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Volume 14, Number 11 Saturday, August 12, 2017

Indian Times

Brisbane

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times

As God is One, we respect all Religions

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Paul Pisasale: Former Ipswich Mayor faces more charges

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From the Publisher WITH the westerlies blowing we welcome August the month of EKKA, yes it does seem to come around quickly, the iconic show full of traditions, unique atmosphere and childhood memories which have passed down through generations of family, a true Queensland experience. I hope you all enjoy a family outing on the Ekka day holiday.

August is also the month of Janamastnami, and Brisbane is fully geared and ready for this year’s Janamastnami. Devotees have a range of venue options available to them, lots of choices which is good. What it means is that devotees don’t have to travel too far to get to a venue, there are a few to choose from, so travelling time will be cut down. I must mention the land acquisition at 550 Wembley Road, Logan by Sanatan Queensland, a shining example of what can be achieved with united effort. It was quite an ambitious move by Sanatan Queensland to hold Janamastanami celebration at the newly acquired land, but it was the dedication and unity of all concerned to make it happen, volunteers worked very hard to clean the land, repair the existing shed and bring in a marquee for the celebrations, congratulations to everyone concerned and wishing Sanatan Queensland all the best in the future.

Another significant feature of August is, it is Queensland multicultural month, and many functions had been organised to mark the multicultural month. The Queensland Multicultural Awards was held on Sunday 6th August at Logan Entertainment Centre. The Gala lunch was a sold out success. Congratulations to the finalists and of course the winners in all categories. On Friday 18th August Queensland Multicultural Business lunch was held at Sofitel Brisbane, both the events were hosted by Minister Grace Grace. You may remember that this started off as Queensland multicultural week, now it is Queensland Multicultural month.

And now to soccer, I was humbled to be, once again invited as chief guest at the QBOG finals organised by QFFA. As the

founder president fifteen years ago it gave me great pleasure to present the trophies to the winners. The tournament attracted a few teams from Melbourne as well, which was very good to see. Munaf Khan the current president has been with QFFA since inception and was involved with soccer well before the inception of QFFA. After the presentation, Ba Brisbane hosted a dinner reception for Melbourne Dhadkan team at Murrarie hall, being the founder president of Ba Brisbane, I was invited to the function to say a few words and encourage the players and motivate the executives.

Last month we saw the visit of Fijian Prime Minister to Brisbane, he lead a business delegation at a symposium held at Stamford Plaza Brisbane, day one was the business symposium the second day was a community (Talanoa) session. I was asked by High commission to assist with both the events. Community response was very good at the Talanoa session, many questions were asked from the floor, and Honourable Prime Minister together with his expert panel handled the Q and Session skilfully.

Lastly I must talk about GOPIO Queensland India Day Fair, we are proud to be the official media for the iconic event, this year the show stopper is Lakwinder Wadali, he is coming over with his band to entertain everyone at India Day Fair 2017, celebrating India’s 70th Independence day celebrations the event will be held on 19th of August from 10am till 9:30pm. I know the committee has been working very hard to make this event successful despite all the challenges that such a prestigious venue brings, hope to see you all there.

I must pen off now wishing you all the best for Janamastanami and congratulations and best wishes for India’ 70th Independence Day celebrations.

Until next Month Happy Reading, Happy Reading Umesh Chandra

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• Letters to the Editor........................2 • Migration Matters...........................3

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• Cartoon Corner..............................14 • Who, What, Where, When.....26 & 28 • Health & Well Being................32-35 • Real Estate................................36-39 • Business Directory/Classified.......40-41 • Astrology...........................................41 • What’s On................................42-47 • Bollywood & Entertainment...48-49 • Sport............................................50-51 2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

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JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS Ram Jattan (UK) Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) ML. M. Nawaaz Ashrafi Imam Muhammad Aslam Sundar Gopal Das Yadavendra Das Pastor Joseph Dass Haji Abdul Rahman Deen

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Migration News....

THE changes to the occupation ceiling for the current financial year have been released, bringing a breath relief for Accountants, some Engineers and some IT professionals.

The occupation ceiling for Accountants has almost doubled from 2285 last year to 4785, but the competition is still high with 478 Accountants already invited in the last month.

It appears that Accountants, Auditors and ICT Business and System Analysts still need to score at least 75 points if they wish to be invited sooner. Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers, Electronics Engineer, Other Engineering Professionals, Software and Applications Programmers and Computer Network Professionals also trail behind at a high 70 points.

Available places have dropped for some popular skilled occupations such as Computer Network professionals, Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers, Chefs, Social Workers and Secondary School Teachers. Whilst it is good news for some and disappointing for others, the urgency related to lodging your EOI as soon as you can is still real. It may be a good idea to start taking your English tests while you are completing your studies, aiming for scores to secure points to avoid delays. If you have not started your studies yet, you might want to consider studying and living in a regional area as that could bring you more points once you complete at least a two-year course.

With the recent changes to the occupation list, most of the State Government has begun opening up the nomination for certain occupation. Every state has their own occupation list and requirement such as work experience, evidence of qualification from certain states and etc. It is best for anyone interested to get in touch with us to discuss available options suited to their individual circumstances.

To find out more about the changes to the occupation lists, ceiling and how you can start collecting points, please feel free to contact Migration Guru. We offer free first consultations so call 07 3036 3800 to book an appointment for all your visa enquiries.

Follow us on Facebook for all the updates to Migration Law https://www.facebook.com/migrationguru/ Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 18, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD. Phone: 07 3036 3800 MARN 0324607, 1175591, 1382609, 1386041, 1683052 & 1466522. www.migrationguru.com.au Disclaimer:- The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 — 3

Kannada Sangha of Queensland Inc. welcomes the new Executive Committee of 2017-2018

• Standing from Left to right: Mr. Bhargava Kumar Rayeni, Mrs. Shilpa Aswal, Mr. Arun Kumar, Mrs. Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, Mr. Chandra Shekar Munintappa, Mr. Krishna Srinivas Gopala, Mr. Jayanth Mahendra Kumar.

Courtesy Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj President, Kannada Sangha Queensland Inc.

KANNADA Sangha of Queensland Inc. (KSQ), takes immense pleasure in announcing the new Executive Team for 2017-18. * President - Mrs. Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj * Vice President – Mr. Arun Kumar * Secretary – Mr. Chandra Shekar Munintappa * Treasurer – Mr. Jayanth Mahendra Kumar * Public Relation Officer – Mrs. Shilpa Aswal * Information Coordinator – Mr. Bhargava Kumar Rayeni * Committee Member 1 – Mr. Krishna Srinivas Gopala * Committee Member 2 – Mr. Anil Kumar Hanumanthappa About us: Kannada Sangha of Queensland Inc. (KSQ), is a not-for-profit organisation incorporated under the Office of Fair Trading, Queensland. It aims to promote and preserve ‘Kannada’, the language of Karnataka State in South India, through cultural and linguistic activities and thereby educate the younger generation of the rich culture and heritage of Karnataka.

KSQ was incorporated in 2004, although it was in existence since 1995, as ‘Kannada Sangha’, an association of a small number of Kannadigas with a view to promote Kannada culture and language. Since then, it has grown in numbers and expanded its forum.

The purpose of KSQ is to bring the Kannada community together by organising major festivals such as Ganesha Chaturthi, Deepavali, Kannada Rajyotsava and Ugadi which provides a forum for adults, as well as youth born and growing up in Australia to keep in touch with their language and showcase their talent in arts, literature and cultural activities of Karnataka.

