Indian

Community | 7
AiA opens business Group

September 16, 2011 Volume 3, No. 11

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New Zealands first Indian weekend magazine

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The Pulse of Kiwi Indians Community | 10

diwali to light up beehive

Bollywood | 29
Ageless Asha turns 78

Sai SanSthanto build temple, hall

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Indians prone to

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Indian

New Zealand

Auckland launches Wi-Fi world first

Stroke major concern for Indian community

A major new study delving into the prevalence of stroke among the Indian community in New Zealand is under way. The study is of particular importance to the Indian community as most important stroke risk factors appear to be very prevalent in persons of Indian origin, making them more vulnerable to the risk of stroke, says one of its senior researchers. Led by Professor Valery Feigin, the Auckland Regional Community Stroke Study (ARCOS IV) is a world class study taking place in Auckland this year. The study comprises a large team involving medical and research staff from AUT University, other tertiary institutes and all major hospitals in Auckland. The study, funded by the Health Research Council of NZ, is the fourth of a series of previous ARCOS studies which aims to find all cases of stroke in Auckland and explore in-depth all the relevant medical information leading up to the stroke, during hospitalisation and up to a year after stroke. Project coordinator and researcher Dr Rita K rishnamur thi said the study was of importance to the Indian community as most key stroke risk factors appeared to be prevalent in people of Indian origin, making them vulnerable to this debilitating condition. These risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Most importantly, many of these risk factors are modifiable through simple diet and lifestyle changes, Dr Krishnamurthi said. Public awareness of the importance these risk factors and ways of reducing the risk of stroke need to be increased, particularly in the Indian community. Within the ARCOS study, Dr Krishnamurthi hopes to tease out firstly just how high the burden of stroke is in the Indian community compared with other ethnic groups in Auckland. Secondly, with the help of stroke patients and their families, she would like to gather in-depth information on whether the Indian population may be at a higher risk of stroke than for example the New Zealand European population. Dr Krishnamurthi said previous AROCS studies showed that of the total number of stroke cases identified, 9 per cent were Asians/ other (including Indians) compared with 16 per cent Pacific Islanders/ Maori and 75 per cent New Zealand Europeans. Most of us know someone who has had a stroke, be that a family member or friend. But just how to reduce our risk of stroke or how to best manage if you or a family member has one is a big issue. Stroke is a common cause of disability and death in New Zealand but the general awareness of stroke and the signs and symptoms of stroke is not high as that of heart disease. Both the risk of death from stroke and the extent of longterm disability in stroke survivors are often underestimated as well. Dr Krishnamurthi, of FijiIndian origin, is particularly interested in exploring the apparent high rate of stroke in the Indian community. For the study to achieve its full potential, the ARCOS research team needs the support of patients who have had a stroke and their families as well as the wider community. Our researchers may approach stroke patients in the hospital for permission include them in the ARCOS study, Dr Krishnamurthi said. Where possible, interpreters will also be available for those who dont speak English. It is important that this information is gathered from as many people possible for the research data to be robust and reliable. This information will in turn be passed onto decision and policy makers and may have an important impact in the stroke prevention, treatment and management in future. The important take-home message to readers was that stroke was a common cause of death and disability but was preventable. Keeping yourselves and your families informed about stroke was an important firststep, she said. A simple way to recognise the symptoms of stroke is to remember F.A.S.T: Face: Smile- is one side drooping? Arms: Raise both arms- is one side weak? Speech: Speak- unable to? Words jumbled, slurred? Time: Act fast and call 111. Time lost may mean brain lost.

The worlds first fully integrated metropolitan Wi-Fi system, including free roaming Wi-Fi access across the central city and on public transport, has gone live in Auckland. The city Wi-Fi network extends across all Link buses and some trains, with the announcement that Auckland Transport has joined the network with Auckland Council and Wi-Fi supplier Tomizone. Internet on the Auckland Wi-Fi network, provided free to users due to sponsorship from Localist, has already seen strong support from Aucklanders and visitors with heavy usage in its first week of operation. This is a global blueprint for how a sustainable Wi-Fi network can benefit residents and visitors even while travelling on public transport, says Len Brown. Im encouraged by the number of people already using a network built by Aucklanders in under six weeks in time for Rugby World Cup.

The Wi-Fi service is available on all new Link buses and selected trains. Over time, Aucklanders can expect to see the service expanding across the transport system and across the city. Being able to access the internet via this new Wi-Fi service means our customers and our visitors to the city can make more effective use of their commute time, says Mark Lambert, Auckland Transports Public Transport Operations Manager. Auckland Transport will evaluate the success of the Wi-Fi service prior to making it more widely available across the public transport network, says Mr Lambert. Auckland is now home to the best integrated Wi-Fi network across a city anywhere in the world and its something our team are very proud to have delivered in such a short time, says Tomizone Executive Director Steve Simms.

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Indian Weekender | September 16, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian

Indian

New Zealand

Act Party lists another Kiwi Indian candidate

nation. I believe in philosophy of our Act Party. I am well connected to the community at the grassroot level, I believe this opportunity shall certainly help me to put forward various issues that concern the community at proper forum through Act Party. Mr Venkatesh believes the Act Party is now stronger with Don Brash at the helm? Yes absolutely. Act really wants affordable housing to again become a reality for all Kiwis. A party vote for Act is a vote for property rights. On Anna Hazare's campaign? His campaign has awakened the moral conscience that appeared to be in slumber for decades. Mr Venkatesh has been the project co-ordinator for the Volunteer Programmes in the Bank of New Zealand Closed for Good project (2009 / 2011) which turned out to be huge success. He is actively supporting the community programmes of following organizations: ISCKON movement Auckland; Balmoral Presbyterian Church, Balmoral, Auckland; West Life Church Glendene, Auckland; Harmony Events Auckland; IOSSKANZ Karate Assn NZ Inc. Mr Venkatesh is married with two children. His wife, Lata is a teacher aide and children are in college.

Another member of the Indian community has emerged as a candidate for Act Party in Novembers general election. Auckland banker Raja Venkatesh, of New Lynn, has been selected by Act to contest the New Lynn electorate. Born in New Delhi and brought up in Chennai, Mr Venkatesh, 43, worked in Singapore before moving to New Zealand 10 years ago. Pratima Nand is the other member of the Indian community selected by Act to contest the election; she is 16th on the party list while Mr Venkatesh is not on the list. Mr Venkatesh believes he can make a positive difference to the lives of Aucklanders. His values in life: To support, help and serve the needy in the community. I have great passion for serving the community and the

there were fewer than 10000, now there are country like New Zealand where it was possimore than 100,000 making Indians the second ble for a person of Indian, whose grandparents largest ethnic Asian group. The participation and parents were migrants, could stand proud of Indians is huge. When I joined law, Indian with achievements as lawyer, judge, ombudslawyers could be counted on one hand now man and finally as Governor General. He said he looked forward to restore the there is a whole roomful and more, he added. Diwali relative anonymity that comes Indias best-loved festival Diwali is Governor General, he had the spontaneity andin Wellington While being The 10th Wellington Diwali Fesan ancient Hindu festival that symoccasion to attend several functions with an out of stepping down from office. He was carbolises the triumph Indian dimension throughout the country, he rying a tival of Lights will be held onhe of light over multitude of memories with him, October 15 were shared closely with darkness and the renewal of life. these he recalled Diwali in many added, many of theseand 16 at TSB Bank said. Among Arena. Entry is byIndiancoin. It is a time for celebration country, the gold community. parts of the in Besides the guest artists General from India and by Indian diamond jubilee NZICA the diasporas India, the festival will feature an abroad, with families the Wellington lighting Secretary Raj Thandi of exhibition of portraits ofAnand is a lamps, candles and Indian Sports Club, fireworks to said, Sir Wellington's Indian great New Zealander community painted symbolise the triumph of85th anniversary the light over by artist-in-residence Swaroop darkness, good over evil. and distinguished comof NZICA in PalmMukerji. This year promises an North and munity leader. He is a erston even bigger celebration as the NZICA cofestivities Womens Sand artist Ranjan Kumar Ganguly . . . fine example of a New Bollywood Dance Competitionmade incide with the Rugby World Cup Wel- coming to New Zealand next month. Zealander who Conference in Expressions of interest arehard work 2011. Diwali Festival lington in will that of Lights 2008 good through sought for the Bollywood aDance Compe- to take place in Auckland on Susan inauguand commitment Lady October tition and performances. high must 8-9 and in Wellington on October realising You goals. rated. register by Friday 16 September. Manipuri between 15-16. Touching upon relationsdancers Indian The Association was very proud to honour Manipuri dance is one of six Performers must register by A Sepand New Zealand, Sir Anand acknowledged theSir Anand and his wife, Lady Susan. 16 special classical dance free that 2011 performers from India plaque, designed the current negotiations on the styles tradeIndia is tember. by myself was presented to Asia:NZ is bringing some amazing the commitmentdance, which is deagreement and famous for. The of Prime Sir Anand that symbolised the respect that he performers over from India forJohn Key and Manmohan Singh. He for its Ministers the votional in nature, is known deserves.For further information Auckland and Wellington Diwali real substance in the negotiaAbout please contactand guests, including 200 members Murali Kumar, said there was rounded movements, delicacy and telephone 021 685 804 or Governgrace. festivals: tions and that the relationship between the two representatives of the New Zealand by email on diwali@catnz.org.nz The dancers colourful coscountries was becoming closer in a substan- ment attended the function. Sir William Birch, * Sand artist Ranjanway. Kumar tumes feature mirrors and azari former New Zealand Minister of Finance, tive embroidery intricately woven into Ganguly from Orissa Sir Anand described the Pravasi Bharatiya RameshDiwali in Auckland Patel, a New Zealand Olympian, * Manipuri dancers Award the JN presented designs.at Vigyan Judge Ajit Singh, Auckland City Councillor from that was beautiful to him Instruments, in- Aucklands 10th Diwali Festival of Lights will take place on 8 and 9 cluding cymbals and cher- Des Manipur Dance Academy in New Delhi was one of his mostdrums, are aMorrison and Member of Parliament KanBhavan October 2011 at attended the event * the Chennai-based Indian Pup- made him proud of his Indian waljit Singh Bakshi alsoAotea Square and ished. While it key element of the dance. Aotea other - The Edge. peteers. heritage, it also reflected the greatness of a among severalCentrecommunity luminaries. Highlights of the family-friendThe Indian Puppeteers Sand sculptor Ranjan Kumar Chennai-based puppet company ly festival include delicious food The Indian Puppeteers will bring to stalls, traditional and contemporary Ganguly As a child, Ranjan would use his life some of the best-loved stories dance and music, the hotly contested Bollywood dance competition imagination to carve out the images known by all Indian children. Chief among them is the tale of and a grand finale fireworks display of Indian gods and goddesses on the beach of the coastal town of Jagan- the brave monkey king, Hanuman, on Sunday evening. who leads an army of monkeys to nath Puri, Orissa. For further information By the time he was an adult, rescue Lord Ramas wife, Sita, from please contact Steven Si, Ranjan was an expert at sand sculp- the clutches of the 10-headed demon telephone 09 301 7400 or ture, and began to exhibit his skills king Lord Ravana. The puppets are by email on steven.si@ around India. He has since exhib- made from parchment leather, and aucklandcouncil.govt.nz are up to two metres high. ited internationally.

Great acts coming for Diwali

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New Zealand

mohit set to charm Aucklanders

Employers must keep staff
Among the awards he has won are:
FIlMFARe AWARDS 2010 Best Male Playback Singer Masakali from Delhi-6; Won 2011 Best Male Playback Singer Pee Loon from Once Upon A Time In Mumbai; Nominated Zee CIne AWARDS 2011 Best Male Singer Pee Loon from Once Upon A Time In Mumbai; Won STAR SCReen AWARDS 2011 Best Male Singer Pee Loon from Once Upon A Time In Mumbai; Nominated Apsara Film and Television Producers GuIlD AWARDS 2010 Best Male Singer Yeh Dooriyan from Love Aaj Kal; Won MIRChI MuSIC AWARDS 2010 Best Male Singer Masakali from Delhi-6; Won GloBAl InDIAn FIlMS AnD TelevISIon AWARDS 2011 Best Male Singer pee loon from Once Upon A Time In Mumbai; Won AIFA 2011 - 2011 Best Male Singer pee loon from Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. Mohit Chauhan & Aditi Singh Sharma with 9 other musicians performing live on Sunday 2nd Oct 2011 at Logan Campbell Centre.
The Department of Labour is reminding ployer and employee, a description of the employers that the law now requires them to work to be performed, the place of employkeep signed written employment agreements ment, times the employee is to work, the wages or salary, and an explanation of serfor all their staff. Since 1 July all employers are required vices available for solving problems. Its the employers responsibility to to keep signed copies of employment agreements or current terms and conditions for all maintain and keep an up to date copy of each employees agreement and provide a copy of employees, or they may face a penalty. Employment agreements are required the agreement if an employee requests it, for all employees no matter when they Ms Newman says. The Department of Labour has developed started work, says Annie Newman, the Departments Acting Chief Adviser of Employ- an Employment Agreement Builder to help employers through this process. ment Relations. Failure to ensure an employment agreeThis affects all employees including those hired on a verbal agreement or employ- ment is in place for all employees may result ees who do not have current written agree- in a labour inspector taking a penalty action against an employer. ments in place, says Ms Newman. This involves a seven-day notice period Having a clearly written employment agreement helps reduce the risk of misun- to rectify the breach and if this isnt comderstandings and there are some provisions plied respectively, composed be sought in Indian singer Mohit Chauhan, who started his Delhi-6 with then penalties may by Rahman, that must be included in employment agree- the Employment Relations Authority of up career singing Indian pop songs with the band and "Tum Se Hi" from the film Jab We Met, to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for ments, she says. Silk Route and is now a major voice to reckon composed by Pritam, were hugely successful. They must include the name of the em- companies. His latest chartbusters include the songs with on the Bollywood firmament, is due to "Tu Ne Jo Na Kaha" for the 2009 film New sing in Auckland. Mohit released two albums, Boondein York, "Ye dooriyan" for Love Aaj Kal, and and Pehchan, with Silk Route. The band dis- "Pehli Baar Mohabbat Ki Hai" for Kaminey. solved and in 2008 Mohit released the solo He never took formal training in music, but album Kalam, for which he composed and sings and plays guitar and the flute. After sung.A multi-media study about Paulreality completingpriorities identified in this years Mohit took part in the television Henry relations his education in Himachal, Mohit series Mission Harawira is the entertainment came to Delhi where he formed the band Silk and Hone Ustaad on being presented by Race Relations Report, and feature the prechannel 9X. sentation of Wellingtons Centre for Applied Cross- Route in 1996.the Annual Diversity awards. Mohit had success at next months with the parallel youth his voice to held Bollycultural Research before acting 2011 New A Mohit has lentforum is beingmanyat the song Zealand Diversity forum the Silk Route wood movies, including Road, Mukt, Let's "Dooba Dooba" from jointly hosted by same time. The New Zealand Diversity Forum 2011 the Human Rights Commission and the band's album Boondein. The album debuted at enjoy, Main Meri Patni Aur Woh, Rang De is being held at Hamilton Sajjanpur, Kismat Hamilton the album chart. Boondein fea- Basanti, EMI, Welcome to on 21-22 August number one onMulticultural Services Trust. Its in Hindi, English, intense public ar- Also on the Sikandar, New York, Love tured songswork examines the and Pahadi, and Konnection, programme on Sunday at 3.30guments around awards at made by promi- 5.00 pm Kaminey, Once Upon A Media the band won several commentsthe Channel V Aaj Kal, is a forum on Community Time In and Diversity hosted by the Community nent 1998. awards inmedia figures in 2010, such as Henrys Mumbaai, Anjaana Anjaani, Raajneeti, Dil Access Radio Waikato Trust. deliberate mispronunciation of and sang Mohit began singing film songs an interna- Toh Baccha Hai ji , Anjaana Anjaani, Once Attendance Mumbaai, Crook, Fashion, tional dignitarys name and then repeatedly for A. R. Rahman in the 2006 film Rang De Upon A Time Inon Sunday and for individual forums Delhi If you are attending and laughing songs "Khoon Chala", "MaBasanti. His about it, and Harawiras alleged Jab We Met, is free.6, Robot , Jab We Metfor half a day racist comments about Pakeha. The and sakali" from the films Rang De Basantiforum Aarakshan.or more on the Monday the regiswill also include activities that tackle race tration fee is $50.

