffe, an eminent
coastal scientist commented, “SimCLIM enables
examination of potential erosion and flooding
in response to future climate scenarios includ-
ing sea-level rise due to climate change, global
warming as well as changes resulting from local
land movements.”
Other widely used impact models included in
the SimCLIM system include the rainwater tank
model. This innovative model allows the user to
design rainwater catchment systems with con-
sideration of not only the roof or other catchment
area but also use rates, tank size, and critically,
the impact of climate change on rainfall and
hence rainwater harvesting potential. There is
also a shoreline erosion model that is linked with
the sea level rise scenario generator.
CLIMsystems also maintains an educational
version of the SimCLIM system called Train-
CLIM. The software includes an array of hands-
on educational modules that have been applied
with huge success in countries around the world.
The United Nations has used the software and
modules to educate climate change leaders
and universities around the world are using the
package for educating the next generation in the
implications and adaptation options that must be
considered in the face of climate change.
The SimCLIM system has been widely
applied and numerous country and regional
versions are in use. The USA version is being
used to assess sea level rise for the areas around
Washington, DC and is also to be used in con-
junction with Wallingford’s InfoWorks to model
the storm and sewerage systems of the City of
New York as the first stage in a comprehen-
sive redevelopment and climate-proofing of the
megacities vital infrastructure. SimCLIM has
been used to map the climate risks posed to the
most rapidly growing part of Australia, South-
east Queensland, and the outputs will form the
basis for region-wide planning that shall in-
corporate vital elements of climate change and
extreme events such as drought and flood.
The same SimCLIM technologies used
around the world are now available for India.
For a more details about this article, visit
www.indianweekender.co.nz
- Indian Weekender news desk
New Zealand
Manukau wants new
alcohol law now
Manukau Mayor Len Brown is urging the Gov-
ernment to immediately adopt a new law to
control alcohol.
Manukau City Council is concerned the Sale
and Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement
Bill may be delayed while a Law Commission
review on liquor legislation is carried out.
The council presented its submission on the
bill to a select committee last week. The submis-
sion calls for the bill to be adopted by September
this year.
The bill will provide additional powers to the
council to control alcohol in the city.
Included in the council’s submission is a
request for local alcohol plans to be formally
recognised. Currently, a number of councils
have these documents which do not have any
statutory status.
Mr Brown is confident that the council’s
submission has been well received by the select
committee.
“The bill needs to be adopted and should not
be delayed because of the wider review on liquor
legislation by the Law Commission.”
The deadline for the review of liquor legisla-
tion is mid-2010.
“This bill provides common sense provisions
that can make a difference to people who live
in communities affected by alcohol”, says Mr
Brown.
The council is currently in the process of
reviewing its alcohol strategy. It has asked
Waikato University to research the concerns of
the community and the problems it causes in
terms of health and crime.
“The purpose of the research is to help de-
termine the impact of controls such as location,
hours and price on alcohol-related problems,”
Mr Brown says.
- Indian Weekender news desk
Indian
Refocused immigration policy
would boost trade
The paper, Trade, Diaspora and Migration to New
Zealand, says immigration boosts both merchandise
trade and tourism but current immigration policy
that focuses on skills shortages overlooks the part
that migrants play in linking New Zealand into in-
ternational markets.
David Law, Murat Genc and John Bryant au-
thored the paper with funding from the Institute’s
50th Anniversary Research Award.
Using a model that adjusts for influences such as
distance and the size of economies migrants come
from, the authors found that immigration does have
a positive impact on trade.
On average, if New Zealand receives 10 percent
more migrants from a particular country, exports to
that country grow by 0.6 percent and imports from it
by 1.9 percent.
“The trade benefits are greatest when migrants
come from developing countries where English
language is not dominant,” NZIER chief executive
Jean-Pierre de Raad said. “Their ability to speak
languages other than English, navigate legal systems
and draw on social and commercial networks in their
origin countries are all valuable tools in stimulating
trade.”
Migrants from non-English cultures also have
the greatest impact when it comes to stimulating
tourism. “This may be because they transmit a posi-
tive image of New Zealand to their home countries
and because country-specific knowledge of food,
language and protocols is particularly important in
tourism.
“To capture the benefits, we could think about
targeting these migrants more. The current empha-
sis is on skilled migrants with good English. They
are attractive because they assimilate easily, but
they may not have the same links into fast-growing
economies.
“Immigration policies that see migration as a
way of addressing skills shortages emphasise dif-
Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
ferent things from policies which see migration as
a way of facilitating international trade. Given our
relatively poor performance in terms of international
linkages, perhaps a revision of the strategic objec-
tives of immigration policy is warranted.”
While there are more than half-a-million New
Zealanders living overseas, their impact on trade and
investment is difficult to measure, but is likely to be
more muted.
“In common with migrants from destinations
such as the UK, we don’t believe the diaspora of
New Zealanders overseas make such a significant
contribution to trade as migrants from non-English
cultures.
“One exception may be in wine exports which
have grown strongly in recent years, particularly
to the United Kingdom where there is a significant
ex-pat population,” Jean Pierre de Raad said.
The paper’s authors examined data from more
than 190 countries from 1981 to 2006. Sources in-
cluded Statistics New Zealand, the United Nations
Statistics Division’s Comtrade Database, the Global
Migrant Database, the World Trade Organisation,
and the Research Centre in International Economics.
Responding to a question from Indian Weekend-
er about the new findings, Mary Dawson, Executive
Director of the Auckland Regional Migrant Services
(ARMS) said,
“It is essential that our immigration policy and
processes are aimed at enhancing our economic
productivity, trade opportunities, and competitive
edge, in a challenging global economy.    Some of
countries with the largest population and economies
in the world do not have English as their dominant
language.  In order to benefit our economy, our im-
migration policy needs to continue to take account
of this fact.”
For Arms full response, visit www.indianweek-
ender.co.nz
- Indian Weekender news desk
New Zealand
‘This is as good a time as any for
real estate’
sold: The crowd waits expectantly as bid-
ding proceeds at the Papatoetoe property.
Inset: Don Ha and Mandeep Gill
The residential real estate market is bouncing way.
back, according to Don Ha Real Estate-Ray And what is the key to success in auctions?
White Manukau’s Mandeep Gill. “The number “Marketing is everything,” Mr Gill said. “The
of sales show robust growth,” Mr Gill told Indian vendor at Papatoetoe spent just $3,200 in market-
Weekender after the successful auction at Buck- ing efforts in which we gainfully assisted given
ingham Crescent in Papatoetoe. our wide experience – and that’s brought in the
“The property was lapped up for several thou- results. The vendor reaped an excess of $12,000
sand dollars more than the reserve price, which over what he had expected to gain from the sale.”
shows the market is definitely recovering,” he Don Ha Real Estate is well known for its mar-
said. keting because of the experienced guidance of Mr
And it was not just this month that the market Don Ha, one of New Zealand’s most successful
is looking up: Ray White Manukau sold 43 prop- real estate entrepreneurs who is also a NBR rich
erties at 15.7 million in March; 57 at 22.42 million lister and well known horse breeder. His mentor-
in April, 56 at 20.9 million in April and an im- ing goes well beyond his real estate business in
pressive 81 properties at 25.6 million in May. “If that he now shares his rich experience in achiev-
this is not an upswing, what is?” Mr Gill said. ing success in real estate investment with semi-
A steady increase in vendors taking the nars for potential investors across New Zealand.
auction route usually indicates a strengthening Mr Gill advised potential vendors to go with
market. “Auction is the way to go,” Mr Gill said experienced marketers and set up a marketing
pointing out to a number of highly satisfying auc- budget if they are aiming at maximizing their
tions that his team has conducted in the past few gain from the auction or sale of their properties.
months. It gets handsome returns if done the right -Indian Weekender news desk
3
Indian
Passport ‘hassle’ frustrating
Arvind Kumar
Auckland health authorities are hopeful
migrant patients will not have to face the
hassle of producing their passports every time
they visit public hospitals in future.
In response to queries by the Indian Week-
ender that some migrants have had to produce
their passport on every visit to hospitals, the
Auckland District Health Board hopes this will
be addressed in the future.
A Mt Eden accountant, who has been in
the country for two years on a permanent resi-
dence visa, told recently told the Indian Week-
ender that he has had to produce his passport
at least six times when visiting the Greenlane
Hospital in the past four months.
Satendra Kumar (no relation to the writer)
said the procedure was frustrating.
“What makes it worse is that not everyone
is asked to produce their passports,” Mr Kumar
said.
“While sitting in the waiting room waiting
for my turn, I observed that not everyone was
required to show their passport.”
Brent Wiseman, the ADHB’s chief finan-
cial officer, said the Health Ministry’s system
at present does not allow a patient’s residential
status to be recorded on it.
“The Ministry of Health issues the NHI
(National Health Index) number.
“Currently the ministry’s system does not
allow the patient’s eligibility to be entered
against the NHI number but we are hoping this
will be addressed in the future,” Mr Wiseman
said.
Here are Mr Wiseman’s responses to Indian
Weekender queries:
Why is there a need to present passport evi-
4 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
dence of residential status at every visit?
“The requirement for all providers of pub-
licly funded healthcare to establish eligibility
has been set down by the Ministry of Health,
with the comment: Providers are responsible
for advising patients about evidence required
to demonstrate eligibility. Until a patient pro-
vides proof that they are eligible, they may be
charged the non-subsidised rate.
“When the evidence of residential status
is within the Auckland District Health Board
(ADHB) system there is no need for a patient
to present a passport or similar evidence of eli-
gibility at every visit. Once evidence has been
sighted by revenue staff and entered into our
system it is part of ADHB records.
“However, there can be a delay between
staff getting a copy of the evidence, it being
sent to be scanned and the permanent entry
into the records.
“In the meantime, ADHB staff may ask the
patient to bring in another copy, not realising
that one has already been given. We appreciate
this can be frustrating for patients.”
When an NHI number is issued, isn’t that a
national record of a patient’s health/residential
status, and shouldn’t that information be in the
hospital computer at all times?
“The Ministry of Health issues the NHI
(National Health Index) number.
“Currently the ministry’s system does not
allow the patient’s eligibility to be entered
against the NHI number but we are hoping this
will be addressed in the future.”
One member of the community has even
suggested that only Indians and Asians are
being asked to present passports or other forms
of evidence of residential status and to fill out
appropriate forms. Isn’t that discriminatory?
Why isn’t everyone asked to verify their resi-
dential status? How do hospital staff know who
is a migrant and who isn’t?
“All people are required to prove their right
to receive publicly funded healthcare - includ-
ing all that state they were born in NZ. Ac-
cordingly, it is ADHB policy and practice to
ask for evidence of residency status for all
those patients for whom the information is not
already on file.”
New Zealand
Moshims on
expansion spree
Magnaging direc-
tor Mohammed
Hashim Khan.
Moshims Discount House Group’s next major
shopping complex will be based in Otahuhu,
magnaging director Mohammed Hashim Khan
said.
Mr Khan told the Indian Weekender that after
the opening of its Moshims Plaza at 64 Stoddart
Rd in Mt Roskill, Otahuhu was the company’s
next big project.
The Otahuhu complex will be located op-
posite the Repco auto parts shop, but it is not
certain when work is expected to start.
The Stoddart Rd complex opened its doors
on June 20, with the plaza housing a supermar-
ket, Indian video outlet, a $2 Shop, a pizza shop,
butcher, restaurant, fish shop, beauty parlour, to
name a few.
The supermarket opened its doors on June 20,
as did Continental Meat Shop. Mr Khan said he
expected to have the restaurant up and running
as early as next week.
The Moshims Plaza is the biggest Indian
shopping complex of its kind in the country. The
group now has 24 stores throughout the country
and in Australia (two) since starting out from
humble beginnings in Auckland 20 years ago.
Indian
Police complaint against Worth is Documentary on Sikh historian
withdrawn; no charges will be laid premieres on Asia Downunder
The Auckland busi-
nesswoman who had
lodged a police com-
plaint against former
Internal Affairs Min-
ister Richard Worth
has withdrawn it,
police have con-
firmed.
A friend who had
helped her lodge the complaint earlier told media
that said she now “wanted out” because she felt
that the political fallout of the episode that caused
Dr Worth to first step down from his ministerial
role and then resign as Member of Parliament
last month was “punishment enough”. She no
longer wanted the matter investigated, he said.
News reports also said that the Police had
told the woman that there was no evidence on
the bases of which charges could be pressed.
“I said it then and I am saying it now – my
conscience has always been clear,” Dr Worth
told Indian Weekender shortly after it was re-
vealed that the police complaint had been with-
drawn. He did not wish to comment any further.
His lawyer, Paul Dacre, later told media that
the former minister was happy with the positive
outcome, but now wanted time to reflect.
Prime Minister John Key has consistently
refused to say what exactly it was that made him
lose confidence in Dr Worth leading to his resig-
nation from Parliament.
The withdrawal of the complaint precludes
the possibility of any charges being laid on Dr
Worth, so that premise can no longer be seen as
the reason for the Prime Minister to have lost his
confidence. In the event that it indeed was, it was
clearly misplaced.
The other allegation that followed was the
one about Dr Worth sending some 40 contro-
versially worded text messages to Indian Labour
Party worker Neelam Chaudary, whose cause
party leader Phil Goff had relentlessly champi-
oned in a bid to embarrass the ruling party and
the Prime Minister.
In that case, too, Chaudary, a Labour Party
stalwart whose husband is a convicted immi-
gration fraudster, refused to reveal the actual
content of the texts, much less press any charges
against Dr Worth. That pulled the rug from under
Mr Goff’s feet. He later said that Labour would
drop the campaign since Dr Worth had resigned.
So, with one case of withdrawn complaint
and one in which the supposedly aggrieved
person and her high profile champion failed to
divulge the contents of the two way communi-
cations to support her allegations, it is hard for
anybody to know or even guess why Dr Worth
lost the Prime Minister’s confidence.
Dr Worth has been closely associated with
the Kiwi Indian community over several years
and has been respected by a large section of the
community. Earlier, as reported in Indian Week-
ender, several Indian community leaders had ex-
pressed surprise at the action taken on Dr Worth
before any charges were brought against him. He
has been widely seen as the fall guy in the un-
seemly political stoush unleashed by Labour to
embarrass National.
While denying any wrongdoing throughout,
Dr Worth had said, he had no choice but to resign
from Parliament because of the “avalanche of
rumour and innuendo” surrounding him.
- Indian Weekender News Desk
The unlikely story of one New Zealander, the
Pakeha son of a sheep farmer from Feilding, who
has spent a lifetime researching the Sikh people of
India is one that is waiting to be told.
Hew McLeod conducted ground breaking re-
search into Punjabi immigration to New Zealand,
preserving the early history of this sizeable group
for generations to come.
An internationally recognised expert on the
history and religion of the Sikhs, Dunedin-based
McLeod is virtually unknown in his own country.
The softly spoken emeritus professor, who has
inflamed controversy and blazed a trail for other
scholars to follow over four decades, speaks for the
first time about his life and work.
“Anyone interested in Sikhism starts by reading
W H McLeod. He basically started the whole con-
temporary study of their history, from a Western
academic point of view, and he’s still the one every-
one’s arguing with – or agreeing with – today,” says
director Jasmine Pujji.
Now, 76 and in indifferent health, the documen-
tary provides a rare glimpse of the life of one of
New Zealand’s unsung success stories.
“Living in Punjab, Northern India, as a Chris-
tian missionary with his wife and child in the 1950s
had a really profound effect on him,” says Jasmine.
Leaving the church, McLeod went in pursuit of
what became a lifelong passion for understanding
the colourful, but little known group, the Sikhs.
The New Zealand-born half Punjabi director
had not realised McLeod himself was a New Zea-
lander, until recently. ‘I couldn’t believe how well
known he is elsewhere, especially in Sikh circles,
but no-one here has ever heard of him – despite
what he’s done for Indian history here in New
Zealand,’ says Jasmine.
Richly illustrated with archive footage, photo-
graphs and the religious art of the Sikhs, the docu-
New Zealand
In love with Punjab: NZ-Kiwi
historian Hew McLeod with his half
Punjabi daughter, Ruth Fleury
mentary includes interviews with family, academ-
ics and New Zealand Sikhs.
Asia Downunder’s ‘Hew McLeod: A Kiwi Sikh
Historian’ screens on
TV ONE, Sunday 12 July 10.30am.
- Indian Weekender news desk
The programme repeats on:
TVNZ 7 - Wednesday 15th July 6:30pm,
Thursday 16th July 10:10am, Saturday
18th 8:35am. MAORI TV Monday 3
August, 2009, 10:00pm. CTV (Christ-
church) Sundays 11:30am 19th July
CHANNEL 9 (Dunedin) Monday 13th
July 9:00pm & repeats Thursday 16th
July 9:00pm. TV HAWKES BAY (Napier/
Taupo) Tuesday 14th July 9pm.
FAMILY TV (Rodney) Monday 13th July
5:30pm, Tuesday 14th July 7:30pm,
Saturday 18th July Midday. TARARUA
TV Sunday 19th July 7:30pm. SIT -
EDUCATIONAL TV NATIONWIDE - CUE
TV NETWORK - SKY 110 & FREEVIEW
CHANNEL 23 Monday 13th July

Manoj wants to revolutionise

health-based IT globally
New Zealand’s newest Fulbright Scholar Manoj Patel
is a bit of a puzzle – a medical doctor with a business
bent wanting to revolutionise health IT worldwide.
The 28-year-old Aucklander, educated at The
University of Auckland, has recently been awarded
the $US100,000 Fulbright Platinum Triangle Schol-
arship in Entrepreneurship at a special Beehive event
in Wellington, and will attend Harvard Business
School’s MBA programme in Boston for the next
two years.
Manoj, who graduated from the University’s
School of Medicine in 2005 and was chief executive
of the student-initiated entrepreneurial challenge
Spark, beat tens of thousands of applicants from
around the world for one of the positions on offer this
year and is believed to be just the 25th Kiwi to be ac-
cepted for the MBA programme at Harvard.
“My approach is a bit unusual, in that I’m a
medical doctor with an intense interest in business,
which is a combination I believe can allow me to help
many more people than I would have been able to do
as a doctor alone,” Manoj said.
“There is significant opportunity for people who
can appreciate both health and business, and my
focus will be to address international health chal-
lenges through the application of innovative technol-
ogy solutions.
“I not only want to help improve systems in
countries like New Zealand, but also in developing
nations such as India, where my family originates.”
Currently working in Palma, Spain, for New
Zealand company Orion Health International as a
clinical lead for an internationally significant elec-
tronic health record project, Manoj also co-directs
the website www.scrubs.co.nz which supports junior
doctors to achieve a work/life balance, and promotes
quality of care and retention of doctors in New
Zealand. Scrubs is about to expand with the launch
of two additional websites for pharmacists and op-
tometrists in the coming months.
When Indian Weekender met with him at his
Blockhouse Bay home, Manoj was busy preparing
for his trip back to Spain where he will continue
working until he relocates to Harvard in September.
Manoj Patel: Going to Harvard
He chose Harvard because it was close to Boston,
which is the hub of medical research, he said. The
medical profession fascinated Manoj ever since
he was a boy when he was hospitalised for a knee
injury. That’s when I decided to become a doctor.
“But as you know we come from a traditional
business family. So there was always to home the
business side as well and that’s what has got me
started on this journey,” he told Indian Weekender.
Manoj turned 28 this week.
As well as being selected as one of 24 young
leaders to participate in the Future Leaders Pro-
gramme at the New Zealand Leadership Institute,
Manoj visited Japan last year as part of a Future
Business Counterparts Programme and has played
senior men’s hockey for the New Zealand Indian
Under-23 team.
He is the third Spark-affiliated student in four
years to win a Fulbright Platinum Award for Entre-
preneurship,
“Manoj has been accepted into the world’s most
renowned business school, and New Zealand should
be extremely proud of him. I have no doubts that
he will be part of this country’s future leadership,”
Business School commercial director Geoff Whitch-
er said.
- Indian Weekender News Desk

Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz 5

Indian
India
From IT chief to ID chief Sarod maestro Ali Akbar Khan is no more
New Delhi: Nandan Nilekani, for a billion population means Sarod maestro, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, the The duo with Ustad Allah Rakha’s accompa-
54, co-founder of India’s a multi-billion dollar business master Indian musician and composer who is niment on tabla regaled packed audiences around
second largest software export- opportunity for domestic IT widely credited with introducing Indian classical the world in the 1950s and 1960s. Allah Rakha,
ing firm, Infosys Technologies, companies. music to the West, passed away in his California the father of maestro Zakir Hussain, died a few
was appointed chairperson of Some estimates suggest home in the Bay Area on June 18 at age 87. years ago.
the Unique Identification Au- that the project will create at He had been keeping poor health and was a Ali Akbar Khan made his first public perfor-
thority of India, a Rs 1,990- least 100,000 additional jobs dialysis patient since 2004 but was still teaching mance at 14 in Allahabad, and in his early 20s
crore national project to build in the country in the next three at his Ali Akbar Khan College of Music in San made his first recordings and became a court
India’s database of her billion- years. The government had Rafael until about two weeks ago. musician for the Maharajah of Jodhpur, a post he
plus people over the next three earmarked Rs 100 crore in the Ali Akbar Khan was held for seven years until
or four years. He will join the interim budget to kick start the born April 14, 1922, in the King’s death.
government in the capacity of a UID project. The entire ID card Shibpur, East Bengal Ali Akbar Khan re-
cabinet minister’s rank. project is estimated to be in the (now in Bangladesh). He corded over 95 albums,
Nilekani, India’s most re- MY ID? Nandan Nilekani range of around Rs 1.5 lakh began playing the sarod was nominated for five
spected corporate czars, has been counted in the crore, with the first phase – which will cover and other instruments Grammy Awards and
world’s 100 most influential persons in 2006 and ultra urban, urban, and semi-urban populations while he was still a young composed music for
again in 2009. Forbes Asia also named Nilekani, – offering a Rs 6,500 crore business opportunity. boy. His father was Ustad both Indian and Western
estimated to have a net worth of US$ 1.3 billion According to the plan, government proposes Allauddin Khan, who is films.
(Rs. 63 billion) as ‘Business Leader of the Year’ to issue a unique identification number to all widely considered the Considered a “Na-
in 2006. citizens by 2011. The Unique Identification Au- greatest figure in Hindu- tional Living Treasure”
The move from the IT hub in Bangalore to thority of India shall own and operate the unique stani music in the 20th in India, he was con-
power hub New Delhi means moving around in identification number database and also look century, and who is ru- ferred several awards by
a white Ambassador with a red light flashing on after its up gradation and maintenance on an moured to have been able the Indian government
top? “I may get the white Ambassador – I like the ongoing basis. In the beginning, the UID number to play over 20 musical as well as nations from
car – but without the light or siren,” he said. will be assigned based on the National Popula- instruments. all over the world.
This seems good news for the recession hit IT tion Register or electoral rolls. Photographs and His father later moved In the early 1950s,
industry as it is expected to provide the much- biometric data will be added to make the identi- to Maihar in central India the great violinist
needed impetus to the domestic demand for IT fication foolproof. and that is where the Yehudi Menuhin visited
products and solutions. A billion smart cards bulk of Ali Akbar Khan’s ustad ali akhbar khan India and became keenly
musical learning took aware of the power of
place. Under his instruction, young Ali Akbar’s Indian music. Menuhin invited Ravi Shankar to
What is the Unique Identification Number (UID)? training would often extend to as much as 18 the United States in 1955 to present a concert at
hours a day and was vigorous, even brutal, as he the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
would recall in some of his interviews with noted But Shankar declined, and a reluctant Khan –
The project involves creating a database where a UID will be Times of India music critic Mohan Nadkarni. whom Menuhin called “the greatest musician in
He was under his father’s tutelage for decades. the world” – took his place.
assigned to each citizen and would remain with the individual The world’s most celebrated sitarist, Pandit Ravi He leaves behind his wife, Mary, and his
Shankar (father of Norah Jones and Anoushka 11 surviving children from his present and two
from birth to death. It will identify citizens from non-citizens and Shankar), is also a disciple of Ustad Allauddin former marriages, besides hundreds of disciples
remove the hassle of multiple proofs of citizenship. Khan and at one time was married to his daugh- around the world.
ter, Annapurna Devi. - Indian Weekender news desk, agencies

6 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz

Indian
India’s budget disappoints Guru’s Kalgi reaches holy city
investors as Mukherjee
postpones hard decisions
India’s Finance Minister Pranab
Mukherkee announced India’s
2009/2010 budget earlier this
week. Highlights of the budget
include:
• Fiscal deficit raised to 6.8%
of GDP, up from 5.5% forecasted
in the February interim budget
(6.0% in FY08/09) and against
market expectations of 6-6.5%.
Total expenditure will rise 36%
(y/y) to INR10.2tn, largely financed by rupee-
denominated debt.
• Gross market borrowing projected at
INR4.51tn, up from the interim budget estimate
of INR3.62tn and against market expectations of
INR4tn.
• No clear roadmap on fiscal consolidation.
The government plans to achieve its 3% fiscal
target ‘at the earliest’; plans to introduce fiscal
reforms to control future deficits. Deficit project-
ed to remain above target until FY11/12.
• No rollback of fuel subsidies. Instead,
another study panel will be set up to review the
current fuel pricing mechanism.
• No major reform or pro-market initiatives
announced. Greater ‘people participation’ is en-
couraged, but disinvestment of banks and insur-
ance companies was ruled-out.
• Fiscal support for rural and infrastructure
sectors stepped up, but there were no new major
fiscal measures announced for other sectors.
Commentators have widely said that govern-
Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
India
Amritsar: A plume (Kalgi) worn by the last and to the manner in which Maharaja Ranjit Singh
tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh (1666- daily paid obeisance to the plume,” they reiter-
1708), has been brought back to the Golden ated.
Temple, Amritsar, after nearly 160 years since The Kalgi which was brought to Amritsar by
it was taken away. a chartered plane was examined by the research
It was handed over to to Akal Takht jathe- team and has claimed it to be genuine. Some
dar Giani Gurbachan Singh by a team compris- Sikh scholars also suggested that the plume
ing Police Service should be subjected
ment has failed to provide a clear (IPS) officer to scientific tests like
path towards fiscal consolidation Harpreet Singh carbon-dating to make
and postponed tough decisions Sidhu and Kamaljit sure it belonged to the
on subsidies; the budget speech Singh Boparai, on guru.
further dented hopes of swift 30 June. The fact that Lord
reforms and privatisation after On Wednesday, Dalhousie took the
the UPA’s election victory. July 1 the plume possession of the Kalgi
The overly optimistic me- was formally and later purchased
dium-term economic forecasts handed over to the the same from the
underpinning the fiscal projec- Gurdwara Pra- Directors of the East
tions in the February interim bandak Commit- India Company was
budget were toned down, but the balance of risks tee (SGPC) presi- also proved from cor-
remains skewed towards further deterioration in dent Avtar Singh respondence between
the fiscal outlook given the rather upbeat fore- Makkar who took it the two parties.
BACK HOME SAFELY: Golden Temple,
casts. over from the Akal That the posses-
While the revised trajectory calls for above- Takht, to enshrine Amritsar, where the Kalgi was taken away sion of the Kalgi
target deficits until FY11/12, post-budget com- it among relics of from. passed to the daughter
ments by ratings agencies suggest a negative the Sikh gurus at of Lord Dalhousie and
rating action might not be imminent. the takht. through her to her husband Col WH Broun. Its
Market participants were clearly disappoint- Some people including the former head possession by Colonel Broun is evident from his
ed. The stock market index closed down 5.8%, priest of Akal Takth however have raised doubts correspondence with the Victoria and Albert
while US-Rupee exchange rate rose 1.4% to over the authenticity of the plume. Although Museum, London, dated 1898.
48.56. the SGPC has accepted it as genuine, a commit- The keeper of the Asian Department at the
The budget seems largely to address the rural tee formed by former Akal Takht head priest Victoria and Albert Museum, in a letter dated
poor who returned the Congress-led coalition to Joginder Singh Vedanti to check the plume’s au- January, 2006, made it clear that after Lord
power. Consequently, the government is extend- thenticity had failed to verify if it was genuine. Dalhousie’s death, the Kalgi, along with other
ing the rural debt waiver plan that was first an- Lord Dalhousie, who was in India from relics of Guru Gobind Singh, passed on to in
nounced in 2007. Also, the rural employment 1848-56, reportedly took the plume along, his family.
guarantee scheme that provides 100 days of work which was then in the possession of Maharaj The correspondence with the present descen-
for impoverished farmers got a huge boost in the Ranjit Singh. They said possession of the plume dants of Lord Dalhousie (through daughters)
new budget of 144%. by Maharaja Ranjit Singh had been proved from proves that the Kalgi was indeed sold by Col
- Indian Weekender news desk records of the Lahore Durbar and many other Broun, either privately or through an auction.
sources. “Court records of the Lahore Darbar (Additional reporting from the Tribune news
and the daily diary of Faqir Azzizuddin testify service)
7
Indian
briefs
Karunanidhi’s U turn on
Lankan Tamils
Chennai: In a dramatic shift from his
earlier position, Tamil Nadu Chief Min-
ister M.Karunanidhi, declared that the
best way the Tamilians in India could
help Sri Lanka Tamils was by cooperat-
ing with the Sri Lankan government.
Replying to a call attention motion in
the assembly he said “If we want to
play a positive role in protecting Sri
Lankan Tamil interests, we should avoid
stoking the anger of the Sinhalese,”
Karunanidhi also added that ‘Eelam’ or
a separate Tamil state, within Sri Lanka
which the Tamilians had been dreaming
and fighting for was no longer possible
and that “The best the Tamils can hope
for is an autonomous Tamil province
within the framework of a united Sri
Lanka,” he said.
During the run up to the Lok Sabha
elections all parties including the DMK
had competed to take positions sup-
porting the Tamils, even as the Lankan
army advanced. . Some parties, like
the opposition AIADMK, had promised
to send the Indian army into Sri Lanka
to carve out a separate Tamil Ealam, if
they won. But all this was before the
completer rout of the LTTE and the
death of V.Prabhakaran.
Observers feel that the DMK being a
major ally of the ruling Congress party,
it is slowly shifting its stand to a more
practical and balanced view on the
Tamil problem.
Prisoners to sell snacks
Ahmedabad: In an innovative initiative the
IG of Prisons in Sabarmati jail has mooted
an idea where convicts serving terms will
be gainfully employed in the evenings – by
selling snacks across the city.
The idea is aimed at rehabilitating pris-
oners and adding to the funds for their
welfare.
The maiden venture was tested on July 1,
when citizens of the secretariat area were
mildly surprised to see a mobile “pakora”
stall. Ganaji Devji Thakor, who is in the 12th
year of his life sentence for murder who
was part of the project says “I am happy to
go into the city and serve the delicacy to
the public.”
The State Bank of India has donated a van
worth Rs.4 lakhs for the purpose as part
of its corporate social responsibility. Every
evening the van will leave the jail premises
with the goodies and move to different
areas in the city.
While some have raised doubts about the
convicts escaping, the jail superintendent,
V. Chandrashekar is confident the prison-
ers won’t escape while selling pakoras in
the city. “These convicts have served a
major part of their term and are part of the
open jail. They would not attempt to run
away as it would only increase the punish-
ment if caught.” Still jail authorities are not
taking any chances and a guard would
always accompany the prisoners on their
sojourns into the city
Wedding of Raja and Rani,
the frogs
Nagpur: Saturaday morning, June 22,
saw a unique wedding ceremony being
solemnised in a distant suburb of Nagpur
in Maharashtra. The bride and groom
named Rani and Raja were married off
with full vedic rites in front of a sizeable
crowd of mainly women and children.
Only the bride and groom were two frogs.
The ceremony was conducted to please
the rain god and usher in the monsoon as
soon as possible, a belief that is popular
with the people of this region. With the
rains playing truant the people of the
region as trying out traditional methods
in spite of the met departments fore-
casts that the monsoon would be slightly
delayed.
Many of the organisers are professionals
who believe that they have heard stories
from elders about frog marriages. If not
anything they feel it brings about a feel-
ing of caring for nature and animals!
Pandit Pradeep Kumar who solemnised
the wedding, said that all the rituals were
performed as in any normal Hindu mar-
riage. Though he added “This is the first
time that I have solemnised such a mar-
riage and I am confident that rains would
surely arrive soon as it’s been done with
great devotion by the people and for a
good cause.”
India
Last survivor
of Jalianwala
Bagh dies
Chandigarh: Shingara Singh the last known sur-
vivor who had witnessed the Jalianwala Bagh
massacre in 1919, passed away on Monday, June
29.
The 113 year old who was 20 then was witness
to the merciless killing of unarmed Indian pro-
testors, including women and children, at the
Jallianwala Bagh who were fired upon by British
forces led by Brigadier Reginald Dyer.
Singh popularly known as Bapu, claimed
he had been shot in the hand and was honoured
by the former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,
during a visit to the Bagh in March 2003. In
recent years, he rued government apathy towards
him and his family.
In that year on Baisakhi day thousands of
protestors had gathered at the Jalianwala Baug
near the Golden Temple to protest against the
British rule. British Army officer Dyer had com-
manded his troops to the bagh and opened fire
without a warning on the unarmed protestors.
The place was enclosed from all four sides
with buildings, and had only one main entrance
that was blocked by Dyer’s troops. Dyer’s troops
fired and killed hundreds and stopped only when
they ran out of ammunition.
The British had officially put the casualties
at 379 dead and over 1,100 injured but local wit-
nesses had claimed that nearly 2,000 people
were killed in the massacre.
The Jalianwala Bagh is now a national me-
morial highlighting the sacrifice of hundreds of
unknown men, women and children for Indian
independence.

Euro 5 million for life-saving

assistance for Sri Lanka
Brussels: The European Commission has allocated Euro 5 million to provide life-saving humanitar-
ian assistance to internally displaced people, mostly ethnic Tamils, placed in camps in Sri Lanka.
All funds are channelled through the Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO). The
projects are implemented by non-governmental relief organisations and specialised UN agencies.
Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said: “Europe
cares deeply about the welfare of Sri Lanka and its citizens and we have always stood ready to help.
After the tsunami in 2004 the European Commission provided Euro 42 million in humanitarian aid
to those most affected.
“In the current humanitarian crisis with more than 280,000 people displaced from their homes
and living in very difficult conditions in camps, we are demonstrating our willingness to complement
the efforts of the Sri Lankan authorities in meeting the enormous humanitarian challenge. However,
in order to properly implement assistance, European Commission relief experts and international aid
agencies must have regular and consistent access to the displaced.”
The Commission’s humanitarian support covers water and sanitation, health and nutrition and
non-food relief items ranging from clothes, hygiene kits and mosquito nets to infant kits. Since 2007,
the Commission has given a total of Euro 42 million in aid for the victims of humanitarian crises in
Sri Lanka, including today’s allocation. ECHO has a support office in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo.
It closely follows developments in the humanitarian situation and monitors the use of the Commis-
sion’s relief funds.

Grave trends
Lucknow: A custom which is already a trend in
the lives of many in western countries is soon
catching up in smaller Indian towns as well, that
of reserving a spot in a graveyard to rest in peace
after death.
In Lucknow, Christians and Muslims are re-
serving land in burial grounds, well in advance
as cemeteries are running out of land and people
fear that they may not find a place in the cem-
etery next to their loved ones.
A Catholic cemetery in Lucknow city charges
about Rs 2,500 per booking for five years, and
for Rs 500 for every renewal. It’s a reasonable reserve burial ground. The booking rates at
amount so people don’t mind paying this much,” Muslim burial grounds reportedly costs between
says Anthony the caretaker of the cemetery. Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000. However many Shia
There are four cemeteries for Christians in clerics are against this practice and feel booking
Lucknow. of graves should be discouraged as this would
Among Muslims, it is mostly the Shias who deprive poor people burial places.

8 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz

Indian
India

Poor rains cause havoc in Punjab Much awaited Mumbai

sea-link inaugurated
Chandigarh: With a delayed monsoon and the met department predicting a weak monsoon, North
India is reeling under one of its worse summers as the water in the Bhakra Nangal reservoir is re-
ceding. Water shortages and long power cuts have become routine.
Scheduled and unscheduled power cuts have become the order of the day forcing even the gov-
ernment offices to change the office timing from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm. Earlier the state electricity
board had asked all government offices to switch off air-conditioners. With no respite from the
sultry weather and ACs switched off, office life had become miserable.
Meanwhile in Ludhiana the members of the All Industries and Trade Forum, Punjab, took to
Gandhigiri to make their voices heard. Members of the forum presented a bouquet of roses to
Cabinet Minister Hira Singh Gabria, who was taken by surprise by this gesture.
The Forum also thanked the minister for imposing the power cuts and forcing them to shut down
industries. The minister who lost his temper at the turn of events said, “The state is facing a crisis
and everyone should cooperate, instead of humiliating me in this way.” Later, however, he calmed
down and held a meeting with the members.
In a related incident in a village near Karnal, irate villagers locked up the Junior Engineer in
the power house to protest against the chronic power shortage in the area. About 200 villagers
whose paddy cultivation was being adversely affected locked up the engineer, till the Senior Dis-
trict Officer and the police arrived. They let out the JE only after a firm assurance from the district
officer that power supply would be normalised.

Daylight painting heist at Mysore

Mysore: For the first time in the history of the nearly 100-year-old Sri Jayachamarajendra Art
Gallery in Mysore, a famous painting has been stolen in broad daylight.
The painting depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, by French artist Peter Paul Rubens
was one of the proudest collections of the Maharaja Nalvadi Krishna Raja Wodeyar. Rubens
had painted it in 1852 and presented to the Maharaja.
Authorities are baffled as the painting has been missing since the afternoon of June 26, and
all security staff present there. An official complaint has been filed and police are questioning
all staff.
According to gallery sources the two and half foot high and two and a quarter foot wide
painting was quoted over one million dollars in the international market.

Scientists’ cloning glory

Karnal: Scientists at the National Dairy Research
Institute (NDRI), Karnal in Haryana were the
first to produce the world’s first cloned buffalo
calf in February 2009. However their joy was
short-lived when the calf died six days later.
Now four months later scientists have
achieved a major breakthrough by producing
the world’s second cloned calf, born on June 6,
through the advanced hand-guided cloning tech-
nique.
The female clone named Garima was born
through caesarean operation, conducted by a
team of six doctors.
NDRI director A.K.Srivastava said that after
the death of the first clone, they had been very
cautious this time. He also said that the second
clone was different from the first one.” The donor
cell in this case was used from the foetus, while
in the first case the cell was taken from the ear
of a new born calf”. The technique used is an
advanced modified version of the conventional
cloning technique he added.
Scientists feel this new cloning technique
once optimized would go a long way in produc-
ing an elite breed of milch animals that would
contribute in further increasing India’s milk pro-
duction.
Mumbai: The long awaited Bandra-Worli sea link bridge was inaugurated by Congress president
Ms.Sonia Gandhi, on June 30. Touted as an engineering marvel, the first of its kind in India, the
bridge aims to ease some of the traffic on the notoriously choked Mumbai roads.
It is hoped that the 16.5-billion-rupee (US$340 million), 5.6 km long, eight-lane freeway will
help cut the 40-minute (in ideal conditions) journey between the suburbs of Bandra and Worli to
just eight minutes. India’s first 8 lane freeway, has taken nine years in the making and ten years
since its conceptualisation, with teams of engineers from Germany, China, Canada, Britain and
Hong Kong.
The cable stayed mega structure weighs equivalent to that of 50,000 African elephants and steel
wire used is equivalent to the circumference of the earth. It is 63 times the height of the Qutub
Minar and has consumed 90,000 tonnes of cement, which would suffice to make five buildings of
10-stories each, a Mumbai State Roadways Development Corporation official said.
The cost of illumination of the bridge would be Rs.9 crores and the authorities plan to make it a
tourist spot as well. “A businessman or an executive while driving to his office can enjoy the view
of the Bandra-Worli sea link but what about the common man how can he see it,” asked Mumbai
road transport organisation BEST Chairman Dilip Patel.
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has five open deck buses, which
it plans to utilise for the citizens’ tour of the bridge.

Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz 9

Indian
Fiji constitution to be ready Tourism Fiji says Vinaka Vakalevu
by 2013, says Bainimarama for NZ’s support
Fiji’s leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama
has issued another invitation to its people
and the international community to seize the
moment and help build a better island nation.
In an address that was televised nation-
wide, Commodore Bainimarama said work on
a new and fair land rental system would begin
in 2010, a new constitution would be in place
by September 2013 and free and fair elections
held under that constitution in September 2014.
He said work on the new document – which
will be Fiji’s fourth since it gained indepen-
dence from Britain in 1970 – will commence
in 2012.
Recommendations of his government’s
people’s charter would form the basis of the
new constitution, said Commodore Bainima-
rama.
Fiji
Tourism Fiji CEO Josefa Tuamoto made a flying visit to Auckland last week to personally thank
will be encouraged to learn and understand
key members of the New Zealand travel industry for their ongoing efforts in helping to promote the
the new document, it will be translated into
destination. Speaking at a function at the Stamford Plaza Auckland Hotel, Mr Tuamoto paid tribute
vernacular languages and made available in
to his NZ industry colleagues for the “professional and sympathetic approach” they have taken with
pocket book sizes.
Fiji throughout 2009.
He also promised a radical overhaul of the
“We are extremely grateful for the support our industry colleagues have applied during what can
island nation’s complex land tenure system.
only be described as a difficult first six month period,” he said. “But our Kiwi numbers are coming
He promised to produce a new rental regime
back and we are confident with the continued efforts of our New Zealand industry colleagues, par-
that rewards the indigenous owners of the land
ticularly the airlines and wholesalers, we will reach our target of 120,000 Kiwi visitors within the
and provides security to the lessee.
next two years.”
Distribution of lease money which cur-
Mr Tuamoto also took the opportunity at the function to launch the national tourist office’s newest
rently benefits only an elite few Commodore
trade DVD. The DVD footage is based on Tourism Fiji’s recent and very successful national TV
Bainimarama said, would also be reviewed
campaign designed to re-connect New Zealanders with the Fijian people and their uniquely famous
under this exercise.
‘Bula spirit’.
On the economy, Fiji’s leader said his gov-
“The ‘Bula spirit’ is traditionally one of Fiji’s most endearing qualities,” Mr Tuamoto said. “It’s
ernment is a government for change and called
what sets us apart from the rest of the world and is one of the main reasons why Kiwis have travelled
on his people to seize the opportunity to mod-
to the destination for more than 40 years.”
ernize it.
He claimed the 20 percent devaluation of

Lautoka Hospital gets a spot of colour

“It will include provisions for a voting
system that allows for common and equal citi-
zenry, it will no longer be communal type of
voting,” Commodore Bainimarama said.
As proposed by the people’s charter, he said
voting age will be reduced to 18 from 21.
Also to come under review in the proposed
constitution would be the size of the parliament
which used to be 71 seats, the appropriateness
of a bi-camel system of a house of representa-
tives and a senate, the term of office of govern-
ment and the systems of check and balance.
Consultations about the new constitution
would be comprehensive Commodore Baini-
marama assured, and his government would
seek the assistance of the international com-
munity in accessing experts and resources.
Since the plan is to have the new constitu-
tion ready one year before elections, the people
the Fiji dollar in April has worked in that im-
provements had been seen all around in foreign
reserves, liquidity, balance of payments and
tourist arrivals.
Foreign reserves now stands at $660 million
(US$320 million), a huge improvement Com-
modore Bainimarama said when compared to
the $440 million (US$213 million) before de-
valuation.
Prudent management of public spending
over the past five months he said has also saved
the country $190 million (US$92 million).
Commodore Bainimarama’s address was
given at the Raffles Tradewinds Hotel Con-
vention Centre just outside the capital Suva
and attended by his cabinet ministers, senior
officials, diplomats, and business and union
leaders.
Youths from the artistic network of Fiji-based
NGO, FRIEND are getting together to paint a
series of murals inside the Lautoka Hospital.
In an endeavor to renovate the signs at the
hospital and promote better navigation, each
ward is being assigned a local flower and
painted with relevant imagery. For example,
the women’s surgical ward may be themed
with the ‘Tagimaucia’ and will be decorated
with the famous Taveuni flower. Other wards
will become Kakala, Frangipani, Sandal-
wood, Lagakali, Makosoi and Marigold.
The youths are working on designs for the
murals experimenting with pencil and water
colour paints and coming up with some beau-
tiful results.
Pauliasi – a local screen printer has
worked with the group on the principles of
cutting Tapa designs.
Four of the participants say they are han-
dling paint brushes for the first time.
One of the young girls who is also paint-
ing says it is unfortunate that the youths do
not have more opportunities for creative
development in secondary schools. For Soko,
this is also her first opportunity to use the
brush .
Mural painting at the hospital has started
from the first floor and the project is expected
to take around six weeks.

10 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz

Indian
Fiji

And now, Thirukkural in Fijian

Dev Nadkarni

An Irish-English linguist based at Dr Geraghty has lived and

the University of the South Pacific worked in Fiji all his adult life. He Dr Benwick’s Thirukkural
in Suva, Fiji, has translated Thiruk- has an MA in modern languages
kural, the celebrated ancient Tamil from Cambridge and a PhD in This was not the first time that Thirukkural has been translated into the Fijian language.
classic, into the Fijian language. Linguistics from the University Dr Samuel Benwick wrote an earlier translation in 1962. Unfortunately there are no cop-
Dr Paul Geraghty, an associate of Hawaii. He has a way with lan- ies of the book available publicly today. But there is a chance that there might be one
professor of linguistics, has been guages and when I was in Fiji I available at the National Archives in Fiji.
teaching and researching at the uni- have often been amazed at his Swami Rudrananda, who established the Ramakrishna Mission in Fiji in 1953, got Dr
versity for several years and is re- perspicacity while discussing the Berwick to translate the Thirukkural to mark the birth centenary of Swami Vivekananda,
spected in Fiji and the Pacific Islands
G erag ht y finer points of the grammar and the foremost disciple of Sri Ramakrishna.
region as an authority in Fijian and Dr Paul syntax of Indian languages.
Dr Berwick, at that time, used to be the editor of the Fijian section of the Pacific Review, a
several other Pacific languages. “I don’t read or speak Tamil,
newspaper that used to be published from Nadi by Swami Rudrananda and A. D. Patel.
“The object was to simply make this beau- so I worked from existing English and French
tiful classic available to speakers and readers of translations. Not ideal obviously, but necessary Half of it was in English and the other half in Fijian, which was called Vakalewa ni Pasifika.
Fijian, so it could reach a wider audience,” Dr under the circumstances,” he said. It took him Dr Berwick also translated the Ramayana into Fijian by serialising it every week in the
Geraghty told Indian Weekender in an interview two years to finish the translation. “I worked at paper and later publishing it as a book with the help of R.O. Sharma of Nadi.
from England – where he is currently visiting home in my spare time at night,” Swami Rudrananda was perhaps the first to introduce multiracial/multicultural activities
his family – when asked what got him to choose Before coming to the university he was di- in Fiji as a means of bringing the different ethnic groups together. Ratu Sir Kamisese
Thirukkural. rector of the Institute of Fijian Language and Mara, who admired and supported Swami Rudrananda, later made multiracialism/mul-
Thirukkural is one of Tamil’s most important Culture for many years. He is well known in ticulturalism the official policy of his Alliance government for integrating the nation.
literary works that was composed by Thiruval- Fiji as a broadcaster and columnist specialising Swami Rudrananda’s multiracial/multicultural initiatives included establishing multi-
luvar some time between 2200 and 2500 years in the languages, culture and history of Fiji and racial schools at a time when the colonial government forbade such schools. Swami
ago during what is considered as the last of the the Pacific, and author of numerous books and Rudrananda, who had originally come to help the TISI Sangam, made sure that the
three Sangam eras – the golden age of ancient academic articles. In 1999 he was made Officer Sangam schools and the Sri Vivekananda High School that he established were open
Tamil literature. of the Order of Fiji by the then President, Ratu
to children of all ethnic groups. He also organised interfaith services. As mentioned
It is a collection of just over 1300 rhyming Sir Kamisese Mara, for services to the Fijian lan-
couplets that are more in the manner of apho- guage. earlier, he also had newspapers in English and Fijian (and also Hindi).
risms: a timeless collection of thoughts on living Dr Geraghty’s new translation has been pub- – Padmini Gaunder
a practical, righteous, contented and happy life. lished by the Reddy Group of Companies, one
It is one of the earliest works on ethics, though of Fiji’s leading business houses with interests
some historians believe it to have been written in hotels and construction. While declaring the
Pears from Thirukkural
just after Kautilya’s Arthashastra, perhaps the book published, former Vice President of Fiji • Humility is a precious quality in all people but it becomes a priceless possession in the wealthy.
most ancient Indian work on ethics and state- Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi said, “In order for the • Whatever you may fail to guard, guard well your tongue, for flawed speech unfailingly invokes
craft. But like most things ancient Indian, it is Fijian language to continue to survive, it was im- anguish and affliction.
hard to prove on definitive dates and scholars portant that such works were translated and read • Unless painstakingly performed, a task will not succeed even if men in multitudes support it.
could argue till the cows come home. by people.” • Load too many of them and even peacock feathers Would break the cart’s axle.
The Thirukkural also happens to be one of the “The reaction has been very favourable from • Even faultless and deeply learned men, when closely examined, Are rarely found to be entirely
most translated Indian classics and is available in all quarters,” Dr Geraghty said. “Radio Fiji’s free from ignorance.
dozens of languages around the world. Curious- Fijian programme has devoted quite a bit of time
ly, Dr Geraghty’s latest published effort is not the to quoting from the book.”
first in the Fijian language. “There had been an – With additional reporting by Padmini
earlier translation from the 1960s I believe, by Dr Gaunder
Samuel Berwick, but has long been out of print,”
he said. (See box – Dr Benwick’s Thirukkural.)

Minimum wage rate rise to go ahead

Fiji’s interim Government has given the green
light for the proposed percentage increase in Fiji’s
minimum wages to be implemented amidst objec-
tion from employers, according to Fiji Live.
The increase, enabled by a new wage order that
was to have come into effect in February, but was
deferred to July 1st, sees a rise in minimum wages
by 20 percent across nine industries.
Wages Council chairman Father Kevin Barr
confirms that after meeting with government offi-
cials this week, interim Minister for Labour Filipe
Bole announced that the July 1 implementation
date will still be going ahead.
“All workers can be grateful for a small increase
in their pay packets, although it’s a minor adjust-
ment in wages for years it has not been changed,”
he told Fijiive.
“I hope this will in a small way help to stimulate
the economy because the workers will be spending
a little bit extra locally.”
Mr Barr, who has long been a champion of
poverty in Fiji, told FijiLive there had been word
that the Fiji Employers Federation had asked that
the implementation be deferred again.
The wage rise is coming at a time when infla-
tionary pressures look set to rise in the face of a
slowing domestic economy.
Sentiments in the business community remain
mixed on the increase.
Fiji Retailers Association (FRA) president
Himat Lodhia said the FRA members would have
no choice but to toe the line.
“Some are saying they will lessen working
hours while others say they will rotate their workers
on a week on/week off basis,” Lodhia said.
Other business commentators are saying that
the increase went against last week’s plea by the
Reserve Bank of Fiji hinting that inflation to be
kept in check.
The proposed increments for the various sectors
are as follows:
* Garment - up 20 percent
* Wholesale & Retail - up 20percent
* Printing - up 50c an hour for learners
* Building, Civil & Electrical Engineering - up
40cents-50cents
* Hotel & Catering - up 35cents
* Manufacturing - up 50cents
* Security - up 30cents
* Road Transport - up 5 percent
* Saw Milling - up 40 cents.

Teacher shortage hits Fiji

The Fijian Teachers Association says hundreds of teachers forced to retire in April have still
to be replaced.
About 940 teachers retired on April 30 after the country’s interim government slashed the
retirement age from 60 to 55.
It was part of plans to cut government spending. Association president Tevita Koroi said
many of the positions have been temporarily filled by trainee teachers. He told Radio Australia
the situation has compromised the quality of the service, and work was still under way to find
permanent replacements.
“It’s a question of...meet(ing) that number we have lost; but also the quality - particularly,
we’re having people who have not obtained their teaching qualification,” he said.

Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz 11


Indian
Cricket’s enduring idol notches up 60 sunny years
Known all over the world as the original little
Master, this prodigy born on July 10, 1949, was
the first cricketer in the world to cross the 10,000
run mark in test cricket. He broke Don Bradman’s
record of 29 centuries besides dozens of other
records and was the best opening batsman of his
era.
Sunil Manohar Gavaskar is 60 today.
Sunny, as he is known to his fans, was the best
schoolboy cricketer of India in 1966 and made
his debut in the Mumbai Ranji team in the 68/69
season against Karnataka. His exploits in that
season earned him a berth into the Indian team
touring the West Indies in 1970. History was
created when he scored 774 in the series, a record
that still stands tall today. His exploits against the
West Indies earned him a tremendous fan follow-
ing there and Trinidadian Calypso singer William
Harris (Lord Relator) even penned a song in Ga-
vaskar’s honour.
Gavaskar was a prolific scorer of runs and the
English fans who had earlier refused to accept
the talented youngster, were in awe when he re-
turned to English shores in 1974 and belted the
attack all over the place. His world record break-
ing 106 consecutive appearances started from the
Mumbai test in 1976. In between, he also suffered
the ignonimity of scoring 35 runs in 60 overs in
the first limited overs World Cup (1975, Pruden-
tial Cup against East Africa).
Gavaskar’s brush with captaincy came in
1976 in Auckland when he was standing in for the
injured Bishen Singh Bedi. He scored a century as
captain and enabled India to win by 8 wickets. He
was famous for being a conservative captain and
was always looking for a draw in test matches.
That was perhaps because the famous spin quartet
of Indian bowling Bedi, Prasanna, Venkataragha-
van and Chandrasekhar were about to retire and
a new breed of bowlers was emerging. Among
them was Kapil Dev, who would emerge a hero
on his own.
Meanwhile Gavaskar continued his glorious
streak of scoring runs and managed 1000 in a
calendar year on four successive occasions. He
crossed Bradman’s record of 29 centuries and fin-
India’s Caribbean cruise ends on a happy note
Prashant Belwalkar
India, after a disastrous T20 world cup, was
looking forward to a tour to West Indies to regain
some pride and prove that they are not a spent
force. Tendulkar, Sehwag, Raina and Irfran were
all resting and it was an opportunity for the new
guns to prove their worth. It was also a time for
Dhoni to reflect on his own performance and get
back to the winning ways of past years. Prior
to this tour India had won 4 ODI series on the
trot and were looking at extending that winning
streak. The West Indies were coming back on a
strong performance in the T20 series, where they
had managed to reach the semi-finals, when ev-
erybody had written them off.
Chris Gayle, their maverick captain, was
looking forward to squaring off with the Indians
and had predicted that the West Indies should be
wary of the wounded Indians! How, prophetic
were his words to sound in a couple of days. India
was to play the West Indies four times in a week
with two matches being played at Sabina Park,
Jamaica and two at Gros Islet, St Lucia. Toni
Cozier, the famed West Indian commentator, was
wary of the tour at this time of the year as it is
the Tornado session. He was not sure if all the
matches could be completed without interrup-
tions.
The first match ended dramatically at Sabina
Park, with the West Indies falling short of a
mammoth run chase by just 20 runs. India won
the toss and elected to bat. They however, lost
the out of form Gambhir and Rohit Sharma in
just 7.2 overs and with the score reading 32 for
2. This was the opportunity for Dinesh Karthik
to seize with both the hands, and indeed he did
it with style by scoring 67 runs and a 135 runs
12
add calypso song words
ished with 34, a record finally broken by another
Mumbai prodigy, Sachin Tendulkar years later.
He was the first batsman to score 10,000 runs in
test cricket. He was not known for his exploits in
the one day arena, however, he wanted to prove
that he still had it in him as a one day player and
partnership with the in-form Yuvraj Singh. Yuvi
was in his destructive mood and scored 132 from
just 101 balls. Dhoni, Yusuf Pathan and Harbha-
jan ensured that the momentum was not lost and
India finished with a mammoth 339 for 6 in their
allotted 50 overs.
Sabina Park had never witnessed such a
high score and it looked set for India to take a
1-0 nil. However, West Indies had other ideas.
They started the chase earnestly with the danger-
ous Gayle scoring quickfire 37 of just 33 balls.
Morton on the other side scored 42 and Sarwan
chipped in with 45, but wickets kept falling regu-
larly. It was upto the veteran Chanderpaul and the
lower order to chase the Indian total. But Nehra
and Yusuf Pathan did the job for India and they
blasted the New Zealand attack in the 1987 World
Cup in Nagpur for a quickfire 103.
He was feared and admired by even his
staunchest adversaries, for there was nothing
more pleasing than to watch Sunny playing a
perfect stroke in the ‘V’ and the ball running
past the bowler to the boundary line. I have yet
to see a better player of the bouncer or Yorker.
With a deft touch of soft hands he would jump
up in the air and the ball would touch the top
of the bat and come down smoothly without
evening bouncing for the second time or
moving anywhere near the close in
fielder. His flick off the toes, when
facing a Yorker would always fetch
him runs. Many may not know this but
he was also an opening bowler along
with Abid Ali for the Indian team, when
he was required to take the shine off the
ball, before the spin quartet could take
over. He was also an excellent slip fielder
and a very quick runner.
He is outspoken and wears the colours of
India on his sleeves. He even refused MCC
membership as a steward returned him from
the gates of Lords. His controversial recall-
ing of Chetan Chauhan in Australia is still
vivid in everybody’s memory, but today,
the Australia-India matches are known as
Gavaskar-Border trophy, a tribute to his
greatness.
Married to Marshneil, Sunny has one
son; Rohan who represented India in ODIs
but failed to cement his place as his father once
did. Sunny always did things on his own terms
and is one of the few cricketers who left the
scene when they were on a high. He delayed the
announcement of his departure from interna-
tional cricket as he wanted to play for the World
XI and achieve the only blemish he had in his
career – of not scoring a century at Lords. He
hit a spectacular 152 against the English team in
that match and bowed out of the game.
Gavaskar is known for his quick wit, satire
and writing abilities. He penned four books
which have been international best sellers,
scraped through for a 1-0 lead.
West Indies extracted their revenge in the
second game at Sabina Park. More than 750 runs
were scored in the first game and the crowds were
expecting the same in the second. West Indian
bowlers were in no mood for charity and new boy
Rampaul ripped through the top order of India.
He was ably supported by Taylor and Bravo.
Dhoni played a captain’s knock and scored 95
and Yuvi supported him with 35, but the rest of
the Indian players could not even reach double
figures. RP Singh scored 23 at the end to take
India to a plausible 188 in less than 49 overs. It
was always an uphill task to defend such a small
total and West Indies mauled the Indian attack
led by Gayle and Morton. They surpassed the
Indian total in just 34 overs and levelled the
series 1-1. The action now moved to St Lucia for
the remaining two matches.
The weather had held up pretty well for the
first two matches, but Tony’s predictions were
coming true for the next match. The start of
Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
Cricket
Idols, Runs and ruins, One day wonders and his
bestselling autobiography – Sunny Days.
He has since taken up various responsibilities
with ICC, BCCI and the media. He is now with the
ESPN STAR commentary team. He was recently
inducted as one of the three Indians in the ICC
Hall of fame (with Bishen Bedi and Kapil Dev)
Lord Relator’s Calypso:
“It was Gavaskar,
The real master
Just like a wall,
We couldn’t out Gavaskar at all,
Not at all;
You know the West Indies
Couldn’t out Gavaskar at all”
We at Indian Weekender pray “that
all of us couldn’t out Gavaskar at all”
– May he score a century of years!
- Prashant Belwalkar
the match was delayed and it was reduced to a
27 overs affair after the ninth over interruption.
West Indies managed to score a decent 186 for
7 in the allotted 27 overs, thanks largely to a 62
by Sarwan. Ashish Nehra justified his recall
and took 3 wickets for just 21 runs. The Indians
started the chase in quick fashion and for once the
openers were spot on, with their chase. Between
them, Dinesh Karthik, Gambhir and Dhoni con-
tributed to the chase and the second rain inter-
ruption reduced the target to 159 in 23 overs.
India managed to cross that with more than an
over to spare and thanks to Messers Duckworth-
Lewis, India took an unbeatable 2-1 lead.
The fourth match was a washout after a very
tight start by India and it gave them their fifth
series win on the trot, bringing back smiles to the
Indian fans. Dhoni rightly attributed the success
to his bowlers who were disciplined through-
out the series. Nehra had a fabulous comeback,
Ishant was more focussed on his bowling rather
than eyeballing the batsmen, RP Singh was tight
as usual and Yusuf Pathan was useful. The area
of concern however, is still in the batting depart-
ment. Dinesh Karthik grabbed the opportunity
given him with both hands, Dhoni came good
with bat and Yuvi was devastating as usual. But
Gambhir continued to struggle and so did Rohit
Sharma. With Tendulkar, Shewag, Raina bound
to return, it is an exciting time for Indian cricket
where for once we have enough reserve power
to take on any team, which is taking a deserved
break before the champion’s trophy in September
and then the all important ODI series with Aus-
tralia. Go, Men in Blue!
Indian
Spearheading Tonga Telecom’s international presence
Indian Weekender columnist and seasoned market-
ing professional Rajesh Krishnamurthy (pictured)
heads the marketing and sales operations of the
Kingdom of Tonga’s telecommunications company,
Tonga Communications Corporation, heading a
team of 50 staff.
He is currently visiting New
Zealand to launch a special calling
card for affordable calls between
New Zealand and Tonga as the first
of a series of international launches
for similar calling products. Indian
Weekender caught up with him to
find out what it is to live and work
as an expatriate Indian manager in
the South Pacific’s only kingdom.
Though this is not his first
Pacific stint (he has earlier worked
in a similar capacity with Telecom
Fiji) life in Tonga is very differ-
ent from what it is in Fiji, he says.
Rajesh has also worked in India,
where he comes from, and on the African continent.
How did you end up with the job on the exotic
island of the Kingdom of Tonga?
Grooming to be a queen
Romita Das, a twenty one year old girl born in Cal-
cutta, but a Singaporean citizen for many years
rocked the ramp of the Miss Singapore World Semi-
Finals on June 6 taking her into the finals.
All of 5 feet 8 inches tall Romita has done a great
deal of modeling work in the past including the Nike
Summer Fashion Show, Marc Jacobs Fall Collection
Fashion show and print ads for Sony Ericson , Sin-
gapore Tourism Hub and Health Promotion Board,.
Romita came down for pageant training especial-
ly to India because she had heard about Ritika’s vast
experience and past successes. The synergy between
Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
The Job came to me purely by chance. As reces-
sion hit New Zealand and the local economy took a
nosedive, it rather severely affected the consumer
durable industry which I was part of. I got this offer
at that time and decided to take up the challenge also
because Tonga Communications
Corporation (TCC) was planning to
go for the next generation network
and I would be involved with the
project from start to finish.
What is it like for an Indian
expat to work in the technology
service sector in Tonga? Are there
many Indians there and how do
people view Indians?
Tonga has very few Indians and
even less in the technology oriented
information technology and com-
munications industry. I am the only
Indian in this industry in Tonga.
Incidentally, it is interesting to note
that it was a team of four Indians that
installed the very first telephone exchange in Tonga a
few years ago. There are about 20 families of Indian
origin in Tonga, most of who have come over from
the two worked beautifully, and helped Romita to
make a mark in the highly competitive pageant world.
Apparently Romita did so well, that she was in fact
asked by the Singaporean media if she had groomed
herself for the pageant.
Ritika, her Pageant coach, runs The Tiara, a
pageant training studio and her success story includes
the likes of Pooja Chopra Femina Miss India World
2009, Ankita Mohapatra Gladrags Megamodel 2009,
Mann Sukhija Mr. India International 2009, Sandip
Soparrkar Grasim Mr. India Finalist and Young Turk
in 1998, Gauhar Khan Femina Miss India Earth 2002
AERIAL SOLUTIONS
Contact
Pramesh
Mob: 027 224 0529
Ph/Fax: 09 818 1014
Email: duttsaerial@xtra.co.nz
 UHF/VHF TV Aerial
 Satellite Reception
 Sky & TV Outlet
 Home Theatre System
 Cable Plant
 Commercial TV System
 Telecommunication
Systems
 TN & DVD VCR Repairs
and Tuning
 Freeview-HD-SAT/UHF
receivers & installation
Fiji. Indians generally enjoy a very good reputation
in Tonga as honest, hardworking and peace loving
people. The first Indians to come to Tonga were two
Gujarati families from Fiji who arrived in Nuku’a
lofa (Tonga’s capital and headquarters of the King)
in 1917 at the invitation of the King of Tonga.
What about life in general – how different is it
from living in Fiji?
I live by myself in Tonga (my family lives in
New Zealand) and we are vegetarians. It is very
tough being a vegetarian in Tonga as the local diet
is heavily meat based. Moreover the non-availability
of a variety of fresh vegetables and lentils adds to
the difficulty. I have trouble getting something to
eat when attending parties or public functions, as
there is generally no vegetarian dish except a leafy
salad that is on offer. So I’ve worked out a solution to
that problem, now I don’t go to any function without
having food at home that way I am not starving and
can pass the event with just a glass of juice. I also
carry a lot of ready to eat vegetarian food back with
me whenever I travel back from New Zealand. It
sometimes makes me feel like one of the contestants
on the television series “Survivor”!
What are the challenges that Tonga as a
Romita
and Ritika
Global Indians
country faces?
As a developing nation Tonga is faced with huge
challenges on various fronts like infrastructure, edu-
cation, healthcare, etc., to name a few. These chal-
lenges are amplified due to its small size and small
population base. The Government of Tonga though
is working closely with New Zealand in particular to
take necessary steps in this direction.
What is it that brings you here now?
New Zealand is home so it is always a joy to be
back. This time I am here to launch the “Malo e lelei
Call Tonga” card. This is the first international initia-
tive from the TCC and we aim to have similar roll
outs in other Pacific countries in the coming months.
This card is designed for Tongans in New Zealand to
keep in touch with friends and family back in Tonga.
The cards are of $10 and $20 value and unlike other
calling cards the Malo e lelei delivers the promised
number of call minutes irrespective of the number of
calls. This means that there are no hidden charges,
which eat up your minutes if you use the card to make
multiple calls. We are launching the card in Auck-
land, Wellington and Christchurch. The Tongan
community has heard about the launch and we have
received a lot of positive feedback from them.
and Amrita Thapar Femina Miss India Universe
2005.
So what is it that she worked on especially with
Romita? “ I took her through the paces of pageant
competition from her image consultation and groom-
ing, to current events, question handling, mental
preparation, public speaking, pageant walk and
stance and other techniques to keep her ahead of the
competition”, Ritika says .
What’s next on the anvil for Romita? Even though
she is very pleased with making it to the finals of the
Miss Singapore World 2009, she plans to partici-
pate in the Femina Miss India pageant subsequently.
“After all my heart belongs to India,” she says.
13
 Indian
Indian
Letters
We received several letters in response to the article “Chairty? Thanks but no thanks.”
While most agreed with our columnist’s views, there was one that raised interesting points.
We reproduce it here along with columnist Rakesh Krishnan’s response
Dev’s View – Editor.

