A-DesiFlava Magzine Sep-Oct 2021 issue by A-Desiflava Magazine

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Volume 10 | Issue 3 | SEP-OCT 2021

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HONG KONG’S FIRST LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH ASIANS

A-DESIFLAVA'S

GAURAV PARDESHI "FRANKLY SPEAKING, I DON’T KNOW HOW I CAN MANAGE AND MULTI-TASK SO MANY THINGS AT THE SAME TIME" "MY BRAIN HAS TOO MANY TABS OPEN, EITHER I AM SCREWING UP SEVERAL THINGS OR I'M LEARNING AND PROGRESSING EACH DAY"

PARDESHI UNSTOPPABLE An Entrepreneur Upholding Sustainability & Perseverance While Running Multiple Ventures

OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE FOUNDER OF THIS MAGAZINE

灣仔就業博覽 – 共創多元文化工作間 Wan Chai Job Expo – Building a Multicultural Workplace

即場傳譯服務支援少數族裔人士 On-site Interpretation Service for Ethnic Minorities

即場招聘 On-the-spot Recruitment

培訓課程資訊及就業服務小型展覽

超過40間參與機構提供大量不同行業職位空缺

Training Course Information and Mini Exhibition on Employment Services

Over 40 participating organisations provide many job vacancies from various industries

SEP SEP

14-15 14-15

14/9/2021-15/9/2021 星期二及星期三 Tuesday & Wednesday

11:00 – 17:30

最後入場時間17:00 Last admission at 17:00

灣仔修頓場館1樓（港鐵灣仔站A3出口） 1/F, Southorn Stadium, Wan Chai (MTR Wan Chai Station Exit A3) 有關詳情，請於2021年9月1日或之後瀏覽www.jobs.gov.hk。 Please visit www.jobs.gov.hk for details on or after 1 September 2021.

查詢 Enquiries: 2153 3982

•入場人士可獲紀念品一份，送完即止 You can get a souvenir for joining the event while stock lasts

注意 Important Note

•費用全免

Free Admission

場內將因應疫情最新發展和入場人數採取適當感染控制或人流管制措施。 Appropriate infection or crowd control measures taking into account the latest epidemic developments and number of visitors will be implemented at the venue. 如活動當日上午8時正，天文台已發出8號預警，或8號或以上熱帶氣旋警告信號 / 黑色暴雨警告信號 / 因超強颱風（或其他大規模天災）而發出的「極端情況」公布正生效，當日之活動將告取消。 If a Pre-No.8 Special Announcement is issued, or Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above / Black Rainstorm Warning Signal / announcement of “extreme conditions” arising from a super typhoon or other natural disaster of a substantial scale is in force at 8 am on the event day, the event that day will be cancelled.

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From the

EDITOR Dear Readers, Who says Hong Kong does not have enough jobs for non-Chinese and non-Cantonese-speaking people? The answer to your job hunts would end here. Wan Chai Job Expo from 14/9/2021-15/9/2021 at 1/F, Southorn Stadium, Wan Chai (MTR Wan Chai Station Exit A3). This expo is Building a Multicultural Workplace, with On-the-spot Recruitment, On-site Interpretation Service for Ethnic Minorities & Over 40 participating organizations from various industries. Please make sure you attend this job fair, get a job, and make us proud by working in the best of the best organizations in Hong Kong. All the best my job-seeking friends! I am glad to present to you the latest issue of our magazine. To begin this print issue let me introduce myself. My name is Adin Simoens and I have just joined as an assistant editor with A-Desiflava Magazine, I have always loved content writing and editing. When I was presented with this opportunity, I jumped on it immediately. The privilege to write and edit a Hong Kong-based magazine is rare and I enjoy every moment of it. We’ve covered many topics this month which I will explain In brief. But before I do so let me take a moment to ask how you are doing. With the COVID seemingly in control in Hong Kong and again on the rise in India with the 3rd wave, I hope every one of you is fully vaccinated. Beginning my journey as an assistant editor of A-Desiflava magazine, and knowing more about the founder, his background, and his struggles, I knew it made complete sense to put Gaurav Pardeshi on the COVER STORY this time. Gaurav Sir was very hesitant in doing this Interview article, but I pushed him to the corner saying “it is not just the magazine that you do, but you are a serial entrepreneur and nothing can stop you from creating something new, hence you are Unstoppable.” In this issue our COVER STORY ‘Pardeshi Unstoppable’ (our CEO), An Entrepreneur Upholding Sustainability & Perseverance while Running Multiple Ventures. Understanding the events and struggles of handling a large-scale business venture in both Hong Kong and India. He explains that success doesn’t come easily. BUZZ-IN-TOWN, we try to understand the different outcomes regarding the future of Afghanistan. While predictions are difficult to make regarding a situation as volatile as that in Afghanistan, these are offered to further illustrate the complexity and impact of Afghanistan Pakistan ties on regional stability. FEATURED, Every Indian living in Hong Kong knows this notorious place called Chung King mansion, lets get some inside story about this naughty yet the most interesting hub of south Asians in the heart of Hong Kong. Many tourists who would forget the complicated name of this place, would recall it as ‘The Little India of Hong Kong’ , the article written by Manju Mishra tells us how she’s had a conversation with a local who has been working in the mansion for over 21 years and the experiences he’s had. DID YOU KNOW?, We also cover a new amendment in the sex discrimination ordinance Since 19 June 2021, women in Hong Kong are protected from discrimination and harassment on the grounds of breastfeeding under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance. The relevant amendments to the Ordinance were made through the Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2020 and the Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, and passed by the Legislative Council in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Niru Vishwanath with the equal opportunities commission addresses problems faced by women on being discriminated against for breastfeeding in public and how the new amendment makes it easier for women not to be treated differently or discriminated against. SPIRITUAL LIVING, Bhavna Sharma explains to us how you can make your life trouble-free by planting a Shami tree. We all face so many problems in our lives, let it be with money, relationships, stress and so many other issues that we deal with on a day-to-day basis. Did you know there is an Indian belief in this awesome plant called Shami, which gives you a remedy for almost every kind of problem in your life? To those readers who enjoy the movement of stars, spiritual living, and works of the universe, I have also received Your SeptemberOctober Horoscopes from a renowned astrologer Christine Broadbent who’s spent almost 30 years in her field. I sincerely hope you enjoyed this months print issue as it is my first one if you would like to give me any feedback on the same you can email or get in touch with us at -gp@aplomhk.com

Thanking you,

Adin Simoens An A-Desiflava Magazine Assistant Editor

Why advertise with A-DesiFlava magazine?

• Running consistently for 10 years • Readership of over 10,000 south Asians living in Hong Kong

EDITORIAL: Gaurav Pardeshi (Chief Editor)

PUBLISHER: Neha Gaurav Pathak

DESIGN CONSULTANT: Julian Fernando

• Registered with the Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration Department of Hong Kong • A complete family lifestyle magazine • A sneak preview to South Asian lives in HK

To advertise with us, Please call +852 64166777 Or email us on agm@aplomhk.com

FOR ADVERTISEMENTS PLEASE CONTACT: Phone: +852 9543 3660 Email: gp@aplomhk.com PRINTED BY: 01 Printing Limited, Suite M, 3/F, Tower 3, 448 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong Industrial Center, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: +852 28111183

DISCLAIMER: No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission. The publisher, layout designer, Contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, error or omissions take on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The views expressed in A-Desiflava are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor layout designer or contributors. The publisher, layout designer and editor cannot he held responsible for difference of opinion or statements published in good faith. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that the are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to other of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised.

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CONTENTS

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Pardeshi Unstoppable An Entrepreneur Upholding Sustainability & Perseverance while Running Multiple Ventures

Future of Afghanistan

Be The Change HK Ltd.

An NGO helping ethnic minorities in Education and Counselling

26 Chun king mansion’s the standing milestone of Hong Kong’s dark history

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CONTENTS

39 32 New protections for Breastfeeding Women

36 Your September and October Horoscopes

A magical plant for your homes Make you life trouble-free by putting and worshiping a Shami Tree in your homes

Contests

An Entrepreneur Upholding Sustainability & Perseverance while Running Multiple Ventures

A P R D S H EI PARDESHI U N S T O P PA B L E

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In an exclusive conversation with CEO Gaurav Pardeshi (Gary) of Adesiflava Private Limited (Hong Kong) and ALPS Enterprises (India), shares his journey as one of the most successful and competent Indian Leaders stationed distinctly across the entrepreneurial arena of Hong Kong and a rising star among business leaders in India. Arindam Mukherjee, had the opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with Gary discussing his ongoing ventures and some of his business stories facing ups and downs, but still standing and sailing well. Arindam Mukherjee, is a media and marketing manager working at ALPS Enterprises, India who suggested it would be best to have a ‘Cover Story’ about Gaurav Pardeshi (Gary), in his magazine that he started in early 2011 as his first venture in Hong Kong. Without any history of friends, relatives, or financial support in a brand new and languagerestricted country like Hong Kong, Gary has managed to touch many aspects and flavors of his entrepreneurial journey in Hong Kong. • HK’s first lifestyle magazine for south Asians, A-Desiflava in

2011 and still running successfully. • H K’s biggest open public cultural event for Indians, Delia School of Canada Navratri Utsav, a yearly community event in Hong Kong started in 2015 and held every year. • A amchi Mumbai Restaurant in Hong Kong, which was Hong Kong’s first Mumbai theme-based restaurant and bar, that started in 2013 and had to be shut down in 2016. • A desiflava Private Limited, an electronics trading company that started in 2014 and is supposedly the best running horse of Gary until today. • A nd his latest two ventures in India, Roidmi Cordless Vacuums in 2019 and Voltmi Smart & Healthy Electronics in 2020.