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Indian martial arts lessons for NZ youth

The links between an ancient Indian martial working on the Aroha Mardi Gras project art and young Aucklanders learning dance for the Rugby World Cup. Hamilton says that may not immediately seem obvious, but for once this project is finished, it will be time to Mark James Hamilton the connections are review how the foundations training should be adapted and expanded. clear. It is here that my knowledge, garnered He believes there is a lot our young people can learn by incorporating elements of the in Kerala, will come into play. The secret of the foundations progress has martial art kalaripayattu into been to integrate cultural their dance training. knowledge from all over the Hamilton spent five months world into the Maori-led and of this year in ThiruvananthMaori-centred work that puram, Kerala learning more Mika always leads. The kaabout the unarmed drills and laripayattu is a great addition weaponry training practised to his process, as its relationas part of kalaripayattu the ship to modern day Keralas modern form of a martial art performing arts is comparable that South Indian Nayar war- CVN Kalari instructors, Rajashekaran riors once used to defend their Nair and Gurukkal Sathyanarayanan Nair to that between hereditary Maori martial practices and masters kingdoms. The trip to Kerala was the latest in a series todays performance of kapa haka. By looking at how elaborate and highly of exchanges in which Asia New Zealand Foundation grants aided movement artists theatrical dance forms like kathakali grow from New Zealand and Kerala to travel from kalaripayattu, new insights are brought between the countries to collaborate and share forward about how haka and tu taua (Maori weapons training) might give seed to new their skills and cultures. Hamilton says the knowledge gained kinds of dance theatre. Hamilton also believes that incorporating through this latest project will be used to help develop the Mika Haka Foundations Physical elements of kalaripayattu into Mika Hakas programmes will also help foster healthy lifeActivity Dance Programmes. This seems the most effective way to styles in the young people who take part. Kalaripayattu is so demanding on a pracmaximise on the number of young New Zealanders who may benefit from this unique art titioners mind and body that progress requires form. In particular, the dynamic appeal and a resolution to forego anything that might get coherent biomechanics of kalaripayattu will in the way of feeling 100% every time training be used to further invigorate and stabilise the begins. So, the martial art demands a commitment to healthy living. dance training offered by the foundation. But beyond that, it is practice with a Hamiltons focus for this latest trip was to understand how the use of weapons, and the weight of tradition underpinning its every risks involved in such training, brings a level detail. It informs the practitioner on many of precision to martial artists performances levels, and ultimately brings about an awareness of how the whole of our being is one that can be applied to dance. Clearly, dancers dont need to become single unit. It teaches each participant to see fighters, but an excellent performer needs a how all aspects of our lives affect one another, quality of assurance and commitment that is and invites a greater awareness of how, over seen so clearly in the martial artists who have time, little choices add up to big results. mastered their weapons. The postures and movements of kalar- By looking at how elaborate and ipayattu definitely have a value in making a performer flexible, strong and elegant, but highly theatrical dance forms like more on a more subtle level, the training also instils an exactness and presence in the prac- kathakali grow from kalaripayattu, titioner. new insights are brought forward It is this quality, above all, that I would like to bring to the training of young perform- about how haka and tu taua (maori ers to enrich their art, and their ability to engage in all kinds of tasks, and all kind of weapons training) might give seed areas of life. to new kinds of dance theatre. The Mika Haka Foundation, is currently

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Indian

New Zealand

Auckland Libraries wins diversity award

Auckland Libraries have been recognised for an outstanding contribution to NZ Diversity Action programme by the Human Rights Commission. The award recognises the services and programmes libraries offer that and celebrate the regions diverse ethnic community.

Nominate an outstanding young New Zealander

Nominations are being sought from around the country for the Coca-Cola Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year 2012 as part of the New Zealander of the Year Awards. Nominees must be between the ages of 15-30 who are leaders or role models to fellow young New Zealanders. They may have achieved extraordinary things in academics, sport, business, the arts or any other chosen field of endeavour or they may be involved in cultural or community activities, working with the disadvantaged, or creating stronger relationships between young people and the community. New Zealander of the Year Awards manager Emma Mcdonald says in the past 12 months there are many young people from different social and cultural backgrounds who have achieved great things and contributed to their communities and our country. The Young New Zealander of the Year Award is about recognising inspirational young people and engaging the community to nominate these young Kiwis who are striving to make a difference. Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil New Zealand George Adams says were proud of sponsoring the category that identifies New Zealands future leaders. Young people deserve to be applauded for exhibiting tenacity and dedication so dont hesitate to nominate someone you know who inspires others. The winner of the Coca-Cola Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year 2012 will be awarded their trophy and $5,000 prize money at a gala awards presentation dinner in Auckland on the 16th February 2012. All nominees will receive a certificate of achievement or encouragement in recognition of their contribution. Nominations close on Friday 14th October and nomination forms are available from Countdown Supermarkets, Kiwibank and Mitre 10 branches or by free phone 0508 692 927. You can also nominate online at www. nzawards.org.nz or text nominate to 244 for more information.

We are delighted to have been recognised, especially for our dedicated multicultural services team who work hard to ensure we offer services and information that cater for all Aucklanders
The commission recently announced the winners of 2011 New Zealand Diversity Awards at the conclusion of its Human Diversity Forum in Hamilton. The forum brings together community groups, government and business organisations to share experience and work related to

race relations and diversity. The commission recognised Auckland Libraries as being inclusive and responsive to the needs of residents, diverse ethnic and community groups and organisations. We are delighted to have been recognised, especially for our dedicated multicultural services team who work hard to ensure we offer services and information that cater for all Aucklanders, says Abigael Vogt, multicultural service development team leader, Auckland Libraries. Examples of library programmes offered are Samoan storytimes, computer classes in Mandarin, read aloud sessions for migrants and book groups. Events such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Samoan and Maori Language weeks, World Refugee Day, Matariki, Waitangi Day and Pasifika are highlights of Auckland Libraries events calendar. Auckland Libraries is a network of 54 libraries in locations from Wellsford to Pukekohe and four mobile libraries.It also works with 14 rural volunteer libraries across the region.

Eminent scientist to speak in Auckland

Aucklanders will have a unique opportunity to listen to an eminent astro-physicist who is currently visiting New Zealand this month. Dr Rajaram P Kane is an astro-physicist and an authority in cosmic physics. Dr Kane graduated from Banaras Hindu University in 1944 and completed his Ph.D. from Bombay University. He worked closely with such eminent Indian scientists as Dr Vikram Sarabhai at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad. Dr Kane operated the first Indian high altitude cosmic ray vertical meson telescope at Kodaikanal in southern India. Dr Kane was awarded Fulbright & Smith-Mundt Fellowship and worked with Prof. J. A. Simpson at the Institute for Nuclear Studies, University of Chicago, USA, in 1953-54. He showed for the first time that cosmic ray diurnal variation had a 27-day recurrence tendency. He has published in peer reviewed journals on a number of topics on astronomy and astro-physics. Over 300 of his works have been published. He has been with the National Institute of Space Research, Brazil for the last several decades. He will be speaking at Onehunga in Auckland (see details below) on the Sun-Earth relationship

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How to invest into Mutual funds

SaNjay BhatIa
suit your investment requirement. Following steps would enable in the selecting the right fund: The first step, even before you is to determine the objective for 2. PeRFoRMAnCe: This provides an indication of how any investment performs under different market conditions. The minimum expectations, any investor should have while investing in any mutual fund, is that the fund he is investing should outperform the broader index under various time horizons. For example: Incase of Equity investments, one should look for that has at least gained higher than NIFTY or SENSEX, then compare it with the fund's benchmark. (One can refer for fund snapshot option at www.ventura1. com, which gives a comparison of all the three in a single window) If the investment outperforms all the three indices, it could be considered. For debt investments, compare performance with Bank FD rates for the same term (Posttax comparison would be even more effective). 3. CoST: While above 2 points are used to evaluate any fund, there is one more factor that is becoming increasingly important and that is cost. Funds are not run for free and nor are they run at an identical cost. While the difference in different funds' cost is not large, these can compound to significant variations, especially for fixed income funds where the performance differential between funds is quite small to begin with. Incase of the equity investments however, where the return potential, expense ratio should not be the criteria for evaluating the investments. 4. MAnAGeMenT: The Management of the fund house gives an indication about the integrity and the effectiveness of its policies & process in fund management. Therefore, one should also look into the history, details and the duration of association of the fund manager who is managing the fund, as returns would depend to a large extent on the professional skill of the fund manager. As a thumb rule, have major concentration of your portfolio into investments of the Top 10 fund houses, and then check for the details of the fund manager managing the fund. Once the fund is selected then the next step involves fulfilling the pre-requisites for mutual fund investing: Pre-requisites for Investments. * PAN Card: Permanent Account Number (PAN) has been made mandatory for all fresh mutual fund transactions w.e.f. July 02, 2007. * KYC compliance: Know Your Customer (KYC) norms require your copy of PAN card, copy of passport as proof of identity and proof of overseas residential address to be verified and recorded with a central authority. For further details please visit us onhttp://www.ventura1.com/MutualFundnew/images/KYC%20 FAQ%20(1).pdf * Bank account: An investor has to maintain his Non-Resident External Rupee (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary Rupee (NRO) savings account with any bank in India for investments. Once the pre-requisites are fulfilled an investor can invest into mutual funds in two ways: 1. Through an advisor: This is the oldest and one of the most convenient ways of investing in mutual funds. Just call an agent and tell him you want to buy mutual funds. He gets the required documentation done from you and takes necessary signatures in the forms and submits application for investing. However, it is not feasible for Overseas Indian Investors. Hence they can choose the option of investing online. 2. Invest online: Some distributors like Ventura Securities Ltd. provide portals to MF investors for buying & selling online. All that one will have to do is open an online account, after which they get access to the entire universe of mutual funds. Once activated the portal offers investments of almost all fund houses. Apart from the ease of investment, the portal provides tools to keep track of the investments being made along with access to in-house research and analysis to help in building the ideal portfolio. For further details please visit us on http://www.ventura1.com/MutualFundnew/iFrindex.aspx DISCLAIMER: The above information has been written for general guidance only. Please consult your own financial advisor before making any financial decision. (sanjay.bhatia@ ventura1.com

r of BSEThe first and the foremost step & NSE when investing in a mutual fund r for investments fund that would with is to selecting the

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start your fund selection process, nvestments in Indian markets

and the tenure. To make it more effective follow a thumb rule - for nline Investment in Stock year invest in tenure less than one Markets m pure debt investments like Short-Term Income Fund, Mutual Funds Fixed Maturity Plans, Liquid contracts, Funds etc. If the tenure is in the portfolio reports etc. range of 1 to 3 years, Monthly old Income Plans/Balanced Funds jay Bhatia should be considered. If the term 021 586 352 is more than 3 years investing into ail sanjay.bhatia@ventura1.com equity investments would be more effective as equity needs time to provide returns. Sectoral funds should be considered when one is bullish on the entire sector. A mismatch between the objective and the nature of investments could leave under achievement of expectations. This step itself would help to segregate a large number of investments from your set.

ual Funds which the investment being made

Indian Weekender | September 16, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian

New Zealand

Super City takes Waitakere Diwali on board

Without the people and communities, you will not have much of a city, let alone a super city. This was the caution, and in fact a concern that the Immediate Past President of Waitakere Indian Association (WIA), Manoj Tahal expressed before the formation of and amalgamation of smaller cities into a super city. In the last Holi celebrations, Tahal made a special plea on behalf of WIA to the politicians for the inclusion of the communities and the Tangata Whenua in the super city. It therefore was a proud moment for Waitakere Indian Association when this plea was upheld by Auckland Council which built up on structures and community events that were in place with local councils before the amalgamation. Former Waitakere City Council had been exemplary in setting up a successful trend of community-local government partnership, and this has been taken on board by the new council. In July this year, Auckland Council signed a Sponsorship Agreement with Waitakere Indian Association to host 2011 Waitakere Diwali at the Trusts Stadium during the Rugby World Cup. While Waitakere Indian Association was represented by its President Anand Naidu and Diwali 2011 Project Manager Manoj Tahal, Auckland Council, have shown unique character in coming together to celebrate their respective festivals. She was very pleased with such a gesture from Auckland Council. I am delighted that Auckland Council has recognised how important this festival is out in the West. They have decided to assist with funding-this is a great community initiative for the Indian community and show how they celebrate in bringing all communities to come together in achieving unity in diversity and well being among the local community she said. Neeson was confident that Auckland Council and Local Boards will endeavour to support memorable and hugely successful event like Diwali that reflected the diversity of New Zealand and gives the reason to the Super City why community based events should not only be encouraged, but emulated in other parts of Auckland. Waitakere Diwali will be held in the midst of Rugby World Cup to showcase different colours of Aotearoa on Sunday 25 September, 2011 at Trusts Stadium, Henderson from 11 am to 11pm, culminating in a huge fireworks display. Entry to all events is free and all are invited to attend to add colour to the atmosphere of 2011 Rugby World Cup while celebrating Diwali. Other details are available on WIA web site at : www.wia.net.nz

It is nice and reassuring to know that Auckland Council has recognised that good people make great communities and great communities make super cities"
was represented by Vanessa Neeson, Chairwoman of Henderson-Massy Local Board. It is nice and reassuring to know that Auckland Council has recognised that good people make great communities and great communities make super cities, Tmanoj Tahal said, adding that this years Diwali event theme was community health and well-being where services of health professionals, police, fire department, ACC and injury prevention groups and Watersafe will be engaged. It appears there was something special about being a Westie people from West Auckland or Waitakere. Neeson, herself a Westie, added that West Auckland was unique with heavy community involvement in Waitakere where different cultures

Bank of India, the second Indian bank to start operations in New Zealand, will open its doors to the public on October 6. The banks New Zealand Managing Director Paladugu Nageshwar Rao said reserve bank Governor Alan Bollard will inaugurate the banks premises on Manukau Road in Epsom.

Bank of India to open October 6

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Indian Weekender | September 16, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian

Community

AIA opens Business Group

edged Dr Lingappa Kalburgi, former General Secretary of the Auckland Indian Association and also current Chairman of the Tagore Library and Senior Citizens Committee, whose idea it was to start such a group. This is Dr Kalburgis third position as chairman in the Association. Dr Kalburgi officially welcomed Mr Navin Chandra Upreti, Managing Director, Bank of Baroda (NZ) and his team and thanked him for sponsoring the inaugural meeting of the Business Group. He also thanked the executive committee of the Auckland Indian Association for endorsing the group as a new subcommittee in last months executive committee meeting. He also welcomed members of the Board of Trustees, officers and executive committee members and other prominent members of the community. Ashokbhai Darji gave a brief introduction of the executive committee members of this group. They are Kanubhai Patel, Lingappa Kalburgi, Chandubhai Patel, Puspaben Lekinwala, Ashokbhai Darji, Dhansukh Lal, Chirag Solanki and Pravinbhai Keshoor. Kanubhai Patel, Chairman of the Mahatma Gandhi Trust addressed this gathering and expressed his happiness to attend this meeting after putting sincere efforts of the executive committee. He appealed to the audience to support such meetings in the future and bring ideas, proposals, requirements and needs of the business community for working and tackling together to find solution. Mr Upreti thanked Auckland Indian Association, especially Dr Lingappa Kalburgi, for approaching them for sponsoring this historic event of inaugurating the group under the Auckland Indian Association. He was proud to be associated with the pioneer institution of Indian community in Auckland for sponsoring this business group and also appealed to consider Bank of Baroda for any events of the Association in future to consider for its support. Mr Upreti outlined different services provided by the Bank of Baroda and appealed to all members to consider his bank as their countrys bank and feel free to approach for any help from the bank. He also answered questions on the banks services like personal, business and property loans including helping small businesses like dairy shops by providing short-term loans Chandubhai Patel handled the question and answer session. Dhansukh Lal thanked Mr Upreti and the executive committee members of the Business Group for working together and making this meeting meaningful and successful.