I read the article, “Charity? Thanks but no thanks” by Rakesh Krishnan. It is clear he does not under-
stand the “40 hour famine” that Christian nations practice. They are not saying there is famine in India.
They, adults and children, forego food for 40 hours and give the money the food would have cost to Chris-
tian organisations that work tirelessly for the poor of the world. As for 40% of the money going to pay the
staff, I am surprised it is as low as that. Mr Krishnan needs to understand the people that work among
the poor need to eat, educate their children, etc. I am told that majority of the money that goes to help
the poor is from Christians. So i don’t see what Mr.krishnan’s gripe is about. Let us not forget that India
gained much from the education, hospitals, humanitarian works that these people brought to us. I am
told there are many Indians in India who are rich enough to buy the whole of New Zealand. If our people
who are so rich will spend their money for the upliftment of the outcastes so that they become integrated
with the upper castes, it will be good. There will be no difference between the Brahmin and the outcaste
and the Christian organisations can divert their money and talents to other nations that need help.
Geetha, Mt.Roskill, Auckland

Indian Weekender columnist Rakesh Krishnan responds:

The article is about a whole new industry that can be called ‘India bashing’. Words and images are very
powerful and have the utility of implication, which has several times more impact than a direct statement.
A huge “famine” banner in the background while talking about soliciting funds for school desks in India is
enough to give the impression to people in New Zealand that there is famine in India. The bundling of India
with extremely poor countries is something that we Indians cannot and should not accept. India is such a big
country it has a US, a Europe, a Middle East and a Somalia and Bosnia within it. However, the West only
shows the poorest side of India. It is this stereotypically negative depiction of India that my article is against.
Take this example: When India’s first lunar vehicle, Chandrayaan, achieved orbit around the moon, Fox
News headlined it: “Where’d They Learn to do That?”
Indian industrialists are engaged in the business of business. They don’t need to practise charity, though
many of them do. Their dharma is creating wealth. Reliance, for instance, has such a vast number of share-
holders that its AGMs are held in sports stadia. Millions of their shareholders have built palatial homes,
married off their daughters in style, and retired rich because Reliance consistently gave good dividends and
the share price has always travelled north. (Clarification: I and my family don’t own Reliance shares!) Indian
industrialists create millions of jobs every month, creating wealth of a magnitude unimaginable in western
countries. When NR Narayana Murthy was CEO of Infosys, India’s largest IT company, his company driver
became a millionaire because every Infosys employee had stock options. These are the movers who will
remove poverty from India.
As the article says, charity has not lifted countries out of poverty. It is a fact that some, but not all, Chris-
tian charities are fronts for proselytising churches. As Kenya’s father of the nation Jomo Kenyatta told the
From the Editor British: When you first arrived, we had the land and you had the Bible; now you have the land and we have
the Bible.”
Sensible immigration policy needed urgently As for caste, it is a convenient handle for western nations to berate India. Modern India hasn’t shut out
the lower castes from any sphere of national or social life. Mayawati is the elected leader of India’s largest
The recent report titled Trade, Diaspora and Migration to New Zealand, commissioned by the state. Backward caste chief ministers rule many states in India. Just as India’s economy grows, slowly but
New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, actually goes to confirm anecdotal evidence of the steadily, caste is losing its grip. India doesn’t need foreigners to tell what is right or wrong. India welcomed
positive effect sensible migration policies could have on the host country’s economy in so many ways. Europeans in the 16th and 17th century with disastrous results. Nearly 190 years of European rule and pros-
Statistics show there is a direct relationship between the number of migrants coming in from a elytising by missionaries did nothing for the outcastes. Their condition is changing for the better only under
country and the positive effect that has on New Zealand’s import-export trade with that country. With a free democratic India, as it rightly should be.
increased migration from India, Indian stores and restaurants are now ubiquitous and imports from
India have grown by leaps and bounds – something that was not the case 15 or 20 years ago. Indian English as a referendum on National Government’s perfor-
Pretty much the same can be said of exports. With India opening up to foreign investment and An excellent assessment of the linguistic power and mance, they put forward somebody who would keep
because of the sustained near double-digit growth of its economy, Indians living here have been potential of India. Indian English and Indians with media busy with other frivolous stuff.The defeat has
helping channel both investments and exports into India. ClimSystems, the company that has devel- English seem to have a brilliant furture. been blamed on Ms. Lee’s tongue
oped disaster scenario generation software (featured on page 2) is one such example where a Hamil- - Prof. G.C. Tripathi - By With malice towards none
tonian Indian is helping the company find its feet in India.
There are several other examples as well. And this is equally true for other countries from where Romancing the passion, living the dream You have reported very correctly and I do feel
migrants have come to New Zealand in significant numbers – particularly from the fast growing I have just read the article “Romancing the passion, strongly about it as we are now 8% of the popu-
Asian and South Asian countries. The report goes on to say that non-English speaking migrants from living the dream”. It has been written very well. I lation and National or the govt. needs to take the
developing countries bring big benefits to the economy. had never heard of Nalini Singh until I read it. It is Indian Population seriously.We are a great con-
But New Zealand’s existing immigration policies have for long left a lot to be desired. The dis- amazing to read about this budding young writer tributor to the country and its economy and we
jointed skills-based policy has grossly under-delivered typified by the oft-quoted example of doctors and interesting to know about young talented demand our fair share.A right of centre govt usually
driving taxis while there is a huge shortage of medical practitioners. people like Nalini. ingnores minorities and National has proven that
In the wake of the economic downturn these policies have especially come in for severe criticism - Khush Contractor despite their pre poll promises.If Indians can vote
not only here but also in the UK, according to news reports from that country. for National & help it come to power - then Indians
Migrant groups raised concerns to Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman this week about the Proud To Be Fiji Indian if ignored can also ignore National in the next elec-
way New Zealand was still projecting itself as a destination for skilled migrants when hundreds of So true, so true... we have a to be grateful to our an- tions.
them on temporary work visas were losing their jobs and facing the disappointing prospect of going cestors. Fiji Indians have a culture that is unique to - By A self respecting Indian
back home with nothing to fall back on. the world because its Indian mixed with Melanesian
New Zealand immigration policy and the bureaucracy itself – which has recently been criticised culture and we are a bit of both and Fiji is home. If On the cusp of global success
as one of the worst departments in the government – need a thorough revamp if the suggestions in only we had better politicians and chiefs like before Ingenious and dynamic are two words that immedi-
NZIER’s research can be made to work. but we will get there. Fiji will rise again. Go bless ately come to mind when you read about Dr.Anand
Hopefully, the government will take cognisance of some of the recommendations in this report to Fiji. Kai Noqu. and Sarita Kumble who as the article says are on
come up with a sensible immigration policy taking a leaf out of several other western countries that - Nehraaz Mustapha the `cusp of global success.’ And thank you IW
have in recent years revamped their policies with the objectives of benefiting their economies and for highlighting this terrific duo who have such a
external trade while adding richly to their cultural diversity. National Govt, Indians and the Musuku Affair big breakthrough on their hands---that is going to
The decision to abandon Masuku in Mt Albert was make a big difference to lives of others.They make
a calculated political mistake by the National Party. us proud to be Indians and am really happy to know
Indian Weekender Volume 1 No 9 It had little or nothing to do with any anti-Indian that they have got the right support and backing
Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited feelings within the party. It seems they never were from the New Zealand government for their first
Group editor-in-chief: Dev Nadkarni dev@indianweekender.co.nz serious about putting up a fight. So, fearing the pos- round of funding.
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14 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz

Indian
What went wrong for gays in India
RAKESH KRISHNAN
The big news spinning out of India is that homosexuality has been legalised in the country. Earlier this month the
Delhi High Court overturned a 149-year-old law dating back to 1860, which though, was rarely enforced.
The historic court ruling in response to a gay
rights petition, declared that treating consensual
same-sex sexual intercourse as a crime was a
violation of fundamental rights protected by the
Indian Constitution.
While many observers declared that India had
finally entered the 21st century, the fact is that this
is just another instance of India getting rid of its
colonial baggage. Homosexuals were never per-
secuted in classical India, but things changed for
the worse when the British took over.
The 1860 law was the result of a repressive
Victorian moral code. It was the Englishman
Thomas Macaulay who, while drawing up a
civil code to supplant India’s ancient and medi-
eval laws, decided that “whoever voluntarily has
carnal intercourse against the order of nature with
any man, woman or animal shall be punished
with imprisonment”.
Macaulay was acting on his Victorian mores.
But lazy, corrupt and self-serving Indian politi-
cians have since then refused to repeal such out-
dated cobwebs on one pretext or the other. It took
G. Vahnavati, India’s solicitor general, to expose
that position at the UN Human Rights Council
last year.
He told the council: “Around the early 19th
Century, you probably know that in England they
frowned on homosexuality, and therefore there
are historical reports that various people came
to India to take advantage of its more liberal at-
mosphere with regard to different kinds of sexual
conduct.
“As a result, in 1860 when we got the Indian
Penal Code, which was drafted by Macaulay, they
inserted Section 377 which brought in the concept
of ‘sexual offences against the order of nature’.
“Now in India we didn’t have this concept of
something being ‘against the order of nature’. It
was essentially a Western concept, which has
remained over the years. Now homosexuality as
New Zealanders Have Made a Mark in Fiji
Subhash Appana
New Zealand’s involvement with Fiji goes back
beyond 1874 when Fiji was ceded to Britain
and became a part of the Empire where “the
sun never set”. Prior to cession, beachcombers
combed the South Seas for adventure, treasures,
release, renewal and the ropes for a new begin-
ning. The backgrounds of these overflows from
Europe were as colourful as their motivations.
After the colonial structures were better
established and Fiji became an economic
entity, the notorious Colonial Sugar Refinery
Company, which had refineries in Melbourne
and Auckland, recruited kulambars (supervi-
sors) from Australia and NZ. This was the first
formal large-scale private recruitment of Kiwis
into Fiji and many surnames and genetic mani-
festations bear witness to this relationship.
On the national front, aid programmes were
set up and lots of New Zealanders saw Fiji as
a good alternative place to work in. Fiji’s judi-
ciary and the school system had New Zealand
written all over. Kiwi judges presided in Fiji’s
Courts and the two main school exams were
the respected NZ School Certificate and New
Zealand University Entrance exams.
In one of these programmes, a young volun-
teer Catholic teacher was deployed to Wairiki
Secondary School on the island of Taveuni.
Maria Theresa Jones taught me mathematics in
1975 and was one of the kindest prettiest teach-
ers I’d ever known. I’d be delighted to meet up
with her again as the last I heard was that she
was in New Zealand.
In the backdrop of this, the All Blacks and
Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
such is not defined in the Indian Penal Code, and
it will be a matter of great argument whether it is
‘against the order of nature’.”
While the Christian church has committed
unspeakable cruelties on homosexuals and pur-
suers of alternative sexuality, and Islamic laws
prescribe harsh punishment for them, India,
in keeping with its liberal Hindu heritage, has
always been a haven for homosexuals.
The Kama Sutra, a classic written in the first
millennium by Vatsyayana, devotes a whole
chapter to homosexual sex. The sage writes, “It is
Art-curator Alka Pande says alternate sexuality
was an intrinsic part of ancient India. In her
soon to be released ‘The Androgyne: Probing the
Gender Within’ she says, “Right from literature
to mythology and religion, homosexuality in
ancient India is considered to be the ultimate and
acceptable form of the sacred kind.”
to be engaged in and enjoyed for its own sake as
one of the arts.” The Kama Sutra categorises men
who desire other men as of the “third nature” and
refers to long-term unions between men.
Ancient texts including the Rig Veda, sculp-
tures and vestiges depict sexual acts between
women as revelations of a feminine world where
sexuality was based on pleasure and fertility.
The Manu Smriti, a book of rather conserva-
tive Hindu laws, merely prescribes ritual bathing
Rugby had become the other big bond between
Fiji and New Zealand. This relationship started
off as keen rivalry, then dismissive noncha-
lance, and now a focused attempt to ensure that
Fiji rugby never threatens the All Blacks and by
extension, the nation’s peace of mind.
In 1939 Fiji had blitzed through New Zealand
unbeaten with a 14-4 shellacking of the Maori
in the final match. It
was during that tour
that Ratu George In 1961, a Kiwi teacher with the
Cakobau introduced
the cibi for the first
inevitable rugby background
time to counter the came to Fiji and two years
Maori haka and it has
ever since been part later became a radio sports
of the national team’s
repertoire with some commentator. His name and
misguided attempts
being made to remove fame grew with Fiji rugby and
it in the name of reli-
gion every now and
Graham Eden is now a veritable
then. encyclopedia on Fiji rugby.
In 1961, a Kiwi
teacher with the in-
evitable rugby background came to Fiji and two
years later became a radio sports commentator.
His name and fame grew with Fiji rugby and
Graham Eden is now a veritable encyclopedia
on Fiji rugby. He will forever have his name in-
delibly linked with rugby in the country.
When I joined University of the South Pacific
(USP) in the 1980s, another Kiwi, Professor Ron
Crocombe was already an institution in that hal-
and application of warm cow urine and dung for
a person who has had sexual intercourse with
anyone other than a woman. Compare that to
what homosexuals and lesbians got in medieval
Europe: burning at the stake and other tortures.
Art-curator Alka Pande says alternate sexual-
ity was an intrinsic part of ancient India. In her
soon to be released ‘The Androgyne: Probing the
Gender Within’ she says, “Right from literature
to mythology and religion, homosexuality in
ancient India is considered to be the ultimate and
acceptable form of the sacred kind.”
What else explains the fact that the pivotal
character of the world’s longest and oldest epic,
The Mahabharata, is Shikandi, a hermaphrodite,
who plays a key role in the victory of good over
evil. In the same text, Arjuna, ancient India’s most
celebrated archer and warrior, disguises himself
as a eunuch during the last year of his exile.
In Same Sex Love in India, Ruth Vanita
argues that the relative tolerance, the gray area
between simple acceptance and outright rejec-
lowed institution. Cutting a commanding figure
he was constantly on the move between meet-
ings and offices of the inner sanctum. A member
of every decision-making forum at USP at the
time, any function without the good professor
was easily noticed.
This “go-getter” side of the professor made
one student scribe refer to him as “Professor
Crocile” in the weekly
student newsletter, USP
Beat. A loyal friend and
feared foe, Professor
Crocombe had another
side that only his closer
associates saw at the
time. I say “at the time”
because this side of Ron
was private and became
much more evident in
later years.
I recall vividly how
I managed to “spy”
this side of Ron. It was
semester-end party
season and somehow I
managed to get into Ron’s den in Mariko Street
across from the USP main gate through a Tongan
friend. There he was, the man himself, wearing
a flowery Bula Shirt, a Fiji Bitter stubby at his
elbow, and stories to keep anyone enthralled for
the night.
Some 5 years later, I presumptuously con-
tacted Professor Crocombe through USP from
Tokyo where I was desperately looking for an
Comment
tion of homosexual attraction, can be primarily
attributed to the Hindu concept of rebirth. Instead
of condemning the couple, others can explain
their mutual attraction as involuntary, because it
is caused by attachment in a previous birth. This
attachment is presumed to have the character of
an “unfinished business,” which needed to be
brought to a resolution in the present birth.
According to psychoanalyst and writer Sudhir
Kakar, “When a brave homosexual couple defies
all convention by openly living together, its toler-
ance by the two families and the social surround
generally takes place in the framework of the
rebirth theory. In 1987, when two policewomen in
the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India got
‘married’, the explanation often heard from those
who could no longer regard them as ‘just good
friends sharing living accommodation’ was that
one of them must have been a man in a previous
birth and the couple prematurely separated by a
cruel fate.”
Even the arrival of Islam did not vitiate the
atmosphere for homosexuals. In his autobiogra-
phy Baburnama, Babur, the first Mogul emperor
of India, writes about his indifferent love for his
wife and his infatuation for a “rosy-lipped” lad.
However, these and similar passages in ancient
Hindu texts were latched on to by early European
colonialists to heap scorn on Indian culture and
morals. This “lack of morals” was even cited as
justification for the colonisation of India so the
vast country could be brought up to par with “Eu-
ropean values”.
So far the only groups that have opposed the
High Court’s move are hardcore members of the
BJP, the leading Hindu nationalist party, which
got a drubbing in the last elections, Catholic
Christian bishops and the Muslim clergy. It’s
nice to know they can take a united stand, but of
course, only when it suits them.
eminent referee to get a prestigious government
scholarship. Ron’s response was unexpectedly
quick and complete; he raised his contact, Pro-
fessor Kimitada Miwa, and placed me in his
capable hands like magic.
Eight years later, when I finally met him in
Rarotonga and thanked him for the help, Ron
revealed with a chuckle that he remembered me
from the night I attended his party uninvited!
He said he’d seen enough that night to gauge
that I was an inquisitive student with a keen
Pacific sense of humour.
Five years after that Mariko Street party,
Ron had arranged Japanese connections in re-
sponse to an SOS from me. Others like Profes-
sor Brij Lal and Dr. Morgan Tuimaleali’ifano
have talked emphatically about Ron’s keen in-
terest in helping Pacific Island students. I also
am a recipient of that generosity.
Professor Ron Crocombe will be long re-
membered by those who knew him. This Cook
Island-New Zealander has left footprints in the
South Seas that will be hard to fill. It is with
wistfulness that I look forward to our next
meeting and know that he will surprise me
again by remembering details that I myself may
have forgotten.
- The opinions contained here are Subhash
Appana’s own and not necessarily shared by
any organizations that he may be affiliated
with, both here and overseas.
Email: subhasha@ais.ac.nz
15
Indian
Community
Yaadein Vision’s dream for Fiji kids Bollyworx kicks off to brilliant start
Nine years ago, a group a regular tie or corpo-
of like-minded people rate.
developed a glimmer of a The New Zealand
vision that set out to help group is also seeking
the under-privileged chil- to send a container of
dren of Fiji. books to needy chil-
Today, that vision is dren in Fiji in October
a burgeoning dream that by container.
has time again delivered Maney said anyone
on its promise to strive wishing to donate their
to educate the children of pre-loved books should
Fiji. contact one of the team
Yaadein Vision New members who will
Zealand, set up in 2007, is come around for the
now a staunch charitable collection (see list of
organisation devoted to Serving it up: Yaadein Vision New contacts below).
the improvement of the Yaadein Vision
education for the children Zealand members, from left, Bernard Maney, was developed along It WORX: Bollyworx-It worx the crowd at the inaugural Bollyworx
of Fiji. Radhaman Kumar and Reena were manning the lines of the inter-
So much so that now the kitchen at a fundraising function last Sat- national charity World This was proven by the turnout of participants from tors.
a prominent Fijian chief urday and (below): Bobby Mishra, the man Vision. Starting out in all walks of life -toddlers, elders, females, males of They demonstrated moves that were religiously
has come out in support behind the Yaadein Vision charity Australia in 2000 with all shapes, sizes and fitness levels. This group of followed and thoroughly enjoyed by young and
of the charity’s mission, Bobby Mishra, Afroz over100 adults and 30-odd kids jump jammed to a old alike on the floor. Ella Kumar of TANI had the
Yaadein Vision NZ sec- Ali and Sheraaz Ali, feverish pitch for the full three hours of Bollyworx!! crowd hopping and working out to the catchy tunes
retary Bernard Maney Yaadein Vision New Bollyworx, SPROUT’s first ever workout for of “Jai Ho”.
said. Zealand was set up in Indian families took place on the June 27 at Allan Amidst other enthusiastic instructors,
Ratu Sairusi Nagaga- 2007 and is now also Brewster Recreation Centre, Papatoetoe, and was a SPROUT’s die-hard members led by Anjana Bone-
voka, the Tui Ba, has established in United success without doubt. setter put up a solid choreography of “dancercise”
donated 20 acres of land States and Canada. SPROUT’s low-key advertising and reliance on set to the tunes of swashbuckling Bollywood music.
for the Yaadein Vision As with World word-of-mouth surprised all as the eventual turnout Anjana incorporated day-to-day movements like
to build a training school Vision, one can also was overwhelming. The event was well-received sweeping, mopping, hopping or simply hugging
and a retirement village. sponsor a child with and thought of as something the participants want into the dance and this was applauded and appreci-
Maney and his team Yaadein Vision for as SPROUT to carry out periodically. ated by the crowd.
are now in the process little as $100 a year. “It was great fun. I loved the rhythm of aero- The session was concluded by a cool-down time
of fundraising and doing The money, under strict bics with Bollywood songs. No complaints about taken over by Deepika followed by Tania Mehra,
their bit to continue the aid supply to Fiji. control of executives is handed over to the school those muscles strain and body aches so far as I have again a passionate freelance instructor.
He said so far more than 50 schools and almost directly and if they want to, a sponsor can write to enjoyed stretches with my full strength. Looking Toward the second half of the session, the organ-
1000 students in Fiji had been the recipients of help the child or visit them whenever they want. forward for similar events soon,” said homemaker isers decided to reward the driven participants on
from the Yaadein Vision group. For more info, contact: Bernard Maney / Rad- Sujata Nandal, who is in her mid thirties. the floor by opening up the food counter to all, free
Last Saturday, the Yaadein Vision NZ team haman Kumar 09 834-2927; Dinesh Chand 09 Bollyworx kicked off with a warming up session of cost. Such was the impact of the drive and passion
braved the chilly conditions and sold food and 2787344. conducted by Dev Dhingra who is a trained com- seen on the exercise floor.
drinks at a local qawwali function in Auckland to - Story & photo Arvind Kumar munity coach. His session prepared the participants For more information on SPROUT visit www.
raise funds and attract membership, which can be for a pulsating, hi-energy 20 minutes led by Tony sprout.net.nz
and Lea, both trained professional fitness instruc- - Indian Weekender news desk

16 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz

Indian
Indian nights get hot in Auckland
For Indian nightclub enthusiasts Saturday nights
are getting crazier by the week.
There was a time when 2 to 3 Indian night-
clubs would struggle to get people through their
doors and now we see up to 7 or 8 Bollywood
or Fusion themed nightclubs or public events
running across Auckland on a Saturday night.
As your resident nightlife ‘expert’, a title
bestowed upon me by several club owners and
managers who have consulted me on ideas to
improve visitor experience, I will be reviewing
events that I felt were worth the money spent as
well as any future events that promise to be an
exceptional experience for our readers.
Let me begin with a
new entrant in the market
‘Club Karma’ in the CBD The crowd in attendance
and their ‘Traffic Light
Party’ on Saturday June 20.
is very diverse and
A very interesting concept constantly changing so
that grabbed the attention
of a public that has become there’s lots of new faces
accustomed to stale night-
club events that simply every Saturday.
have a DJ playing through
the night. Once again, DJ Manchoo graced the
DJ booth and there was a decent crowd in atten-
dance, a few (including yours truly) even dressed
according to the theme of the night –Green,
Orange or Red – The color that best describes
your intentions.
They even went the extra mile to stick up
props such as traffic cones and a streetlight so big
ups on the effort. Ladies were in for free before
midnight and guys were $10. The organisers had
planned on sending us a few pictures to publish
in this issue however that may have to wait until
their next event. Certainly a force to be reckoned
with in the near future.
Next up is Club Nachle in Newmarket who
were formerly located in Epsom. Now these guys
have really taken my advice to heart and things
are booming – Ladies are in free before 1:30am
Community
and guys are in for $10. Club Nachle has one of
the highest ratios of female to male patrons so
Look good, feel better
Experience the world of incredible India at the So tie saris, don turbans and don’t forget a
this is the place to be for all you ‘single’ guys. 2009 Look Good Feel Better Dream Ball and bindi. Another fantastic Dream Ball awaits that
What has really grabbed my attention is one of Auction in Auckland next month (August). will make guests look good and feel better and
Auckland’s most extravagant LED dance floors Bollywood is the theme for the Dream Ball help women with cancer do the same!
– you will literally feel like you’re Rishi Kapoor evening - a fantastic annual event that supports Look Good Feel Better is a registered na-
dancing in a 1970’s Bollywood Disco number... women with cancer. This glamorous black-tie tional charity that works for women with cancer.
ok maybe that’s a stretch but who wouldn’t want soiree promises to transport guests to “Bolly- At special makeover workshops throughout
that feeling. wood” – the land New Zealand, hair
The crowd in attendance is very diverse and where dreams are and makeup experts
constantly changing so there’s lots of new faces made and slum- donate their time to
every Saturday. I must say that this is one of the dogs become mil- guide women with
few Indian nightclubs that play a fantastic fusion lionaires. cancer on their ap-
of Bollywood, Hip Hop, R&B and Bhangra. It’s Step into a pearance.
also the only nightclub where magical world, The women not
I ‘ve heard DJ’s spinning breathe in the only get a brand
Medival Punditz and if you spices and take new look, but learn
know who they are then this is
the place for you! www.club-
in the soothing
sounds from a
how to do it them-
selves at home with
nachle.co.nz <http://www. traditional Indian complimentary cos-
clubnachle.co.nz> Sitar, before en- metics donated by
Aja Nachle Nightclub joying the co- the beauty industry.
in Epsom held a DJ battle lourful spectacle It’s a vital boost to
between DJ Bobby (Purple that is Bhangara self-esteem at a time
Haze – Fiji) and DJ Nigel – the Dancing with the when they need it
outcome was inconclusive but a decent crowd ap- Punjabi Virsa. most.
preciated the contest nonetheless. Guests can try
Of course there are several other nightclubs their luck fishing
and events running every Saturday. However, in the Taj Mahal
one can only visit so many. If you would like pond, visit the
Indian Weekender to visit your event or function, Indian bazaar for unique, authentic gifts or have
please email reggie@indianweekender.co.nz their future told by a traditional Indian astrolo-
Indian Weekender is a proud media sponsor ger. When: Saturday 22 August, 2009
of DJ SUKETU LIVE in Auckland on August 7 With a live and silent auction, fabulous prizes Where: SkyCity Convention
and Wellington August 8. More details will be up for grabs and fantastic entertainment, the Centre, Federal Street, Auckland.
published in the next issue and on indianweek- Dream Ball promises to be a night of excitement, 6.30pm. For tickets: $225 each or
ender.co.nz and you will be able to enter to win colour and spice. All proceeds will go to Look
tickets online at www.indianweekender.co.nz Good Feel Better to help women with cancer
$2250 for a table (both excl GST).
<http://www.indianweekender.co.nz> soon! If transform their lives. Look Good Feel Better on 09 308
you have pictures of your Saturday night that you Tickets include a delicious three-course 0245 or email info@lgfb.co.nz
would like published please send them through. dinner, top-class wines and great entertainment
See you all ‘Out and About’. from Indian performers.
- Reggie Singh

Charanjit comes good in flying colours Want to study, work or

The first Sikh officer in the Royal New Zealand
Air Force says he is proud to have been given
the opportunity to serve his adopted country.
Charanjit Singh, born in Nilokheri, near
Karnal, in Haryana, said his message to the
younger generation was to have a dream and to
Singh did his schooling in Kurukshetra and
went for further studies to Faridabad where he
live in New Zealand?
completed his Post Diploma in Mechanical En-
gineering. Talk to a licenced immigration adviser
“After finishing my engineering qualifi-
cations I worked with a public sector defence who actually understands your situation


work hard to realise undertaking in Panch-
that vision. kula,” said Singh who
“My message to came to New Zealand  Student visa/permit
younger generation is in 1998.
that one should have In New Zealand,  Admission in any NZ university No
a dream and with hard he worked in differ- consultation
work one can realise ent private and public or institute charges for
his or her dream. My sector jobs before ap-
dream has come true plying for Air Force in  Work visa/permit student
and yours will as well 2006. visas*
if you are focused and “The motivation  Permanent Residency
keep up the hard work. behind it was that I
“From my personal was always interested  Overstay & decline appeals
in big airplanes. Also,
viewpoint and from an
immigrant’s perspec- my maternal uncle
 Citizenship
tive I feel very proud retired from IAF and
that I got this oppor- he used to take me to www.aimsglobaleducation.com
tunity to serve my different bases during * applicable when admission done through us
adopted country.” his tour of duty so I
Singh, an Engi- guess that seeing mili-
neering Officer, said tary airplanes from
he was the only tur- so close had a big im- Arunima Dhingra
ban-wearing person in pression on my mind
the RNZAF: “Yes, it and when I saw the Licenced Immigration
is a great feeling and opportunity in 2006 Adviser
I feel very proud that with the RNZAF I M: +64 21 257 5250
the RNZAF as an or- could not resist the op- E: info@aimsglobaleducation.com Approved by NZ
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wholeheartedly. and got selected as an Auckland 2012.
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“It tells a lot about the values of the RNZAF Engineering Officer and completed my Initial
where a person is selected on the merit and not Officer Training Course in December 2007. My
on the basis of the ethnicity and religion and parents (S Jagadish Singh and Uttamjit Kaur) India Head Office address:
SCO 17, Swastik Vihar, Sector 5, Mansa Devi
once you start wearing uniform you become were here with me on my graduation day and Complex, Chandigarh - Kalka Road, Panchkula-

part of the large RNZAF family.
“And so many times the senior officers have
given me the opportunity to explain my reli-
gious beliefs and identity to my colleagues and
subordinates to help me assimilate and become
watched the passing out parade.” 134113, Haryana
Tel: +91 172 501 5369, +91 998 819 9018
A Flying Officer does not necessary fly air-
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a meaningful part of the RNZAF family.”

Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz 17

Indian
Community news in pictures
in s A u c k la n d e rs ’ hearts
Bollywood Esexcopndre ss w od Ex pr es s, a Bolly wood
dance drama
the
performance of
Bolly wo ess. It was held at
The a resounding succ was year One
of th ree or phans kland on July 5.
based on the lives Aotea Cent re in dow ntow n Auc an d co m pr ise s dozens
ASB Theatre at
the
a ha s a cr ew of over 100 hy as “simply
e dance dr am e choreogr ap
in the making, th ent. The audience described th umar the
pm ta and Rach na K
of props and equi by the young sister duo A kshi ce, and all participants
d an
amazing”. Devise r their production banner, Indi umar of Mitre 10 Mega
st yled un de er V in od K
show is
free of cost. The
girls’ fa th this was not
receive training ity told In di an Weekender that occupied
suppor ts the activ ng to keep youngsters gainfully
who financially t so m et hi us ic . A fter this
a profit making
exercise bu ts lik e dance and m
rm in g ar lin on for
gt
eir talents in perfo d, the entourage is off to Wel
while honing th A uc kl an re d- st rong crew
rmance in with the hund
superlative perfo nd , co m pl et e
to watch their ch
il-
ance next weeke y their ow n way
another perform nt s w ho w ill pa th e ca pita l city .
proud pare to imagine in
and a number of ow is no t ha rd
nother sell-out sh team the very best.
dren perform. A ung
nd er wishes the yo
Indian Weeke

sh owner honoured
Supervalue Flatbu
ard for
confer red an aw
Fl at bu sh su pe rmarket has been two-day an nual expo
tor of SuperValue rprises at the the was
the ow ner-opera the country by Prog ressive Ente June 30 and July1. The award
Paramjit Dhatt, su pe rm ar ke t in tio n Ce nt re on n us th e m otiva-
alue nv en s gi ve
the top SuperV rch Tow n Hall Co “We are very proud and this ha rise was
at the Ch ristchu n. d that his enterp
and conference e gi vi ng di nn er on the occasio e to ug h ec onomic times an om supermarkets and
e pr iz e w er
presented at th id. He said thes s are buying fr ng
er,” Mr Dhatt sa unity. “Customer basics and buyi
tion to work hard hing it could do to help the com m they are also spending more on more and more
er yt de – ng in g
geared to do ev of dining outsi e ar ra
he said, “We ar n give to ou r customers.”
at home instead to this sit uation
prepar ing meals re sp on se rv ic e we ca e
ds,” he sa id . In best custo m er se Cola product rang
more Home Bran ts and regular specials with the r outstanding sales of the Coca
uc d fo
Home Brand prod has also received the top awar
bush
SuperValue Flat
th rough its store
. vi ng th e aw ar d
d H aw th or ne gi
an ag er M r F re
ro gr es si ve W D L G en er al M
Photo: P tt .
d Ja sk ar n D ha
to PJ D ha tt an