Right now you are based in Mumbai and it seems wherever you have been stationed for over 6 months, you end up starting your new venture over there.

How did you even manage all of this single-handedly? Also, recently you got recognized as one of the Top 10 Leaders in Hong Kong - 2021 by CEO Insights magazine that serves as a connected platform for entrepreneurs, business heads, CEOs, and CFOs globally. Gary mentioned, “In today’s digital age, it's very

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easy to have everything controlled, monitored, and nicely executed sitting in one small room with a good internet connection and a smartphone. As long as you are available all the time and have a very focused vision of what you want to do with your businesses, it does not matter if you are singlehanded or multi-handed. Being single-handed and controlling everything is easier rather than having too many cooks to spoil the dish. I have very strong SOP’s (standard operating procedures), extremely good usage of google drive for handling all documentation work, ready formats for contracts & emails, central cloud access of customer database, online accounting and invoicing system, umpteen amount of apps installed on phones for sales and marketing and a very strongly divided and bifurcated team handling marketing, sales, operations. This has helped me well to run all businesses and operations smoothly so far. Things do get overlapped sometimes, but that’s when I enter the pilot seat and start controlling and maneuvering to get things back to the track.”

“Yes, I was recently contacted by CEO Insights Magazine, and the editorial team seemed quite impressed by my

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achievements in Hong Kong and they selected me as one of the top 10 business leaders in Hong Kong. It is indeed an honor to get this recognition on a global platform and among so many other influential and rich business leaders available in Hong Kong.”

something new and extremely tasty, I end up saying ‘why not let's sell this?’. Anything that I see at home or anywhere, which is going as waste, let it be a small paper, pencil, or anything for that matter, I try and think of where it can be reused and made money from. Business is running my mind, and blood is 24x7 I think. Sometimes, my wife would wake me up late midnight with a strong shrug, as she can hear me talking with my employees or discussing business ideas while I am fast asleep. I am not sure if all passionate entrepreneurs or businessmen are the same. But, I can surely say one thing the I have a bit more of that ‘keeda (worm)’ in me.”

How can you multi-task so many things at the same time? I think you must be hardly sleeping and must be stressed at all times.? Gary mentioned, “Frankly speaking, I don’t know how I can manage and multitask so many things at the same time. Sometimes when I get asked, about myself, my background, my profession, etc. I am confused about where I should get started. And, by the time I have told everyone about so many things I am doing at the same time, or whatever I have done in the past. The very next question is ‘what is even your age?’, and when I say 38, the opposite person either looks zapped or thinks I am some kind of jack of all, master of none types. But, trust me there are many like me out there who are the same as me.”

“I sleep 7 hours every night, and take an exact 15 minutes power nap every day after lunch (obviously whenever possible, and when I’m not out for meetings), I do Muay Thai Boxing lessons, 3 times every week and I manage to read at least one business or leadership book every two weeks. I watch movies and web series almost every weekend with my wife and son. Recently and I made my first handmade sculpture of Lord Ganesha, for the upcoming Ganesh Utsav.

Don’t you think I am living a very stressfree, balanced,

and family-hobbyoriented life?”

This sounds a bit funny, but why are you even like this?

“I am not sure how this happens and why it happens. I think I am inherited this, (not sure good or bad) quality from my father’s side of the family that I think about business in almost everything. My wife Neha Pathak, has been very strong support in my entire life journey as a businessman. Even whenever we are at the dinner table and if our domestic helper cooks

Give me brief details about your educational and professional background. Also, tell me about your unique skill sets and strengths that differentiate you from your peers in the industry. I have a Diploma in Instrumentation Engineering, BE in Instrumentation Engineering from Mumbai University & MBA in Marketing from UK

My Unique Skill Sets are “Written communication, Honesty, Selfmotivated, Document

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management, Public speaking, Leadership and Marketing Strategies”

Hong Kong. In 2021, the magazine completes 11 years and is still going strong.

The Learning :

Tell us about the inception story of Adesiflava. What motivated you to establish the company in Hong Kong? Gary mentioned in a very stage-wise manner “Adesiflava was founded in 2011 as a proprietary company and then transitioned to become a partnership firm Adesiflava Private Limited in 2014.”

The Beginning : A-Desiflava Magazine was the first venture and the first-ever magazine for south Asians living in

2013, I launched my first 70 seaters Indian restaurant & bar in Hong Kong by the name of Aamchi Mumbai. The business achieved great success initially with great profits but then wrong expansion plans and related wrong investments got business into losses. You need to cut the bleeding arm if there is no cure. Aamchi Mumbai was shut down in 2016.

The Steady Growth : 2015, I started a parallel venture into B2B branded products trading business.

I started first with Samsung and then slowly ventured into other consumer brands. Eventually adapting to the Xiaomi brand as the main trading brand, I grew my company from a USD 1 million turnover company to a USD 20 million turnover company by end of March 2021, with over 20% net profits every year.

The Expansion and Diversification : In August 2018, I formed my new company ALPS Enterprises in India. The company started with a seed funding of 2.5 Crores INR from the parent company Adesiflava Private Limited. ALPS Enterprises was awarded the National and Exclusive distributorship

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for the Roidmi brand (coowned by Xiaomi). Roidmi Cordless vacuums are now selling with over 20 big format online and offline retailers across India. 2019, we launched our brand Voltmi focuses on smart and healthy consumer products. 2018 - 2021, Roidmi and Voltmi brands are successfully penetrating the Indian market.

Having worked with different industry verticals. How does your experience in business chalk out business operations for Adesiflava? With the help of my experience in different industry verticals, I can run the operations of

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the entire company with an extremely calculated risk to returns ratio and great interpersonal skills in handling customers and suppliers. Magazine/ Publishing business experience helps to always keep good media and social image for the company in mind, whereas the F&B experience has helped to maintain the high levels of customer experience and tolerance. At my company, all the employees very well know that we all are working together for someone who is going to pay us for the goods obviously but more important is for our after-sales service, strong documentation and good interpersonal skills with our clients.

What are the major challenges faced by you in your professional journey so far and how did overcome those to evolve as a business leader? Jealousy - Being a young guy below 40 years with no family or friends background in Hong Kong, comes to this city and starts his magazine, own restaurant, and very successful trading business is bound to have other business people who get jealous and envy the growth. To overcome this challenge, I always benchmark myself with someone who is ahead of me in

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terms of achievements at his or her business. This lets me focus on reaching to the same level as my benchmark and then putting in more energy to identify a new higher benchmark and reach there. This way I keep myself away from jealousy. Language barrier - Hong Kong has a very big language barrier. Right from new jobs, transportation, to everything you need to know Cantonese (local hk language). This language barrier is so huge that it makes you feel like an odd man out at all times. To overcome this challenge, I always hired and worked with the Hong Kong Chinese who spoke decent English and I learned to speak in Hong Kong English, which is like speaking very slow in English and taking a pause after every sentence to make sure the listener is understanding. I started this way backthen, and now I am mostly surrounded by my employees and people who speak decent English or I can say, they understand my Hong Kong English. Business Banking - All the mainstream banks in Hong Kong will consider Indians and small-sized companies as fraud and will never open new business accounts and will either close your business account. Despite the fact, that they cannot prove what exactly the

banks found suspicious in your business activity, they will close down your business account or either will never open a new business account. Whereas, the big-sized companies who do all the wrong stuff but roll a lot of huge amounts of money through these same banks never face such a problem. To overcome, this challenge I have to open and close our business accounts from one bank to the other. Despite having fought many cases with the banks and also complaining to the HKMA (Hong Kong Monetary Association), the result is always the closing of our bank accounts. Huge Expenses - Office rentals, salaries, and overhead expenses in Hong Kong are damn expensive. If you need to be in business, you better make good profits otherwise you can be out of business within 1-2 months.