The Auckland Indian Association inaugurated a new committee called Business Group, at a meeting at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre on September 7. About 50 people from a cross section of the Indian communities from banking, insurance, media, small businesses, business consultants in accounting, proper-

ties and food industries attended the inaugural meeting, which was sponsored by Bank of Baroda NZ. The banks clients were also among those present. Harshadbhai Patel, President of the Auckland Indian Association formally welcomed the audience after the informal networking

session, which was conducted over drinks and snacks. He emphasised the importance of starting the group to discuss issues facing the members of the business community of this Association and find solutions and also to help like minded people and bring together on one platform. Harshadbhai proudly acknowl-

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Indian Weekender | September 16, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian

Community

Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan to build Temple, Community hall

Vedic maths teachers training making comeback

E-gurukul.net is inviting learners from New Zealand and across the globe to enrol for Online Certified Teachers Training Programme in Vedic Mathematics. Vedic Mathematics is the name given to the ancient system of Indian Mathematics which was rediscovered from the Vedas between 1911 and 1918 by Sri Bharati Krsna Tirthaji (1884-1960). According to his research all of mathematics is based on sixteen Sutras, or word-formulae. For example, 'Vertically and Cross wise` is one of these Sutras. These formulae describe the way the mind naturally works and are therefore a great help in directing the student to the appropriate method of solution. portal/?p=808 In modern times, Internet has made entire world a global village. Anyone from any part of the world can learn and gain insights from the comfort of their homes, Only pre-requisite is an internet connection with headset and zeal to learn this practical scientific knowledge of Ancient India." said Mrs Usha Koppaka. Vedic Ganita Kranti is just a humble mission to create trainers across the globe utilizing state of art internet technology; interested learners can enrol from any part of globe, first group of trainers graduated in March 2011. We are looking forward to create more teachers thru

mathematics is based on sixteen Sutras, or word-formulae. For example, 'Vertically and Cross wise` is one of these Sutras. These formulae describe the way the mind naturally works and are therefore a great help in directing the student to the appropriate method of solution
The simplicity of Vedic Mathematics means that calculations can be carried out mentally (though the methods can also be written down). There are many advantages in using a flexible, mental system. Interest in the Vedic system is growing in education where mathematics teachers are looking for something better and finding the Vedic system is the answer. Research is being carried out in many areas including the effects of learning Vedic Maths on children; developing new, powerful but easy applications of the Vedic Sutras in geometry, calculus, computing etc. As a part of Global Educational Programmes Series, e-gurukul.net have announced launch of Worldwide Online Educational Programme. Vedic Ganita Kranti in March 2011. The mission of this online teachers training is to create skilled trainers worldwide who will be able to teach generations of students the science of Vedic Math. They are organizing a web-based Audio-visual interactive Teachers Training Programme in Vedic Mathematics on October 02 -2011 with World Famous Vedic Mathematician Mr Kenneth Williams from Vedic Maths Academy , UK. Learn & understand the beauty of this Ancient Sciences Vedic Mathematics http://e-gurukul.net/ this new online training she added. The power and effectiveness of Vedic Mathematics is being appreciated more and more nowadays, both by teachers and by researchers. There is therefore a great need for skilled teachers to be trained and I am delighted to have this opportunity to give the benefit of my expertise to help train top-notch teachers of this system. Now with the new technology, people world-wide can learn and I can teach from the comfort of our homes said Kenneth Williams. E-Gurukul.net, an online platform, is an endeavour to disseminate the scientific heritage gifted by the great scientists, mathematicians, philosophers and sages of ancient India. It brings online courses, Web Seminars in various topics like Mudra Science, Spoken Sanskrit, Science of Sun Salutations, Vedic mathematics, Ancient Managements tips etc. The sessions are free, all are welcome to participate. Next topic: Online Certified Teachers Training Programme in Vedic Mathematics Trainer: Mr Kenneth Wiiliams. Date: Starting - October 02 -2011 Mode: Audio visual Interactive web session - 100% Online Online Application Link: http://e-gurukul.net/portal/?p=808

The Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of New Zealand is building a Temple of Shirdi Saibaba, with several other deities and a Community Hall at 18, Princes St, Onehunga, which is a 4 million dollar project. Mr. Bhaskara Reddy Duvvuru, President of the Sansthan explained that the 1960 sq m of Warehouse in 2975 sq m land will be converted into a templeand community hall complex which will cover an area of about 3200 sq m after completion. The Sansthan will be installing 5.50 m life size statue of Baba, specially made in White Makarana marble in Jaipur. The Temple will also house Ganesh, Hanuman, Mata, Ram Darbar, Radha Krishna, Dattatreya (all in White Makarana marble made in Jaipur), Shiva Linga, Balaji/Padmavati, Navagrahas (all in black granite made in Tirupati). All these statues are 3.5 m in height except Navagrahas, which are about 0.5m. Some devotees in Auckland have already sponsored the statues of Mata, Ram Darbar, Shiva Linga and Navagrahas.

The Sansthan will be installing 5.50 m life size statue of Baba, specially made in White makarana marble in Jaipur. The Temple will also house Ganesh, hanuman, mata, ram Darbar, radha Krishna, Dattatreya, Shiva Linga, Balaji/ padmavati, Navagrahas.
Sansthan Vice President Mrs Thulasi Krishna explained that all the deities were brought to Shirdi on Thursday, August 11, puja was performed by the temple preist and PRO of Saibaba Sansthan, Shirdi in the presence of Bhaskara Reddy / Arun Kangokar (past executive committee member). All deities were shipped from Mumbai on Thursday, September 1 and are expected to reach Auck-

land around October, 10. Hameed Mohammed, the Secretary informed that the buildings permits are expected before November, 2011. Bhumi Puja will be on Saturday, February 4, 2012. (Waitangi Day Weekend) followed by other programmes (to be finalised) on 5th / 6th February, 2012. Bhaskara Reddy explained that the cost of conversion to Temple/ Community Hall was about $1.5 million and requested devotees to support the Project through Major Donor Scheme ($10,001) launched by the Sansthan. The Sansthan plans to install 108 small statues of Baba in the proposed temple, each representing one of the 108 Asthothara namas with the major donors details. The Sansthan has already received 65 major donor commitments till date. It is now looking forward to a further 43 and sponsors for other deities. Devotees can make a commitment and pay in installments. The place is going to be a good venue to celebrate weddings, all kinds of community events and functions.

Indian Weekender | September 16, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian

Community

Community news in pictures

Community felicitates Indian minister

The Indian community felicitated Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur who was in the country along with her delegation to attend the 40th Pacific Islands Forum summit in Auckland. The felicitation was held at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre and about 100 people attended it.

Ganesh festival at Bharatiya mandir

The annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival was celebrated with great devotion and fervour at the Bharatiya mandir on Balmoral Road. Picture shows devotees participating in large numbers during the celebrations.

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mata Chowki Celebrated

The Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan observed Mata Chowki at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre last week. Hundreds of devotees attended the daylong ceremonies.

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Community

Diwali spirit to light up Parliament

Some 300 people are expected to attend a celebration of the Hindu festival of Diwali at Parliament on Monday 26 September. Diwali, the festival of lights, is India's biggest and most significant celebration and enjoyed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. It is celebrated around the world and has become a well-established part of New Zealands cultural calendar.Diwali is a time when families light small oil lamps (diyas) and candles and place them around the home and set off fireworks. The firecrackers will be missing at Parliament but not the Diwali spirit of togetherness, light, warmth and happiness. The audience, which is expected to consist of people from many eth-

nicities, will hear speeches, watch a traditional dance performance, a slide show, and eat delicious food. The Parliamentary event also offers an opportunity for the Indian community to be thanked for their contribution to New Zealand. Mervin Singham, the Director of the Office of Ethnic Affairs, which is helping to organise the event says There is a growing relationship between India and New Zealand, particularly in the areas of tourism, education and trade. This relationship is set to grow with the IndiaNew Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which is currently being negotiated. Sharing celebrations such as Diwali plays an important role in making New Zealand a more tolerant and vibrant nation.

The importance of the Hindi language in our community will be highlighted in a day-long Hindi Diwas celebration in Auckland next week. Opposition Leader Phil Goff will be chief guest at the Hindi Diwas (Day) celebrations 2011 is organised by the Hindi Language and Culture Trust to be held at Papatoetoe High School on Saturday Sept 17, from 9.30pm. The core objective of the celebration is to bring awareness for the importance of teaching and learning of Hindi language, trust president Satya Dutt said. The Trusts mission is the facilitate formulation of national Hindi curriculum and being offered in schools. Research has shown that learning mother tongue and second language enhances academic performance of students. New Zealand is establishing trade relationship with India. Hindi language and culture will play vital role as means of better communications and understanding. The celebration was aimed at forming network with individuals and organisations to come together and work for a common goal that was taking referendum and take a course of action. Dutt said Papatoetoe High School was chosen as the venue because it was the first school in the

Workshop celebrates Hindi language

country to teach Hindi to year 9 and 10 students. Seven non-speakers of Hindi are studying Hindi language. Participants are coming all from Wellington, Hamilton and others parts of the country including mostly from greater Auckland areas.

Workshop participants will have an opportunity to acquire deep understanding of the importance of maintaining language and culture. It will conclude with panel discussion to develop strategies to move forward in facilitating work on creating national curriculum. The theme for the Hindi Diwas celebration is Hindi Hamari Pehechan. ADMISSIon: FRee. Morning tea, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner provided free. PRoGRAMMe: September 17 9.304.30pm: WoRKShoP 10 topics would be covered (refer to the programme) 113pm: Sports & Fun games 6.30-10pm: Entertainment, Official Opening, oratory, exhibitions, projects, poems, Bollywood, jokes etc. We are requesting general public, mandalis and other organisations to register at east two participants for the workshop. Songs and other items are all welcome, Dutt said. Souvenir magazine will be printed to commemorate the celebrations.

New Zealand is establishing trade relationship with India. hindi language and culture will play vital role as means of better communications and understanding.

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India

US Embassy partners Indian detective school

New Delhi: The United States Embassy, in partnership with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), on Thursday concluded a two-week seminar titled Identification and Seizure of Digital Evidence. This is the most recent in a series of counterterrorism training efforts between the U.S. and India. The session was conducted with instructors from the U.S. State Departments Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program and hosted by the Central Detective Training School in Chandigarh. Over the last 16 years, the State Departments Bureau of Diplomatic Security has organized 82 police training courses with Indian law enforcement professionals under the ATA program. This months training seminar focused on the use of innovative crime scene investigation techniques to enhance the effectiveness of police investigations. The interactive workshop featured hands-on, practical scenarios that trained mid-level police officials to effectively secure a terrorist crime scene, with a particular focus on digital evidence and methods for exploiting information obtained from terrorists computers, USB

drives and other electronic media. More than 30 Indian law enforcement officials from federal and state agencies were selected to participate in the program by the MHAs Bureau of Police Research and Development, including two participants from the newly-formed National Investigative Agency (NIA). After the training concluded, U.S. Charg dAffaires Ambassador Peter Burleigh said, Terrorist attacks like the September 7 bombing at the New Delhi High Court are a constant reminder of the need for our two democracies to work together in combating the scourge of terrorism. The broad scope of our cooperation extends to the highest levels, such as the recent U.S.-India Homeland Security and Strategic Dialogues, to hands-on joint training sessions and cooperative investigations." "The people and government of the United States are working handin-hand with India against terrorism, and we will continue to work together to address this global threat to innocent people with practical, timely and effective assistance and cooperation," Burleigh said.

Kolkata: Sikkim Manipal University Directorate of Distance Education (SMU-DDE), one of the largest providers of Distance Education in India, on Friday announced the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), a premier state-owned, Government University in Edinburgh and one of UKs largest Universities. The collaboration between SMU-DDE and ENU aims to foster advancement in teaching, research, academic collaboration, cultural understanding and to create avenues for enhancing student experience. It will create a strong foundation to encourage exchange and sharing of academic, scientific and cultural experiences. ENU will be an academic partner with SMU-DDE by

Sikkim Manipal signs MoU with UK university

providing academic training & infrastructure to fulfil the educational needs of the students enrolled. Professor George Stonehouse, Dean, ENU Business School said With India being one of the worlds largest and most dynamic economies, we are even more delighted to work with its leading University. This partnership will foster academic links between our nations and will provide for research collaborations that would contribute to and support the development of higher education in India." Prof N S Ramesh Murthy, Director, SMU-DDE said, We are delighted to sign the MoU with Edinburgh Napier University. This MoU provides a strong footstep for strengthening the academic and build a long-term beneficial rela-

tionship between the two Universities. It will also promote knowledge sharing, reflecting the deep interest & commitment of SMU-DDE and ENU towards building a strong educational foundation for the distance education fraternity at large." Under the scope of engagement, ENU and SMU-DDE will collaborate in the management education space. SMU-DE degree holders will be given the option to get an additional MBA degree from ENU by enrolling 60 out of 180 credits of the ENU MBA program. Students will be given the option to pursue these additional credits by enrolling for a term on campus at ENUs Craiglockhart campus in Edinburgh. This means, SMU-DDE students will avail a waiver on 2 term credits, thus saving time. Students opting for a term at ENUs Craiglockhart campus will have an added advantage of working part-time (20 hours per week with minimum wages of 20 per hour).

Goddess Durga to control pollution

Kolkata: With Durga Puja round the corner, popular radio station OYE! 104.8 FM on Friday here unveiled an initiative called Ma Durge Dushono Nashini' attempting to control pollution. The concept focuses on building up a community to propagate the message of increasing pollution and to voice their concern against pollution, be it environmental, sociological, economic or political. The project is of 35 days where a fabricated branded 'Center' will be moving across the city of Kolkata with the aim of diminishing pollution. OYE! 104.8 FM asked for peoples participation by donating bio-recyclable and bio-degradable waste at the Center. After 20 days of collecting these bio-degrading wastes, the Center will be transformed to a Mobile Studio where people can watch the waste materials taking the shape of Durga idol by artist Debranjan Dey.