Sangeeta’s music
Kar nataka’s yo concert
un scintillates
Kulkarni, win g and famous Hindustani vo
ner of Suvarn calist “Gaana K
Udayaraj Kar pu a Kar nataka R ogile” Smt. Sa
r perfor med th ajyotsava awar ngeeta katti
Satu rday 04 Ju e Swara Mad hu d and Tabala
ly 09 at the M rya Sangeeta Sa maest ro Sh ri
the raga “Gun t.
a Kali”. It was Eden war Memor ial Hall. Sh rita Musical concer t on
several ragas. fo e st
Sh ri. Udayara llowed by Daasavaani, Vacha ar ted the concer t with
companied. The aj Kar pu r a ta nas, and Bhaav
lented aG
Indian Classic second half of the prog ram m Tabala Maest ro from Kar na eet in
al Raag th roug e w as “S an ge taka ac-
satile repertoire h In dian Cinema. Sm et Sarita” – A jo
captivated the t Sa ngeeta Kat ur ney of
tif ying the song au
s in specific ra dience. She involved the audi ti Kulkarni’s wide ver-
Ashish Ramak ga s and also insp ence in singing
rish ir an
speaking com m nan and Chaitra Ravishank ed the local talents of Kan na d iden-
unity of Auckl ar, to sing alon da
Kat ti Kulkarn and also felicita g with her. The Koota,
i at the felicita ted the ar tistes
tion. on July 6. Phot Kan nada
o: Sangeeta

18 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz

Indian
Easy Health

Diabetes: Do everything you can to prevent it

Dr. Primla Khar
When we talk of Diabetes it is mostly regard- • A great percentage of Diabetics (about at least 30 minutes every day for 5 days in
ing Diabetes Mellitus, which simply put means 50%) are still undiagnosed. a week.
high glucose levels in our blood. • Diabetes is not curable but definitely can • Lose weight – gradually by a combina
Why talk about it here? Isn’t there enough be controlled. tion of diet control and exercise
publicity about it? Don’t we see enough posters • Ensure your cholesterol (body fat) levels
in our doctors’ waiting rooms? So what is Diabetes Mellitus are well controlled
The essence of this column is to alert our It is increased levels of Glucose in our blood • Ensure your blood pressure is well
young Indian population. This is not about how either because of reduced amount or absence of controlled
to deal with the disease after one is affected Insulin or resistance to insulin. • Quit smoking – It could be the best gift
by it. It is about empowering ourselves with you could give yourself
knowledge and know how so as to prevent or Why does our body need glucose? Glucose is • If you want to rule out diabetes and you
delay its occurrence. a very important source of energy for our body, are more than 25 years of age ask your
Also as more and more of our own kith and especially our brain. doctor for a blood test.
kin will be affected by this ailment we need
to keep ourselves well informed so that we Where does glucose in our blood come from What the mind doesn’t know the eyes won’t
can help our own people through their illness – 1) from our food 2) Produced by liver and proteins. see. So keep an eye out. Keep diabetes at bay
which if not tamed aggressively can lead to One of the Main causes of Insulin resistance but if affected don’t lose hope as you know
serious ill health by affecting their heart, What controls our blood glucose levels? (Enough in amount but not effective Insulin) is your body the best. A Diabetic can be his own
kidneys , eyes and feet. Insulin excess weight – hence the importance of losing best friend and his own best doctor, nutritionist
weight. and a physical trainer.
Some facts: What is insulin? Look out for your belly size: bigger the You see for those affected by Diabetes
• It is very common in Indians living in A squishy organ tucked close to our intes- belly, bigger the mess. drugs and diet is not the only solution but un-
India, Indians living in the Western world tine called Pancreas produces a hormone (se- Yes, even if you find that your weight is ap- derstanding it is. So let us start at the begin-
and in Indians living in New Zealand. cretion) Insulin from its special cells called propriate for your height (BMI); but your waist ning. Let us prevent it.
• Its incidence is on the increase, at an Islet cells. girth is above normal then increased associa- There are a number of support groups and
alarming rate in people of Indian Origin In people who have Diabetes either these tion with Diabetes and other serious conditions initiatives taken by the health services in New
living in New Zealand. cells have been destroyed through a process like heart problems are known. Zealand, depending on which city and area you
• Children can be affected by this condition called Autoimmune reaction or these cells live in. To name a few:
too produce inappropriate amounts of Insulin. Anybody can be affected by it, nobody is Let’s Beat Diabetes, Green Prescription (for
• Diabetes is not a disease of people over 40 immune. So what should one look for and weight loss and exercise), Diabetes Auckland,
and fat people only, it occurs in normally How does Insulin control the blood glucose do? Diabetes New Zealand, and Diabetes Youth
fed and lean people too. levels? • Classical presentation is if you are exces New Zealand.
• Long periods of stress keep blood glucose There are different levels at which insulin sively thirsty, hungry and passing urine For any further enquiries please see your
levels always at a higher level and thus works. It increases the uptake of glucose from frequently. doctor.
psycho-social stress leads to Diabetes. blood into the muscle cells and liver and also • Look out for frequent skin infections and
• Inactivity and fast food also are well it causes some changes in the cells by which boils
known contributors more of Glucose is used to produce energy in • If somebody in your family is affected,
• Blame it on your Genes our body rather than energy coming from Fats take preventive measures – like exercise,

Forthcoming Trade expositions in India

The Commerce Section of the High Com-
mission of India in New Zealand welcomes
participation in a number of trade fairs due
to be held in India in the coming months.
Some of these that may be of particular
interest to businesses in new Zealand are
listed below.
Organisation. E-mail : ht@itpo-online.
com, hctitpo@gmail.com. More details
are also available with the Commerce
Section, High Commission of India,
Wellington Tel : 04-4730162, Fax : 04-
4990665. Email : commerce@hicomind.
org.nz

India International Jwellery Show (IIJS
2009) Mumbai, August 6-10
IIJS showcases the vast range of India’s
production of gems and jewellery items
to more than 25,000 trade visitors from
India and abroad. The show will have on
display (i) precious metal jewellery both
plain and studded (ii) loose gemstones
including diamonds (iii) costume fashion
jewellery (iv) jewellery making machiner-
ies (v) gems and jewellery publications.
Further details: www.iijs.org
Fourth Sports Goods & Physical Fit-
ness Equipment Exhibition (SGPFEE)
New Delhi, October 3-6
Delhi International Leather Fair (DILF),
New Delhi, October 23-25
The 17th Delhi International Leather Fair
(DILF), is a unique show dedicated to hello chennai
leather and leather products from India.
The show will be oriented to facilitating
the exhibitors and buyers in opening new
channels for trade in leather products,
with an accent on footwear and compo-
nents. As a specialized event, DILF has
become a highly favoured destination on
the itinerary of global buyers. More infor-
mation about the event could be seen at
website www.delhileatherfair.com
India International Trade Fair, New
Delhi, November 14 to 27

The event will showcase achievements
and technological advancements made
by India covering a wide range of prod-
ucts and services related to sports goods
and physical fitness equipment indus-
try. The sports goods industry’s 60%
production is being exported to various
countries including UK, Australia, USA,
France, Germany, South Africa, New
Zealand, Italy, Canada, etc. The quality
of sports goods produced in India now
matches international standards. Further
details: details are available on event
website www.sportsgoodsexhibitionin-
dia.com or write to Mr. Hukumchand T.
General Manager, India Trade Promotion
The India International Trade Fair is a
multi-product, multi sectoral fair provid-
ing excellent business opportunities for
a wide range of products and services
in diverse areas. In order to make the
visit of overseas delegation comfortable,
fruitful and also to look after their specific
requirements, a special cell has been
created within ITPO. Details of visiting
delegations/buyers/businessmen may
be sent to Mrs. S. Kishore, Dy. General
Manager, e-mail: skishore@itpo-online.
com or Mr. A.K. Jain, Senior Manager,
e-mail:akj@itpo-online.com. Further
details: http://www.iitfonweb.com.

Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz 19

 Indian
Bipasha unravels her fitness fundas
The sultry Bipasha Basu goes through an elaborate fit-
ness regime to maintain her svelte figure. She reveals
her fitness fundas and the diet that goes into shaping
her great body.
Bipasha Basu confesses that she got into fitness
because of her film ‘No Entry’. “Since I played a
dancer, I knew that I’d have to bare my midriff.
All my fears about showing my belly came up.
Therefore, I started working out and soon my
mind block about item numbers was removed.
My gym routine since then became my top prior-
ity, and if I have two hours free, I spend half an
hour with John and the rest of the time in the gym
or in a swimming pool”.
Prod her to dwell at length about her fitness
regime and she does not hold herself back. Says
Bipasha, “I do 108 suryanamaskars every day. I
also make it a point to do 50 minutes of cardio,
ten minutes of warm up including stretching
and holding my dance posture with maximum
emphasis on breathing. With a schedule of four
times a week, my 50 minutes of cardio is divided
into 20 minutes on the treadmill, 10 minutes
on the elliptical machine, and 20 on the rowing
machine twice a week. Yes. I make it a point to
spend at least two hours six days a week in the
gym,” she says.
Besides this, Bipasha also does a spinning
class every week. “I believe in weak point train-
ing and work hard on my triceps. I have been a
victim of an injured left knee for which I have to
resort to physiotherapy every week. I also believe
in circuit training because it keeps the heart rate
up. To break monotony, I adopt a new routine
20
Bollywood
every four months. I use yoga to strengthen my
lower back, core muscles and redevelop my left
knee muscles. I exercise four times a week for
at least one hour and try to have minimum 7-8
hours of sleep,” she reveals.
About her food intake, she says, “I eat small
meals, around six times a day at regular intervals
and involve the super-foods in my diet judicious-
ly. “As far as my break fast goes, my day starts
with tea and almonds soaked overnight. At 9 am
I have six egg whites, mushroom, toast with por-
ridge, skimmed milk and fruits. Two hours later,
I have an apple, followed by a mid-day lunch.
Bipasha’s lunch comprises some green vegetable,
dal, grilled chicken or fish with green salad and
two soya chapattis. “I do not eat rice unless and
until it is my birthday when I indulge in it,” she
says. 5 pm is teatime with digestive biscuits.
She retires for the day after having a low carbo-
hydrate dinner at 9 pm. “It is usually dal, salad,
three vegetables cooked in olive oil, grilled fish
or chicken with a miniscule portion of dessert.”
Bipasha advises all the readers to drink at
least 10 glasses of water a day and apply sun-
screen with a high SPF every time they step out
in the sun. “I believe in being healthy and it’s not
about just looking good. I always feel that being
healthy is the key reason for me. That’s the reason
I am so much into fitness,” she quips.
Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
Indian
Bollywood

Soha Ali Khan:

“I don’t think
television is a
comedown”
After Big B, SRK, Govinda and Salman, Soha Ali Khan is the
latest to make her television debut as the host of India’s
first branded lifestyle reality game show, which has just
begun screening on Star. She speaks about her show and
her career plans.
Hosting a show on television must be an altogether new experience for you.
I would say it is a unique experience. I am extremely upbeat about my new role as the host of this
particular programme, Godrej Khelo Jeeto Jeeyo. I am more eager to see the audience’s reaction to my
role as a reality game show host. It is a pioneering concept and gives me the opportunity to connect
with an audience that is representative of a modern, vibrant India. After doing landmark films like
Rang De Basanti and Mumbai Meri Jaan, this is definitely a new experience for me.

Don’t you think it is a come down for a film actor like you to take up the job of being
the host of a TV show?
I don’t think it is a come down for me or for that matter any actor to make the transition from films
to TV. It is wrong to assume that actors take to television when they do not have films on hand. On
the contrary, doing television is quite challenging in itself, particularly when you are hosting a show.
There is no pre-written script for the show and one has to communicate with the participants as the
show progresses. To be a good host, you have to see to it that you are able to entertain the viewers with
your on the spot impromptu repartees and gags even while the show is on.

What is the game all about?

The game allows consumers who aspire for a better and brighter lifestyle, to team up with a rela-
tive or friend to play a series of innovatively conceptualised games in a home-styled setting. The
grand prize is a fully furnished brighter home from the sponsors of the game. The contest gets excit-
ing as it goes from one stage to another. It will also have exciting elements like surprise winners,
interactive on the spot participation, top celebrity couple competitions during the course of various
episodes that will leave audiences engaged and enthralled.

Tell us about your forthcoming films on the floor.

I am acting in Pritish Nandy Communication’s Accident, a horror film besides Tera Kya Hoga
Johny with Neil Nitin Mukesh, a film called 6:1:1 and Kunal Deshmukh’s Tum Miley, with Emran
Hashmi. I am also acting in a British film called Life Goes On, with a Bengali woman Sangeeta Dutta
as the director. I have been cast in the film with my mother, who will also be seen as my mother in the
film. I have been choosing films with characters that interest me.

So how do you manage to juggle your film shoots with your television schedule?
I shoot for three episodes a day for the show. What I like the best about the show that I am the only
host and I do not have share screen space with any other male host. When Siddharth Basu approached
me with the offer, I did not think twice but grabbed it because it gives me an opportunity to connect
with 560 million viewers at a time. My films have not offered me anything like that until date.

Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz 21

Indian
Bollywood
Has Nandana given her
nod for a showstopper
Priyanka’s encounter with
act at fashion show?
spooky animals
It appears that actress Nandana Sen has
changed her stance about exposure and skin
Theshow.
script At
andleast that isofwhat
direction Ramthe rumour
Gopal millsAgyaat sure sent chills down the spines of the actors
Varma’s
indicate.
working The
in the filmnews goes did
but little thatthey
Nandana whoacting in the film would also mean being spooked in
know that
real had
life. put
Theher foot of
heroine down for doing
the film, PriyankaanyKothari
bold for one has sordid tales to tell about her terrifying
scenes after
experiences. her controversial
According to Priyanka,nude scene
the film was shot in the Sigiriya jungles of Sri Lanka and the
unitinwasKetan
put upMehta’s
at a hotelRang Rasiya,
near the jungle.has
Shenow
recalls having one encounter too many with the animals
and given her nod“Attoany
the creepiest. Bollywood fashion
time you could de- a monkey staring at you from the balcony and ready
expect
signer,your
to snatch Umair Zafar. Or
breakfast. Zafar
thenhas reportedly
there was a snake passing by on the balcony rod.” As if that was
approached
not enough, one Nandana
morning she to be a part
woke up of a mega
to find six lizards crawling on the ceiling. When she ran to the
fashion
reception to event
ask fornext month
a better where
room, sheshe
waswill be when the receptionist told her that she was given
shocked
seenroom
the best wearing a hot
in the and oh-so-sexy outfit that
hotel!
is expected to create ripples in the fashion
world. Nandana herself acknowledged that
she had been talking to Zafar, but had not
yet worked out the concept and outfits for the
event. It may be recalled that Nandana had
recently turned out several prestigious offers
including one by Italian filmmaker Italo Spi-
nelli. Spinelli was keen on casting Nandana
in his film for the lead role of a tribal woman
who is surreptitiously shot nude by a photog-
rapher.

22 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz

Indian
Bollywood

Tedhi baatein with

Shekhar Suman
Tedhi Baat is the male version of saas bahu
shows, Shekhar Suman tells Jyothi Venkatesh
that his new show on sab tv does not set out to
impersonate or lampoon anyone

What inspired you to come up with a show like

Tedhi Baat?
Whether it was my debut film Utsav or Movers &
Shakers or for that matter the TV serial Reporter, it has
always been my endeavor every time to come up with a
different flavor and attitude. I was inspired to make the
show Tedhi Baat because I have seen several interviews
on television when there is this seeming one upmanship
between the interviewers and the interviewers

Why do you call Tedhi Baat India’s first seri-

ously funny talk show?
Comedy can be slapstick, amateurish and at time
seven vulgar but humor is always witticism. I have
always believed in straight faced comedy since it
serves as a stress buster especially since there is a lot
of stress in our lives. Tedhi Baat is a tongue in cheek
show which will tackle serious issues in a light way.
It is quite different from the regular me too soaps
that you get to see on TV today.

What do you like the best about the show?

What I like the best about this show is that though the show is not funny, the intricacy of the char-
acters that I set out to portray is. It may look like a very simple show but I should say that it has been
the most difficult show to handle as far as I am concerned till date.

How do you resist the temptation to hog the show in your show considering that you
are also the producer?
I am not hogging the show Tedhi Baat though I happen to be the producer of the show. It is Gurpal
Singh who is the host who interviews all the characters that I portray in the show. Mind you, I am only
portraying all the characters and almost becoming them but not impersonating or lampooning them.
I see to it that there is no idiosyncrasy or caricature involved. In fact the writers have been given the
brief not to treat it as a comedy show, because then inherent humor stems out of the peculiarities and
the idiosyncrasies of the characters.

How difficult is it for you to get in and out of different characters for your show?
It is not difficult for me to switch over from one character to another because har neta ke andar ek
abhineta chupa huwa hain and also vice versa.

Isn’t it scary for you to compete with saas bahu shows on TV today?
It is an attempt on the part of the channel as well as me and my production house to come up with
a credible and relatable show in these days of saas bahu shows. In fact, I’d even go to the extent of
stating that it is the male version of the saas bahu shows since it involves the two of us- Gurpal Singh
and me. I was very impressed by him when I saw the poker faced Gurpal Singh in action in his show
Chupa Rustom.I think he is the ideal foil for me in Tedhi Baat

Is your show a cake walk for you, as a producer?

My show is not an easy cake walk for me because it gives me actually sleepless nights especially
since I have to play 16 characters in a month and 52 in three. To prepare myself for then characters I
have already started observing each and every one that I come across in my day to day life, as an actor.

Can you please elucidate?

I actually go through a series of nightmares when I go to sleep every night to conceive the various
characters that I portray in the show, because they have to be not only acceptable but also relatable to
the viewer. Till now, I have already portrayed twenty five different characters for the show.

What is the feedback that you have received for your show?
The best compliment that I received when I showed the episodes to some people is that they said
that I am not at all recognizable in then show when I portray the various characters. In fact, if you
switch on the show, you will get the feeling that it is not a show but a real interview being beamed.

How tough is it physically when you shoot for the show?

I have to stuff cotton in my ears, put pipes in my nose and sit for make up patiently for nearly four
hours in order to play the four different characters in a week. I am not setting out to copy any one,
make a spoof of any one. I just see the various traits in people and try to take references.

Do you shoot as per script or resort to improvisation when you shoot for Tedhi Baat?
Of course the script is there because you cannot make a show like this without a script but then
there is a lot of scope for improvisations between me and Gurpal as the interview progresses. I make it
a point to under-rehearse, and even keep all the fumbles and the inherent rawness when the interview
is on because the idea is to make the show look as natural as possible especially since it is basically
a talk show.

Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz 23

Indian

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Indian
To the showbiz born
Farida Master
An international model, actor, choreographer and more
recently judge to the widely viewed New Zealand’s Next
Top Model show telecast on TV3, Colin-Mathura Jeffree
grabbed the spotlight from the bold and beautiful man-
nequins to become the most discussed celeb on the show.
Indian Weekender finds out why
They say you meet people for a reason or a
season. From the looks of it I’m in season two
of a reality show as I sit across Colin Mathura
Jeffree at Knights at Albert, Stamford Plaza, dis-
cussing the whirlwind of events that has made
him the media’s favourite pin-up boy.
Though our first meeting was a bit of a blur,
Colin remembers it like it happened yesterday. It
was in the summer of ‘97 when ‘Society Maga-
zine’ was flush with the success of hosting the
Ford Super Model of The World Show in India
and discovering Bipasha Basu. Co-incidentally
Colin, an international model had been specially
flown down all the way from New Zealand for
one of the fashion shoot happened to escort Nina
Manuel, one of the contestants (now an estab-
lished model) to the Ford Super Model of the
World Show at the US Club. Hardly surprising
that he had even coached her with the answers
then. Except that Nina had gone speechless as
she stuttered in the question answer round. Later
Colin came over to our office in Mumbai just to
say how much he’d loved the show.
Cut to twelve years later, I find myself in
Auckland, sitting wide-eyed with my teenaged
daughter, rooting for TV3’s flavour of the season.
In the epicentre of the media blitzkrieg, Colin
brought the house down as he injected the show
with a fresh appeal with his Colinesque can-
didness that verged on cheekiness. No wonder
he was soon the media darling as the spotlight
shifted on this olive skinned model judge with
those sparkling hazel green eyes and a fantastic
gift of the gab. As the ratings of New Zealand’s
Next Top Model, that is based on Tyra Banks’
America’s Next Top Model (the licenses of
which has been sold to 100 markets) show went
up, Colin Mathura Jeffree left his indelible mark
on the viewers. What with his outrageous com-
ments, his acerbic wit and his eclectic sense of
style and daring that were happily lapped up by
the audience.
Whilst New Zealand Herald declared Colin
as “the true winner of the show,” Metro Maga-
zine raved about his crazy hairstyles and com-
mented saying “should Colin Mathura-Jeffree’s
hair have its own show?”
This international model who has sashayed
and strutted his stuff on the catwalks of Aus-
tralia, U K, China, Singapore, India and New
Zealand has become a diva of sorts as he is inun-
dated with offers for the judging the show on the
same lines in Italy, Spain and Russia. Colin, who
Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
has been grooming and helping mannequins get
their act together since a decade is now being
hounded for book deals, interviews, show offers
and television spots.
Fortunately for Colin being in the spotlight
is something he is very comfortable with. This
student of Mt Albert Grammar is in his true
element as he poses, preens and pirouettes in
the hall of fame. While media personality Judy
Bailey had labelled him as NZ’s first Super Model
in 1995, Colin takes great pride in the fact that
he’s always been the voice of the ethnic people.
So much so, he became a brand to be reckoned
with. Which is why when the internationally re-
nowned designer Jean Paul Gautier wanted to re-
verberate an Indian look, Colin was immediately
called on. The industry in New Zealand tends to
be Eurocentric - it subliminally promotes racist
stereotypes. I have refused to fit the norms. My
work speaks for itself and it transcends race. By
going international, I have succeeded. So when-
ever anyone is looking for an international look,
they know who to call on.”
What has worked in his favour is the fact
that this Anglo Indian model-actor-spokesper-
son-judge, who is New Zealand born to a Fiji
Indian mother and European father, has never
turned away from who he is. “I have never really
looked for other people’s opinion. Why should
one mirror the inadequacies of another person?
One has to find the journey within you and be
confident enough to constantly push yourself to
new limits.”
In fact just when Colin was about to hang
his portfolio after eighteen glamorous years in
showbiz--- where he even had an opportunity
to play the protagonist in the Indo Kiwi Bol-
lywood production ‘Love Has No Language’
apart from the sword-wielding Prince of India
in the popular ‘Xena: Princess Warrior,’ and a
case-solving scientist in ‘Stolen Love’--- he was
called to audition as one of the judges for TV3’s
next big project. It was within minutes that Colin
with his incredible sense of humour had the pro-
ducer of the show telling him he was by far the
most hilarious person he’d met.
“For the audition I asked the producer of
NZ’s Next Top Model to do the cat walk for me
in his yellow shirt that he was wearing. And
when he started walking, I told him ‘you look
as if you’re walking through St Luke’s Mall!’ He
just cracked up. The Colin you see on camera is
who I am. I’m flamboyant, enthusiastic, strong,
and opinionated, that’s me, he shrugs as people
at the restaurant recognise him and can’t stop
watching every move of his. And that’s the way
it has always been. “When I was studying at the
University of Auckland I was discovered repeat-
edly by the fashion cops. I would pick up a lot
of crazy fashion sense and always dressed over
Personality
the top. I believe in extreme fashion Sometimes
I would turn up wearing a turban and at other
times I would be the show-stopper in a fashion
show with a Maroon jacket and rose coloured
spectacles, he laughs.
It was probably his inimitable sense of style
that got this spirited six footer, the opening and
closing of the Versace show in New Zealand, as
well a plethora of other advertising campaigns.
I owned it! he announces with the quiet con-
fidence of one who’s been there and done that.
However, the one campaign he strangely enjoys
talking about is the Bajaj Motorcycle commer-
cial he shot in India. Mention India to Colin and
he swoons like a sixteen year old hopelessly in
love. Good or Bad, it’s eventually the destina-
tion I want to be in. I feel that magnetic pull all
the time, “ he confesses.” I remember shooting
for designer Krishna Mehta in India and just
smelling the beautifully designed garments,
gave me a rush!” Rubbing shoulders with the
glitterati and yet standing his own, Colin talks
of the time he was sitting beside actor Salman
Khan at a party in Mumbai. He casually men-
tioned that he’d heard there were going to be
lots of stars at the party. The rest of the evening
was hysterical as Salman kept pointing to every
bartender, doorman and guest saying, “I think
he is a star!”
Another person he has very fond memories
of, is Madhu Sapre who actually took Colin
under her wing and introduced him to people
when he did a modeling stint in India. The two
of them are now regularly in touch and are cur-
rently working on a big plan across the seven
seas.
In the mean while Colin who has been
flooded with offers to do several other televi-
sion shows, interviews, write a book and make
a guest appearance at parties in the US, wants
to be choosy. But what he is most excited about
is the call from India from a very big production
company that belongs to the heart throb of the
nation.
Though right now, he is not telling!
25
 one?
Indian
Limited Licence or Work Licence
NEELAM MCDONALD
You can lose your driving licence for a variety
of offences such as drink-driving, dangerous or
careless driving or by getting too many demerit
points. In these cases people often ask if they
can get a licence for work purposes. The answer
is yes. An exception though is for taxi and bus
drivers. They cannot get a limited licence to
drive taxis or buses.
A limited licence, also called a work license,
is a temporary licence issued by the court after
approval of a judge. It will have special condi-
tions on it which limit your driving to certain
hours and days of the week. It is designed to
relieve extreme hardship mainly so as you
can keep your job or deal with urgent family/
medical matters.
Do special conditions apply?
Invest in rental property wisely
RAVI MEHTA
Over the past few years, demand for residential
property has been quite strong in New Zealand.
Current rental yields are between 5 and 10%. The
interest rates are comparatively low these days,
which make the yield more attractive.
Historically, shares and property are the best
long-term investments. I do not mean one should
invest everything in shares and property. The
portfolio of investments should always be diver-
sified and spread across different asset classes.
One should invest only those funds in property
or shares, which are not needed in the short-term.
From shares, one earns two types of returns
which are dividends and potential appreciation in
share values. Similarly from property, there are
two types of returns which are rent and potential
appreciation in value of the property.
Before embarking on the path of becoming a
property investor, one must understand the ad-
vantages and disadvantages of property invest-
ing.
The advantages are:
1. There is income from rent, which is a good
source of earnings and is normally certain.
2. There is a good chance of capital appreciation.
3. There may be tax advantages if the property is
negatively geared (discussed below)
The disadvantages are:
1. The property can remain vacant for some time,
there may be bad tenants who can cause stress,
high maintenance costs and loss of income (note:
some of these losses are insurable)
2. Interest rates can rise resulting in higher pay-
ments, which could become difficult to afford.
3. There may not be capital appreciation; there
can even be decrease in house prices particularly
if someone has bought at the peak of the eco-
nomic cycle.
26
Normally a limited or work licence will spell
out the hours that you can drive, on which days
you can drive, and where you can drive. Nor-
mally you must fill out a log book every time
you drive your vehicle. You must fill in where
you are going before you start your trip.
Consequences for driving outside the terms
of your limited licence:
If you drive outside the conditions of your
limited/work licence and are caught then you
will face a fresh charge of driving while dis-
qualified. You will face a further six month
disqualification, a further fine, your car will be
impounded and your limited licence will auto-
matically expire.
Can you get a limited licence during the 28
day suspension period?
The most significant advantage in New
Zealand for property investors is the fact that
expenses associated with deriving rental income
are tax deductible but the capital gain result-
ing due to increase in house prices is normally
tax free. (It is taxable for property traders, de-
velopers and where it can be evidenced that the
purpose of buying the property at the time of pur-
chase was to sell at a profit).
The rental income is taxable income but the
expenses like mortgage interest, rates, insurance,
property management fee, repairs, advertisement
to let, vehicle expenses incurred in deriving the
rental income, valuation expenses incurred for
raising of loan, legal expenses for raising the
loan, bank fee etc can be claimed as deductible
expenses. Depreciation on building and chattels
can also be claimed although there is no cash
outgo. But when the property is sold at more
than depreciated value, depreciation is added to
income in the year of sale.
If the rent is not enough to cover the ex-
penses, the property is called negatively
geared and it works as below:
Suppose you buy an investment property for
$300,000, which gives you a weekly rental of
$300. Using your own house as collateral you
raise a loan of $300,000 from bank at an interest
rate of 7% per annum, the taxable income from
property will be as below (ignoring depreciation)
Rent (assuming the house is let
out for 48 weeks) = $14,400
For all your
legal needs
Aaron Kashyap
BA, LLB
Barrister and solicitor
Level 1, 351 Manukau Road, PO Box 26-596, DXCP 32513, Epsom, Auckland
Mobile: 0274 857 302 Phone: (09) 6238277 Fax: (09)6235177
Email: aaron@kashyaplaw.co.nz
Suspension for a period of 28 days is manda-
tory in many cases. If you drive in this period
and you are stopped by the police you will be
charged with driving while disqualified and
you will not get a limited licence. If you are
convicted you will be suspended for a further
6 months, or 12 months if it is a third or subse-
quent conviction for driving while disqualified/
suspended.
Can you be refused a limited/work licence if
you are suffering hardship?
Yes, if you have two or more drink drive
convictions over the alcohol level - 400 breath
or 80 blood - or because you refused to give a
blood sample within the last five years.
You should also be aware that the police
prosecution can oppose an application for a
limited/work licence if they consider you to be
a danger on the road and a threat to the public
safety. This may occur if you have an extensive
list of previous drink drive convictions or a bad
traffic record.
Can you still apply for a limited licence if the
Expenses
Interest on mortgage 300,000*7%=
0 $21,000
Rates = $1500
Insurance = $500
Property management fee = $1000
Repairs = $1400
Total of cash expenses = $25,400
Cash loss = $11,000
If you have a salary or business income of
$100000, you need to pay tax only on $100,000
minus $11000 i.e. on $89,000. As per present tax
rates, you will save $4290. So by owning the in-
vestment property, your cash loss has been only
$11000 minus $4290 i.e. $6710.
To make up that loss, the property value needs
to rise by only around 2.25%. One will invest in
the above venture only if there is expectation of
annual capital appreciation of more than 2.25%.
Suppose you keep the property for 10 years, the
rent, interest rate and expenses remain the same,
your $300,000 property should at least rise to
$367,100 to make it break even. Whatever is over
and above that is your real profit.
Normally over the long term, the property
prices as well as rents go up. The rent may in-
crease to levels enough to cover all expenses and
the result will be that the property will become
positively geared. The ultimate aim of all prop-
erty investors should be to become positively
geared.
Remember, there is investment risk involved
in all types of investments. The risk is more with
Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
Finance / Law
police oppose it?
Yes. This is because ultimately it is the Judge
who determines the application. Sometimes
police concerns can be met by the judge impos-
ing special conditions. It will be very helpful to
you to attend a defensive driving course.
While the specific conditions may seem re-
strictive, a limited licence will however allow
a disqualified driver to keep his or her employ-
ment and maintain a level of income. That is
better than an absolute prohibition on driving.
Please consult your lawyer for any further
advice.
- If you have any questions about criminal or
traffic law, please write to Neelam McDonald at
info@indianweekender.co.nz. Please indicate if you
would like your name and address to be printed. The
information contained in this article or response is in-
tended to provide general information. The contents do
not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on
as such. Readers should seek independent legal advice
in particular matters.
borrowed funds. Only those investors who are
capable of absorbing losses resulting from vacant
houses, increased interest rates and fall in prop-
erty prices should consider negative gearing.
One can minimise the risk of gearing by:
Choosing investment property carefully, se-
lecting a property in good location where tenants
are easily available.
Having sufficient buffer to cover expenses
if the property is vacant or the tenant is late in
paying the rent.
Taking out appropriate insurances to cover at
least against those risks which can be insured.
Here I want to emphasise on structure of
ownership. Should the investment property be
held in personal, in loss attributing qualifying
company or in trust name? In the earlier scenario,
there is tax gain of $4290 as the taxable income
before loss is $100,000, means the person is at
a maximum marginal tax rate which is 39%. If
the marginal tax rate is lower i.e. 21% or 33%,
the resulting tax advantage will be lower. So, it
is always better to seek professional guidance for
solutions tailored to your needs.
Ravi Mehta is an Auckland based Financial
Advisor and
can be contacted on ravi.mehta@pfsl.co.nz
A disclosure statement under Securities
Markets Act relating to his services is available
on request and is free of charge.
Important Note: We at Professional Finan-
cial Solutions Limited offer various financial
services like arranging for Home loans up to 95%
of security value including against residential
properties. We structure your loans and owner-
ship of property in most tax efficient manner. For
further information, please visit our website www.
professionalfinancial.co.nz
Indian
CFDs- the new way to trade markets up or down
Calling all investors…if you’ve not looked at or considered trading CFDs, you may be missing out!
What is a CFD?
Put simply, a CFD or Contract for Difference
is an innovative trading product that allows you
to trade the price movements (when you enter
and exit a trade), without owning the underlying
instrument, in most cases Shares.
The Contract refers to the agreement between
a CFD provider and its client, the trader. The
Difference between the opening and closing
prices of a share trade represents what the trader
would be required to settle, resulting in a profit
(or a loss) to the trader. Note: CFDs are ‘geared’
products where a low initial capital outlay (10%
for example) enables an investor to trade the full
underlying value of a share, thereby returning
higher profits (or losses).
Ever-Increasing Popularity of CFDs
CFD Trading is a relatively new financial in-
novation. First conceived in the late 1980s/early
1990s in the UK, it was primarily used by hedge
fund clients as a means to short sell the market
(forecasting a drop) while using high leverage to
place larger bets. While CFD trading provided
UK investors attractive returns on their shares,
it did so by negating two major downsides. First,
CFD was not subject to UK stamp duty. And
second, CFD investors were not subject to dis-
closure rules where they had an obligation to for-
mally disclose their (large) share holdings in UK
companies.
Now this was the primary market for CFDs
for the better part of that decade, until the tech-
nology boom of the late 1990s began. The tech-
nology boom provided a large population of
new, volatile stocks that were perfect for CFDs.
The rate at which their prices changed made
long term investment almost unnecessary, and
allowed market traders to speculate on the direc-
tion of share prices using CFDs.
CFD Trading has seen tremendous growth in
the last decade and a half. The growth and popu-
larity has essentially stemmed from more coun-
tries around the world accommodating these fi-
nancial instruments and making them available
and tradeable in their jurisdictions.
Some estimates put CFD-backed trades ac-
counting for about 25-30% of the trading volumes
on the London Stock Exchange and 10-15% on
the Australian stock exchange (since its introduc-
tion there in 2002).
Presently, if you open an account with any of
the major CFD providers (like StoneBride Se-
Do I need health insurance?
Oliver Pereira
To help you decide, some key points have been
highlighted for you to consider about the po-
tential impacts a health problem could have
on your lifestyle, family and earning ability.
Making the right choice on which policy is not
always easy, hence some key factors are worth
considering when choosing a policy.
Here are some questions to think about:
I’m currently in good health so do I need health
insurance? Nobody likes to think they will ex-
perience a health problem, but reality is, many
of us will.
Often the facts are before our own eyes. Who
do you know who has suffered a heart attack,
cancer, stroke, back or knee problems or has had
private hospital treatment? Reality is, we usually
all know someone who has been in situation and
it could just as easily be you in the future.
If I experience a health problem, won’t
the public health system look after me? broke. 2
For emergency treatment, the public system will
provide you with immediate care. But if you
don’t need immediate or emergency treatment
you will go through an assessment process and
if you qualify for treatment you are then put on a
waiting list.
• Your condition could deteriorate
Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
curities) you get trading access to international
stock markets spanning the globe. Examples:
Australia, New Zealand, UK, Germany, Holland,
Belgium, France, Norway, Austria, Switzerland,
Finland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hong Kong,
Japan, US, Canada, etc.
Also the proliferation of CFDs as a trading
product has led to other asset classes (besides
shares and share indices) being incorporated
under its fold. Commodity CFDs as an example
provides trading opportunities on price move-
ments of Gold, Silver, Crude Oil, Coffee, Sugar
and many others at a fraction of the traditional
cost!
Some attractive features of CFDs:
- It is easy to understand and trade.
- It is tradeable on margin – requir-
ing only 10% of underlying value, for
example.
- It can be traded Long or Short –
enabling the trader to profit from both
a rising or declining market.
- It entitles investors to dividend pay-
ments (for share CFDs)
- There is no expiry, so investors can
choose to hold a CFD for as long as
they prefer or until they are profitable.
- Commission/brokerage cost is very
low.
- It offers an economical way to
diversify a portfolio or hedge existing
holdings.
Components of a CFD trade
Like dealing with share brokers to trade
physical shares, traders incur expenses when
they trade CFDs. They may include commis-
sion (broker fees), initial margins and financing
charges. When you trade CFDs on margin (a lev-
eraged product), you are technically borrowing
money from your CFD provider, and therefore
charged what is called a ‘financing charge’ for
the total amount of your CFD holding. Most CFD
providers use the current cash rate plus/minus
2-3% as a financing charge. On the flip side, if
• Prolonged periods in pain and discomfort
• Loss of income because you can’t work
• Strain on your family through emotional family member) can have a series of high claims
and financial stress
• Your life could go on hold until you receive nancially recover from the first. Most of us don’t
treatment
Approximately 19,000 patients were waiting
for more than six months for a specialist appoint-
ment through the public health system as at April
2006. 1
Could I cope financially if I developed a serious
health condition and couldn’t work while I wait
for treatment? You could also choose an excess to further make
If the unexpected happened, most people would
want to cover their major costs such as mortgag-
es, credit card debt, car loans, children’s educa-
tion, childcare and day-to-day expenses (food,
electricity, rates etc). What costs would you need
to cover? Ill health and lack of health insurance
is one of the five main causes of people going
Could I just self insure?
Rather than paying premiums for private health
insurance, some people believe they could afford
private treatment if need be. With many hospital
treatments now costing over $20,000, self insur-
ing for this amount could be financially challeng-
you were to SHORT a CFD, you stand to earn the
financing charge.
To illustrate the difference between a CFD /
Share Trade:
(example: trading shares/cfds of ANZ Bank)
ing.
A risk with self insuring is that you (or another
close together and you have not had time to fi-
take this risk with our cars or home and contents,
so should we risk it with our most valuable asset
– our health?
Rather than taking the risk of completely self
insuring, an option could be to share the respon-
sibility with an insurer. By choosing only cover
for major surgical events, you effectively self
insure for all costs not associated with this cover.
the premiums more affordable.
Could I afford to pay for one of those expensive
treatments without insurance?
Many people do not realise the actual cost of
private hospital treatment today. The costs are
usually higher than most car or home and content
claims. Having to pay for hospital treatment
yourself can often mean:
• Taking out or increasing a loan
• Using savings or retirement funds
• Selling assets
• Borrowing from family
Finance
Trade wisely
As with any form of investment, CFD
trading has its own inherent risks. Being a
leveraged/geared product, it does magnify
the investor’s exposure to the market. What’s
important though is how identifiable risks are
managed, either through the tapping of the in-
vestor’s personal trading experience or though
the seeking of professional advise. However
when used wisely, trading on margin can boost
profitability and aid capital building.
While costs (brokerage fees) may be a
discerning factor in choosing CFD providers
(their counterparties), it is important that in-
vestors deal with companies that not only have
the expertise in these products and services,
but a good track record in the industry.
Also, investors need to choose CFD pro-
viders based on their personal requirements.
Some CFD providers are “execute only” while
others have the added feature of offering
advice. Some also operate as part of a larger
institution and offer a wider product range
such as FX, commodities, futures and options
and shares, thereby acting as a “one-stop-
shop” for a client’s investing needs.
- Sunil Khemlani
StoneBridge Securities (NZ) Limited
Email: sunil.khemlani@stonebridgegroup.
co.nz
StoneBridge Group is an Australian-owned
trading house (accredited with the ASX and
NZX exchanges) providing advisory and ex-
ecution services on Foreign Exchange, Com-
modities, Futures & Options, Shares & CFDs.
“This publication has been prepared on
behalf of and issued by StoneBridge Securi-
ties (NZ) Limited (“StoneBridge”). This is not
an offer to deal in any financial product and
is not specific advice for any particular inves-
tor. StoneBridge believes that any informa-
tion or advice (including any recommenda-
tion) contained in this publication is accurate
when issued but does not warrant its accuracy
or reliability, and is not liable for the future
performance of transactions or for any loss or
damage arising in connection with this publi-
cation. A full Disclosure Statement in accor-
dance with the Securities Markets Act 1988 is
available free of charge on request. ”
How do I make the right choice on which health
insurance policy is suitable for me?
Making the right choice is not always easy. The
aim is to find out a good balance between cover
and cost. Some key factors to look for in a policy
are:
• High Coverage limits on both surgical and
non surgical treatments
• Specialists and tests covered
• Clarity of what is covered and what is not
• Excess options available to help you mange
costs
• A trusted insurer with a proven history as a
health insurance provider.
The above information has been provided to
serve only as a guideline to assist in evaluating
your insurance needs. I encourage you to do your
own research before arriving at any decisions
For further information, please contact:
Oliver Pereira –
OPM Insurance Services Ltd.
Ph. 0800 66 77 92, Faxmail. 021 551 669
Mobile. 021 66 77 92
Email. oliver.pereira@xtra.co.nz
1. Ministry of Health
2 Ministry of Economic Development – Insolvency
and Trustee Service Statistical Data report 2005-06
27
Indian