The only way I’ve overcome this challenge is to make sure I’ve maintained good business profits at all times and keep the expenses and overheads in control to minimal.

What do you think is going to be your USP while going deeper into the competition and combating with other leading Media organizations in the Hong Kong Market? Main USPs are sustainability & perseverance in this smallsized market of South Asians in Hong Kong. The audience that A-Desiflava Magazine caters to in

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something called ‘Saturday Gyan Sessions’ at 10 am on every Saturday. Every employee gets a turn to give a presentation to everyone on a video call and then I personally ask questions to everyone after the call is finished. The topics for presentation are assigned by myself, and I assign topics that are closely related to improving the skills of my people, based on my vision and mission towards achieving shortly to long term goals. For example, if I have to start a new marketing campaign about our Roidmi Cordless Vacuum cleaners or Voltmi Aura Air Purifiers, I would give a topic related to the marketing campaign to one of my marketing team person.

10 Hong Kong, is not even 200,000 people in total. The total population of South Asians in Hong Kong is very small. So the competition can never be with the mainstream Chinese media. When it comes to competition with any other south Asianrelated media, we are sure the longest-running and known magazine in Hong Kong.

How do you align your organization with your vision and mission and as the CEO of Adesiflava, what are the key drivers that you deploy to ensure that the company’s services are used appropriately to meet its short/long-term needs? I ask all my employees in India and Hong Kong to compulsorily attend

How are you adapting new tools/ technologies to revolutionize your services to be at par with current industry standards? What are the new strategies deployed in your services and what are your plans to innovate your offerings further? By reading regular news articles & books on the latest technology, sales & marketing APPS, and leadership. Anything from my reading I find connected to my business, I would immediately deploy that with my sales and marketing manager in the company. For example, if

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I find out about any new APP that is launched and is good for our business, I will immediately request at least 3 people to download the APP and give me feedback on what it is, and how it works, and how it can help us. After, getting views from at least 3 people in the company I will download it myself and then understand the pros and cons before using it for any of my businesses. New strategies are to completely focus full energy on Digital Marketing with my B2C business in India and for my B2B business in Hong Kong, the strategy is to focus on only 20% of the best customers for business development and not focus on any timewasting clients.

In your journey so far, which are the milestones that bestowed you with utmost satisfaction - both as an individual and a CEO? • A -Desiflava magazine reached its 10th year in 2021 without a single monetary loss-making issue. • A cquired national level & exclusive distributorship of Roidmi Cordless Vacuum Cleaners brand in India in 2019. • T urned around the entire covid-19 period from 2020 to 2021 into a very

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profitable business year for my Hong Kong trading company, by getting into the supply of medical covid-19 related goods to my existing clients.

How are you aligning with rules & regulations and certifications to meet the requirements of the Hong Kong government? The Hong Kong government is very advanced in terms of digitally communicating the news about rules and regulations and certifications to businesses. I just have to check my emails regularly and the superb system will automatically update and inform you about such things. All you have to do is, take an action and do it correctly.

What will be your advice for other international leaders who aspire to shift their area of operation to Hong Kong? Now is not the right time to move your area of operation to Hong Kong. The tourism and Hospitality business is completely dead owing to the covid-19 pandemic. Keep a watch on the news and see how the entire ‘China take over of Hong Kong’ unfolds in 2021 to 2024 at least. The coming 2-3 years will be very crucial for everyone living in Hong Kong.

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What are innovations and up-gradation currently happening in your company? What is the future roadmap of your company? Innovations & Upgradation - At present, with India business operations we are focussing on B2B and B2C markets at the same time. This innovative sales strategy for our Voltmi and Roidmi brands is helping us get more visibility from top to bottom. Future Roadmap Launching Voltmi brand in the Middle-east market by the end of 2021 and launching at least 5 new products by the end of 2021. For Adesiflava Private Limited, our trading operations I want to get distributorship of at least two more brands of Xiaomi for the Indian market.

What’s your next big venture?

It's on the verge of starting soon and might take at least 2 years before it launches. I am developing a smartphone app for Android and iOS users. The app will bridge the gap between the brands and influencers and also it will be a great source of income for everyone with just content viewing.

What would be a very small bio about you?

I’m a dynamic entrepreneur looking for a business opportunity in everything that comes my way. With my experience in a variety of fields as a business leader, I’ve become extremely resourceful, learned, and experienced possibly all kinds of situations and scenarios with my businesses. An extremely strong marketing mind helps me to be creative and innovative at all times.

Your Hobby, Favourite Cuisine, Book, Travel Destination, and awards and recognitions? Hobby: Reading business & leadership books, Sketching & Painting Favorite Cuisine: Lebanese Favorite Book: Think & Grow Rich, 80/20 Sales, Screw it Lets Do It, The Secrets, Rich Dad Poor Dad Travel Destination: Europe always Awards and Recognition: Official Media partner IIFA Awards, Most prestigious brands award 2017 Hong Kong, HK’s first 50 Highest Ranked website, Community Leader Award Hong Kong

I had the chance to speak with Gary’s wife Neha Pathak and she simply had one line to define Gary. “He is simply

unstoppable”

She mentioned “It's impossible to make him sit down at one place and do any one thing. Even while he is watching movies with us, his mind would be somewhere else. Whenever he has some stress with business, he would automatically wake up in the middle of the night, and I have seen him making notes on his phone about what could solve his business issues. On a personal note, I would like to add. “This interview was very enlightening and motivating for me and I am not sure If I can even achieve 50% of what Gary has managed to with this life so far. I am honored and privileged to be working in his firm, not just because of my job but the leadership and entrepreneurial skills I get to learn from him. I wish Gary good luck for all his future endeavors and I hope the smartphone APP gets launched soon because that is going to be a big game-changer for Gary” Interview By :

Arindam Mukherjee A media and marketing manager working at ALPS Enterprises, India owned by Gaurav Pardeshi.

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• 270 o large handle design • Multistage cyclone duct system • Remove dust and debris in the car • Extension hose • Easy to clean

Customer Hotline Hong Kong India

: +852 9543 3660 : +91 77700 88483

www.roidmiindia.com

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Given that conflict is almost certain to intensify after US and international forces withdraw, battlefield developments will take centre stage. The AfghanPakistan relationship is likely to further deteriorate under such circumstances, and vitriol on both sides could foreclose on any remaining opportunities to reach a negotiated settlement. Bilateral ties will likewise influence security, political, and economic dynamics in the medium to long term, either after the conflict reaches a stalemate or after a new government takes shape. under such circumstances, a positive relationship with Pakistan could go a long way in fostering stability and development. The opposite is a much likelier outcome, however, given the long history of tensions between the two sides compounded by the ongoing conflict. Three future scenarios could unfold in Afghanistan over the coming two years: negotiating a settlement offer, Outright war, or Complete Taliban takeover. While predictions are difficult to make regarding a situation as volatile as that in Afghanistan, these are offered to further illustrate the complexity and impact of Afghanistan Pakistan ties on regional stability. Exploring the range of possible outcomes also illustrates the varied impacts they

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could have on the bilateral relationship and how those relationships, in turn, could shape future events. In every scenario possible, the Taliban is likely to emerge as the most influential party in Afghanistan, though how it does so and how rapidly, as well as the level of funding the United States and partner nations maintain, will mould the way forward. Central to the question of future stability is the prospect of interference by outside actors sponsoring competing factions in the event of a security breakdown or intensified great power competition. Given Pakistan’s threat perceptions, Indian involvement in Afghanistan will also impact Afghanistan’s stability as well as the bilateral relationship.