In addition, KSQ organises yearly picnics and supports the screening of Kannada movies on a regular basis. These social gatherings and events provide an opportunity for Kannadigas to meet people of their own community and network with each other.

KSQ is also a registered member of the Federation of Indian Associations of Queensland (FICQ) and participates in various community events such as Independence Day Celebrations.

KSQ has organised numerous cultural activities and has encouraged participation by children and adults in a variety of entertainment programs such as singing, dancing, quizzes and dramas that highlight the culture of Karnataka. On some occasions, KSQ has also organised music and other entertainment programs featuring artists from Karnataka.

KSQ intends to extend its service beyond Kannada community and engage in wider community services like food service at temple, blood donation, volunteering work and community awareness session to name few.

Through the kind patronage and support of its members and the general public, KSQ hopes to grow and flourish into a thriving organisation and achieve its objectives and expand its activities to new horizons in the future.

The new Executive Committee is excited to serve the Kannada community and to promote multiculturalism with continued support from local community of Queensland.

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

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Nundah restaurant listed in QLD Taste NUNDAH restaurant “Spice Valley” was listed by Anooska Tucker-Evans as one of the best cheap eats. In her review she said, “Imaging feeding your family for under $50. Well imagine no more with this authentic Indian restaurant in Brisbane’s north specialising in regional vegetarian cuisine. The enticing menu extends well beyond basic curries, with the masala dhosa simply outstanding.

Most meals are around $12”.

Popular amongst foodies, QLD Taste (The Courier Mail) is the ultimate guide to dining in and dining out. Being recommended in a widely read and credible guide is the hope for many a business owner, the Shah family were delighted an honoured to have been highlighted on July 15.

Family owned and run, Spice Valley have dedicated themselves to providing their diners with an authentic Indian dining experience, keeping in mind quality, quantity and price.

Located at 11 Nundah Street, Nundah, Spice Valley offers cuisines from North to South and everywhere in between, the team believe in serving you the best quality foods with the “Real taste of India”.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 — 5

Paul Pisasale: Former Ipswich Mayor faces more charges From page 1 FORMER Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, was no stranger to Queensland Indian Community, he had frequented and supported many community functions and was very popular amongst our community. Whenever called upon for community consultation he was always there, the news of his alleged wrong doings has sent shock waves not only within the Indian community but community at large.

Paul Pisasale has failed to face court on charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice as part of a Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) investigation.

Court documents state that between December 2016 and August, Pisasale attempted to pervert the course of justice by influencing a witness to provide false statements and misleading evidence.

Pisasale's lawyer, Glen Cranny, presented the court with medical reports stating the married 65-year-old was not fit to attend based on advice from his psychiatrist.

A warrant could be issued for the arrest of embattled former mayor if he fails to appear at his next court date.

Pisasale was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice earlier this month while on bail for three separate charges, including extortion.

Pisasale's solicitor, Glen Cranny, told the court his client remained in a mental health clinic and there were "some serious health concerns" surrounding him.

Magistrate Anthony Gett was not prepared to grant bail on the new charges, saying the ex-politician was in a "show-cause position".

A warrant will remain at the court until his next appearance on August 23.

Mr Cranny would not comment on Pisasale's health or new charges as he left court.

Mr Pisasale resigned as Ipswich mayor in June resigned in June, citing health reasons.

It came at the same time as a CCC investigation into an incident in which he was detained at Melbourne Airport carrying $50,000 cash.

Pisasale has previously denied any wrong doing and said he would fight the charges.

The court heard Mr Pisasale was experiencing "suicidal ideations" while at a New Farm clinic and was not fit to be questioned by authorities.

Success Story of the Month RAVI Teja Malapati is a Masters Graduate in Information Technology from James Cook University in Brisbane. After the completion of his Masters course, Ravi commenced the ACS Professional Year Program at Indus Institute in 2015.

At Indus Institute, Ravi got to understand more of the Australian work culture and how to present himself professionally. Ravi thinks that he had a great professional environment at Indus Institute where one-on-one support was provided to him and other students as well.

Besides the in-class training, all ACS Professional Year Program students are required to do an internship in Australia. Thus, Ravi did his IT internship at a reputable local University in Queensland. This internship placement has helped him improve his project management skills and other transferable skills. After his internship, Ravi continues to work at the University.

Ravi further mentioned that he is thankful to his trainer who was so patient and had constantly motivated him throughout the whole program. At Indus Institute, we genuinely care for all our students. We provide one-on-one support to all our students to ensure the wellbeing of different ones throughout the program.

If you are interested in the ACS Professional Year Program, contact one of our team members today. Our staff may be contacted in Brisbane at 07 3036 3850 or in Hobart in 03 6281 8008 or you could simply

Ravi Teja Malapati Indus Institute Graduate email us at info@indusinstitute.com.au. We at Indus Institute are more than happy to assist you in your career path.

Author – Indus Institute – The information represented above are views of the author and the author does not warrant any information. All individuals are encouraged to make their own enquiries before embarking on any program or career options.

Brisbane Festival boasts 22 days of wonder FOR the month of September, Brisbane will boast a spectacular line-up of breathtaking performances from home and abroad, as part of the 2017 Brisbane Festival program.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said Brisbane Festival was the city’s biggest cultural event and would this year host more than 513 events, 52 ticketed shows and more than 220 free events from 9 to 30 September.

“For three weeks, Brisbane will be immersed in a colourful program of entertainment, from multicultural productions to Australian music legends, original art exhibitions to cabaret and circus acts,” Cr Quirk said.

“With more than 490 performances and loads of free events and experiences there will be something for everyone.

“This year’s line-up will be headlined by international sensation London Grammar, as well as home grown musical siblings Angus & Julia Stone, who will kick off their national tour with a performance at the Tivoli.

“The family program will be bigger and better than ever including ABC and Play School presenter Justine Clarke, family favourite

Grug & The Rainbow and plenty of free activities down at Treasury Brisbane Arcadia.

“Of course, Brisbane Festival wouldn’t be complete without the Sunsuper Riverfire light show extravaganza, so make sure you keep Saturday 30 September free to watch the spectacular fireworks display from our city’s best vantage points.”

Brisbane City Hall will also host Brisbane Festival as part of the Lord Mayor’s City Hall Concerts series, held each Tuesday throughout the festival.

Australia's Queen of Cabaret Rhonda Burchmore will performs songs from Guys and Dolls and Mamma Mia, jazz ensemble Paula Girvan Swingtet teams up with vocalist Tee West and Queensland Conservatorium will deliver a lively and entertaining hour of musical theatre.

Cr Quirk said the festival had been running annually since 2009 and drew crowds of around one million people every year.

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama in Brisbane FIJIAN Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama may be a once-feared coup leader but he warmly had Queenslanders eating out of his hand during a speech in Brisbane.

Professing his love for the victorious Queensland State of Origin rugby league team, Mr Bainimarama counted himself among the biggest Maroons fans.

In charge of a country that counts rugby sevens as its national religion, the former military leader regretted arriving in Australia a week too late to see the Maroons beat NSW in a one-sided series decider at Suncorp Stadium.

Speaking at a Brisbane trade symposium, Mr Bainimarama pointed to Fiji-born Queensland Origin great Petero Civoniceva as an inspiration to many in his Pacific Island nation.