Tollywood actor Aparajita Auddy turned up to support the concept on Friday. Shantanu Bhattachraya, Director of Vibgyor Group said, "New dresses for street children and flood affected kids will be distributed on Astami at City Center. The Durga Idol will be displayed at City Center I, Salt Lake during the five days of Puja. (Reporting by Papri Chanda and Priya Maitra)

Indian

India

Centre for diasporic studies Sankara Eye Care wins FICCI award coming up at IGNOU
Diaspora; and Films & Theatre. There have been three major waves of economic migration in India till now -- the indentured labour migration during colonial times; the movement from South Asia to the Gulf in the post Independence period; and the movement of professional/skilled workers to the West. However, the most unique wave is the return migration, wherein these professionals are coming back to India in large numbers, he added. Mizan R. Miah, Director, School of Social Work, Southern Illinois University, USA, delivered the Key Note Address on The Global Community of Diaspora: Contributions, Challenges and Prospects. While throwing light on the various themes of the conference, Miah urged, Diasporians of the world should unite by contributing towards making the world a better, safer place for peaceful co-existence by the level of our talents, passion and productive contribution towards all kinds of development social, cultural, political and economic. "For the people of Diaspora, development should lead to the reduction of poverty and poverty reduction should lead to the reduction of illiteracy, intolerance and hostility, which in turn should usher in a new era of world peace. While delivering the Welcome New Delhi: Sankara Eye Care Institutions, India (SECI) on Friday announced it has won FICCI Healthcare Excellence Award for the third consecutive year. R Balasubramanian, Director - Group Marketing and Mentor, Sankara Eye Care Institutions, India (SECI) received the award from the Chief Guest, Mukesh Chawla - Head, Knowledge Management, Human Development, World Bank at an award ceremony held at The Lalit, New Delhi. FICCI Healthcare Excellence

New Delhi: Indira Gandhi National Open Universitys (IGNOU) Vice Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai inaugurated a two-day International Conference on 'Diaspora and Development: Prospects and Implications for Nation States here and announced that the university is in the process of setting up a Centre for Diasporic Studies in its campus. I am confident that this conference will provide an opportunity to share thoughts on how India can benefit by mutual interactions, he said. The connotations of the term Diaspora have gone far beyond forced exile and desire for homeland. Today, Diaspora is a generic concept of a trans-national population, and India represents this concept in a major way. In many ways, IGNOU is like the Diaspora. "In most countries, Diaspora is quite a small community, but it punches far beyond its weight. IGNOU is doing the same in many

ways said Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), who was the chief guest during the inauguration held at IGNOUs Convention Centre," said the VC. Jointly organised by the School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS) and the School of Interdisciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies (SOITS) of the university, the conference broadly addressed the socio-economic, political, cultural and gender issues to provide holistic perspectives in understanding the interlinkages in diaspora and development. The conference saw the participation of diaspora experts from over 25 countries, who deliberated upon various themes such as Diaspora and Development Dynamics: Issues, Strategies and Practices; Diaspora Finance and Socio-Economic Development; Human Development; Politics of Inclusion and Exclusion; Diasporic Writings; Gender in the

ing and so on. The FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards was instituted in 2009 to provide impetus to preventive healthcare in the country. With 80% of healthcare in India being provided by the private sector with specific focus on curative care, it was essential to seek and recognize role models in the healthcare industry who actively address preventive healthcare in the community, especially among those with little or no access to it. Sankara Eye Care Institutions, India has been offering specialized

With Sankara, nearly 22 million have benefited from preventive and curative care and over 7,72,000 vision-restoring procedures have been performed till date.
Awards recognizes the contribution of healthcare providers in delivering quality healthcare, patient care and increasing reach in rural and remote areas. SECI won the award in the category, Addressing Industry Issues which looked at such key concerns as taking healthcare to the masses, implementing a successful PPP model, reducing the cost of healthcare, enhancing the availability of talent through education and traindiagnostic and surgical eye care to the visually impaired through 9 institutions across India. With Sankara, nearly 22 million have benefited from preventive and curative care and over 7,72,000 visionrestoring procedures have been performed till date, claimed the institution. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is the largest and oldest apex business organization in India.

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India

Blackmores Sydney Coolpad to launch sub-10K partners Wipro tablet by November

Sydney: The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival, Australias popular running festival, last week announced the association with Wipro Technologies, the Global Information Technology, Consulting and Outsourcing business of Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT) as a Major Partner and Official Technology Partner. The Blackmores Sydney running festival will leverage Wipro's consulting and technology expertise as part of the event. In addition, Wipro Technologies will also present 'The Wipro Team Challenge'. The Wipro Team challenge is a new addition to the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival that not just tests ones endurance but also team spirit. Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is Australias most spectacular running festival taking participants over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Sydney Opera House. The event, which is the only remaining participant legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, is a NSW Government Hallmark event and delivers over $12 m to local businesses and brings over 5,500 people to Sydney from interstate and overseas. The event will help raise more than $ 2.5 million for charities in 2011. Wayne Larden, Blackmores Sydney Running Festival Event Director said, I am delighted to welcome Wipro technologies as a major partner of the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. We strongly believe that their support and expertise in the technology arena will help us to further heighten the race day experience for participants, over the course of their involvement. Rajan Kohli, Chief Marketing Officer, IT Business, Wipro Ltd. said, Wipro recently celebrated a decade of operations and stellar growth in the ANZ region. We remain deeply committed to the region and will continue to engage with the local community here. "There cannot be a better platform than the Sydney Running Festival for us to partner with not only is it a landmark event but its DNA of superior performance, high energy, endurance and sustainability, resonates well with our brand values." Wipro Technologies established a presence in the ANZ region in 2001, and has since built strategic, long term partnerships with marquee companies in the region and has over 2200 employees working for this region, from delivery centers in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, as well as from India. Kolkata: Hong Kong-based cellphone maker Coolpad plans to launch a tablet computer running Googles Android operating system for the Indian market priced below Rs 10,000 by November, company officials said in Kolkata on Thursday. The device will be feature CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) connectivity and will be pitted against the plethora of tablets already crowding Indias nascent tablet market, most of which use the alternate GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) connectivity. We intend to partner with Reliance (for launching the tablet) which has a robust CDMA network and we see them as the key driver of mobile data business in India, Coolpad Communications Managing Director Sami Al-Lawati told IBNS. Indias second largest mobile carrier by subscribers, Reliance in August launched its own offering for the Indian tablet market called the Reliance 3G Tab, manufactured by Chinas ZTE Corporation, running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread platform and priced at Rs 13,000. According to analysts, bolstered by deeper partnership with mobile phone carriers and a wide range of offerings at different price points, the Indian tablet market could grow to be as large as 0.7-1 million tablets by the Rs 3,500. We want to target the quite unitised mid high-end CDMA handset market, Al-Lawati said. However the company is also focused on GSM-based offerings, he added. The phone, which runs Android 2.1 clair, instead by the latest 2.3 Gingerbread version, will be available from Reliance Worlds and Reliance Mobile stores at Rs 7,999 along with bundled voice and data plans. Coolpad officials on Thursday also said they intend to set up a research and development (R&D) centre in India by Dec. 2012 at an investment of Rs 100 crore centred at Delhi or Mumbai and a manufacturing facility within three to four years. The R&D facility in India will be our first outside China and we are very interested in tapping the talent pool here. With the manufacturing facility, we intend to cater not just the Indian market but also other markets abroad, Al-Lawati said. Coolpad, which had a revenue of $900 million in the last fiscal and posts a 50 percent year-on-year growth, said that it intends to sell a million handsets in India for the current year and step up to a hundred thousand sets per month by this time next year. (Reporting by Divyanshu Dutta Roy)

end of the year. Coolpad on Thursday launched three handsets, including the companys first Android-based CDMA smartphone in India, partnering with Reliance for discounted voice and data plans that will redeem the price of the handset to customers in two years usage. The device with an 800 MHz processor, 256 MB of RAM and a 3.5 inch resistive touch screen aims to add some glitz to the otherwise lacklustre handset offerings available to CDMA users, currently at about a quarter of Indias 850 million mobile subscribers. The average selling price for CDMA handsets in India is about

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Kerala celebrates harvest festival Onam

sion is celebrated by all Keralites as Thiruvananthapuram: India's Onam. southernmost state Kerala is soaked And the agrarian backdrop of in festivity as the region celebrated Onam is attributed to that time of Onam on Friday, the rice harvest the year (the Malayalam month festival that also marks the homeof Chingam), when farmers of coming of the legendary emperor Kerala enjoy a good harvest, resultMahabali who is welcomed with ing in granaries full of rice grain floral decorations and lots of and happiness all around. fanfare. Onam celebrations are held Onam is an ancient festival of for ten days, beginning with the Hindus but over the time it has the athamasterism in the Malayalam acquired a secular character in this month of Chingam - corresponding part of India. to the months of Aug-Sept. Kerala's rice harvest festival and Flower carpet decorations, the festival of rain flowers, which feasting and snake boat races are fell on the Malayalam month of part of the festivity besides KaiChingam, celebrated the Demon kottikkali dance. King Mahabali's annualThe Pride of Your Belonging to New Zealand KITE: visit from Pookkalam or floral design is the Patala (the underworld). hall mark of Onam festival. Kerala Onam is unique since Mahabali Our the people of Tourism has presented an innovahas been revered byoffer to students is: tive pookkalam, a fascinating video Kerala since prehistory. A pathway towards career goals plus new friendships and the confidence-building to gallery, composed of 600 amazing As per mythology, Kerala was the journey. highlight video clips that flaunt the breath once ruled by the generous and and spirit of Kerala. virtuous ruler - King As well as NZQA-Certificated education, our entreaty includes: Mahabali Onam also gets a royal touch or Maveli. It was a period all of Entertainment sessions driven by fellow learners. The quiz and partying routines can with the round prosperity, which became either educative or for pure leisure. Either way, your participation is vital. elephant ride that takes be place at Thrissur, the cultural a reason to arouse the envy of Interactive sociability with faculty on site, as well as guest speakers prominentKerala. Decked in gold, within capital of the devas (gods in Heaven) and also NZ the favourite animal of royals of due to the fact that King Mahab- business houses. India looks even more magnificent. ali was an asura; a member the of Affirmativeness counsel, both to help young adults take charge of their lives and From the traditional Onam demon clan, who are bitter enemies equally to align with Kiwi work culture. cuisine to the enchanting backwaof the devas. Supporting ters And in the actions that followed, students choice of study, students are invited into interludes of careerfrom the life-giving Ayurveda development and New Zealands diverse heritage. to the serene beaches of Kerala, the King Mahabali was sent to the tourism department is wooing visinether world by Vamana - an incartors an institute nation of LordKITE sits aloft in an elegant airy setting, overlooking the Auckland cityscape. This isto the state during Onam. Vishnu; one of the In Kerala, everyone is wearing triumvirates. Before sending to the bonded to granted brand the clothes nether world, Lord Vishnu the Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students, administered by new New now and greetZealand to visit his ing each other. The food of Onam Mahabali the permission Ministry of Education. subjects once in a year. Like occa This its high vantage over heartland Queen Street, KITE is about leadership is special and 'sadya' is a dish that through is served on plantain leaf comprising rice, curries and different types of sweet. Several fairs, shows and other functions are planned during Onam. Besides Kerala Governor MOH Farook and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, top political leaders of India greeted the people of Kerala and the nation at large for Onam. Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil in her message said: On the auspicious occasion of Onam, I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Kerala and all Malayalees settled throughout the world. May this harvest festival of colour and vivacity bring prosperity and all-round gaiety for the entire nation. In a message, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that, "the beauty of Onam lies in its secular traditions." "People of all religions, castes and communities celebrate the festival with equal joy and verve. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala finds true expression during the ten day long festival. "May the festival bring joy, peace and prosperity to all," the Prime Minister added. Various films also hit the screen during Onam. The major Onam releases in Kerala this year are Joshy's Sevenes, Jayaram's Ulagam Chuttum Valiban and Bobban Kunchacko's Dr. Love.

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From the Editor

Letters
Anirudh Diwakar passes away
I was deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of a very dear friend, school mate and a community worker. Having lived in Nasinu,I always remember him as a very passionate, kind and caring person, qualities that he traced in his career. As a young Radio Fiji recruit he quickly became the admiration of his seniors and the rest was history. We have always enjoyed great friendship and on behalf of all my brothers I express my deepest condolences to his loved ones and colleagues. RIP. D.C.Maharaj, California, USA.

India must step up Pacific role

The Pacific Islands Forum summit in New Zealand last week saw leaders of the worlds biggest and most powerful organisations and blocs attend the three day proceedings. Among them were the Secretary General of the United Nations, the President of the European Union, top officials of the World Bank and other global organisations. This was in addition to political leaders, Prime Ministers, Presidents and government ministers from around the region and beyond. The presence of top leaders and organisations at Pacific Islands Forum annual summits has been growing bigger over recent years, with nations like the United States sending an increasingly larger number of delegates. The Pacific Islands region is part of a large chunk of the globe that has been relatively unexplored. The Pacific Ocean occupies about two thirds the surface area of the planet and the island nations that dot it, collectively have legal jurisdictions over large swathes of the ocean in the equatorial belt, which is one of the most productive regions for fishing. Powerful and rich countries around the world have realised the growing importance of the Pacific Islands over the years and there has been a scramble in recent years to win their favour and get closer to what could well be potentially worlds biggest resources. Recent studies have proven the existence of precious minerals and hydrocarbon reserves on some of the islands as well as in the seabed that falls under their exclusive economic zones. In addition, the islands territorial waters extend into the worlds most productive marine environments, teeming with a wide range of commercially exploitable marine life. Moreover, the islands are politically and strategically important as well. Politically because of their voting powers at global forums like the United Nations or regional ones that has to do with fishing and other major commercial activity. And strategically because they could serve as outposts for distant powers, as they so often have throughout history. New Zealand and Australia have traditionally held sway over the islands for nearly a couple of centuries, other than France, which still has links with its territories New Caledonia and French Polynesia. But over the past few decades, the Anzac nations have encountered increasing competition from more distant Pacific Rim countries. Japan, China, Taiwan, the United States and more recently Indonesia, the Philippines and even South American nations like Chile and Cuba have slowly but steadily increased their engagement in the region. New geophysical data has helped increase the exclusive economic zone boundaries of almost all island nations, putting greater areas of the ocean and the seafloor below it in their respective sovereign controls. This has caused a gold rush of sorts with big mining companies already beginning to prospect both on land and in the seabed. Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji are already beginning to see increased activity in the exploitation of natural resources. In fact, the boom in PNG has made the countrys economy one of the fastest growing in the entire region. Australia and China have dug their heels deep into PNGs mineral resources sector and they and new players are stepping up their role in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. India has had limited engagement in the Pacific with its old relationship with Fiji. Unfortunately, in all these decades, it has not capitalised on it by leveraging it to spread its engagement across the region in the way China has. Large Indian companies, particularly in the financial sector, like Life Insurance Corporation, United India Assurance and Bank of Baroda have been in Fiji for half a century. Yet they have not expanded into the Pacific. India has now realised the Pacifics importance and has begun sending bigger delegations to the Forum summits over the past few years. This year too, Indias Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur and a sizable delegation attended the summit in the capacity of official observers. It is reliably learnt that the Government of India is planning a formal approach to the Pacific Islands Forum to step up trade relations and set up a trade office for the islands in India. This is a welcome development, though rather late in the day, but a step in the right direction. - Dev Nadkarni

Suva's GPH to regain lost glory

This is the most thrilling news out of Fiji. I was born in Fiji and have always admired the architectural beauty of this hotel. As a teenager, I enjoyed my many Friday evenings at the GPH Lounge. I couldn't believe my eyes at what I saw while I was on vacation in 2009. I pleaded to the young man in uniform to inform his boss not to sell this property and that I could help set up a Foundation whereby we could restore this place to its original beauty! Glad something is being done!! D.C. Maharaj

Workshop celebrates Hindi language

With highly knowledgeable ISKCON leaders well versed with India's true religious literature, this trust can become a winner. It is heartening to see that experts in Sanskrit and the scientific tradition of yoga taught by Prabhupada and spread all over the world by ISKCON are leading in this workshop. With such knowledgable and saintly persons who know Sanskrit and the Indian literature from which Hindi is derived, this workshop is blessed and will surely succeed with Lord Krishna's and Caitanya Mahaprabhu's blessings. Bhakt Haridas

A symbol of friendship between India and Fiji

Padmini has got her facts and history in a knot. A.D. Patel's political party was the Federation Party, entirely made-up of the "Indians". His motto was independence from the British. The "Fijians" were both numerically fewer than the Indians and also weak in education. Azad While again and again Gaunder refers to the Catholic priest as "Rev" Andrews, and effectively assigns him as the visionary who pioneered "racial integration" in Fiji (Rev. Andrews had great hopes that racial integration will proceed amicably in those distant lands), a similar address to Chaturvedi is missing and he is repeatedly addressed by his last name. Plus, disharmony is blamed totally on "Indian dominated coalition". Hey, but isnt the white man irresistible Paddy? Jessy Payal Patel

Spectacular opening for World Cup

Well Done New Zealand. Congratulations to Auckland City what a spectacular event. On behalf of NZICA Officer Team and the Proud Kiwi Indian Diaspora we are proud to be part of this Rugby Playing Nation. Our best wishes to the participating teams. Go the ALL BLACKS we are 100% behind you, our good wishes and support is with you all the way. You have started on a positive note. We are sure you will be the Victors at the End. Proud Kiwi Indians wishing you every success. Cheers. Paul Singh Bains JP, President NZICA.