Scenario 1: Negotiating a Settlement Offer A successfully negotiated peace settlement presents the most promising but least likely future scenario. The internationally led peace process has at best stalled, and the imminent withdrawal of foreign forces leaves little opportunity for talks to succeed. The Taliban, believing itself to be an ascendant power, is unwilling to make concessions, as is

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and other regional governments could further encourage the Taliban to come to the table, but Pakistan’s involvement risks jeopardising Afghan government participation. Authorities in Kabul are wary of Pakistan’s direct attempts to broker a deal, particularly after the recent breakdown in diplomatic ties between the two sides.

the Afghan government, which seeks to maintain its waning influence. “As conditions continue to deteriorate, the uncertainty will encourage both Afghan and Pakistani leaders to hedge against unfavourable outcomes to the detriment of bilateral ties. Should a negotiated settlement nonetheless materialise and bring an end to the conflict, bilateral ties would prove critical in generating stability over the long term”. Afghan elites are likely to respond to the current uncertainty with a combination of defensive tactics and quiet negotiations. Leaders are reconstituting militia forces similar to those that dominated the civil war three decades ago as they seek to secure

their interests along tribal and ethnic lines. Others are likely to enter into private talks with the Taliban should the group’s ascendency become more certain. Pakistan’s security establishment, meanwhile, has grown concerned about the potential for spillover violence and a refugee influx. Pakistan has thus far failed to stem the fighting through negotiations and is instead relying on defensive border reinforcements and closures while maintaining its support for the Taliban. A negotiated resolution remains unlikely, but it is not impossible even at this late stage. The Taliban could choose to come to the table after having demonstrated battlefield dominance to give its victory a pastiche of international

legitimacy. The United States and others have warned that a government imposed by force would not receive much-needed financial assistance. The international community’s support is also required to lift bilateral and UN Security Council sanctions on Taliban officials, a longstanding demand. Indeed, the Taliban has said that it does not plan to take Kabul by force and reportedly will present a written peace proposal in talks shortly, likely motivated by these considerations. Although such statements should not be taken at face value, the group’s military strategy suggests that it could seek to force the government’s capitulation by cutting off the flow of funds and supplies rather than an all-out assault. The support of Pakistan

From what we understand, “Afghan public opinion has turned strongly anti-Pakistan, limiting options for politicians who might otherwise seek engagement across the Durand Line”. This reluctance reportedly led to the recent cancellation of a planned conference in Pakistan with a range of prominent Afghan figures. Such talks could help pave the way for a settlement in Doha but appear unlikely to take place given ongoing bilateral tensions. The preferred outcome of Pakistan’s security establishment is a negotiated settlement dominated but not monopolised by the Taliban. Should the Taliban lead an interim governing structure with some multiethnic representation, Pakistan could secure continued influence in Afghanistan and mitigate the downside risks that emerged during the 1990s. Several interviewees recognised that this outcome would

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offer the greatest chance of both limiting the Taliban’s imposition of controversial human rights restrictions and gaining international support. Given that the group would still face competitors within the Afghan government and thus have reason to rely on outside support, this outcome would also minimise the risk that an empowered Taliban would distance itself from Pakistan. It could also contain though not eliminate the emboldened effect likely to emerge from a Taliban battlefield victory. Pakistan’s establishment is deeply concerned that such a scenario would further the potentially destabilising influence of Pakistan-based clerics and religious parties and spur attacks by anti-Pakistan militants inside Pakistan’s borders. This outcome

Afghan public opinion has turned strongly anti-Pakistan, limiting options for politicians who might otherwise seek engagement across the Durand Line. would also open doors to the prospects Pakistan seeks via Afghanistan in Central Asia and reduce the international pressure it faces for its support to the Taliban, in this scenario

a legitimate political actor. Although sensitivities over India’s future role would remain acute, a member of the Afghan parliament related in an interview, the emergence of a stable Afghanistan in which Islamabad feels it has a seat at the table could drive it to pursue a trade, connectivity, and people to people initiatives to balance or outbid similar overtures from New Delhi. Finally, this outcome would limit the likelihood that Pakistan would face cross-border attacks from the newly reconstituted, which is again becoming a significant threat to its interests. Not only would Afghanistan’s internal security be more assured under this scenario, but Islamabad would also be better able to coordinate with Kabul on border management

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and counterterrorism strategies. For Afghanistan’s political elites, this scenario would involve making concessions to the Taliban in exchange for averting an even more devastating conflict, a difficult tradeoff that could lay the groundwork for further bilateral engagement with Pakistan. Some interviewees noted that those close to President Ghani remained opposed to any such change in government structure, but others acknowledged that an interim government role for the Taliban could be a worthwhile concession should it improve stability. Implementing this arrangement would likely spark fierce and potentially destabilising competition for political influence among elites. Given the declining security situation the country now faces, however, even halting progress toward an integrated government would be an improvement. Such an outcome could also mitigate Pakistan’s concerns over irredentist claims, limiting a traditional irritant in the relationship. While Taliban recognition of the Durand Line remains an unlikely prospect given the group’s previous stance on the issue, Taliban leaders are unlikely to highlight the contested border in public venues. This could lower temperatures between

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both sides, mitigate threat perceptions, and potentially create space for dialogue. Finally, factoring in a likely reduction in us and other international assistance to Afghanistan over the long term, Afghan leaders would have “incentives to maximise support and investment from Pakistan and other neighbouring countries. such economic engagement is most likely to appear in the context of a positive bilateral relationship and could create conditions for further improvements”. For Afghan and Pakistani border communities, this outcome could facilitate greater access to cross border trade and travel. Afghan refugees in Pakistan would be more likely to return to an increasingly stable Afghanistan and could play a bridging role given their ties to both countries. An improved security situation could also create space for security agencies to reduce their reliance on covert activities and proxy sponsorship, potentially limiting one of the main sources of grievance and instability in border communities. Such a policy shift would be challenging to implement after Pakistan’s decades of reliance on these groups, the extent to which its military and bureaucracy benefit from such ties, and its prevailing threat

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incentives to maximise support and investment from Pakistan and other neighbouring countries. such economic engagement is most likely to appear in the context of a positive bilateral relationship and could create conditions for further improvements.

perceptions regarding Afghanistan based antiPakistan groups. The chances of making such a shift are greatest, however, in a context in which both sides feel their security interests are more assured.

Scenario 2: Outright War A prolonged civil war is the scenario most likely to unfold given the Taliban’s rapid takeover of significant areas of the country as well as its cohesion and military effectiveness. Even though a full Taliban victory could ultimately result, such an outcome appears less likely in the near term given the consolidation of the Afghan National Defence and security Forces,

international funding and possible air support, and the constitution of militia forces. These factors could impede the Taliban’s advance, particularly in strategic areas and key cities, including Kabul. Afghanistan-Pakistan ties would suffer under this scenario despite the countries’ shared imperative to quell the spread of instability. Both sides would trade increasingly strident accusations of support for proxies, a pattern that is already emerging. Afghan elites would be too focused on security to maintain regular official engagements with Pakistan, though prominent figures would likely make quiet appeals to their neighbour in attempts to secure their individual interests. Competing

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Afghan power brokers would vie for control, and the government would struggle to maintain power amid security force defections. Pakistan would confront both an influx of Afghan refugees and the prospect of violence spilling across the border. Although the newly constructed border fence would provide more control than was possible during previous influxes, the full border closure threatened by officials seems unlikely given the international pressure Pakistan would face to a host Afghans.Pakistan’s security establishment would likely screen the incoming refugees for security risks and could attempt to contain them within certain areas. Any delay or perceived lack of hospitality would prove controversial within Pakistan’s Pashtun community, which is particularly sensitive to the suffering of co-ethnic Afghans and profiling by security forces. Facing these risks, Pakistan could step up its support for the Taliban while attempting to maintain its positive relationship with Washington and status as a key player in regional diplomacy. Despite Islamabad’s misgivings over a full Taliban victory and the threat of international

pressure, accelerating such an outcome through increased assistance could help contain the spillover effects that would result from a prolonged civil war. In return for support, Pakistan could seek the Taliban’s cooperation along the border in limiting the spread of violence within Pakistan and containing the refugee influx. This logic is apparent in an implicit quid pro quo recently suggested by a Pakistani official: That Pakistan will not give the US base access to target Afghanistan and expects the Taliban to prevent other groups from carrying out attacks in Pakistan. This policy would not be without risks, however. The threat of economic repercussions, including through the financial action task force and other international mechanisms, would be particularly worrisome to Islamabad given its dependence on external borrowing and its ongoing attempts to attract investment. Pakistan would likely watch China’s approach to Afghanistan and could seek to exploit any daylight that emerges between Washington’s and Beijing’s policies and their tolerance for proxy support. Indeed, China’s recent interactions with the Taliban illustrate the space that such outreach could create for Pakistan. Should Beijing signal

approval for additional support for the Taliban in an effort to reestablish stability, even by force, Pakistan could feel it has a freer hand to support the group with the backing of its great power partner. For border communities, a civil war scenario would once again bring displacement from homes, disruption of lives and livelihoods, and increased influence of militant groups. Those living in the border areas of Pakistan could expect an increase in refugees, who would be burdensome to host at a time when economic opportunities remain limited and inflation is high. Pakistan’s security forces would likely reinforce their presence along the Durand Line to control cross-border movements, and the state could increase its reported reliance on controversial pro-government militias to maintain law and order. This additional military and state backed presence would further inflame grievances within border communities. The echoing historical dynamics, could renew concerns among Pakistani officials regarding Pashtun separatism. This scenario is clearly not conducive to Afghanistan Pakistan relations in the immediate term, but could pave the way for renewed contacts should a hurting stalemate develop. The Taliban is likely to hold the upper hand in such a scenario,

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ensuring that Islamabad remains a key interlocutor in negotiations to bring the conflict to an end given its ties to the group. If Afghan leaders feel they are in a position in which bilateral engagement is the only way to secure their interests, resolve an impasse, or lock in gains made, it could provide an opening for talks. Similarly, if Pakistan is concerned by the spillover effects of the violence and its impact on domestic stability and economic prospects, it could have an added incentive to engage with Afghan leaders to bring the situation under control.