His address was a balance of humour and enthusiasm for his country’s potential as he discussed how the shared personality characteristics of each country could bolster their trade agreements.

The room erupted in laughter as he complimented Australians for their “no bullshit” attitude, as shared with Fijians.

“Brisbane is the only place I can be Frank by name and frank by nature,” Mr Bainimarama said at Stamford Plaza.

Issues concerning citizenship, investment opportunities, Fiji’s socio economic development and the latest initiatives implemented by the Government dominated a ‘talanoa’ session held in Brisbane this evening.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama led the ‘talanoa’ session this evening with the Fijian community living in Brisbane. He is in Brisbane leading a Fijian delegation to the FijiQueensland Trade and Investment symposium – an event designed to develop and strengthen investment and trade opportunities between Fiji and the State of Queensland.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Bainimarama discussed key areas that would boost socioeconomic growth in Fiji – including agriculture and rural development, industry and trade, lands and mineral resources, iTaukei affairs as well as Fiji’s regional and international obligations. In discussing these differ-

ent sectors, the PM also highlighted key initiatives that are being implemented in the 2017-2018 National Budget.

These initiatives include welfare support, education support, investment support, as well as funds allocated to boost the utilities and ICT sector. “We are doing everything we can to grow our economy, raise living standards and provide our people with interesting, sustainable livelihoods. And we are having a tremendous amount of success in doing so.

We’ve had eight (8) straight years of economic growth – the longest in Fijian history”, PM Bainimarama said. In delivering his remarks, Prime Minister Bainimarama also invited Fijians who have made Brisbane their home, to work with Government in building the “new Fiji”.

“I again urge those who haven’t already done so to reconnect, to visit Fiji and for those who have the means, to perhaps build a house or start a business in our new and modern Fiji. There are some great opportunities for you to do so and I urge you to get all the information you need from our people at Investment Fiji.” This evening’s event also saw the PM and his delegation receive feedback and questions from these former Fijians on the work carried out by government.

They include ICT capacity for investment, the future of Fiji’s sugar industry, dual citizenship, land leases, tourism, importing food crops from Fiji etc. Also accompanying the Prime Minister are Government Ministers and senior officials representing government ministries and agencies. Also present is the Fijian Elections Office.

For more information, please visit www.brisbanefestival.com.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 7

“Indians should strive to reach to the very top of their organisations” FICQ hosts another stimulating meeting with Dr. A. M. Gondane, Indian High Commissioner to Australia Dr Indrani Ganguly, Public Relations Officer, FICQ Inc. ‘Indians should stop frittering their energies and focus on reaching the top of their organisations like the India-born CEOs in the USA such as Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google.’ This was one of the many provocative and thoughtinspiring challenges thrown out by His Excellency, Dr. A. M. Gondane, Indian High Commissioner to Australia in Canberra at an afternoon tea for community leaders hosted by the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. (FICQ) on 22 July.

The afternoon commenced with the many and diverse attendees being invited to tell Dr Gondane about their professional background and community involvement and interests. The

responses ranged from ground-breaking research being done on diabetes to the celebration of the role of Australian soldiers of Indian origin who fought in World War 1. Dr Gondane advised it was important to be very clear about what was being celebrated. The Indian soldiers were not carpetbaggers or auxiliaries but men who gave their blood and sometimes their lives and were on an equal footing with the Australians.

Other attendees mentioned their expertise in areas like town planning which they did not consider to be well developed in India and asked how they could help. This was considered to be a complex area that merited further discussion.

Following this, Dr Gondane outlined his vision for Indians in Australia. Apart from the CEOs of global corporations in the United States, Dr Gondane also mentioned the many politicians and public leaders of Indian origin who were mak-

QTA welcomes new executive committee 2017 Mrs Uma Guduru, Secretary QTA THE AGM (Annual General Meeting) for the year 2017 was held on 30th July 2017 at Garden City Library between 10am 2pm.

The outgoing executive team lead by Mr. Anoop Nannuru wishes to inform sincere thanks to all of the member association executives, committee members and guests who attended the AGM. It has been an incredible one year the 2016-17, Executive teams took charge, and a lot of areas have seen improvements, and there are much more things to achieve to attain greater heights.

Overall the AGM was conducted, and the elections took place. The new Executive Committee for the year 2017-18 is now in effect lead by Mrs. Navaneetha Thatimakula as the new President.

The new Executive Committee, led by Mrs. Navaneetha Thatimakula as the President, represents a broad range of language and cultural groups and professional backgrounds that is very much in keeping with the richness and diversity of the Queensland Telugu Community.

The new elected members are: • President - Mrs Navaneetha Thatimakula • Vice President – Mrs Ratna Buddhavarapu • Secretary – Mrs Uma Guduru • Treasurer - Mr Sri Krishna Ravipati • Cultural Secretary – Mr

Srikanth Talla Executive Members: 1. Mr Ravi Sanikommu 2. Mr Balaji Kadiyala There are also many co-opted members who will add to the EC’s strength, skills and experience they bring with them: 1. Mr Omkar Murthy Paladugu 2. Mr Mukesh Dubey 3. Mrs Pushpa Vyasabhattu 4. Mrs Anjani Updates regarding the Mediation Committee for 2017-2018: Mr. Ravi Pappu retired from the Mediation Committee after successfully serving the stipulated term of three years. Members expressed gratitude to Mr. Ravi Pappu for his services. Mr. Sekhar Moturi has been nominated to become a member of the Mediation Committee for a term of three years. We cordially welcome Mr. Sekhar Moturi to the Mediation Committee.

On behalf of Queensland Telugu Association, we thank Mr. Ravi Pappu again for his excellent efforts and guidance to the association.

We are grateful to the whole Mediation Committee team for the time, talent, and expertise provided to us. You have made a difference through your dedication and continued support.

Your ideas, input, and enthusiasm were most helpful and had assisted us in making valid improvements to our association.

The new mediation committee team comprises: • Mr. Mohan Krishna • Mr. Sudershan Kanthakadi • Mr. Sekhar Moturi

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

ing their mark around the world, such as Leo Varadkar, the Prime Minister of Ireland, whose father had migrated to Ireland and India-born governors and other politicians in the US. He hoped that Indians in Australia would soon begin to join the ranks of politicians at all levels – perhaps even the highest- in Australia. The way forward was to be focused, to exert all energy to demonstrate excellence in academia, the media and every other field.

The session ended with Mr Palani Thevar thanking His Excellency and saying FICQ Executive Committee and member organisations looked forward to his returning to attend the Diwali celebrations in October.

Readers who would like more information may contact Mr Palani Thevar, President, FICQ on 0421 656 000.

Top Tibetan Lama visits Brisbane to explain the link between mind and heart ONE of the most senior Tibetan Buddhist lamas alive today is coming to Brisbane to explain the difference between following the mind and the heart.

His Eminence the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche says it’s crucial to understand the contrast between the two if we want to make good decisions and lead a happy and fulfilled life.

Dzogchen Rinpoche will share his Buddhist wisdom in Brisbane on Friday 18th August at the Queensland Multicultural Centre during a public talk entitled ‘Mind or Heart – Which Can I Trust?’.

His Eminence said the speed and pace of modern life was making it hard for people to live with confidence and clarity.

He said: “There seem to be so many possibilities these days and although we believe in the freedom of choice and will, we can sometimes not be so sure what our decisions are really based on.