Vipassana: a most wonderful experience in Auckland

I agree with you totally! Initially I was absolutely fazed and wanted to just get out of it all. A very tough course that tests your mettle; and yet after the 10 days of silence and meditation it is almost catharsis one experiences. A strong recommendation to challenge yourself and do the course the staff are excellent and it is an experience! Su Mukund

Indian Weekender Volume 3 No. 11 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Group editor-in-chief: Dev Nadkarni dev@indianweekender.co.nz Online editor: Arvind Kumar arvind@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza rohan@ indianweekender.co.nz Design: Sonata Design Ltd - sonatadesignnz@gmail.com Advertising: Giri Gupta - Ph: 520 0922, Mob: 021 221 1131. Email - girigupta@xtra.co.nz Accounts & Admin: Chetan - Email: accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Please email original editorial contributions, community notices and pictures to editor@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers claims as appearing in the publication

Ten top stories on iwk.co.nz

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Spectacular opening for World Cup Getting hum aur tum to hum with Humm Workshop celebrates Hindi language Subtlety, elegance imbue Sudimas new Auckland hotel Kareena Kapoor on Zee TV soap Is 'The Bhai' about Dawood? A classy, complete wedding package Vipassana: a most wonderful experience in Auckland Nand picked by Act to contest Mt Roskill Golden Temple exhibition

Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, New Market and printed at APN Print, Ellerslie, Auckland Copyright 2010. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

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Comment

Now, let others take over from Anna Hazare

S P udayaKumar
Anna Hazare has done the most important thing: he has belled the cat. That is an accomplishment by itself when nobody has turned even a leaf to do that. The media reports all the fantastic loots of famous people. The political class keeps on doing what they have been doing all along, central ministers are giving each other good conduct certificates and the Prime Minister knows nothing about anything. And the intellectuals and activists air their views and comments and are satisfied with their two minute fame. Ordinary citizens of the country are angry and upset but can hardly do anything. Our options are either watching TV or reading the newspapers with all the commentaries of intellectuals and activists, or joining the Maoists. However narrow and confined and complicated it may be, Anna Hazare has created a space for the ordinary people to voice their disgust and dissent. There are serious problems with his campaign as Arundhati Roy has eloquently pointed out. We cannot afford to tie down the fate of this vast and complex country to the whims and fancies of one individual messiah as Prabhat Patnaik has convincingly argued. Gail Omvedt has rightly diagnosed the situation as people of India getting tired of democracy. More importantly, Muslims and Dalits have expressed more serious concerns about the Anna campaign. As the Dalits do not want the Constitution, Parliament and bureaucracy to be shunned or weakened in any way, some Muslim leaders feel that they have not been consulted or included in the current campaign. All of the above are valid issues and concerns. And they need to be addressed openly, honestly and democratically. Anna Hazare, the individual, who spearheads the campaign, has been unacceptable for some. His experiment in his village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra has been labelled controversial by others. With all good reasons, it seems! H. V. Seshadri, the then RSS general secretary, wrote a series of articles on Anna and his mission in the RSS mouthpiece Organiser in early 1987. In an article The Village That Reminds Us of Ramarajya (February 8, 1987), Seshadri described the various features of Ralegan Siddhi and the different activities undertaken by the villages: total prohibition, abolition of untouchability, ban on smoking, conflict resolution by the village committee, and developmental activities such as setting up a school, digging community wells and so forth. However, reconstruction of the village temple was the very first project as it was the focal point of devotion for the entire village. In the next article Ralegan Siddhi: A Name for Social Metamorphosis (February 15, 1987), Seshadri dwelt long on the importance of the village temple at the backdrop of the Ramjanmabhumi issue that was burning so powerfully at that time. Seshadri highlighted the need for a temple for a communitys identity, morality and organisation. He recollected a story he had from Anna Hazare and it merits reproduction in full: Some time back, an IAS officer who happened to visit the village questioned the propriety of spending such a large sum of Rs. 90,000 for the temple construction, instead of utilising it for putting up more school buildings. Annasaheb important characteristics (that resembled the modern national project of the Hindutva forces). According to Seshadri, Anna Hazare told him: There are Jains, Buddhists and other Hindus but no Muslims or Christians in our village. Similarly, the Ralegan Siddhi had registered bodies for irrigation, educational development and other areas but there are no elections for any of these bodies. Even the The present ruling class supports and promotes all of these evils. And there is a dire need to foresee an alternative India here and now. Annas stirring the hornets nest is good and a welcome effort. If we do not like one messiah, let us convene 100,000 messiahs and carry the task forward. Transparent, accountable and participatory leadership is crucial for this national reconstruction project. If we rightly shun messianic leadership, we should create a collective leadership. The intellectuals and activists must go beyond getting their articles published in leading dailies and assume responsibilities in this revolution. And they together could thank Anna Hazare for belling the cat and take the operation from here. Although Hazare calls himself a Gandhian and emphasises the nonviolent nature of his campaign, he does refer to the ways of Chhatrapati Shivaji and sends out a rather confused message to the people. Let the collective leadership take an unequivocal stand on nonviolence and lead the country towards a serious reformation. Pushing us back into the hands of Parliamentarians like Manmohan Singh, Sharad Pawar, Raja, Suresh Kalmadi, Kanimozhi and their like will be a horrible and historic mistake. S. P. Udayakumar, Ph.D., is an anti-nuclear activist spearheading action against the Koodankulam nuclear power project. Article courtesy: Ground Report India.

Anna Hazare has done the most important thing: he has belled the cat. That is an accomplishment by itself when nobody has turned even a leaf to do that.
did not reply, but took him to the fruit gardens laden with ripe fruits, adjoining the hostel. There was no fence, no locks, no guards and still not a single fruit was stolen. Annasaheb told the dumb-struck officer that mere schools cannot produce such moral uprightness. It was devotion to God and high values of life that could bring about that miracle. In a sequel dated March 1, 1987 with the title A Karma Yogi in Action, Seshadri pointed out that this village Ramarajya had two other Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the village were unanimously selected by the Grama Sabha. These testimonies do not help much to be excited about Anna Hazare, or his national Ramarajya project. Obviously, Ralegan Siddhi model cannot and should not work at the all India level. But the people of the country are facing a real problem: the deadly and vehement combination of corruption, communalism (and casteism), capitalism, and colonialism.

Colonial hangover prevents Indology entering mainstream education

PadmINI GauNder
Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the first Prime Minister of Fiji, had given this unique and thought provoking definition of colonialism: Colonialism means that the western people, people who come from the western hemisphere and brought up in the western civilization think they are the only people who know anything in this world and no one else knows anything However, in India the British had a problem. They had to accept that they were dealing with people who were superior in every way. Lord Macaulay realised that the only way they could conquer them was by breaking the backbone of that nation which was her spiritual and cultural heritage. So he proposed to replace the ancient Indian education system with English education. This would make the Indians lose their self respect as they would start thinking that all that was English was better and greater than their own which would make them a truly dominated nation. As part of this education children were taught that the Aryans came from the west in 1500 B.C. and they were the ones who civilised the country. Now multidisciplinary and purely scientific research has shown that this premise, which was based on linguistic guess work, is not correct, it was said recently at a seminar in New Delhi. When it was proposed in the late 18th century that the Aryans were indigenous to India it was rapidly marginalised. It was further taught that the invading Aryans drove the Dravidians, the supposed original inhabitants of the Indus valley, to the south where they have remained. Now studies have shown that the genetic profile of humans settled in north, south, east and west of India is the same and has remained the same for the last 11,000 years or more. This was revealed at the seminar on scientific dating of events before 2000 BCE which was organised by the Delhi chapter of I-SERVE (Institute of Scientific Research on Vedas). Dr. V. R. Rao, Professor of Anthropology at Delhi University made the interesting revelation that contrary to the popular belief, the Dravidians as well as north Indians have common ancestors and both are original of India. The seminar was further told that the indigenous civilisations have been developing and flourishing in India for the last 10,000 years and some of our ancestors moved out to civilise others One of the objectives of the seminar was to highlight the fact that some new scientific inventions and tools can now scientifically determine the authenticity and historicity of ancient events and as such any reliance on religious beliefs or linguistic guesswork is superfluous. Such scientific dating is not only credible and convincing but is also likely to pushback the antiquity of our civilisation by 4-5 millennia, giving all Indians a shared pride in our rich cultural heritage. Ms.Saroja Bala, who is now the Director of the Delhi chapter of ISERVE, had declared in 2003 that Sri Rama was born on January 10, 5114 BCE. At that time she was the Commissioner of Income Tax, but Indian history, culture and heritage had been her interests. She said her colleague, Pushkar Bhatnagar of Indian Revenue Service, was the real originator of this theory. Bhatnagar acquired a software, named Planetarium, used to predict planetary movements. By entering in this software, precise details of planetary positions of the constellations described by Valmiki in the Ramayana, it was possible to determine important dates starting from Sri Ramas birth to the date of his return to Ayodhya. Ms. Bala said it was possible to trace, apart from Ramas birthday, the entire sequence of incidents throughout Ramayana. Valmiki Ramayana states that Sri Rama was 25 years old when he went into exile. When the configuration of planets described at this point is fed into the software, the date thrown up matches perfectly with Ramas age at that juncture of his life 25 years. Again in the 13th year of his exile Valmiki describes a solar eclipse. Valmiki describes Hanuman crossing the sea and returning from Lanka to Rameswaram. He gives details of 8 constellations. Usually one can only see 6 constellations at a given point in time but since Hanuman was flying across and it must have taken him approximately 4 hours to get there, he could see 8 constellations. In two hours one constellation would have moved out of sight and another become visible. So in a period of 4 hours he saw 8 constellations. Former President Abdul Kalam who presided over the seminar in Delhi in July, 2011 endorsed the scientific methods used for dating ancient events and emphasised the need to disseminate this knowledge to the children in schools and colleges. In 2003 NASA had put pictures on the internet of a man-made bridge the ruins of which are submerged in the sea between Rameswaram and Sri Lanka. If you travel by train from Dhanushkodi to Rameswaram and look out of the window you can see with your naked eye big rocks throughout which look like the remains of an old bridge. One naturally wonders if that is the remains of the bridge built by the vanara sena to help Rama and Lakshmana cross over to Lanka. It is felt that there is government apathy to archaeological diggings and investigation. For more than three decades underwater explorations have been going on in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Gujarat. In 2001 they discovered the ruins of an ancient city, believed to be Dwaraka, Lord Krishnas city. According to C. S. Mahadevan of Madras, Lord Krishna was born on July 26, 3112 BCE (The Hindu, February 21, 1985). We may be able to verify that soon using scientific methods. Another aim of the seminar organised in Delhi by I-SERVE was to integrate the latest findings of eminent scholars with the contents of school and college text books. Only when that is done we would be able to get rid of the remnant of colonialism that still persists in the contents of the education that is imparted in schools and colleges in India today.

Indian Weekender | September 16, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Indian

India Sonia, PM, Advani: Anna speaks plain

New Delhi: Social activist Anna Hazare, whose fast at Ramlilia Maidan for a strong Lokpal Bill galvanised the whole nation and unnerved the ruling government, gave a series of interviews to the national news channel editors from his Ralegan Siddhi village in Maharashtra this week. Excerpts of his remarks on the Prime Minister, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and even opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) patriarch L K Advani: On the PM: The PM is a good man, incorruptible. But he is surrounded by many others who feel they are prime ministers. No one listens to him. He is being remote-controlled. His authority is limited. On Sonia Gandhi: She is not assertive enough on corruption. I met her but if she were serious about fighting corruption she should have pushed a strong Jan Lokpal Bill. Whether it is Sonia Gandhi or Manmohan Singh, they should remember that Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister not because of Congress workers, but because she had worked for the poor. On Advani's rathyatra against corruption: I do not support his yatra. If BJP is serious about fighting corruption why not they come out in the open in support of the Jan Lokpal Bill. On Digvijay Singh: He is my old friend (smiles). He used to touch my feet everywhere he would meet me. Now he calls me an RSS man. I don't know what happened to him. On Swami Agnivesh: He is not part of our team since we decided that till he stops going to the ministers again and again we cannot associate us with him. He keeps going to the ministers. On the mass support he received: I never thought that lakhs and crores would support me. I think it is God's work. Earlier only a few thousands or ten thousand would join me in my movements.

Ace lensman Gautam rajadhyaksha dies at 61

Mumbai: Bollywoods ace photographer Gautam Rajadhyaksha died of a massive heart attack at his residence in Mumbai on Tuesday. He was 61. Family sources said he breathed his last at 4 am. Rajadhyakshas funeral was held at 5pm on Tuesday at Chandanwadi in Mumbai, said his cousin and writer Shobhaa De. Born on Sept 16, 1950, Rajadhyaksha was one of India's best known celebrity portraitist, having photographed almost all the icons of the Indian film industry. Celebs mourned Gautam Rajadhyaksha on Twitter: Amitabh Bachchan (actor): Gautam Rajadhyaksha the most gentlest of humans, and one of the finest photographers in the Industry, a friend,family favorite ..RIP. -Too shocked to learn of Gautam ! Were talking about him just the other day. Many of his pictures adorn our house and our books .. -Gautam ! You have left behind a legacy that shall keep you in our hearts forever .. pictures that you took shall be with us always ! Javed Akhtar (lyricist): Gautam was my friend from 70s.all childhood pictures of Zoya and Farhan in our albums are by him. he was like family to us .He is gone. Abhishek Bachchan (actor): The 1st time I ever did a professional photoshoot was in front of the lens of the great Gautam Rajyadaksh. He was a pioneer in glamour... Photography and possibly one of the sweetest and most gentle people you would ever meet. Rest in peace Gautam, you will be greatly

missed. Shekhar Kapur (filmmaker): shocked 2 learn Gautam Rajadhakshya passed away. Grt photographer, artist old friend n supporter. Gautam Rajadhyaksha : Mumbai's best Opera collection, best original portrait photographer of film ppl n grt cook. Original portrait photographer 2 d stars n freshest faces, India's best Opera collection, Maharashtrian culture n food RIP G Rajyadhaksha Lata Mangeshkar (singer): hum sabke priya mitra ,bahot bade photographer ,acche gayak, acche lekhak, aur bahot hi acche insan gautam rajadhyaksha ji ka aaj subha dehaant hua,humare liye ye bahot dukh ki baat hai,mujhe kadam kadam pe ek acche insan ki yaad aati rahegi,main ishwar se prartana karti hun ki ishwar unki aatma ko shanti de....(Our dear friend, successful photographer, good singer and writer, and a great person Gautam Rajadhyaksha passed

away this morning. I will remember him every step of the way.. and pray God grants his soul peace.) Shreya Ghosal (singer): Just heard about the sudden demise of Gautam Rajadhyaksha ji. Rest in peace. Karan Johar (filmmaker): Gautam rajadhyaksha was one my most favourite people in the fraternity...funny,sensitive and always positive..I love you gautam and I miss u Shobhaa De (columnist, author): My darling Gautam Rajadhyaksha no more.Saddened beynd belief.Farewell confidante-cousin. Thank u 4 your generous love nd soft focus memories. Riya Sen (actor): R.I.P gautam rajadhyaksha.. Shot my first ever pictures in my life ! You will be missed .. Shazahn Padamsee (actor): Omg. RIP Gautam Rajyadhyaksha. Was like a member of my family. Lovely human being. U will be missed terribly.