Scenario 3: Complete Taliban Takeover If, in the wake of the international troop withdrawal, the Taliban rapidly gains control over key cities, including Kabul, the result is likely to be a discontinuation of US and partner nation funding and a denial of international recognition amid mass movements of refugees and insecurity. This eventuality is less likely to unfold than a prolonged civil war scenario, assuming that US and international support for Afghan security forces remains relatively steady over the short to medium term, though it

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appears a more probable outcome than a negotiated settlement. Afghanistan-Pakistan ties under this scenario would be particularly relevant given Pakistan’s links to the Taliban. From Pakistan’s standpoint, although an ascendant Taliban in Afghanistan would provide some protection from both Indian influence and Pashtun separatism, this scenario would have downsides. Should the Taliban enforce restrictions on human rights and impose a theocratic style government, Pakistan would face demands both externally from the United States and other

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governments to pressure the group against such policies and internally from clerics and religious parties to adopt similar practices. Particularly if Washington identifies alternative over the horizon routes to carry out counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan, it will have a freer hand to hold Pakistan accountable for its support to the Taliban without access related dependence. Even a rapid Taliban takeover is likely to result in crossborder movements of refugees and raise the risk of spillover violence. such an outcome would invigorate like minded groups within Pakistan and more broadly,

threatening domestic and regional stability in a neighbourhood with three nuclear powers. The risk of principal agent problems emerging with unauthorised attacks taking place in Indian administered Kashmir and elsewhere would be heightened in the wake of a Taliban propaganda victory, and such groups could likely expect greater operating space in a Taliban controlled or a partially Taliban controlled Afghanistan. At the same time, Islamabad’s leverage with the Taliban would be more limited under this outcome. The Taliban would likely attract support, both overt and covert,

from regional countries such as Iran and Russia seeking to protect their interests in Afghanistan. Although Pakistan would remain the group’s most significant supporter given historical, logistical, and religious links, this association would be less influential in a context in which the Taliban has

if the Taliban allow Pashtun nationalist factions to make irredentist claims, pursue outreach with India.

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diversified its international ties. If stability improves, a former Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan suggested, more Taliban members could move their families and businesses out of Pakistan to gain greater scope to act independently. Their doing so could allow the group to counter the public narrative within Afghanistan that it is beholden to Pakistan and to begin to increase its domestic legitimacy. Despite the mutually beneficial relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban, many Taliban members resent Pakistan for its cooperation with US led operations, its perceived mistreatment of their leaders, and the undue influence they see it as holding over their actions. The greater freedom of action the Taliban would gain under this scenario could provide an opening for resistance to Pakistani pressure or even reprisal actions, including via the Taliban and other groups. Although the risk of lost leverage is most acute for Pakistan in a Taliban takeover, a similar dynamic could apply in the first two scenarios should the group attain greater independence and influence, rendering Pakistan relatively less able to shape its actions. Were the Taliban to become more independent in ways that Pakistan’s security establishment

did not anticipate or accept, the result could be destabilising for Afghanistan and detrimental for Afghanistan-Pakistan ties. Pakistan’s confidence that its strategic interests will be protected rests on the assumption that the Taliban will both support those interests and prevent groups more sympathetic to India and Pashtun nationalism from gaining ground. “If Pakistan’s security establishment believes this is no longer the case for example, if the Taliban allow Pashtun nationalist factions to make irredentist claims, pursue outreach with India, or fail to contain cross-border attacks it will have few alternative options beyond using its remaining influence with the group while attempting to maintain positive relations”.

Pakistan will retain its ability to exercise leverage over a potential Taliban administration through its control of trade and transit links.

Although Pakistan is likely to lose leverage over the Taliban, several structural factors make a full break between the two unlikely. First, many Taliban members maintain associations with Pakistan based Madrasi and clerics, providing Pakistan’s establishment a way of exerting influence via religious channels regardless of location. Second, the eventuality some Afghan interviewees described whereby Pakistan would sponsor a new proxy group in lieu of an unfaithful Taliban likewise seems improbable given the challenges involved in generating a similarly effective force. The Taliban, too, would be unlikely to fully cut ties with Pakistan both because of the assistance Pakistan offers the group and to hedge against future contingencies in which Pakistan’s support would again be required. Third, given Afghanistan’s landlocked geography, Pakistan will retain its ability to exercise leverage over a potential Taliban administration through its control of trade and transit links. Finally, the close relationship between IsI and the Haqqani Network, including via Taliban deputy leader Siraj Uddin Haqqani, provides Pakistan more secure influence over the group that is likely to endure.

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Conclusion In the event that conflict abates in Afghanistan, however, the AfghanistanPakistan bilateral relationship will play a key role in either building on the new stability or threatening to compromise it. This relationship is crucial to ensuring long-term peace and prosperity in both states and in the wider region. By acknowledging and working to address one another’s security and sovereignty concerns through a process of patient dialogue, Afghanistan and Pakistan stand the best chance of strengthening ties for the benefit of regional stability and the well-being of their citizens. If you would like to help and Aid the situation in Afghanistan by helping the refugees you can donate to the UN by Going to donate.UNHCR.org

Article by

Adin Simoens An A-Desiflava Editor and Intern

With best Mrs. Purviz R. Shroff, MH &

Compliments from Late Mr. Rusy M. Shroff, BBS, MBE

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CHUN KING S ’ N O I S N A M the standing milestone of Hong Kong’s dark history

The Chung King story: The notorious hub of south Asians in Hong Kong Being A resident of Hong Kong, I always enjoyed my life to its fullest. Hong Kong is pretty well known as the 'City of Life' and the second most expensive country to live in. The night life of Hong Kong is world famous and hectic Lifestyle makes

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the city a place to dwell for millions. The attractive and beautiful skyline’s attracts tourists and locals like a magnet. Once you get used to living the Hong Kong life it’s very difficult to get used to any other country. Among mind-blowing building architecture and well planned territories ,there is a place which is addressed as a dark entity named” Chung King Mansion” .This place is densely populated with south Asians , comparatively cheaper residential option as compared to any other location and a temporary nesting place for tourists and visitors, This place is a cozy hub for newcomers to Hongkong. At First the sight of Chunking mansion will feel like “Mini India”, The appetising delicious smelling curries and million Asian faces will make you feel at home. As per history goes , Chungking Mansions opened in November 1961 during an era of rapid growth in the industry. The second floor became “The Hong Kong Shopping Mart”, catering to tourists with high-end needs, while the basement hosted nightclubs with magicians and hostesses making it a magnet for sailors visiting the country. Chungking Mansions is a building located at 36–44 Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Though the building was

supposed to be residential, it is made up of many independent low-budget hotels, shops and other services. As well as selling to the public, the stalls in the building cater to wholesalers shipping goods to Africa and South Asia. The unusual atmosphere of the building is sometimes compared to that of the former Kowloon Walled City. Chungking Mansions

Every year this location gets represented in the news for many negative reasons some beingmurder, rape, robbery and kidnapping’s.

features guesthouses, curry restaurants, African bistros, clothing shops, sari stores, and foreign exchange offices. It often acts as a large gathering place for some of the

Shops inside Chung King Mansion, Photo credit : https://www.tripsavvy.com/hong-kongs-chunkingmansions-1536024]

ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, particularly South Asians (Indians, Nepalese, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans), Middle Eastern people, Nigerians, Europeans, Americans)

Every year this location gets represented in the news for many negative reasons some beingmurder, rape, robbery and kidnapping’s. In dark allies lie people waiting to harm

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Electrical Wiring Box inside Chung King Mansion, Photo credit : https://www.tripsavvy.com/hongkongs-chunking-mansions-1536024

innocent lives for money among other reasons. it’s notorious history is well written in various articles and stories about Chung King's devilish side. I would like to mention some of them not to come across as a location to be afraid of but to reveal the truth about how safe this place is. The buildings age, the diverse ownership and management structure are causes of the building’s reputation for being a fire trap. Unsanitary conditions, poor security, ancient electrical wiring and a blocked staircase all contribute to the hazards. On 21st February 1988, a fire broke out in the building. A Danish

tourist who was trapped inside was killed. The fire, as well as a blaze in a similar building, provoked the review of rules and regulations concerning public safety. In 2003, CCTV cameras were installed, and as of 2013, there are 330 CCTV cameras covering 70 per cent of the building’s public spaces(Wikipedia reference). Chungking Mansions is known to be a Centre of drugs, as well as a refuge for petty criminals, scammers and illegal immigrants. For example, in a police raid in June 1995 about 1,750 people were questioned, 45 men and seven women from Asian-African countries

”Operation Sahara” in 1996, 52 men and seven women from 14 countries were arrested for violating immigration regulations.

were arrested on suspicion of offences such as failing to produce proof of identity, overstaying, using forged travel documents, possessing equipment for forging documents and possessing dangerous drugs. Another such operation called “Operation Sahara” in 1996, 52 men and seven women from 14 countries were arrested for violating immigration regulations. Different names given to ChunKing mansion such as an under-rated place it also goes by ,”Eyesore, ghetto, jungle, goldmine, little India, crime hub of Hong Kong” These are all words that have been used to describe Chungking Mansions, a building complex that is seen as both a foreign island in Hong Kong and an important part of the Chinese city’s identity.