“Our mind is constantly influenced by media, politics, fashion and social standards and contradictory information all of which can be confusing to the point where we cannot be sure what to trust.

“Instead, we might often find ourselves being mainly guided by fear and worries rather than by common sense and end up being unhappy instead of improving our lives.”

In this Public Talk His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche will help people to better understand heart and mind through the ancient Buddhist wisdom called Dzogchen - and explain www.indiantimes.com.au

which to trust.

Doors open at 7pm, the talk begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are $25 ($20 concession) and can be purchased online at trybooking.com/DEDU. For further information call 0416 404 826 or email qld@shenpenaustralia.org.

The public talk will be followed by a traditional Tibetan Buddhist empowerment and teaching on 19th August at the Evans Room, Central Dockside Conference Venue entitled ‘Mind and Heart – What’s the Difference?’.

In this session His Eminence will outline in detail how to recognise the difference between mind and heart by seeing everything as it is rather than judging, thus reconnecting to our true values and who we really are.

There will also be the opportunity to attend a Three-Day Weekend Semi-

nar and Meditation. The Seminar, on the topic ‘How to Truly Follow Your Heart’, will take place from 20th to 22nd August in Brisbane.

In this Seminar Dzogchen Rinpoche will further explain how we can recognise if we are truly following our heart and what the tremendous benefits are that come from it.

These events are part of a worldwide tour which covers France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia and finally India.

Dzogchen Rinpoche is the authentic Dzogchen lineage holder and head of Dzogchen Monastery in South India with more than 280 branch monasteries in Asia mainly in Tibet, India, Nepal and Bhutan and in the West.

For more information go to www.shenpenaustralia.org and facebook.com/DzogchenBuddhism Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 9

Brisbane Fiji Rotarians changeover dinner night

AS far as Rotary changeover dinners are concerned, this was a big one!!

The combined changeover dinner of Rotary Club of Brisbane International (RCBI) and the Rotary Club of Wishart (RCW) was held at the Sunnybank Bowls Club on 15th July 2017. Some notable attendees included past District Governors, past Presidents, a current Assistant Governor, current presidents of other Rotary clubs and other community based organisations.

Also present amongst the invited guests were Hon. Ian Walker, member for Mansfield who is also the Shadow Attorney General and Shadow Minister for Justice and Planning and Ms Freya Ostapovitch, a former local member for Stretton.

The guest speaker for the night was Dr Vijay Kapadia, a renowned Gold Coast based cardiologist. His speech and presentation about his charity work in Fiji undoubtedly left the crowd mesmerised.

This changeover was very special for multiple reasons. Not only was RCBI celebrating its inaugural changeover, it was a combined changeover with its sponsor club, RCW which in itself was historic. Another reason to celebrate was that outgoing President, Mr Jitendra Prasad, who has been the brainchild behind the formation of RCBI, had recently been announced as District Governor Elect for District 9630. This is a tremendous achievement for both Mr Prasad personally and RCBI, a club he holds so dear to his heart. Mr Prasad is excited about and is looking forward to assuming his responsibilities

as District Governor for Rotary District 9630 from 01 July next year.

As outgoing President of RCBI, Mr Prasad also had the honour of passing on the Presidents collar to incoming President Mr Raj Padarath, who outlined his strategic plans to take RCBI to the next level in the New Year.

Bobbey Pawagi stepped in as incoming President for RCW taking over the reins from outgoing President, Mr Brian Hooker.

On a night of fun and friendship, approximately 160 members, guests, family and friends attended this event. As far as Rotary is concerned, this number speaks volumes.

DJ Desi provided the entertainment for the night and the dinner choices were excellent.

Chinmaya Mission Kids’ Camp 2017

emony and event chairperson, Mr Abdul Azam was eloquent in his role.

Whilst everyone was brilliant in their respective roles, it was Dr Kapadia who enthralled the audience with a presentation which can only be described as electric and absorbing.

He explained the dire circumstances that the Fiji Islands finds itself in as far as cardiovascular disease is concerned and how extremely limited the resources are so far as treatment is concerned. The revelation of the enormity of the problem was haunting as much as astounding. He left his listeners in no doubt whatsoever as to what action and assistance was urgently needed.

The outgoing Presidents of the respective clubs reflected upon the year that was with pride and passion whilst the incoming presidents showed great commitment as they outlined their visions for the year ahead. The key strategic priorities was to support and strengthen clubs, focus and increase humanitarian service and enhance public image and awareness.

The night was tremendously successful but if the current leadership is anything to go by, it would not be amiss to suggest that RCBI well and truly has its sight set on a very bright and eventful future.

There was Bollywood dance performance by sisters Jacinta and Shanika who displayed versatility in their talents. The Master of Cer-

If you are interested in becoming a part of this wonderful organisation, you can do so by contacting either the President Raj Padarath on 0434 023 240 or the Membership Director, Mr Arun Raniga on 0403 301 337 and putting an expression of interest in.

Shirdi on the streets of Brisbane Courtesy Marina Chand

THE 3-day Chinmaya Mission Kids’ Camp this year was on the topic ‘Krishna – My Best Friend’. There was lots of learning and lots of fun. We enjoyed listening to Swamiji’s incredible stories, watched animations on little Krishna’s life and were bewildered by all that Lord Krishna did as a little child. We also had lots of exciting activities over the three days.

We learnt bhajans, prayers and a dance on Lord Krishna. The visit to Mt Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens and the Planetarium was super exciting! We saw an informative movie called ‘Perfect Little Planet’. We learnt about how people in the olden days recognised star patterns in the sky at night time. It was a really awesome experience! The Kids’ Camp Olympic Games at the Botanic Gardens was a blast. The competition was very stiff but it was so much fun that no one seemed to worry about winning or losing. The role plays on Day 3 was a special highlight of the camp.

They were filled to the brim with humour and everyone enjoyed a lot. Of course no camp can be fun without delicious food – thanks to all the mothers for organising such yummy food for us all the time!

My Take-home Learnings from Kids’ Camp * If you have total faith and belief in Lord Krishna, and if you have a pure heart and mind, He will most definitely show Himself to you. * No matter what bad deeds you may have done, if you call out to Lord Krishna for help with sincerity, He will definitely help you. * Lord Krishna steals away your bad quali-

ties. When he stole butter from the Gopi aunties, he actually stole their ego and ego-centric desires. * Any form of association with Lord Krishna will definitely be a blessing. Poothana and Sakatasura, when killed, were both liberated because both of them had held the Lord of the Universe in their hands. * However bad you may have been, if you realise your mistakes and ask for forgiveness, Lord Krishna will whole-heartedly forgive you. * Lord Krishna can give you anything at any time. After all, He is the Lord of the Universe.

Being His closest friend would be amazing wouldn’t it? In fact, He is not just your best friend; He’s your ‘bestest’ friend. * Always remember Krishna - say ‘Krishna, Krishna’ before doing anything. * The camp also taught us a lot about working together as a team. * DO NOT MISS KIDS’ CAMP!!!

ON 8 July the streets around Virginia were abuzz with dancing, drumming and singing.

To celebrate Guru Poornima, Sai Saileshwara Temple organised a high energy and joyous palki celebration. More than 550 people enjoyed the festivities, carried the palki and danced for their beloved Shirdi Sai Baba.

The beautiful program included qawali singing, bharatnathyam dancing, bhajans and of course, aarti.