India-Israel FTA to diversify trade: Ambassador

dIvyaNShu dutta roy
Kolkata: The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Indian and Israel, which has been on the cards for quite some time now, would change the composition of business between the two countries, Ambassador of Israel in India Alon Ushpiz said in Kolkata on Tuesday. New sectors like information and technology (IT), agriculture and biotechnology would be broght into focus, diversifying away from the diamond-centric bilateral trade that Israel and India share at present, Ushpiz said at a programme organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce. The FTA would also help increase trade volumes, which currently stood at around $5 billion and would exceed $12 billion in another five years on the agreement. It (bilateral trade) has the potential to touch $15 billion, Ushpiz said. The India-Israel FTA, talks for which have entered the third round and are currently include reaching a mutually agreeable exclusion list to help protect some sensitive domestic sectors, was initially expected to be signed by February this year. Speaking on Isarels specific interest in West Bengal, Ushpiz, who also met state chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Director General of Police Naparajit Mukherjee on Tuesday, said there was wide spectrum where collaboration was possible. Although he was tight-lipped on a possible partnership in helping the Bengal government combat the Maoist insurgency, the diplomat, who began his term in India this July, said collaborations in agriculture development was on the agenda. We have partnered to start a Center of Excellence in Haryana to work on agriculture and the results there are remarkable. Talks are on with Maharshtra and Rajasthan for similar projects, maybe we could even work out something similar with West Bengal, Ushpiz said. Following his meeting with the Chief Minister, he said that Israel was keen on working with the state government on food processing, tourism and irrigation as well besides agriculture. West Bengal is a priority state to us, he said. Ushpiz also inaugurated a Business Promotion Office from the Embassy in Kolkata on Monday. The office would help in matchmaking between businessmen from the two countries in the fields of IT and biotechnology among other sectors, he said.

The FTA would also help increase trade volumes, which currently stood at around $5 billion and would exceed $12 billion in another five years on the agreement.

Indian Weekender | September 16, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Fiji

Suva school rewarded in Fiji Agriculture Show

One way to arouse an interest in agriculture and forestry among youths is to engage and support them in these activities from an early age. SPCs Land Resources Division (LRD) has been putting a lot of effort into this recently. Farming equipment including forks, hoes, spades, knives and garden rakes worth a little over FJD 300 was presented to a Suva based Tacirua Bhartiya School for drawing the winning ticket in a lottery organised by the LRD during the recent Fiji Agriculture Show. More than 8000 students from 153 schools visited the SPC booth during the four-day show, and the name of each school was entered in the lottery. Sairusi Bulai, Officer-inCharge of LRD, presented the prize. Encouraging youths into agricultural activity has been a challenge worldwide and the Pacific Islands are no exception. Starting this at primary school will help to create awareness in our youths, he said. According to statistics provided by the Food and Agriculture

We are one of the few schools that allowed all our students to attend the Fiji Agriculture Show because we believe in encouraging agriculture amongst youth

Organization, the global demand for food will increase by 70% over the next 40 years so, worldwide, we need youths to get involved in this sector to help meet the demand. SPC has been steadfast in encouraging youths into agricultural activity, inspired and guided by the Pacific Youth in Agriculture Strategy. Head teacher Surend Mudaliar thanked SPC/LRD: These tools will surely assist us in improving our school garden, which will encourage our students to eat healthy food and know the value of growing their own food. We are one of the few schools that allowed all our students to attend the Fiji Agriculture Show because we believe in encouraging agriculture amongst youths, he added. SPC will continue to take every opportunity to encourage youths to take up a career in farming. It recently organised essay and poster competitions for school children and results will be announced later this month.

Government must act on Lowy Poll results: Yabaki

The Citizens Constitutional Forum calls on the Bainimarama government to immediately remove the Public Emergency Regulation and initiate steps for a constructive and critical Political dialogue process if it is confident of the findings of the Lowy Institute Survey Fiji at Home and in the World.

that there is room for critical engagement as they have stated time and time again that they stand ready to provide financial and technical support for free and fair elections to be conducted in Fiji says Reverend Yabaki. Financial and technical assistance from international partners is vital for genuine democratic

The opportunity to take these steps, to inform the people of Fiji on their roles and responsibilities in the lead up to elections and ensure an inclusive consultation process.
The report must prompt the Bainimarama government to take concrete steps towards holding democratic elections and the first step would be to remove the PER and call for open and inclusive dialogue on the Constitutional and electoral reform processes, stated CCF CEO Reverend Akuila Yabaki. Any such moves, based on the Governments confidence in the Lowy report, would also be a clear indication to international partners processes and systems to be put in place so that the people of Fiji can gain confidence that the time will soon arrive for them to elect their next government. The opportunity to take these steps, to inform the people of Fiji on their roles and responsibilities in the lead up to elections and ensure an inclusive consultation process can be implemented, is glaring in the face of the Bainimarama government and they must not let it pass stated Reverend Yabaki.

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Indian

Fiji

National Voter registration to begin in January 2012

Speaking at a Press Conference today (6/9/11) Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said Government, through an advertisement in tomorrows Fiji Sun newspaper would call for expressions of interest for the registration of voters through an electronic voter registration system. The advertisement will call for companies that have experience in electronic voter registration system to start from January 1, next year. Essentially, this advertisement calls for companies that have experience in voter registration through electronic system to commence work by 1 January, 2012, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said. We are giving ourselves the maximum of six months to complete voter registration, so by June 30, 2012 all voter registration should be completed. Government is on track to see that elections are held in September 2014 as stipulated in the Strategic Framework for Change. This is to ensure that a fair system of voting is established. Those people who will turn 18 after the registration, will have the opportunity to register as voters once they turn 18 prior to the September 2014 elections. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said they were also writing to the various Heads of Missions and other multilateral agencies interested in participating in the electronic voter registration. We have also quite interestingly made contact with companies off shore that in fact have written to us by themselves, on their own initiative, have offered the service obviously for a fee to register voters through electronic system. The Attorney-General said weeks, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum added. For Fiji, if you look at the 2007 census, and given the demographics, we are probably looking at the registration of about 660,000 Fijians. That is a much smaller number and we believe that if we use such companies, of course well The Attorney-General said they did not want a repeat of what happened in the 2006 elections. If you read the European Union (EU) report on the 2006 elections, notwithstanding the fact that they said that the elections was incredible, they also pointed out, for example, in one of the constituencies in Vanua Levu, there was a voter turnout of 101 per cent. You cannot have a voter turnout of 101 per cent. Obviously, some people voted more than once and also it did point out that there was a number anomalies pertaining to registration, such as your names would appear in different constituencies, Mr SayedKhaiyum added. He said electronic voter registration was to minimize fraud, ensure accuracy of data and to ensure that people voted only once. The budgetary allocation for this exercise will go through the normal 2012 budgetary discussions and deliberations and we look forward to the work commencing on January 1, 2012 and ending at the latest by 30th June 2012, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

The Attorney-General said they did not want a repeat of what happened in the 2006 elections. he said electronic voter registration was to minimize fraud, ensure accuracy of data and to ensure that people voted only once.
We are also writing to development partners and various other overseas missions to see the interest. What we are also supplying to them is a work plan leading up to the registration and of course during the registration, the AG said. they were looking at registering about 660,000 Fijians. And just by way of interest, there is one particular company that carried out electronic voter registration in one of the African countries where they had 869,000 voters and they registered them within six go through the tender process, but there are companies out there who can do this in a very short span of time. He highlighted that electronic voter registration would ensure the elimination of voter and political party fraud.

Fiji is going to elections in September 2014.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama told participants at the second Engaging with the Pacific meeting in Nadi last week his government was committed to returning Fiji to democracy as previously announced. Commodore Bainimarama hailed the forum as the perfect platform for reiterating the Roadmap to Democracy and advising neighbouring islands of Fiji's progress in pursuing the plan. "Such a meeting gives my government the opportunity to brief you about the ongoing democratisation process in Fiji, the implementation of the People's Charter, the reforms in Fiji and the lead-up to the constitutional development before elections are held for parliamentary representation by September 2014," he said. Speaking at the opening of the two-day forum in Nadi's Tanoa International Hotel, Commodore Bainimarama said the People's Charter, approved by nearly 65 per cent of the population, was the guiding principle of his government and would provide the fundamental principles for the new Fijian constitution. "In the lead-up to the September 2014 elections for parliamentary representation, my Government has and will focus on lifting the living standards of all Fijians, providing the trajectory to sustained economic growth, modernising our laws, removing systemic corruption, improving access to justice, implementing the legal and moral basis of a common and equal citizenry and ensuring the new constitution will enshrine the values and practice of one person one vote and give effect to true representative governance," he said. The Engaging with the Pacific meeting ended Friday.

Bainimarama has twothirds support, poll shows

Two-thirds of the people in Fiji approve of steps taken by interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, a recent poll shows. The poll by Australian think-tank Lowy Institute said Commodore Bainimarama had an approval rating of more than two thirds. The poll was conducted on the main island, Viti Levu, in August, and polled 1032 people. Commodore Bainimarama has good support from 66 per cent of the people polled, and 65 per cent believe Fiji is heading in the right direction, the survey showed. An overwhelming 95 per cent of people support the right to vote in a free election, and around half the people felt the interim Government is doing a good job making progress to elections. The Pacific Islands forum, currently meeting in Auckland, is seen as the most important regional organisation for Fiji, and 79 per cent of people disapprove of Fijis suspension from the regional organisation. The majority of people believed the country should be left alone to sort out its return to democracy, and sanctions against the country should be lifted, the poll showed.

Fijian government welcomes Australian poll results

The results of an independent Poll conducted by the Australian foreign policy think tank, the Lowy Institute for International Policy was welcomed by the Ministry for Information permanent secretary, Sharon Smith-Johns today. Ms Smith-Johns said the Lowy Institute Report showed the results of the Bainimarama Governments objective of implementing reforms through the Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress which united the people of Fiji. The results shows the Government has been actively listening and paying attention to the views and concerns of various stakeholders, across the whole of the country, the permanent secretary said. The Bainimarama Government has never wavered from its roadmap towards parliamentary democracy and this is clearly shown through the results of the report and the support of the nation. On the international front, the report has very accurately revealed the true sentiments of the people of Fiji where they are concerned with the way in which the international community have treated Fiji since the 2006 take over . The majority of those polled said Fiji should be left alone to sort out its return to democracy, expressing opposition to international pressure on the Fijian Government, Ms Smith-Johns said. It is heartening to see that while we have political differences with Australia the report reveals that 74 per cent of people polled, warmly regarded Australians and that 81 per cent said Australia should lift all sanctions and re-establish normal relations with Fiji. Overall the report is extremely positive as stated in the report: The Fijian Government has promised it would improve basic services for the population. Its efforts to deliver services appear to have registered with citizens with 82 per cent saying the Government was doing a good job providing education, 71 per cent said it was doing a good job providing transport and 69 per cent said it was doing a good job delivering healthcare and health services. This clearly demonstrates that the Government is moving in the right direction and has the support of the people, Ms Smith-Johns add

'Bainimarama more popular than Gilliard'

The Ministry of Information permanent secretary Sharon SmithJohns says the recent Lowy Institute opinion poll shows the difference in quality of leadership between Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and that of the Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard. With a 66 per cent approval rating Prime Minister Bainimarama is almost three times more popular with the people of Fiji than the Prime Minister Gillard is with the people of Australia, Ms Smith-Johns said. The poll has proven that the Fijian Government is committed to the policies of good governance and has courage to do what is right for the people, if Fiji is to make progress. The citizens of Fiji approve of the Prime Minister and the Government by a huge margin. So if our own people think we're doing a good job and that's all that matters. And it's thanks to the Australians themselves in the form of the Lowy Institute. This by no means suggests there isnt still a massive amount of work to be done prior to elections in 2014. We have a long way to go, however it certainly indicates that the reforms are reaching the people and they approve of the direction the Bainimarama Government is taking them, Ms Smith-Johns added.

Indian Weekender | September 16, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

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heritage Fiji

Why Indian food is not just CUrrY

ram lINGam

Indian cuisine is probably the most diverse cuisine in the world but sadly the perception about Indian food is that of some curry. The heritage of Indian cuisine goes back thousands of years and boasts of an assorted menu of cuisines which includes at least 300 ways of cooking a potato. While Indian food is synonymous with curry, naan bread and pappadoms, there is scope for a better awareness of authentic Indian food, which is more than just curry.
For many a folks, Indian food means just curry and spices as if all Indians just munch curry every day and tagged as curry-munchers! Its like saying the Japanese are sushimunchers and Italians are pastamunchers. It is unfortunate that the image of Indian food has been pigeon-holed into a masala dabba. This perception is so ingrained that every time the Indian opens a lunch box, he/she gets asked Is it curry? Ask a typical Indian in India where you can have curry and in all likelihood, he/she would give you a blank look as this strange word curry is not found in the Indian vocabulary. The closest word is kari in Tamil or kadhi in Gujarati and Marathi. The general perception of Indian food comes from the takeaway curry in Indian restaurants or food courts. But what is not known is these popular foods are generally the ones reserved for special occasions. Anyway, here is a diversity test on Indian food. How many of us know about the Idiappam and Puttu from South India or the Maharashtrian Bhaakhar vadi, Ussal Vadaa and Pitla or the Bengali Macher Jol or Bangla Kichudi. Tried the Gujarati Ponk or Jowar Kichu? How about a Kashmiri Kahwa or the Garhwali Fanna? What about the Kumouni Mandua ki Roti, the Konkani Garadudde Paayas, the Odiya Jahni Posta or the Himachali Channa Madra? Because India is such a diverse country, even Indians might not know some of these recipes. Tell me what you eat, and Ill tell you who you are once said the renowned French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. Not sure how even a Brillat-Savarin would have fared in this test. Indian cuisine is plausibly the most varied food culture in the world that even within a state, there are different food preparations and food combinations. It is so complex that its difficult to define Indian cuisine. In fact, Indian cuisine is a misnomer as there is no such thing as one Indian cuisine. While the popular chicken tikka masalas and the nan breads have travelled far and wide into the food courts around the world, the authentic Indian and regional cuisine is still unexplored by the masses. Just take the loo (potato) recipes from India. Though it is well known that India has some 300 different ways to cook a potato, have a guess on how many loo recipes one could think of. The cookery website of Indias best selling cookery author and chef Tarla Dall has some 4000+ Indian recipes. The website has 900+ loo based recipes like dum loo, loo bhajia, loo bhaji, loo bonda, loo capsicum, loo chaat, loo chana chat, loo gobi masala, loo kachori, loo ki puri, loo ki sabzi, loo ki tikki, loo methi, loo mutter, loo pakora etc where loo is either the hero or the supporting actor. Add to that a few hundred complementary chutney recipes. The Indian menu card is actually a menu book with so many appetisers, breakfast items, main course meals, tiffin items, snacks, pickles, papads, salads, sweets, desserts, drinks that this food heritage is incomparable. Just a cursory look at any Indian sweets tells us that India has sweets that could be made of milk (rosogulla), wheat (halwa), rice (kheer) cereals and lentils (besan laddoo), vegetables (carrot halwa) or fruits etc. Given this depth and diversity, the menu cards in Indian restaurants hardly reflect the variety in Indias cuisine. What an overseas Indian family eats at home is rarely the same flavour and taste to what is available in Indian restaurants. The locals only exposure to Indian food is through Indian restaurants and most people don't have enough interaction with Indian families to see what is eaten on a daily basis. Moreover, when one goes to these Indian food joints, one gets asked a surprising question How would you like it mild, medium or hot? By the way some even give a fourth option i.e. the Extreme! Bring it on option. Go to a regular dhaaba in Punjab or a restaurant in Chennai and ask for mild food, the guy will respond with a whaaat? and a strange look specially reserved for a desi NRI. Indian Cuisine is not just about diverse food preparations but the serving traditions also play an important part. Remember the shaadi ka khaana and the way each item is served sequentially in right portions. Traditionally served, every food item comes in one thli (big plate). So we have a North Indian thli, South Indian thli, Rajasthani thli, Punjabi thli, Mrwri thli, Gujarati thli, Maharashtrian thli etc. The art of cookery has been so perfected in the 10,000 year old continuous Indian civilisation that besides the flavour they also have excellent health value. Many recipes that are based on Ayurvedic principles not only satisfy the taste buds but also take care of the physical wellbeing. The goodness in the masalas used widely in Indian cooking is also well-documented and the subject of regular research. So Indian food is not just one type of food. Served authentically in the right portion size, it can be the right food for the right climate.