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Guesthouse rooms inside

For outsiders, Chungking Mansions looks like a single, imposing concrete block with 15 identical residential floors on top of a neon-lit, two-storey mall. It’s a densely populated area with traders and small businesses lined up. it is like a maze , there are in fact five separate blocks, 10 lifts and multiple old twisting stairwells filled with swathes of electrical cable, crumbling concrete and graffiti in multiple languages. Further research shows us that The complex began life as an upmarket residential estate in the 1960s, but has since become a hub for traders from developing countries, backpackers and asylum seekers in Hong Kong. Moreover, approximately 10,000 people are estimated to enter or exit the building every day,

African and South Asian faces often outnumber Chinese faces something remarkable in a city where 94% of residents are ethnic Chinese. The multistorey building always

has bad reputation among locals and, until recently, many in Hong Kong were wary of stepping inside. However, the building has a buzz around that most Hong Kong Chinese realise

African Man checking mobile phones before selling, Photo credit : https://www.gsabrie.com/ chungkingmansions

Moreover, approximately 10,000 people are estimated to enter or exit the building every day, African and South Asian faces often outnumber Chinese faces something remarkable in a city where 94% of residents are ethnic Chinese.

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that the high percentage of individuals in this trading hub is just to make money and try to make their survival in Hong Kong possible. At the Entrance of the building, touts try to lure the visitors to their restaurant’s or Asian boys looking for customers to

Aerial view of Chunking mansion (Back alley)

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buy watch, purses, mobile’s or money exchange so that they can earn some commission and support their livelihood in Hong Kong. Being a part of the most busiest and crowded places in Hong Kong Tsim

Sha tsui, Chung King Mansion is always fully packed as the breadbutter junction for many outsiders who work as labour class or driver’s. Up to this day functioning of restaurants and small provision stores demand man power in this area, It’s

known as ghettos by many of us, the criminal activities and are just a irreplaceable part. Chungking mansion was, is and will be a crime hub, Uncountable stories and mis-happenings here add on a scary chapter to its historical background. To know more details and understand this place from a fresh point of view, I recently managed to talk to a person closely associated with day today functioning and also one who knew this place for over 21 years ,He was working as a employee in chunking mansion and always experienced a good time here.He said in the year 2006 there was a visitor who ate and left his belongings and other important stuff at a shop, so the shop owner kept the goods and returned it safely to its owner after looking at CCTV footage. They never thought of stealing or throwing away anyone’s personal belongings , Good people are everywhere and chunking is also full of Kind and honest people. It is like any other place in Hong Kong,This place is safe and secure you Just need to be more cautious and careful around the mansion. “No matter how much the media tries to make news or influence people to believe gruesome stories ,i personally feel a visit to Hong Kong is incomplete without eating the curries

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at Chungking Mansions,” my personal experience as a customer to many restaurants in this place has been great, I’ve been served quality food at a reasonable price. For authentic Pakistani and Indian taste one must visit this buzzing place, even though it has a dark past it doesn’t fade away the beautiful side. Welcoming faces and happy people make chunking a great place to eat, enjoy and stay .

Chungking mansion was, is and will be a crime hub, Uncountable stories and mishappenings here add on a scary chapter to its historical background.

Muslim man offering Namaz inside the shop, Photo credit : https://www.gsabrie.com/ chungkingmansions

Article by

Manju Mishra When Googled it is bound to make one think about crime and safety in this place, but in reality this place is worth visiting and give’s you glimpse’s of a truly amazing experience. It is like the Little India of Hong Kong ,it is worthwhile to visit and create beautiful memories. Experiences are always worthy good ones make you happy and bad ones give you lesson. Just as the coin has two sides every place and person has a different perspective, try to grab positivity and let go of negative. Chungking is an inseparable part of Hong Kong ,with globalization on the move hopefully the situation in there also improve’s.

A writer with a positive outlook in life. A dedicated teacher and the mother of two kids .Manju is a Home maker Born with hobbies such as singing. When she’s not singing she’s trying to catch little precious moments with a positive outlook. Her poetry always look to bright positive side of life.

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NEW PROTECTIONS for BREASTFEEDING WOMEN Amy is having lunch with her friends at a restaurant. She brings along her newborn baby to see her friends. When she starts breastfeeding her baby, one of the waiters comes up and says to Amy, “Ma’am, you cannot breastfeed in the restaurant. I am afraid you will have to leave.” Due to a recent amendment in the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, this is likely to be unlawful direct discrimination against a breastfeeding woman by the restaurant in refusing to serve Amy.

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New born's increased from 66% in 2004 to more recently 87.5% in 2018 Since 19th June 2021, women in Hong Kong are protected from discrimination and harassment on the grounds of breastfeeding under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance. The relevant amendments to the Ordinance were made through the Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2020 and the Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, and passed by the Legislative Council in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The diverse health benefits of breastfeeding for both the babies and their mothers are well documented globally. It is also relevant to note that, given more families in Hong Kong are aware of those benefits, there are growing numbers of women in Hong Kong who breastfeed their children after giving birth. Given more women in Hong Kong are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding, and the implementation of a series of supportive measures by the Department of Health, the percentage of mothers breastfeeding their new born's increased from 66% in 2004 to more recently 87.5% in 2018. The figures from 2018 also indicate that 46.5% of women are breastfeeding at six months, and 26.1% are breastfeeding at 12 months. This highlights that with increasing numbers of women breastfeeding after giving birth, it is of particular importance to promote equality, as well as

prevent discrimination and harassment for those women who wish to breastfeed or express milk after returning to work. The Sex Discrimination Ordinance affords protection from breastfeeding direct and indirect discrimination and harassment in a number of situations. These apply to:

• A woman who is engaging in the act of breastfeeding a child • A woman who is engaging in an act of expressing breast milk • A woman who breastfeeds her child, but is not doing so at the time the relevant act of discrimination is committed.

The protection from discrimination and harassment against breastfeeding women extends to cases where the child may not be a woman’s biological child. The law covers the following sectors: employment and related sectors; education; provision of goods, facilities and services; the management or disposal of premises; clubs; and the Government.

Example of indirect discrimination in accessing services A shopping centre has a policy of keeping all its toilets and babycare room locked at all times to prevent the facilities from being vandalised or used for inappropriate purposes, although this has never happened before. Anyone who wishes to use the facilities must go to the management office and obtain the key(s) for unlocking the rooms, and then return the key(s) afterwards. This poses considerable inconvenience to women with infants, given that the management office is located quite far away from the toilets and babycare room. As such, although the requirement of keeping toilets and the babycare room locked applies to everyone, it is likely to have a detrimental effect on breastfeeding women, and constitute unlawful indirect breastfeeding discrimination.

There are also benefits to businesses of creating breastfeeding friendly workplaces. Breastfeeding friendly measures in workplaces can encourage women to return to work sooner, and reduce the turnover of female employees, as they are more likely to remain with that employer. Furthermore, studies have indicated that as breastfed children are healthier, the parents take less leave to care for their sick children. As a result, the productivity of female employees may be

increased where effective breastfeeding policies in workplaces are introduced. The new amendment also protects breastfeeding women from harassment and victimisation. Engaging in unwelcome conduct against a breastfeeding woman that makes her feel offended, humiliated or intimidated could constitute harassment. Victimisation occurs when a person is treated less favourably when he or she considers complaining or has complained regarding unlawful discrimination or harassment.

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Example of unlawful victimisation on the grounds of breastfeeding Barbara is employed as an accountant for a retail company in Hong Kong. When she returns to work after maternity leave, she requests to have two 20-minute breaks during the work day to express milk for her baby. The supervisor refuses her request, saying that “breastfeeding women should work the same hours as everyone else or they should quit work and stay at home”. Barbara considers this to be direct or indirect breastfeeding discrimination and makes a complaint against the supervisor to the employer and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). After she has filed the complaint, she is immediately fired because she made the complaint. This is likely to be unlawful victimisation.