In Shirdi, Maharashtra in India, palki is performed every Thursday and is reminiscent of the grand processions which took place when Shirdi Sai Baba was alive. Shirdi Sai Baba

was one of India’s greatest saints who taught by example that there is only one God and the Shirdi Sai Baba bhakti movement is the biggest bhakti movement in the world today.

The organisers are gearing up for an evening bigger and better palki festival next year; to mark the centenary of Shirdi Sai Baba’s passing away (mahasamadhi). In fact, a year long program of exciting activities and events will soon be released, including some very special visitors from Shirdi. Stay tuned! If you would like to stay in touch, please connect on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SaiBaba Brisbane/) or better still, come along to the weekly aarti programs at Virginia State School Hall on Thursdays at 7.30pm.

Hari Om, Adarsh Subramanian 11 years Please visit

http://www.chinmaya.com.au/brisbane/ for the details of our classes and Sunday Family Program.

Upcoming event: Annual Family Weekend Retreat 15th to 17th September 2017.

Contact: Sangeetha 0401 074 738

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 11

A tribute to Lord Shiva by Nritya Bharati School of Kathak Dance NRITYA Bharati School of Kathak Dance is run by Namita Debroy, who has been interested in Music and dance from a very young age. She completed her Visharad in Kathak from Lucknow University. Besides dance she also has a masters in political science from Calcutta University, and a graduate diploma in International Studies from Sydney University.

The school held its annual dance recital on Saturday 5 August at Indooroopilly State

School hall. Indian Classical Kathak was presented with live music accompaniment of Shen Flindell on Tabla, Joseph Nand on Harmonium, Darshil Shah on Flute, Usha Chivakula - vocals. The beautifully choreographed dance recital was themed a “Tribute to Lord Shiva”.

The choreography, costume design, dance and overall direction was by Namita Debroy, the show was compeered by Vinita Khushal.

Honorary Consul for India in Queensland

Mrs Archana Singh and Umesh Chandra, President of Queensland Multicultural – publisher of Brisbane Indian Times were guests of honour.

Despite many other functions in Brisbane on the night, the hall was full of appreciative audience cheering the performers especially the young ones. The performances included the new students through to the seasoned senior students. The show included the purely classical, performances with live musicians, fu-

sion and contemporary style dances.

Kathak is among the six major classical dances of India, Kathak is derived from the word “katha” meaning storey telling. Kathak can be divided into Nritya, Abhinaya on one hand and Tandava, lasya on the other hand.

Kathak is one of the world’s most ancient art form. A blend of Hindu and Muslim classical dance traditions, including plenty of vibrant colour and intricate footwork.

10th Annual Ashu Babu Memorial Tabla School Concert ASHU Babu Memorial Tabla School in Brisbane is run by Shen Flindell, a popular name within the classical Indian Music circle. Shen organises one of the biggest Classical music events “Sangeet Mela” in Brisbane. He has many students taking Tabla lessons from him and every year he puts on the annual concert of his students.

In the tradition of Guru – Shiksha, Brisbane students of the Late Pt Asutosh Bhattaacharya Baj of Benares Gharana performed in honour of their esteemed Guru-ji on the occasion of Guru Purnima. The concert in its tenth year was held at Queensland Multicultural Centre on 8th July.

The evening’s program began with a bhajan

by Ananya Muralidharan with Jesinthan

Ketheeswaran (tabla). This was followed by Tabla Lehras by Students of Ashu Babu Memorial Tabla School. The students ranged from the beginners to the experienced. Each group performed well, Guru ji Shen mentioned that the new intake had a better chance and advantage from his own personal improvement. The final segment was a Tabla Solo by Shen Flindell accompanied on Harmonium by Joseph Abhay Nand.

Honorary Counsel for India in Queensland, Mrs Archana Singh and Umesh Chandra of Brisbane Indian Times gave out the certificates to the students. Next Big program Sangeet Mela will be held on Saturday 2nd September at Queensland Multicultural Centre.

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YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS: SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, SUPPORT. Around 1 in 5 young people have undiagnosed serious mental illness.

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Although under-researched, this statistic is likely to be higher for transcultural young people.

Young people are very concerned about issues such as coping with stress, school and study, body image, and cultural identity.

There are many things it is difficult to talk about with parents.

Mental health is one of them. The stigma is still prevalent.

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OPEN TO ALL PARENTS, CARERS, ADULTS RSVP BY AUGUST 25 INFO@VEDANTABRIS BANE.ORG PRESENTER: MS SHUKTIKA BOSE, MPSYCH(CLIN)

Shuktika is a registered Psychologist and active participant in local religious and cultural communities.

She is experienced in working with young people with mental illness in both preventative and rehabilitative capacities, and as a transcultural young adult, has personal insights into the struggles of juggling personal, social, and cultural identities.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 13

AIAS welcomes Indian High Commissioner to Graduation Ceremony THE Indian High Commissioner, Dr. A.M. Godane and the Honorary Consul General, Mrs. A Singh were in Brisbane recently to attend the graduation ceremony of the Australasian Institute of Ayurvedic Studies. The function was organised to celebrate graduates from the Institute’s Advanced Diploma in Ayurveda, a nationally recognised qualification that takes 3 years to complete.

According to AIAS Director, the Institute was humbled to receive both the High Commissioner and the Honorary Consul General as their guests at the event. “We wanted to celebrate the achievement of these students who have worked hard for 3 years to complete their Advanced Diploma qualification and the presence of both the High Commissioner and the Honorary Consul General to share their success added an extra dimension to the night.” He also thanked Umesh Chandra president of Queensland Multicultural Council and Usha Chandra, president of GOPIO Qld for their presence.

“India is the cradle of this ancient science, developed by our rishis and sages thousands of years ago and nurtured by generations of

practitioners. It therefore seemed appropriate that representatives of the Indian Government should welcome a new batch of practitioners as they start sharing this ancient

Cartoon Corner

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

By Merwyn

wisdom with the modern world.”

A total of 25 students were presented to the High Commissioner to receive their Advanced Diploma in Ayurveda, a national recognised qualification within the Australian Government’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ajit said these graduates would be instrumental in raising the profile of Ayurveda in Australia. “Even though India is the home of Ayurveda, its holistic focus on health has made it the world’s fastest growing complimentary health science. It is now practiced in countries as far afield as Holland, Germany, Russia, USA, Japan and now Australia has joined the international community in embracing this ancient healing system.”

“As a complementary medicine, Ayurveda focuses on how we can achieve good health by maintaining a state of balance and provides a range of clinical methods to diagnose and treat disease. This is achieved by a profound understanding of how our lifestyle, dietary choices, our thoughts and behaviours

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and even the seasons can impact on our bodies and create imbalances that impact on our health. Ayurveda also provides a unique range of remedial methods ranging from massage therapies, herbal treatments, ayurvedic counselling, cooking and ayurvedic meditation to improve health by returning the body to balance.”

‘These Graduates will take these skills and knowledge to develop and provide ayurvedic healthcare to the community either in private practice or in an integrated healthcare environment so the health benefits of this ancient science can be shared with the world.”

“They will also be instrumental in reminding the Indian community of the healing power of Ayurveda because while Ayurveda is embraced by the western world for its effective solution to various physical, mental and emotional issues, sadly our own community has little respect for this science and see it as just a “jari buti”, or herbal remedy.”