28 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz

Indian
Advertisement
President: Ratilal Champaneri Gen Secretary: Veer Khar
Phone: 021 383 859 Phone: 0274 417 654
Email: president@nzindians.org.nz
Submission to the Auckland
Governance Legislation
Committee
New Zealand Indian Central Association
NZICA was formed in 1926 with three branches
Auckland, Country Section
(Taumarunui) and Wellington, where there was
a sizeable population of Indians
residing. The Indian community throughout
New Zealand at that time in its history,
felt the need for a single body to represent them
in their fight against oppressive
legislation and discriminatory immigration
policy, and to promote harmony between
Indians, the Maori people, and the dominant Eu-
ropean population in New Zealand;
and to respond to misleading propaganda con-
cerning Indians living in New Zealand.
The Central Association was also formed to
advance the cause of all Indians, be it
political, educational, health, welfare or cultural
identity.
Today the three branches have grown into ten
independent, self governing,
incorporated branches throughout New Zealand,
all affiliated to the New Zealand
Indian Central Association (Inc.) and there are
other affiliated branches representing
various Indian ethnic groups. Association repre-
sents about 100,000 kiwi Indians and
90% of whom live in Greater Auckland area
NZICA’s Understanding of the Auckland
Governance Legislation:-
1. The Bill intends to facilitate fast tracking reso-
lution of regional issues which are
currently getting delayed due to local issues.
Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
New Zealand Indian Central Association (Inc.)
PO Box 1941 - Wellington, New Zealand
2. The Bill is aimed at overcoming the failures
following late 1980s amalgamation
3. One Council will bring savings by getting rid
of too many CEOs and duplicating staff
and resources.
NZICA’s submission:
New Zealand has championed the local self gov-
ernment and has understood the
meaning of real franchise way early and the
same can be substantiated as in 1893; it
was the first country to give women the vote.
RMA is one of the most beautiful
legislations which make New Zealand what it is
today. Clean green and sustainable
environment needs stringent rules and regula-
tions and this is the image that will benefit
us in the long run and not quick fixes to facilitate
profits for sharks. In view of current
situation and understanding the drivers of the
bill, NZICA hereby submits that:
1. New Zealand needs to remember that Auck-
land is still one of the best places in the
world. Too much of change may take the focus
away from the real issues like Law
and Order and Transport. NZICA considers
these two as the only issues that need to
be tackled on priority.
2. New Zealand government should be aware
that too much of concentrated power in
‘One Auckland Council’ may create a parallel
seat of power to the one in Wellington.
The friction currently seen at local level may
transfer to national scene. NZICA would
suggest keeping limited powers with ‘One
Auckland Council’ and distribute power by
empowering local ‘Boards’ with executive
powers which do not require inventions.
Email: secretary@nzindians.org.nz
Local self government purpose is lost if this is
not actioned.
3. Stress should be laid on uniform planning
views, common engineering standards,
processes and practices which will facilitate de-
velopments across the region.
4. Removing duplicate top brass should be a pri-
ority. Too many CEOs and board of
directors are a burden. Likewise removing du-
plications on account of software and
such tools can be a big step forward.
5. New Zealand is a multicultural society and
not a bicultural society of 19th and 20th
century. Aspirations of all major constituents
should be taken into account while
deciding about seat reservations. NZICA does
accept rights of indigenous Maori
people but would emphasize that role for other
major communities’ needs
consideration. Government can even look at
taking representation at an appropriate
tier from representative bodies like NZICA.
6. The whole process needs to be above board
and playing favorites needs to be
arrested immediately. It seems as if big bosses
all over are making room for each
other to get their share in lolly scramble.
7. Government needs to quantify benefits and
put a seal on rates for next 5 years at
least to give a challenge to new body to put cost
saving processes in place. NZICA
would like to take an active role in making work-
able suggestions at regular levels.
8. Proposed changes should not mean ‘Develop-
ers and Builders’ go berserk and kill our
environment. NZICA understands that given a
chance these ‘Developers and
Builders’ would not like any planning or engi-
neering requirement. They build and sell.
It is the final user that the government needs to
understand is the customer to be
serviced in the long run.
9. Competing councils and CCO’s (Council
Controlled Organizations) can be rated by
customers but one council’s monopoly can take
away any competition and dictate
blatantly.
10. NZICA would like current National govern-
ment to take full charge of the planned
actions and not give a feeling of using ‘ACT’ as
an expendable partner if things do
not work out.
11. NZICA recommends keeping retail and
wholesale services of functional sectors
apart. Like in case of water sector, Auckland
water standard is one of the best in the
world so why not concentrate on Transport
which is one of the worst in the world.
Conclusion:
On behalf of the Kiwis of Indian origin, NZICA
submits that as acclaimed by
international evaluators, Auckland is a great city
to live in and this could not happen
without some practices that are currently in
place. We do accept that there are issues
like Transport and Crime that need attention.
NZICA would advise government not to
fall prey to business sharks who blame every-
thing that restrains them. At the end this
legislation should not trample upon Democracy
and it is not rules that matter it is the
will to administer that matters most.
For complete submission, visit www.indian-
weekender.co.nz
29
Indian
ARIES
(Mar. 21- April 20)
You’ll be able to discuss your ambitions
with your mate. Direct your energy into
physical exertion. Residential moves will
be favorable. Moves will be hectic but
favorable in the end. Dig deep, ferret out
any hidden concerns be fore you sign your
life away
TAURUS
(Apr. 21- may 21)
Your charm will mesmerize members of the
opposite sex this week. You must be care-
ful not to ignore the needs of the young-
sters in your family. You will need a little
competition this week. Gel involved in ac-
tivities that will stretch your stamina. Moves
will be hectic but favorable in the end.
GEMINI
(May 22-June 21)
Try to curb your bad habits. Your pursuits
may end up being fruit less. You may want
to clear the air where older relatives are
concerned. Help children with important
projects.
CANCER
LEO
(July 23-Aug 22)
Chances to express your ideas and beliefs
can bring popularity as long as you’re not
arrogant. Your high energy must be direct-
ed into productive goals, or frustrations will
occur. Try not to get into disputes that will
lead to estrangement’s. Don’t let cowork-
ers get wind of your ideas or they might try
to take credit for your hard work.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
You will be uncertain of your feelings.
Take a break; you can finally mend any
disputes on the home front. You may have
a problem dealing with elders. Avoid any
intimate involvement’s with coworkers or
employers.
LIBRA
(Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
It’s time to reconnect with some of the
people you used to know. Travel for busi-
ness purposes may bring the highest
returns. Others may want to steal your
thunder when they realize your ideas are
pretty solid. Refrain from arguing with your
mate.
Horoscopes Easy tips for
SAGITTARIUS Constipation &
(Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Your ability to visualize will help you con- Gastric Problem
vince others of the possibilities. Don’t try to
hide your true feelings from your mate. Try
not to lend or borrow money or belongings By Swami Ramdevji
this week. Opportunities to make financial
gains will develop through your connec-
tions with other people. 1.0 Practise breathing exercises
(pranayam) everyday, especially
Kapal-bhati and Anulom-Vilom for
CAPRICORN at least 30 mins in the morning and
(Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 30min in the evening.
Don’t trust others with private informa-
tion that could be used against you. False 2.0 First thing in the morning, Drink
information from someone trying to start 100% Aloe Vera Juice along with
problems is likely. Don’t cause a scene, but 100% Amla Juice 20ml each with hot
when you get home let your partner know water before going to the toilet.
how you feel and why. You can come up
with ways of earning extra cash. 3.0 Once a week take Divya Churna
or Triphla Churna with hot water, this
AQUARIUS will give you instant results but not
(Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)
recommended for everyday.
Do not yield to children or relatives when
4.0 Drink at least 3 litres of water
they really don’t deserve it. If you haven’t
everyday
planned a vacation, then at least try to get
away for the weekend. Your ability to do
5.0 Try drinking less tea or coffee.
detailed work will dazzle those who are
less creative. You are ahead of your time,
and trying to stay in one spot could be ask-
Next Issue : - Weight Loss
ing too much.

(June 22-July 22)

Don’t make unreasonable promises. Be
sure to organize events that will keep the
children busy. Your self esteem will come
back if you take part in organizational func-
tions that allow you to be in the lime light.
Spend a quiet day with the one you love.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Take care of the needs of elders in your
family. Finish off old projects before start-
ing something new. Don’t exhaust yourself
or minor health problems will set in. Get
involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet
new friends.
PISCES
(Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Be careful to avoid wrong doings. Avoid
joint ventures and steer clear of groups
that want you to contribute financial as-
sistance. Make changes that will enhance
your appearance and entice potential part-
ners. Dead end projects could plague you.

WEEKENDCUISINE BAZAAR
Recipe by Ruby Dhillon Recipe by Shri Desai

Chicken Sauté
Chicken Lasagna Ingredients:
•0 Boneless Chicken Chunks- 200 gms
•0 Onion- One medium- Cut into large quarters and
Ingredients: peeled open each slice
•0 1 Pack of lasagna oven ready sheets •0 Frozen mixed vegetables-80 gms
•0 500g chicken diced •0 Sesame seed oil-50ml
•0 1 onion chopped •0 Corn flour starch-1 tea spoon
•0 1tsp garlic paste •0 Soy sauce-5 ml
•0 2 big tomatoes chopped •0 Salt- To taste
•0 250g tomato paste (from any super market) •0 Black pepper powder- a pinch
•0 500ml chicken stock (from any super market) •0 Sugar – a pinch
•0 1/2cup broccoli chopped
•0 Oil for cooking Method: total time 6 minutes
•0 Salt according to your taste
White sauce •0 Place a wok on the stove
•0 3tbs fine flour ( Maida ) •0 Add oil
•0 3cups milk •0 Add chicken and sauté for about 2 minutes
•0 2tbs butter •0 Add frozen mixed vegetables and sauté (stir fry)
•0 1/2cup Mozzarella cheese •0 Add 100 ml water,soy sauce,black pepper,sugar and
•0 1/2cup Parmesan cheese salt to taste
•0 Salt and pepper to taste •0 Bring to boil and switch to simmer.
•0 Dissolve corn flour in cold water and slowly add to the
Method: sautéed chicken and stir. New Zealand’s
•0 Melt butter on a slow heat in a pan.
•0 Add flour to it and stir for 2 minutes.
•0 Serve with steamed rice.
fastest growing
•0 Remove the pan from the heat, then add milk, mix it and then
again return to heat and stir it until it is thick and smooth. Indian publication
•0 Add Mozzarella cheese followed by salt and pepper to taste.
•0 Pre heat the oven to 180 deg C. requires a
•0 Grease the baking dish with oil and put 1/2cup of the cooked
chicken mix in it followed by one lasagna sheet and then a journalist/
layer of white sauce on it. Keep repeating this sequence till the
sauces are finished, ending with white sauce on the top.
sub-editor.
•0 Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on the top, cover the baking dish
with the foil and Bake it in the oven for about 40 minutes. Email your CV to
info@indianweekender.co.nz
•0 Serve hot.

30 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz

Indian
Chai Ho!
RAm Lingam
There’s nothing like a cuppa to lift the spirits
For many who have migrated from India, drinking
tea with friends in their favourite nukkad, chowk or
tea shop are nostalgic moments. For many tourists
and next gen Indians chāi seems to be ‘the’ con-
nection to India. Even on sweltering summer days,
we Indians have learnt the knack to sip the tea with
much delight. It has become a national habit, like
watching cricket. It’s a speciality in Mumbai the
busy roadside chāiwāla has even learnt the art of
economising by serving a “cutting”, which means
tea served in a half-size glass.
Even here in Auckland, the Indianised version
of tea or masāla chāi is quite popular. Right from
Diwāli meals to social gatherings the masāla tea
has a regular presence. Even charitable organisa-
tions sell masāla tea to fund raise during community
events. Cosy and exotic tea shops like the ‘T2’ shop
in Botany shopping centre or ‘Chapter’ ~ Book café
and tea shop on Mt. Eden Road sell a range of exqui-
site teas including the Indian tea blends. Chāi latte
from the espresso machine is also a popular option.
All this just adds to the retail therapy here in Auck-
land.
The chāi is a staple drink of Indians and also a
habitual beverage with the ‘aam admi’ (common
man) for generations. Chāi is certainly an integral
part of Indian hospitality and daily living in India
and elsewhere. Right from the common man to the
Anger: control it before it controls you
What is Anger? Anger is a human emotion.
When it gets out of control and turns destructive,
it can be the source of numerous difficulties and
exposes one to countless problems, such as, prob-
lems at work, in relationships and in the overall
quality of life. It destroys ones dignity and un-
dermines the principle of humanity that resides
within. Anger first enters in a subtle form and
gradually becomes all-pervasive.
Cause of Anger: It can be caused by both ex-
ternal and internal events. One could be angry
with a specific person or with the specific event,
e.g., motorway jam; long queue in the checkout
counter or one could be worrying about personal
problems. Anger is born of desire. Desire arises
from thoughts. Therefore thoughts alone are
responsible for both anger and desire. Just as
one cannot get cloth without thread and thread
without cotton, one cannot get angry without
desire and desire without thoughts.
Reaction while Angry: Anger is harmful;
it makes one do things blindly. One will have
to repent much, for whatever one does in anger.
When anger cools down, one sees things clearer
and then it is too late to correct what wrong has
Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz
elite snob, the humble Indian tea has many patrons.
Probably tea is consumed more than water by
Indians, which is not something to be really proud of
especially from a medical standpoint.
But masāla chāi is certainly known to be ben-
eficial. It’s not completely surprising to note that
some 5 or 6 years ago, the Federation of All India
Tea Traders Association (FAITTA) and the tea pro-
ducers were lobbying hard with the Indian govern-
ment to announce tea as the National Drink of India
and also mark a day as the National Tea Day. The
tea board even came up with a “Piyo More Chāi”
campaign.
By now the tea, especially the masāla chāi has
fairly established itself as a health drink too. There
are tea-connoisseurs all over the world and even
online tea snobs like www.2basnob.com declaring
their passion for tea. The popularity of the Indian
spiced tea is ever increasing with some global brands
like ‘Yogi’ tea etc becoming extremely popular with
health-conscious shoppers. Local chāin stores stock
quite a range of spiced chāi brands these days.
The legacy of tea in India is old and the masāla
chāi has a history of more than 5,000 years in India.
The first recorded reference to tea in India was in
the ancient epic of the Ramayana but not conclusive.
The next reference was made in the stories of the
Chinese monk Gan Lu, who while travelling to India
been done.
Effects of Anger: It is debilitating in its
effect. The nerves become weak. Blood is ren-
dered warmer and its composition changes.
A simple burst of fury consumes the strength
gained from food
during three months.
It drastically reduces
ones stamina. It injects
From anger comes delusion,
poison into the blood from delusion, the loss
stream and brings about
profound transforma- of memory; from loss of
tion those damages it.
From anger comes delu- memory, the destruction of
sion, from delusion, the
loss of memory; from
discrimination; from destruction
loss of memory, the de-
struction of discrimina-
of discrimination one perishes.
tion; from destruction of
discrimination one perishes. Beware, once anger
enters the heart, all other wicked qualities will
follow. In a nutshell, the fire one kindles for his
enemy burns himself.
Symptoms of Getting Angry: The external
expression of anger can be found in facial expres-
to pursue Buddhist studies during the 1st or 2nd cen-
turies is said to have taken tea plants back home to
China. The legends of the South Indian monk Bod-
hidharma (around 4th century) who went to China
also shows involvement with tea.
Research shows that tea is indigenous to north
eastern India where it was cultivated and consumed
for thousands of years. Commercial production
of tea in India did not begin until the arrival of the
British East India Company in the mid-1800s, as
India became known to grow indigenous tea plants;
especially in the North East in places like Darjeeling
and Assam. In fact, these days Assam teas, or blends
containing Assam, are often sold as “breakfast” teas
as advertised in some websites. English Breakfast
tea, Irish Breakfast tea, and Scottish Breakfast Tea
are just common generic names of Indian black tea
from Assam.
In the early 1800s samples of these indigenous
Indian tea plants were sent to an East India Company
botanist who finally convinced that they are bona
fide tea plants. In 1838 tea from Indian soil was sold
in England and the world market. A small amount of
tea samples were sent to England and quickly pur-
chased due to its distinctiveness.
Today India is the world’s largest tea produc-
ing country and has nearly 40,000 tea estates and
a workforce of more than a million people. It’s re-
sions, body language and physiological respons-
es. The taillight of car becomes red as a warning
before the car comes to a stop. In the same way,
before one explodes into anger, his eyes become
red, his lips quiver and the whole body becomes
hot.
Control Anger:
The moment
becomes aware that
one
anger is rising within
him, he must laugh
very loudly, or have
a cool bath. Or take a
glass of cool water and
relax in a cool place. If
the symptoms are still
there, one must imme-
diately leave the place,
go to a solitary spot
and sit there until peace returns. If with all these
measures one still has not been able to control
the anger, then one should see his reflection in
a mirror and examine the face. After seeing his
appearance one will surely feel so much disgust
that at once he will be able to control his anger.
Heritage
ported that 70% of the tea is consumed within India
itself. The most famous and largest tea growing
regions in India are Assam where tea is known for its
full-bodied taste and dark colour; Darjeeling known
for its tantalising aroma, light colour and Nilgiri
where tea is powerfully aromatic and flavoured.
It is said that ‘Food is medicine but medicine
is not food’. But tea seems to take the middle path
by being both. It’s an instant refresher and has got
many health benefits if prepared authentically. Re-
search has proved that masāla chāi (prepared in the
Āyurvedic tradition) boosts your immune system,
aids digestion, increases metabolism, eases tension
and also has excellent antioxidant properties. So,
have Indian masāla chāi and smile your way to good
health.
Rām Lingam is a freelance culture writer. If you
wish to suggest any topic on Indian heritage to write
on, please email him at indologynz@gmail.com.
Conquer Anger: The goal of conquering
anger is to reduce both your emotional feelings
and the physiological arousal that anger causes.
You can’t get rid of, or avoid, the things or the
people that enrage you, nor can you change
them, but you can learn to control your reactions.
Anger cannot be destroyed by anger and cruelty
by cruelty. Anger can be subdued only by for-
bearance and cruelty can be overcome by nonvio-
lence. It is easy to conquer anger through love, at-
tachment through reasoning, falsehood through
truth, bad thoughts through good thoughts and
greed through charity.
Points to Ponder: Inquire the cause of anger.
Is it justified? Remember that if someone is going
to be harmed in the process of your anger, that
cannot possibly do good to you. Remember, not
to let your tongue into action immediately after
you get angry and spill out a torrent of angry
words. With enquiry within, you will find that
the speed of anger will be reduced.
- Ravinder Grover
Ref: from teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba
31
Indian

32 Indian Weekender | July 10, 2009 | www.indianweekender.co.nz