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Breastfeeding women should work the same hours as everyone else or they should quit work and stay at home. What can you do if you suffer breastfeeding discrimination or harassment? Anyone who feels that she has been discriminated against or harassed on the ground of breastfeeding in the sectors mentioned above may lodge a complaint in writing to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and submit the complaint through the online form on the EOC website, email, fax, letter or in person at the EOC office.

If you need information regarding your rights under Hong Kong’s anti-discrimination ordinances and the complaint handling procedures of the EOC, please contact:

Equal Opportunities Commission 16/F 41 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Hotline: 25118211 • Email: eoc@eoc.org HK Website: www.eoc.org.hk Office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:45 am to 5:45 pm

Niru Vishwanath Equal Opportunities Commission

@breerhk

www.breer.com.hk

Breer is a food upcycling startup that collects

surplus bread

unsold, uneaten,

from bakeries and restaurants all around Hong Kong, and uses it to brew local craft beer.

That's right - you're making a positive difference with every sip you take! Try the Breer Pale Ale, now available online at breer.com.hk, and in Yata, Craftissimo, Spicebox Organics, Buydong, Second Draft, Hoppy Junction, TAP The Ale Project and more!

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Your September and October

Horoscopes

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Your September and October horoscopes have landed. See what the stars have in store for you.

CANCER Cancer Sept 2–10 with its sensitive Full Moon and Earth and Water harmonies helps Cancer put in place some kinder routines and healing checkpoints, to safeguard against later regrets: Spring Equinox on Sept 22–23 is one of the year’s balancing points, but for you it activates your family, vocational and partnership signs. The focus is a trio of Capricorn planets bringing an obsessive energy to your partner sign. This applies to either you or someone close being in danger of pushing themselves too hard. You find a greater sense of balance by Oct 12 and Oct 26–27 brings a fortunate illumination.

LEO Leo Renewed by the recent Leo cycle, you shine brightly now. Sept’s first 10 days are the best time to get financial tasks finished and your personal relationships will be blessed by Venus in Leo from Sept 6 to Oct 2. Yet there are inevitable obstacles to overcome, just as the Sun declines after its zenith. Thus, Sept 12 requires faith amid doubts and confusion; Sept 16–17 needs emotional restraint under unreasonable demands. From Sept 30 to Oct 9 hold firm to your loved ones. Then, Oct 23– 30 opens a new chapter on family life.

VIRGO Virgo Life has thrown some curveballs your way, but late Aug reconnects you with your vision. In Sept, your Virgo strengths of creating systems, bringing order to chaos and managing crises rise up to lead you. From Sept 2’s Full Moon in your partner sign to Sept 10, you are in your element. It is Sept 11–24, especially Virgo New Moon 16–17th, and Oct 9–19 that demand your management skills. Around you, systems crack, and you readily identify with solutions. You can remain the calm harbour for others in the storm, because your earthy strengths are supported as never before.

LIBRA Libra On Sept 10, Mars, which has been in your partner sign since July, turns Retro. This means Mars will continue to hold sway for the rest of the year and challenges you faced in Aug are likely to circle back in Oct. When Sun enters Libra on Sept 22 you enter a testing Libran cycle: New Moon in Libra on Oct 17 confirms that tolerating foibles and rashness of people around you is key. Family matters have great strength and importance now, so claim the role of the one who can see beyond crises and conflicts.

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SCORPIO Scorpio Intense Scorpio has been loosening up a little and finding more flow after years of Neptune harmonies. This attitude makes you a source of insight and healing for others. With your ruler Mars in your health sign until 2021, Sept and Oct are the months to focus on your own healing and revisit those practices that have slipped away. Since demands upon you could easily accelerate, self-care is critical. Sept 21–24 and 30, and Oct 8–11 and 15–19 all demand this awareness. Sun enters Scorpio on Oct 23 with Mercury Retro in Scorpio; inner illumination can be yours in late Oct.

SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN Sagittarius Capricorn Sometimes the Warrior and other times the Recluse, Sagittarius exemplifies Fire in its most mutable form. On Sept 10, Warrior planet Mars begins its long Retro cycle through your sign of love and creativity, and your extroverted and introverted sides will have to make an alliance: Revisiting creative projects will vie with the demands of people you love. Solving problems can exhaust and frustrate you, yet it is your remit from Sept 16 to Oct 11. A financial focus benefits from the earthy energies of Oct 12–13.

In Sept, no normal controls apply, and Capricorn is off to a good start by recognising this. Then your considerable talents find fertile ground and your hard-work motif pays off. This is particularly opportune around Sept 2–10 and from Sept 21–30. Mars is temporarily discombobulating your home zone and it is best to ride out the storm with a smile. Then, even if your faith wavers, Oct 2’s Full Moon will show you that you are appreciated. Oct 9 and 15 may test you again but ever so gradually you dive deeper, becoming the one other people want to be.

AQUARIUS Aquarius Don’t be frustrated, Aquarius, if progress you were making has seemed to slide backwards since July. You can smell the winds of change, but it will be late Dec before they arrive. Meanwhile, there is much to do. From Sept 6–26, communication planet Mercury assists you to apply in action what you have learnt about the people around you. This knowledge can help you to de-fuse any conflict on Sept 21 and 23–24. From Sept 30 to Full Moon on Oct 2, ambitions take a wider focus and a long-held vocational goal benefits from research you do between Oct 14–28.

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PISCES Pisces Not always soft, Pisces occasionally speaks the hard truths. Sept 2 hosts Full Moon in Pisces opposite an articulate Virgo Sun, while Venus opposes the Capricorn gang. On Sept 13 Jupiter jolts you forward so you easily engage with others, achieving practical goals. Some of Sept’s challenges put you in front-line helper role. Do remember to balance your energy with rest. Place a higher value on action than on exhausting talk, if Venus dynamics prompt others to demand a lot of your time between Oct 3–28.

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ARIES Aries Sept and Oct are months to apply the skills of patient anticipation and strategy that two years of Saturn and Pluto challenges have been teaching you. On Sept 10 your ruler Mars, in Aries, begins a two-month Retro cycle. This would be less remarkable if Mars was not squaring off to a trio of Capricorn planets, but it is. Challenges that slipped past in Aug could reappear around Sept 23–24, 30 and Oct 9 or 17. Aries Full Moon on Oct 2 makes it personal, defining a time when a vigilant, patient and loving Aries may emerge.

TAURUS Taurus A trio of outer planets supports Taurus through the challenges of Sept and Oct with Taureans emerging as change agents. Whether on a small or large scale, this role model shift suits your fixed nature, giving a genuine “spring clean” to old stuck routines and/or beliefs. You are one of the signs well placed to be a calm hub for others who are in a spin. From Oct 3–28, Venus tops up your creative juices, increasing your pleasure in daily life. This present Taurean strength is a golden panacea that helps you feel the beauty in all.

GEMINI Gemini Being in your head and constantly using that omnidirectional Gemini brain is exhausting in Sept when endless Virgo details add to the load. Try trust; be supported by love, family and gratitude to avoid imploding around Sept 2’s Full Moon. The challenges of Sep 11–17 are best approached as a chance to complete small tasks, trusting that New Moon on 17th will also be a new start for you. Focus on being non-reactive Sept 23–24 and 30 and on Oct 9 so that creative ideas can increase your capacity to thrive within the inbuilt limits of time.

WRITTEN BY

CHRISTINE BROADBENT, OCTOBER 7, 2021

Christine Broadbent has over 30 years’ experience in her field and loves astrology for its healing and timing strengths. She offers in-person readings in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, plus phone, Skype or Zoom sessions worldwide. Christine also leads workshops and Embodied Astrology Retreats in Australia and New Zealand. Are you interested in a September 2021 Retreat on Magnetic Island?

See astrologyspot.com.au or phone (+61) 402664101 (AU).

S P I R I T U A L

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A magical plant for your

homes e by putting and re -f le b u o tr e lif u Make yo in your homes e e Tr i m a h S a g worshipin

L I V I N G

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L I V I N G

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Local names of Shami in India & around the world

e all face so many problems in our lives, let it be with money, relationships, stress and so many other issues that we deal with on day-to-day basis. Did you know there is an Indian belief with this awesome plant called Shami, which gives you a remedy for almost every kind of problems in your life. Shami is a Sanskrit word which means: one who removes or cleans, or suppresses. It is believed that the worship of Shami removes, cleans, or suppresses all the sins of a person. In ancient times, especially during the Epic age the Hindu warriors would offer prayers to this tree before proceeding to the battle field. The great Hindu Text Mahabharata has a legend that when Pandavas were exiled for 14 years, they had to spend one last year in disguise. It was during that period that they submitted all their arms to a Shami tree and received them back intact after the period of disguise was over i.e. after one year. They worshiped the tree and asked for power and victory in the ensuing battle that was fought in the battle field of Kurukshetra between Pandavas and Kauravas. Pandavas won the battle and hence it is believed that the Shami tree gives power and victory to those who pray to it. On Vijayadashami day people exchange Shami leaves and greet each other. This custom is popular in in Maharashtra and Karnataka states of India.