The Australasian Institute of Ayurvedic Studies was established by the current director, Dr. S. Ajit (BAMS) in 1999 to teach authentic Ayurveda in Australia and is the only training institute offering Government approved qualifications in Ayurveda in both Australia and New Zealand.

“We believe the Institute offers the most comprehensive curriculum in the study of Ayurvedic Medicine outside India. Our programmes are designed for students wishing to integrate Ayurveda into their personal and professional lives as well as providing them with the clinical training necessary to become successful practitioners.”

“It attracts both those interested in their personal health but also existing complementary health practitioners because our programmes expands the range of health assessment instruments and fills the gaps in therapeutic treatments available in our current health care system.

For more information contact: Richard Clark Ph: (07) 3345 8682 or Dr. Ajit (BAMS): Ph: +64 21 913 625

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“I don’t want to fight my ex, but I deserve a fair settlement!”

By Prav Singh-Pillay THE end of a relationship is devastating for both parties. The emotions people go through are similar to experiencing the death of a loved one. The thought of having to deal with your ex in relation to property and children’s matters may make you upset, angry, and bitter. That’s normal. The process can be as painful or painless as you and your ex choose it to be.

You can attend mediation with your ex to resolve property settlement matters. Provided that disclosure of all relevant financial matters is given by both parties, valuations are obtained for assets the values of which cannot be agreed on, and parties make a genuine effort at mediation, a settlement can be reached for a just and equitable division of

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property without the need for lengthy and expensive litigation. Cornerstone’s Principal Lawyer is a Nationally Accredited Mediator and can mediate your parenting and/or property matters.

A just and equitable agreement can be formalised by filing an Application for Consent Orders with the Court or by way of a Financial Agreement. A Financial Agreement is binding only if the legislative requirements are met. Our Principal Lawyer has extensive experience with representing clients in Family Law matters including drafting Financial Agreements and has had a Financial Agreement set aside last year.

Cornerstone provides you with solid legal solutions and we walk you through the legal process so that it is clear and not overwhelming.

If you have any questions, or you need help with any family law matters, please contact Cornerstone Law Offices today for a confidential chat about your situation.

Call us at: 1300 CORNERSTONE or email: info@cornerstonelawoffices.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 — 15

GOPIO Qld news...

GOPIO, Queensland India Day Fair 19th August 2017 TUESDAY, 15th August 2017, the World’s largest democracy India will celebrate its 70th Independence Day. India, attained Independence from the British rule on 15 August 1947, and celebrates the day by unfurling the tricolour and paying tributes to its freedom fighters, martyrs with full patriotism in India and by 125 crores plus People of Indian Origin Overseas.

Queensland President of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Usha Chandra said whilst India will rejoice a day off, with family & friends on Independence Day to reflect the sacrifice for Swarajya means Self Rule for freedom from the British Empire by various freedom fighters of India like Mahatma Gandhi that made it a truth; GOPIO Queensland is all set with India’s fluttering tricolour and a parade near the Gandhi Statue at The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parklands with tableaux displaying the rich culture of the Indian states & communities in Australia. People of Queensland with the Indian Diaspora have celebrated the free spirit of celebration in diversity, through their creativity and culture at the Iconic Independence Day Celebration that is all set to roar coming Saturday These are the rituals Indians across the world, on independence day, take pride in, and are some of the many things that fill every Indian heart with pride.

The signature event for GOPIO

Queensland, GOPIO India Day Fair, that has the festive flavour, will start at 10.30am, and will include music, food, dances, live performance by Bollywood Show stopper Lakwinder Wadali will feature two hours of non-stop cultural items that show case the traditional and the contemporary India.

It will take place on August 19th, 207 at The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane and a large number of crowds are anticipated to join in the celebrations.

“India’s 70th Independence Day reflects our achievements, our ethics, our solidarity as One community in spirit of freedom, peace and the Indo- Australian Diversity, we share in our home in Australia. With pride of freedom in our hearts, we are looking forward to welcome, our people of Queensland to experience Indian region-centric food stalls from Calamari to Chaat, with hot cup of tea, in the lush green Roma Street Parklands, with live and vibrant dances and music of our Multicultural India, all for Free.” Usha Chandra, President GOPIO Queensland said.

“19th August 17, GOPIO India Day Fair, recognised by Queensland Government as an Iconic Event, will be grandeur. Communities across Regional Queensland have already made plans to join and celebrate many shades of India’s Independence in Brisbane.” said Umesh Chandra- GOPIO Qld., Founder

• Lakwinder Wadali.

President and GOPIO International life member With various Indian community organisations and Indian businesses participating, the annual event will be boasting an array of culinary delights, fashion and traditional cultural displays like Henna art. The event is known for its festive and Mela like ambiance to attract large crowds.

The evening will end with a spectacular Fireworks display as the Diaspora together as one big family, will celebrate the victorious cricket matches, Diwali, Eid, and Baisakhi that we miss in Australia - a home far away from home.

“Women across the communities, have already started planning vibrant dresses for the families; connecting with other friends & family across different states to join this celebration, and we are all looking forward to embracing the spirit of India in Brisbane on 17th August 2017”, Said Vinita Kaushal – Treasurer - GOPIO Queensland.

“We take this opportunity to invite one and all to GOPIO India Day Fair and enjoy the essence of Independence, freedom, multiculturalism and

Indians and gold: a love affair Courtesy Ram Mohan INDIANS buy and sell around $40 billion or Rs.2.5 lakh crore worth of gold every year. At no time is the craze for gold more evident among Indians than during the days leading up to Akshay Tritiya and Dhanteras, the pre-Diwali festival. Indian communities not just in India but throughout the world love to buy and stash gold during these times.

Indians’ fascination with gold Indians and their gold are inseparable. Their love affair with gold is evident in the way Indian brides are laden with gold jewellery on the wedding day. The amount or weight of gold on her person is considered an accurate gauge of affluence of the bride’s family. Not just the rich, but the poor also love their gold in India. Instead of banking their meager cash, the poorer Indians also would rather

solidify their savings in the little ornaments and trinkets made of gold.

As per verifiable data, in 2011, more gold was imported into India than any other nation. Roughly 1,000 tonnes or 20% of the global supply annually. As per the statistics available with The World Gold Council, 22,000 tonnes of gold is lying in people’s homes and temples. Putting it another way, gold

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

in private hands in India amounts to around $1 trillion or Rs.62.6 lakh crore. All this gold amounts to almost half the Indian economy’s worth and could be stashed somewhere in temples, people’s cupboards, and in their safes.

But why this level of unhealthy fascination with gold? Why do Indians just love their gold?

Why this fascination?

A number of financial, cultural, www.indiantimes.com.au

mateship, a common path of love and strength between India and Australia”, said GOPIO Qld. Business Council Chair Yousuf Alikhan.

GOPIO is a non-partisan, secular global organisation for over 28 million Indian expats and immigrants to network, remain connected with the rich culture, celebrate the vibrant festivals and special occasions of India, globally. GOPIO International based in New York and founded in 1989 has over forty chapters worldwide and is the largest Diaspora organisation recognised by Indian Government.

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and religious factors contribute to this excessive love for gold among Indians. For instance, during a marriage ceremony, there is much talk over how much gold the bride is wearing or has been given to her by parents. It is almost a matter of prestige or social status in Indian culture to laden the daughter with gold while giving her away. And the bridegroom’s family expects the same.