health

Trained Sniffer Dogs Help to Screen Lung Cancer

The 220 patients to be tested fell into three groups: a) 110 healthy people b) 60 with lung cancer and c) 50 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is a lung disease, caused by the narrowing of the lung airways.
22
in the diagnosis of lung cancer, but we still need to precisely identify the compounds observed in the exhaled breath of patients. It is unfortunate that dogs cannot communicate the biochemistry of the scent of cancer!"he exclaims. As it is not possible for dogs to be present in clinical settings, researchers are working on "electronic noses" which would substitute the dogs. Science information officer at Cancer Research UK, Dr Laura McCallum, said: "Although there are now some intriguing studies suggesting that dogs may be able to smell cancer in some situations, we're still a long way from understanding exactly which 'smelly molecules' they are detecting and if these studies are accurate". "Because it would be extremely difficult to use dogs in the clinic, further research is being carried out to learn more about these molecules that are released from tumors and whether devices such as 'electronic noses' could help sniff them out," Laura remarked. The study has been published in the European Respiratory Journal.

Scientists in Germany have found that sniffer dogs are very reliable when it comes to detecting lung cancer. The researchers used trained sniffer dogs, - two German shepherds, an Australian shepherd and a Labrador, to detect lung cancer by using their sharp sense of smell. It has been understood that tumors produce volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), which a dog can smell out. The 220 patients to be tested fell into three groups: a) 110 healthy

people b) 60 with lung cancer and c) 50 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is a lung disease, caused by the narrowing of the lung airways. The subjects breathed into a fleece-filled tube, which absorbed all sorts of smells. The dogs were made to breathe into the tubes; they sat down in front of those tubes in which they could "smell" cancer. It is to the dogs' credit that the success rate of this screening was 71% and that they did not get con-

fused with chemicals linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or smoking. Dr Thorsten Walles, from Schillerhoehe Hospital, who is the chief investigator says: "In the breath of patients with lung cancer, there are likely to be different chemicals to normal breath samples and the dogs' keen sense of smell can detect this difference at an early stage of the disease. Our results confirm the presence of a stable marker for lung cancer". "This is a big step forward

Indian Weekender | September 16, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Bollywood

Y-Films unveils mujhse Fraaandship Karoge

Mumbai: Yash Raj Films new youth films studio, Y-Films, kick-started the marketing of its next production by unveiling the first look poster of Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge. A romantic comedy set against the backdrop of social networking, Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge tells the story of two losers, Vishal & Preity who fake their identities online to woo two really hot people, Malvika & Rahul. Little do they know that the person they totally hate in real life is the same person, theyve fallen in love with online. The filmmarks the debut of 4 very talented actors, Saqib Saleem, Saba Azad, Tara DSouza & Nishant Dahiya

ok love story Facebo its first song gets

besides director, Nupur Asthana who was previously known for hugely popular cult TV shows like Hip Hip Hurray & Mahi

Way and one of the most talented indie musicians of India, Raghu Dixit as composer. The film releases October 14.

tities online to fake their iden , ly hot people as first Face woo two real Mumbai: Indi e ul. y Mujhs Malvika & Rah book love stor ow that (MFK ) ttle do they kn dship Karoge Li Fraaan te in they totally ha f with a rothe person has star ted of person, atting, same about ch real life is the mantic song ve with ell, lots of ve fallen in lo , liking and w they poking online. flirting. the debut hu Dixit, one The film marks Scored by Rag t talented m, -Saqib Salee ys mos of four actors of the countr ra ns, Baatein Saba A zad, Ta indie musicia & Nishant Daen sung by DSouza Shuru has be . director Nupur and Joi Barua hiya- besides Shefali Alvares ly antic comwas previous MFK is a rom Asthana, who e Hip drop shows lik t the back known for TV edy set agains ay and of tworking. ray & Mahi W Hip Hur of social ne Dixit. dship Mujhse Fraaan course, Raghu stor y of two oge tells the Kar & Preity who losers, Vishal

Salmans celluloid demotion generates revenue MOVIE REVIEW

j P moNdal
Salman Khan appeared on this Eid as Bodyguard Lovely Singh in the Atul Agnihotri produced and Siddique directed film Bodyguard. As a follow up to his ongoing screen demotion, he took up the mantle of a private bodyguard in his latest release, down from an IPS officer in Wanted and Sub-inspector in Dabbang. The success of his films however, seems to be inversely proportional to his demotion and perhaps this film will also earn a lot of revenue sans the critical accolades. It is a top grosser already. The PloT: The movie opens with Lovely Singh being assigned to protect Divya (Kareena Kapoor), the daughter of Sartaj Singh (Raj Babbar), protecting whom Lovelys father had died. Divya is in fatal danger from Sartajs foe (Aditya Panchali and his clan). Salman now has the duty to follow Divya and her friend Maya (Hazel Keech) everywhere they go (even to ladies toilet) and this ensured some funny moments on the college campus. Lovely also has the job to teach them selfdefence and give them fitness training. All these fall hard on Divya and her friend. So Divya attempts to distract Lovely by making fake calls as Chaya and tries to portray Chaya as a girl who has fallen deeply in love with Lovely. Divya has fun playing dual roles and Lovely slowly falls in love with Chaya (or rather her voice) while protecting Divya from all sorts of danger. Lovely fights off the goons who attack Divya at a party killing one of the brothers of the clan lord played by Aditya Pancholi. Divya gets highly impressed as she watches Lovely to be deeply in love with Chaya and yet keeps his duty as first priority which he does by protecting Divya from bullets, knives and even aimed pen-caps. And no points for guessing, that in the aftermath of all that, Divya really starts falling in love with Lovely and the after-drama begins. To Lovely, Divya is his madamji and the daughter of his god-worshipped malik. Divya neither finds it possible to remove Chaya from Lovelys heart nor has she the courage to tell him the truth. She is also afraid that her family would never accept her marriage to Lovely. Amidst all this confusion of dual roles, bodies flying and muscles flexing, word reaches her parents ear that she is in love with Lovely and is planning to elope with him. Quite predictably, crisis strikes from all angles in this potboiler and Divya is attacked by the gang from which Lovely was protecting her. Lovely mashes the goons like potato and once again single-handedly plays the superman without the cape. Then just when the audience felt a glimmer of hope at a slight reprieve from all the sweaty action following an age old storyline, climax after climax ensues. Divya saves Salman from her fathers outburst by telling him that she is not his love and his love is waiting at the station. To establish it she sends her friend Maya to pose as Chaya whom Salman had never seen. Maya was supposed to reveal the truth to Lovely as soon as the situation is under control. (Maya rhyming with Chaya and a hunk named Lovely, I think someone ran out of actual believable names or perhaps the characters are based on a true story from the 60s. Any guesses anyone?) Maya however, suddenly joins the mix and having secretly nurtured feelings for Lovely, she betrays Divya and settles with him. But if you thought thats the end then boy you are wrong. After a few years, Lovelys son learns of this story through a diary which his mother had left for him (Maybe the kid thought of making the movie; that could explain a lot.). Then when Lovely pays a visit to ailing Sartajs house his son asks Divya, who unbelievably has been waiting dutifully for her prince charming, to be his mother. Shocked? Don't be, Just consult the recent Bollywood dictionary and look up the word plot; I am sure you will find the answer, that is if there is such a word in the recent version! Predictably Sartaj gives his approval and the destined lovers finally met. Lovely soon finds out that Divya was the real (actually unreal) Chaya and an obvious mushy-mushy happy ending follows so that you can come out of the theatre and go to the gym to work on your own hopes of loosing that MBA job and getting those mean muscles that Sallu, the bodyguard, has. And if you are thinking about future and money, then don't worry, this bodyguard life gets you all that you need with the Lovely girl as surplus. But as ever the latter was the showstopper as Lovely flaunts them whenever there is a chance to do so. Salman has tried hard to imbibe the body language of a hardcore bodyguard and to a good extent had achieved it. He also portrays the soft side of his character with a touch of experienc Kareena Kapoor has done fairly a good job as Divya. She seems to be slightly more mature as she did not allow her ownself intruding into her character. Still her character is quite Kareenatic, but one can blame that on the stereotype script. The supporting cast did their job professionally. Rajat Rawaii was the comic relief as Tsunami Singh and this overweight character seemed to be a bit overused in the film. Hazel Keech as Maya earned good attention of the audience as the second lead actress. Thinking of making a film? Well its easy and for recent pointers you can take a look at director Siddique. Take a south Indian potboiler, translate it and just copy-paste the end product on the screen with an overkill of large muscles and overdrawn action sequences. Siddique maintained a continuous steadiness throughout the film and exploited Salman and his muscles as much as possible. The stunt of Lovely Singh will give blushes to even Spiderman and Batman. Thus the longevity of Rajnistyle was again proved through Bodyguard. The director brings a blend of softness and hard punches to Salmans character, which is the current overused formula. The particular scene just before interval where Lovely at first seemed to hug Kareena but seconds later it was revealed that he actually posed himself to repel a fatal knife attack on her deserves much appreciation if this would have been an Abbas-Mastan thriller but then again this is Telegu-Bollywood we are talking about, so anything goes. veRDICT: Bodyguard has all the elements to be a super hit from action, comedy romance, an item number from Katrina and the expected twist at the end, despite the shallow storyline. Bodyguard is a film which will entertain you if action and muscular posing is you trivia of the day or else move back and let your unfortunate friends tell you what they think of this Sallu flick.

DIReCTIon AnD ACTInG: Salman acted well enough in this film despite the opportunities (or rather the lack if it) and it will be wrong to say that his muscles did all the talking for him.

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No time to date: ranveer Singh

Mumbai: Actor Ranveer Singh just stormed into our hearts with his electrifying performance in Band Baaja Baaraat, and one thing in this movie that we were all talking about was the chemistry. Then to further heat the flames, the stories started flocking in; Sonakshi Sinha and other Bollywood babes started getting their names linked with this casanova. We caught up with Ranveer and to our surprise he opened up more then expected. It amuses me the amount of curiosity that surrounds my love life. I do have friends in the industry, and a lot of them are female, but Im not dating any of them. I am only interested in building my career right now. Love will happen when it has to. Im not looking for it, but if it happens it happens, he said. So here it is people, straight from the horses mouth. Ranveer Singh is very much single but it doesnt look like he is willing to mingle.

Sonakshi Sinha unveils Puma's A/W shoes

New Delhi: Actor Sonakshi Sinha launched sports lifestyle company Puma's new Autumn Winter collection shoes- Faas-in Gurgaon recently. The collection is grounded in performance and features a biomechanical design technology exclusive to Puma, called BioRide,that provides a naturally responsive ride helping runners get into their own rhythm for increased speed and performance," said the company. At the same event, the Jamaican carnival and the hunt for citys own Bolt began at Ambi Mall, Gurgoan. The participants needed to test their running speed by running on the treadmill or speed track. Dabang beauty Sonakshi Sinha was present to cheer on the runners. The three fastest runners won gift vouchers worth 15k, 12k and 10k and also got a chance to get a free photo at the photo booth by doing the Faas test. DJ Reggae pumped up and churned out some of the best mixes along with the Jamaican dancers who enticed one and all with the deftness of their spinning moves. Rajiv Mehta, Puma India Managing Director, said, Faas running shoes are fast as fast can be, lightweight and come with everything you need for running, and nothing more. The trademarked BioRide

maruti Suzuki ritz enters reality TV

Mumbai: Riding high on the success of its family car Ritz, automobile major Maruti Suzuki is all set to invade the TV sets by bringing an all new reality show RitzJeele ye pal. The reality show goes on air from Sept 10. Ritz Jeele ye pal has been specially designed in association with LIN TV, a division of Lintas Media Group to connect and engage with its customers. Talking about the uniqueness of Ritz JLYP, Mr. Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India, said, The Ritz has a special place in Maruti Suzuki portfolio. Pegged for young families, the Ritz has gradually strengthened its position with the Indian buyers and their families. "We are confident this programme will help us engage with the young families even better. Ritz Jeele ye pal is a perfect platform where a family can sit together and enjoy the goodness of Ritz while being engaged with the adventure and action. Ritz Jeele Ye Pal show will see teams of 6 celebrities and their mates embark on a fun filled and exciting journey with their constant companion - Ritz. Ritz Jeele ye pal will be telecast on Star Plus over 6 weekends, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30pm starting on Sept 10. The 6 teams comprise of a television celebrity paired with a team mate selected from a country wide audition. The show which will span across 12 power packed episodes, encompassing emotion, drama and happiness will bring out a fitting articulation of the brand Ritzs promise Live the Moment. The contestants will traverse the journey of Ritz Jeele ye pal filled with both tough and easy challenges. The celebrity contestants include Kinshuk Mahajan, Annupriya Kapoor, Karan Wahi, Rati Pandey, Gaurav Khanna and Pavitra Puniya. The celebrity winner will receive the grand prize of living their dream vacation and the teammate wins a brand new Maruti Suzuki Ritz.

technology was developed by observing the fastest athletes associated with the brand, such as Usain Bolt, and studying their movement and foot placement. He further said, Different running styles require different padding and flexibility, so Puma has released the Faas range of shoes in 3 lines 250, 300 and 500, and we shall release more variants in the near future. Priced at Rs 3,999 (Faas 300) and Rs 5,999 (Faas 500), the range from Autumn/Winter 2011 features bright, bold colors with overlays and design details for each style.