Language

Name

Arabic

Ghaf

Rajasthan Bishnois

Khejri

Janty (जांटी)

Punjabi

Jand

Sindh

Kandi

Kannada

Banni

Tamil

Vanni

Telugu

Jammi

Marathi

Shami

Gujrathi

Sumri

Sinhala

Vanni-andara, katu andara

How to worship Shami plant in your homes :

To remove Shani Dosh from your star sign, every Saturday do a Diya (prefrebbly in a mitti ka diya/clay lamp) with Chameli Tel (Jasmine Oil) near the roots of the plant.

To remove problems with unnecessary fights at home, every Saturday morning put sweet water in the roots of the plant. Make the water sweet with mishri (sugar candy) or sugar and add some ‘Ganga Jal’ if available.

To remove problems at your workplace or hurdles & blockages in your business, take handfool of Kala Til (Black sesame seeds) and put inside the Shami plant on every Saturday in evening time.

To remove any Nazar Dosh or Evil Eye on yourself or any family member, take name of the person whom you think is having an evil eye, if you feel its on you, then you can take your own name, and recite Shami Pujan prayer and take handful of leaves from the Shami plant or tree and keep it in the North-east direction of your home.

For better health or speedy recovery of any ill person in

your home or family, who has been ill from a very long time, take a branch and handful of leaves from the Shami tree or plant and keep it below or inside the pillow of the ill person. Since, Shami ped regulates the bones of our body, another option is to take a red cloth and put few stems or branches of the Shami plant with some leaves inside the red cloth and tie it on the righ arm of the ill person.

For luck with money or to impress the goddess of money, Mahalaxmi, Take a silver coin of Laxmi-Ganesha imprinted on the coin and keep some a small branch of the Shami plant with some leaves on top of this coin and tie it in a small red cloth and keep inside your Tijori (locker for keeping money and valuable items inside your home) or keep this cloth with coin in the North-east direction inside your house. The same thing can also be done in offices.

To remove financial, health related and personal relationships related problems, keep a Shami plant inside your home or balcony in the north-east direction of the space and worship reciting the prayer on every Saturday by lighting a lamp and incense sticks.

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To remove Nav-graha Dosh, Nine-planets disturbance influence on your star sign, wrap around a kacha sood (cotton thread) around the plant or tree.

To remove bad luck, unluckiness, pitradosh (curse from deceased ancestors) and hard times from life, use Mitti ka diya (clay lamp) and

take sarson oil (mustard oil) and make a batti with red color (you may dip the cotton in red color or use any red color think thread) and light up this lamp near the roots of the Shami plant or tree on every Saturday. Please try and recite the below prayer when doing any of the above steps for remedy. The worship of Shami is called as "Shami Pujan". It is done with recitation of the following prayerShami shamyate paapamShami shatruvinashanam, Arjunasya dhanurdhariRamasya priyadarsini.

Botanical Name of Shami Plant : Prosopis Cineria (Linn). Druce (Prosopis spicigera Linn) Family : Mimosaceae

The above article is a compilation of several remedies available on the internet from various hindu priests, astrologers and spiritual leaders. The article serves as quick and easy read to help our many Indians living in Hong Kong with their personal life and well-being troubles. Please try to bring back a Shami plant during their next visit to India and follow the above remedies for a quick and proven cure.

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You may surely do your own research on internet or consult and of your family hindu priest to double-confirm any of the above remedies. Our intention with this article is to only draw your attention to a formula given by our Hindu beliefs towards achieving a happy living. Article compiled by : Gaurav Pardeshi References : http:// sacredtress.blogspot. com/2014/01/shami-tree. html Bhawna Sharma, Astro Tak LIVE YouTube channel

C O M M U N I T Y

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Be The Change An NGO helping ethnic minorities in Education and Counselling

Interview by Mr. Deepu Hartano, Director of Sundeep Ltd. HK on 4th August 2021. Mrs. Poonam Mehta’s teaching passion began over five decades ago. Her journey has been challenging yet very rewarding. Being an educator and a counsellor, she believes the most important contribution to a community is education.

and Hong Kong. Whilst she was ruminating, God led her to greener pastures, she believes. In Mumbai, she is one of the trustees of ‘Dreamz Home’ an orphanage and shelter for street children and a core member of The Sage Foundation.

She resigned from her position as principal of a well-established educational organization in Hong Kong to dedicate her time towards worthy causes in both India

Currently she is the President of Be the Change Hong Kong Ltd, a registered NGO, which has as its mission to help underprivileged children and families who live in Hong Kong

and is greatly supported by volunteer helpers. She supervises students from Monash University, Australia. She has also been appointed honorary committee member for the Promotion of Racial Harmony in Hong Kong Home by the Secretary for Home Affairs. Furthermore, she is an author of many children’s books and her recent published book is called: ‘Joyful Journey on a Bumpy Road.’

C O M M U N I T Y

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Mrs. Mehta, President of Be The Change was interviewed by Mr. Deepu Hartano, Director of Sundeep Ltd. HK on 4th August 2021.

1) What inspired you to join Be The Change? I guess it is in my DNA to serve. At one stage I felt I’m being saturated at work and I need to help the community.

4) For the past ten years how has it grown? Brick by brick Four pillars were erected by donors, Volunteers built the wall Almighty built the roof. In 2011 BTC officially opened its doors.

Word spread like fire. Needy families walked in with the hope of being cared, saw a ray of light with the hope of being cared.

5) What are your future plans? Initially, I saw a little caterpillar, day after day we fed the caterpillar with our thoughts, plans and goals. The caterpillar came out of the cocoon and a beautiful butterfly emerged.

2) How did Be the Change come into existence? Three people who wanted to serve the community put their thoughts together and made it happen. They nurtured to best of their ability.

3) Who were these kind souls? Naresh, Roma and Leesha. Sometime later I walked in and graciously the BTC was placed in my lap.

Picture Credit: Mr. Bharat Khemlani, Big Ben

We at Be The Change have pledged to raise funds and send students for further studies. This could only happen with the contribution of generous donors. ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.’

Picture credit: Mr. Bharat Khemlani

BTC focuses on educating and counselling underprivileged students especially ethnic minorities in HK. We have in-house counsellors to help families and students.

C O M M U N I T Y

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We pay for miscellaneous fees twice a year, summer and winter uniforms and shoes. We help with legal matters. Thanks to Mr. Mohan Bharwaney, for always helping us to find pro bono legal help. We attend to medical expenses in case of emergencies. All these needs are financially supported by many donors.

Picture credit: Mrs. Poonam V. Mehta

7) What gives you the drive and energy to keep serving? That is a very good question. Energy comes from students

To begin with we had many volunteers to teach. Subsequently children needed help in Maths and Chinese hence we had to hire teachers to teach these subjects.

and families who come for help. Their smiles warm up my heart. I feel blessed that I got this opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. Caste, creed and faith does not matter. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Eesai (Christians) with no discrimination. I humbly say I am proud to be a Sindhi. BTC is the first Sindhi NGO in HK serving the needy. I feel rewarded to serve humanity. Praise the Lord.

Picture credit: Afkar Picture credit: Mrs. Poonam V. Mehta

6) How has BTC funded these programs to date?

We plan summer outings and activities such as beach cleaning and birthday parties.

We look at holistic approach to teaching. At BTC children join various activities such as dance, yoga and painting.

Some parents are engaged to enhance their skills in sewing, flower arrangement, manicure & pedicure.

Picture credit: Mrs. Poonam V. Mehta

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Tribute to our most loving, delightful young Devesh. Loved and remembered globally.

C O M M U N I T Y

Bless his soul in eternal peace.

Beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. Kishore Samtani

K I D S

C O N T E S T

Contest Winners of July-August 2021 Issue : Winner 1 :

Bandeep Kaur

E-mail : bandeep24kaur@gmail.com Winner 2 :

Kinjal Ruthiya

Mobile - 92212730 E-mail - trupti.ruthiya@googlemail.com Please contact Roger on 63324784 to claim your prizes.

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Please send your entries in the form of a photo or scanned pdf to gp@aplomhk.com and put the subject line as

'Contest Entry Adesiflava Sep-Oct 2021 Issue'.

The First 3 correct entries will each receive a Xiaomi So White Electric Toothbrush. We will announce 3 winners for the adults' section and 3 winners for Kids section.

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A D U LT

FIND THE WORDS AND FILL IN THE BOX

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