Financially, gold is taken as a very safe, risk-free, and profitable investment that withstands the test of inflation and economic ups and downs in the economy. Throughout history, gold prices have always withstood the test of time and economic upheavals. Gold prices always go up, insuring handsome returns for the gold owners.

Also, safety and security are always paramount in Indians’ minds, and this is another reason for their fascination with gold as an investment. Their hedge, if you will, against financial and social insecurities.

Bullion better than jewellery These days, instead of just blindly

investing in jewellery, cleverer Indians are opting for gold bullion bars and coins. If you are buying jewellery for the sole purpose of investing, come to think of it, you have a much better option in bullion bars and coins. There are certain advantages of holding bullion bars than jewellery. Bullion is compact in size and is easier to hold, as compared to space-consuming jewellery. Then, bullion can be converted into cash more profitably than jewellery. Your bullion can anytime be converted to jewellery anyway, so there is little point in holding gold in the form of jewellery.

If you are an Indian living in Australia, you can easily buy bullion bars and coins at online stores like Zenithgold.com.au, which is a large online store that boasts a wide selection of gold bullion bars and coins in a variety of designs.

After you make your purchase online, seated comfortably in the comfort of your home, the bought bars or coins will be delivered to your home anywhere in Australia.

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Things you should know: Terms conditions, fees charges and credit criteria applies. Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 17

South of the Border Records presents Cultural Event 2017 RAVI Singh, Head of SBR curated a night of music from around the world with acts ranging from Indian Classical Music all the way through to contemporary western music at BEMAC on 15th July.

The first cab off the rank was Mohan Gopalakrishnan, all the way from Sydney; young Mohan did a Tabla solo performance!

Other performances included students of

Singhs Music School on Tabla, Sahaj Sangeet – Bhajan ensemble, Yatra – meaning journey and cross cultural fusion, truly inspirational performance, Aarti Bajaj.. (Navrasa Dance School) Des Reid, and Ravikesh with friends.

A variety of performances including a female Dhol payer treated the audience, refreshments were available in the foyer area.

Become a Voter, Have your Say! FIRST advocated by Alfred Deakin at the turn of the 20th century, compulsory voting stands among the most recognisable features of Australian democracy.

It may come as a surprise then that an estimated 2.2 million votes were not cast that might have been at the last Federal election. That translates to 22 MPs in notional terms – potentially game changing stuff in an electorate now famous for dishing up the proverbial cliff hanger.

A community event at Acacia Ridge Community Centre on Saturday 2 September aims to counter this trend by getting more residents

registered with the Electoral Commission, and providing them with the knowledge and confidence to get out to their local polling place on election day.

Despite media commentary pointing towards mounting public cynicism, the community centre’s director, Trish Cattermole believes there are many other factors at play that can be easily addressed with education and practical support.

“It’s often the case that people simply lack the confidence, or believe that the process of registering and voting is too complicated to deal with,” Ms Cattermole said.

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

“There are many in our community with low levels of literacy and numeracy that are unaware that support is available to them to help them have their say. Others may simply not understand the power of their vote, and how their vote has a very direct impact on decisions that can transform our communities for the better,” she said.

“Our centre also operates in some of Australia’s most culturally diverse local, state and federal electorates. In some cases, people’s experiences of politics in their countries of origin may set up the belief that authority cannot be

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trusted, and that their voting behaviour is monitored.”

“Our Active Citizenship event on 2 September aims to show members of our community that being a voter is easy, safe, and has a tremendously positive impact on the communities we live in.”

A crash course in Australian civics will be followed by a practical workshop where attendees receive direct support from volunteers to register with the Australian Electoral Commission online. The volunteers will also include people with diverse language skills to assist participants where English is not their preferred language.

Ms Cattermole also says the event will feature guest speakers and a free lunch including that famous staple of polling places across the nation, a good old Aussie sausage

sizzle.

“We invite the community to come enjoy a Democracy Sausage on us,” she said.

The Acacia Ridge Community Centre invites all people from the public to attend this event, in particular citizens who are not already registered to vote, and others who feel they would benefit from additional information in a friendly community setting.

Participants are asked to bring their Citizenship Certificate (if born overseas), their Birth Certificate (if born in Australia), and Proof of Identity documentation (e.g. driver’s license) to assist with registration.

Interested people can contact the centre on communications@arcsi.org.au for more information.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 19

New Australian research supports need to make maths a national priority THE 2017 Westpac Numeracy Study released in April shows stronger maths skills could lead to a higher income and level of overall life satisfaction for Australians, supporting the need to make maths a national priority.

The Westpac research reveals: • A positive correlation between an adult’s income and their level of maths education (average income levels of those who completed years 11 – 12 is $47,777 compared to $40,571 for those who only completed up to years 7-10; and those who completed maths at a university level earned an average of $71,867).

• Australians who are confident in their maths ability are more likely to be satisfied with their career (50%) and life overall (63%), compared to those who are not (31% and 50%).

• 25% of Australian parents wouldn’t be comfortable helping a child complete high school level maths.

• Children whose parents are neutral or discouraging about maths, are more likely to think they’re not smart enough to do maths (49% vs those with encouraging parents 20%) and are more likely to think maths is too hard (63% vs those with encouraging parents 39%) • Half (49%) of parents, or those intending to be, are concerned their lack of maths skills will impact on their children negatively.

With the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and international benchmark study (PISA) showing a declining level of maths in Australia compared to other countries, Westpac has partnered with innovative digital maths platform, Mathspace, to provide free access to all Australians to Mathspace Essentials.

Ashley Gray, Head of Youth and Millennial Markets at Westpac Group said: “As Australia’s first bank and oldest company, we are committed to helping the next generation develop strong numeracy skills. Numeracy plays a critical role throughout many life stages, from purchasing your first home and starting a family to transitioning to a comfortable retirement.”

Mr Gray added: “We’ve partnered with Mathspace because we believe their interactive digital platform is market leading, and with the help of parents and teachers has the ability to increase Australia’s national maths standards. If you get the maths right, you’re in good stead to get the rest right.”

Mathspace CEO and co-founder, Mohamad Jebara, said learning continues beyond the classroom, and parents need to have the tools to support children at home. “Nearly half of current Australian jobs are at risk of being disrupted by automation and technology. We have the very real and very challenging job of training our children for jobs that don’t yet exist. One thing we know for certain, is that the majority of the jobs of tomorrow will require strong mathematics skills, and we’re not producing enough students with these skills,” commented Mr Jebara.

He added: “What makes Mathspace different is its ability to provide step-by-step adaptive maths learning. The platform offers real-time formative feedback on a student’s working, as well as tailored guidance on how to calculate the answer. We’re not just testing a student’s knowledge of the final answer, but actually meeting them where they are and helping them master any gaps in their understanding.”

Westpac and Mathspace have also launched ‘Solve to Save’ – a program which gives students who subscribe to Mathspace’s premium product, Mathspace Plus, the opportunity to have the $10 weekly subscription fee deposited as a reward back into a Westpac account if they successfully complete their weekly maths tasks .

The Westpac and Mathspace partnership follows the launch of Westpac’s Bump initiative, which provides Australians born in 2017 a $200 contribution to their own Westpac savings account, which can be accessed when they are 16 years old. This initiative is designed to encourage positive savings habits early in life.

For more information, and to access Mathspace Essentials, visit www.westpac.com.au/maths.

Retirement Village review long overdue but a good start: QUT researchers QUT PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk’s recent call for an urgent review of Queensland’s Retirement Village laws has been welcomed by QUT experts as a significant step but they urged the government to proceed with caution.