Mithun's Nobel Chor reaches London

Anna Hazare in Marathi film

Mumbai: The struggle of anticorruption activist Anna Hazare will be captured on celluloid as a Matathi film will be made on the Gandhian. Arun Nalawade of Oscarnominated film Shwaas, will be playing Anna in 'Mala Anna Vhyaychay' (I want to become Anna) to be produced and directed by Ganesh Shinde. By watching television, I have already started learning Anna's body language and am trying to imitate his voice. Playing Anna is the biggest challenge in my life in New Delhi where Hazare fasted for a stronger Lokpal Bill. "I have also taken some shots from Mumbai and Ralegansiddhi of the agitations supporting Hazare," Shinde told Mid-Day. "This film is about an unsuccessful heart-broken youth who goes to commit suicide, but gets inspired by Hazare's work and finds the real purpose of his life," he said. Anna fasted for 12 days demanding a stronger Lokpal Bill to be passed by the Parliament. He broke his fast on Sunday.

and I am reading up on him. I shall try to give justice to the role," Nalawade was quoted as saying by Mid-Day. Shinde has already done some live shooting at Ramleela Maidan

Kolkata: Its raining good news for Bengali film Nobel Chor (Nobel Thief) and its makers. Producer Ashwani Sharma on Friday announced that Mithun Chakraborty-starrer Nobel Chor has been officially selected for screening in the 55th BFI London Film Festival 2011 from Oct 12th -27th. It will be shown in the World section and will be have two screenings. The occasion will be presented as the European Premiere of the film. The film will also be showcased at 16th Busan International Film Festival in Korea. The film will be first having its World Premiere in 16th Busan

International Film Festival where it will be shown in the Section A Window on Asian Cinema and will have three screenings from October 6th 14th 2011, said director Suman Ghosh. Actor Mithun Chakraborty plays the main lead Bhanu, who finds the Nobel Medal of world bard Rabindranath Tagore which was stolen from Shantiniketan in 2004. What happens to the medal and Bhanu in a turn of events forms the storyline of Nobel Chor. Another Bengali icon Soumitra Chatterjee stars in the role of Mastermoshai in the film. Well-known actors like Harsh Chhaya and Rupa Ganguly also star in the film in important characters.

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Indian Weekender presents

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Indian

Bollywood
Los Angeles/Mumbai: Universal Music Group (UMG), the worlds leading music company, and Desi Hits!, the world's premier East / West fusion entertainment platform, have signed a worldwide recording agreement with Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra. As part of this global deal, Priyanka, the heartthrob of millions and the reigning queen of Indian cinema, will release her highly anticipated debut music album in North America with Desi Hits through Interscope Records and in other International markets on Island Records UK. A trained Western Classical singer, Priyanka is currently in the studio, writing and recording her debut pop album, which will be sung in English. Troy Carter, CEO of Atom Factory, who also manages Lady Gaga, has signed with Priyanka to manage her music career across the globe. "It has been a long cherished dream which is finally coming true," said Priyanka about her music debut. "I am truly excited to have an opportunity to present my musical dimension on a world platform. I am privileged to be a part of the Universal Music - Desi Hits! family and to be working with some of the most illustrious names in the music industry. This is a fascinating new experience for me and I am thoroughly enjoying the journey," added Priyanka. Priyanka is also the first major international signing for Desi Hits, which was founded by Anjula Acharia-Bath in partnership with UMG in 2010 as the preeminent home for highly creative artists with Indian/ South Asian roots. Acharia-Bath, the Chief Executive of fusion multi-platform media company Desi Hits!, flew to India with UMG UK Chief Executive David Joseph to sign on Priyanka. Priyanka is an international superstar who has captivated millions around the world. Her foray into the American music industry meets the vision of our company, which strives to fuse the best of the eastern and western culture to create magic. Its truly a dream come true, and we are very excited to bring this multi-talented artist to the rest of the world, said Anjula Acharia-Bath, CEO of Desi Hits! Pop music has always had a love affair with Indian culture and with Priyanka's unique talent and experience, we have the opportunities to push the boundaries of popular culture, stated Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. I feel this is an amazing opportunity for all of us. Bollywood has had Priyanka to itself for too long, commented David Joseph, Chairman and Chief Executive of Universal Music UK. She has exceptional talent and we look forward to launching her recording career around the world. "We believe wholeheartedly in Priyanka's talent, drive, and creative vision," stated Anthony Saleh, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Atom Factory. "We are confident in Priyanka's ability to redefine pop music on her own terms" Her music debut will add another dimension to this actor, humanitarian, green crusader and brand ambassador. Priyanka, one of the most recognized talents in Indian cinema, is a recipient of the prestigious Indian National Film Awards amongst many others. She is acknowledged as one of the most versatile actors with many path breaking performances. Priyanka is also actively involved in her role as the National Ambassador for UNICEF in India and the Green Ambassador of a nationwide environment awareness campaign in India.

Newly-wed Celina Jaitley Priyanka Chopra debuts in pop music wishes her fans

Mumbai: Ever since Bollywood actor Celina Jaitley announced her marriage with boyfriend Peter Hagg on Twitter, she is busy thanking her fans and well-wishers on the micro blogging site. "Thank you again for the many thousands of wishes pouring in for r wedding from all over the world.. Peter & myself r very touched and blessed," she tweeted to her fans. Her marriage remained a secret affair till the model-turned-actor disclosed it herself. "Beloved tweeple. ..With great pleasure I would like to announce my wedding with @peterhaag on

the 23rd of last month at a thousand year old monastery in Austria. We seek your blessings and good wishes, and apologise for the delayed announcement due to a family tragedy," she had announced on Twitter on Aug 27. She got married to Dubai-based Austrian hotelier Peter Hagg on July 23. The couple, who has been seeing each other for nearly one-and-ahalf years, tied the nuptial knot in a 1000-year-old monastery in Austria. The picture posted by Celina with her hubby shows her wearing a white printed saree.

Beauty tips

skin Care in spring

TIPs TO lOOk AfTer yOurself DurING sPrING The bright spring sun brings with it new skin problems, namely sun damage. Human skin is very sensitive to the sun and if not protected, brown spots, wrinkles and dehydration will damage the skin.

The sun activates the skin ageing process. In addition, overexposure to the sun can bring chronic damage, which in turn may lead to skin cancer. More than 90 % of all skin cancer is caused by sun exposure. We are exposed to the sun, directly or indirectly, nearly every day. We often see women with higher hyperpigmentation and more wrinkles on the left side of the face than on the right. This is driver damage. You need to remember that a window does not protect the skin and you may be receiving more sun that you realize. How can we safely protect the skin, yet get some sun that we all need for good health? Here are a few precautionary steps you can take; Do not sunbathe, but try to get a little sun in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid sun exposure especially between 9am 5pm, the peak hours for harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

When outdoor during time of strong sunshine, use sunscreen . When you must be exposed to intense sunlight, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long sleeved shirts, broad brimmed hats and UV protective sunglasses. sHAHNAZ HusAIN suN PrOTeCTION PrODuCTs: 1. shahnaz forever sPf 30 Moisturiser ( $ 12.50 ) Specially designed to provide broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation, the formulation offers total protection from sun damage and moisturise depletion. Containing natural rehydrants and emollients, it nourishes the skin and also provides intensive moisturisation. Easily absorbed, it keeps the skin soft, radiant and youthful, with an even colour. 2. shascreen Ayurvedic sunblock lotion ( $ 35.00) This formulation contains herbal ingredients to absorb the harmful ultraviolet rays. A unique

blend of natural botanical extracts, it helps in counteracting the drying, burning and the ageing effects of the sun. 3. shablock Ayurvedic sunblock Cream ( $ 39.00 ) The formulation is enriched with herbal ingredients that have an in-built resistance to ultraviolet radiation. It provides the skin with an intensive moisturising system, protecting it from sun-damage and making it soft and smooth. Treatments- As a response to precise and individual requirements, Shahnaz Husain Group offers wide and varied ranges, specially designed to provide ideal skin, hair and body care. Experience the unique benefit of an integrated system of clinic care and product excellence There are a few customised and specialised treatments available for sun damage or pigmented skin available at Shahnaz Husain. Bring this advertisement when you book in an appointment and get 20% off the original price.

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Bollywood
What do you think about the new generation of singers? You know what, I am scared for the new generation of singers. I have sung so many songs how many more will I sing? But what will the new generation do? Now-adays, no record company is ready to release new albums in face of piracy and internet downloading. What will happen to the new singerswill they stop singing if they dont get films! If you do stage shows, you get money, but in the process, the shouting takes a toll on your voice. We seriously need to stop this piracy thing or else the singers will be in deep trouble. But the new talents get platform at reality shows Now-a-days we can pick and bring anyone at reality showsthe Boogie Woogie types. Say, for three months the person stays 247 in front of public eye, he gets his two minute fame. But what happens after the show is over? The saas bahu serial (Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi) went for years people got addicted to it. But now that the serial has gone off air, who remembers it? You have reigned for decades, you have seen the changing times. Why do you think, we dont get soothing melodies like Paan khaye saiyaan humaro now-a-days? The films have changed totally.let aside the songs. Name a recent film where you can spot a soothing village scene or find an innocent Gaon ki chhori singing love tunes for her beloved! Sorry to say, there is hardly a sensible music director or a lyricist around at present. See what sort of film titles we have?Kaminey cant even differentiate if its a film or an abuse. Earlier, the mahaul was something elseUttambabu (actor Uttam Kumar) stage pe aate the, toh hum mar jaate the jawani mein. Now its all about cheekhna chillana. We only get dance songs without situations in films. So, you do miss Pancham (husband and music composer RD Burman) now? Why only PanchamI miss Kishore (Kumar), Rafi, Latadidi (Mangeshkar) everyonethose times were different. We used to have so much fun at recordings if I start telling you it will take at least four days to complete. I used to teach Hindi to Pancham. But he never taught me BengaliI learnt the language by listening to RD converse with his Bengali friends like Kishore in-between recordings. Now-adays I dont feel like singing in films. And as it is, there wont be a second Asha. With whom did you enjoy singing duets most? Latadidibecause there was always this challenge within that kuch karna hi hai (I have to do something special). Even today, there is a Lata-Asha comparison That comparison is unavoidable because we are sisters. And since I am the younger one, people will tend to compare my singing with her. Had I been from outside the family, these things could have been avoided. Is there anything more that you want to achieve in life? What I want is not important, what happens, is. I have never planned life because it is not necessary that what I fix, will be fulfilled. My life has taken me from one place to anotheran ordinary woman like me has got name, fame, RD, family, children, grandchildren, respectwhat else can I want. But given a choice, I have twin grandsonsI want to dance at their weddings. Any plans for your birthday on Sept 8? No plans yet (smiles).

Asha turns 78 but her voice is ageless

mumbai: Veteran singer Asha Bhosle turned 78 on September 8.

With a career spanning over six decades, Asha has done playback singing for over 1000 Bollywood movies. She has recorded many private albums and has participated in numerous concerts in India and abroad and was in New Zealand recently. Correspondent Sreya Basu in conversation with Asha Bhosle:

Shraddha goes Green this Ganpati

Mumbai: The festival of Lord Ganesha is back and actor Shraddha Kapoor the leading actress of Luv ka the End and Teen Patti, is as excited as ever. Sources have it that her family always bring Ganesha to their home and Shraddha, ever since she can remember she was overjoyed to have Ganpati Bappa home. Its been a ritual, I've grown up worshipping Ganesha every year of my entire life & am blessed to celebrate the festival in my very own home. It is important to keep our culture and timeless beliefs in mind," says the young Bollywood starlet. She shows a lot of maturity as she goes on to talk about tradition going hand in hand with protecting the environment. "In recent years our society has started understanding that this beautiful festival is not the problem, the really issue in hand is the POP idols immersions and the plastic bags with flowers which have been damaging our mother earth for so many years so thus came the introduction of the Eco friendly Green Ganesha." I do believe that we have to care for planet earth and adapt according to its needs to preserve it and make it better. Hence Green Ganesha, I strongly support it & will be making sure that just like its inception, this year as well, I bring a Green Ganesha to my house and urge everone not to dump plastic in the sea," she says. Well honestly its very encouraging to see young Bollywood adapt and try and change traditions to bring way for a brighter future.

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Column
dont buy it / dont preserve it in the pantry Ensure you keep healthy snacks handy, fruit, nuts, trim milk, dairy food / yoghurts and healthy fruit bars are good choices, dont stock cookies , cakes , muffins , ice-cream or chocolates (leave them far enough out of your reach or hidden in the pantry) If your mind tends to divert to food, eat a (healthy) snack first dont starve as this can worsen it, go for a walk or talk to a friend, the brain needs a few minutes to wind off that craving. Ensure you keep all unhealthy snacks out of reach from your kids too - best is dont purchase and keep it for treats only, mind the portion sizes of the treats too. Be alert 24/7 - this means condition your sub-conscious mind about not eating the wrong foods, this develops into a habit for life eventually. Be active, it has wonderful effect on cravings and makes you feel better. Never starve, eat when hungry, it reduces the chances of binge eating. Till next time Be happy and eat healthy.This article is a general guideline ONLY, if you have any medical condition and for individual conditions you should consult a health professional or your medical practitioner immediately. Varsha Asrani is a New Zealand registered clinical dietitian, for personal consultations, queries, suggestions and feedback she can be contacted on info@ varshaasrani.com

Snacking Is it right?
varSha aSraNI

l Back from work at 5 pm and dinner at 7 pm - Are you feeling hungry? l Catching a late night movie and you want to nibble on something - may be? l Unable to sleep as too stressed with the days activities craving for a chocolate bar to cheer up the mood. l Finish the leftover pack of chips my little daughter was munching
All of the above are not reasons for needy eating but enforced ways of feeding yourself, even when you are not hungry? Wonder why this happens? The so called craving or urge to eat or whatever you call it, is not advisable!! Majority of my clients mention they eat involuntarily due to some other activity and not when the body needs it This snacking or grazing can add extra calories to your daily intake and eventually impact the waistline. Often eating can be just a pleasurable activity and is used to combat stress but unfortunately this is just our belief and not a fact. Keeping the pantry or the fridge open and gazing at it can tempt you to eat at unusual times but more often dig in to the tempting chocolate bars or the cookie which may be a bad choice. Mums generally tend to finish off leftovers from their loved ones thinking they are expected to do this.stop doing sothis is not needed .chuck it away . your stomach is not a rubbish bin. Eating while cooking or cleaning is common however these add up to your calories, make sure you snack on healthier options like a fruit before you enter the kitchen. Snacking itself is not a bad activity, as a fact it is recommended to have 3 meals and 3 snacks a day which help prevent the urge to binge however it is important to realise the limitations of snacking and that your bodies do count everything that you eat , it doesnt discriminate .so being mindful is the first thing If you dont have the self control,

reCIPe
By Ruby Dhillon

DAHI BHALLA
INGreDIeNTs
250g urad dal tsp- cumin seeds ( jeera) tsp- salt Oil- to deep fry Wash and soak dal in enough water overnight. Drain off excess water the following day and grind dal to a smooth paste adding 2 or 3 tablespoons of water to it if it is too thick. In a pan fry cumin seeds and add to the batter half a teaspoon of salt. Heat sufficient oil in a wok. With tablespoon drop bhalla batter in it and fry until light golden. Drain on to an absorbent paper. These are now called bhallas.

DHAI ( CurD)
3cups- curd tsp- sugar tsp- red chilli powder 1tsp- roasted cumin powder tsp- rock salt (kala namak) Add all the ingredients to the curd and beat it.

TAMArIND CHuTNey
15- dates (khajur) 1tsp roasted cumin powder cup- gur grated (jaggery) 1cup- tamarind pulp tsp- rock salt (kala namak) 1tsp- red chilli powder Salt according to taste Wash, stone dates and chop roughly. Mix together dates, jaggery, tamarind pulp, cumin powder, rock salt, red chilli powder and salt into six cups of water. Cook on medium heat until it comes to a boil, reduce heat and continue to cook for six to eight minutes and then cool it.

TO ArrANGe THe BHAllAs

cup- mint chutney 1 inch- ginger piece cut into thin strips 2tbsp- coriander leaves chopped Red chilli powder and cumin powder Put bhallas in sufficient quantity of hot water. Leave for two minutes. Squeeze between your palms to drain out water. Place bhallas on a plate and cover with curd. Add mint chutney and tamarind chutney. Sprinkle red chilli powder and roasted cumin powder on top. Garnish with coriander leaves, ginger julienne and serve.

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