“It’s been too long in coming but Queensland is finally taking a significant step to make processes easier for current and future residents,” said property economist Dr Andrea Blake who, along with senior law lecturer Dr Lucy Cradduck has been advocating for a simplified Retirement Village contract since 2012.

The researchers also noted the government’s desire to review the process for the sale of existing units.

“However any legislative proposal to change the status quo must involve careful consideration of issues for 350-plus villages and their residents and operators to safeguard the sustainability of this industry into the future.

Any review therefore must be undertaken thoroughly,” said Dr Cradduck.

“While the Premier’s proposal to extend the existing cooling off period to 21 days also will be beneficial, as the Government’s own media release states, prospective residents should obtain both legal and financial advice

before signing any contract.”

Dr Cradduck and Dr Blake therefore also called for the government to amend the Act to ban retirement village operators from charging exit fees unless they could show that their residents had in fact obtained legal and financial advice before signing any agreement.

More importantly, the pair reinforced the need for more transparency.

“As a true measure of consumer protection, the Government also needs to make decisionmaking easier for prospective residents’ by ensuring that they are able to make a genuine comparison between village and village operators,” said Dr Blake.

As Dr Cradduck stated in her oral submissions to the 2012 review “an issue that all prospective residents face is that it is not easy to obtain the necessary information with which to make a comparison between the villages, both as to the tenure type and fees that attach and also to the other lifestyle facilities and fees…”

“To correct this requires that the contracts and related documents for all villages should be easily accessible on the village or operators website,” she said today.

More detail on the recommendations of Dr Cradduck and Dr Blake’s recommendations can be accessed at www.qut.edu.au

Queensland Multicultural Awards winners announced THE Queensland Multicultural Awards recognise the valuable contributions of Queenslanders who support and promote a united, harmonious and inclusive Queensland community.

Since 1990, the Queensland Multicultural Awards have recognised community volunteers, groups, businesses, government agencies and media whose long term efforts have helped all Queenslanders to participate in our economy and community.

In 2017 the awards acknowledged the theme: Creating Welcome, Building Opportunity, and Celebrating Diversity.

Award winners

The 2017 awards winners were announced at the Queensland Multicultural Awards Gala Lunch, held on Sunday 6 August at the Logan Entertainment Centre. Find out more about the winners below.

Minister's Multicultural Award

Winner: Mesh & Knots MASSI MATSI Women's Group, Mackay Individual—Under 25 years of

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

age Proudly supported by Queensland Rail.

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Winner: Miss Tamara Richardson, Brisbane Individual—25 years and over

Proudly supported by Access Community Services.

Winner: Mr Michael Hornby, Logan Local club or community group Proudly supported by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Winner: Dalby Welcoming Community Inc, Western Downs Community sector organisation (not-for-profit) Proudly supported by Logan City Council.

Winner: AFL Queensland—Diversity Department, Brisbane Business or company (e.g. industry, finance, media) Proudly supported by Inala Plaza.

Winner: SBS Dinka Radio and SBS News, Brisbane Government (state and local) Winner: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Recruit Preparatory (CALDRP) Program, Recruit Training Unit, People Capability Command, Queensland Police Service, Brisbane

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Gandh Gand Gan Gandhi Sal Salt Sa M Mar Limited Marc March Li Lim Limi L (an Australian Austral Australi Regi Registered Charity)) SUHVH Charity Chari Cha SUHVHQWV« SUHVHQWV« SUHVHQ Ga

Power ow of Peace Pea Festival Festiv Fe Ipswich Ipswic & Brisbane Ipsw Brisba Brisb Sund 29 Sunday 2 October O Octo 2017

The Power of Peace Festival is a community event inspired by Mahatma Gandhi to promote the Gandhi ideals of non-violence, sustainability and inclusiveness.

Fo m For mor information, more in infor inform informat informati informatio i visi visit vvi us u at: www.powerofpeacefestival.org Li us on Facebook: Like Facebo F Faceb www.facebook.com/powerofpeacefestival Want to be actively Want acti activel act inv invo invol involved i in i this thi th festival? fest festi festiva festival fe Contac Contact Con C us u at info@powerofpeacefestival.org Join us for this inspirational festival on Sunday, 29 October 2017 , as we re-enact the Dandi Salt March, commencing at the Mahatma Gandhi Inspiration Bridge at Springfield, Ipswich and concluding at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue at Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane.

On this day, dedicate your day, your beliefs, and your values (secular and non-secular) to celebrate the diversity of our community, and harness our shared values as we support, raise awareness for and recognise all in our community.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 — 21

Sarvam Sarvamayam a memorable evening for Brisbane Rasikas (audiences)

• Photo’s: Rakesh Narala.

LED by Guru Padmalakshmi Sriram, the 4th annual concert held on 2nd July of her dance school Lalitha Kalalaya, saw over 78 students perform to 20 different songs on the theme - “Sarvam Sarvamayam, the cosmic dance of the Universe”.

The program started sharp at 5:30pm with the lighting of the lamp. Ganesha slokam followed by Pushpanjali kick started the flawless sequence of dances interspersed with informative commentary by the Emcee’s.

Every aspect of the dance form, namely Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Padam and Thillana were covered throughout the evening, highlight being the ‘Shiv Shakti Aikiyam’, a dance drama that took the audience on a journey of the various aspects of Lord Shiva - the 3rd element in the Hindu Trinity.

One student each from the junior and senior side spoke about their experience of being an intrinsic part of the dance school, on behalf of their counterparts.

In continuing with tradition set by Padmalakshmi, 8 of the performers’ mothers voluntarily practiced over 2 months under her motivated guidance and put on their classical dance shoes to perform on the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ song. Miss Chalani’s flexible poses portraying Lord Shiva’s Naag

(the snake around the deity) received a thundering applause from the audience.

At regular intervals throughout the evening trophies were presented to batches of junior and senior students in appreciation of their 100% attendance and special mentions were given to dedicated students.

It was a well-attended evening by the audience, some describing it as a ‘visual treat’ of beautiful choice of songs, choreography and vibrant costumes.

Thanks to our media sponsor Brisbane Indian Times consecutively for four years and Dosa Hut, Upper Mt Gravatt Sponsoring our event this year.

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

An event like this cannot happen overnight. It requires meticulous planning and execution, teamwork and a bird’s eye for details. We have been fortunate enough to be backed by senior students and parents who are very co-operative and big support. I cannot thank everyone enough for your involvement and your willingness to take on the completion of tasks beyond your comfort zones!

Finally, we are extremely thankful to the wonderful audience who have been an encouraging force to give our best and make it better every year Padma & Sriram www.lalithakalalaya.com

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 23

24 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 25

Who, What, Where, When

• Hard working volunteers and officials of Sanatan Queensland at their new property situated at 550 Wembley Road, Berrinba. They have worked around the clock to get it ready for Janamastnami celebration, which will be the first big celebration of its kind at the property.

• Om Sakthi Organisation Queensland organised Adipuram on 30th July at Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch, the function included Amman Abisegam, Vizhakku Pooja, Amman Oonjal, cultural performances and dinner.

• Brisbane City Council hosts a series of citizenship ceremonies at Brisbane City Hall, members of his multicultural round table and community leaders are invited for the ceremonies, pictured is new citizens, Gurpreet Singh and family from Nundah at a post ceremony reception.

• Radio 4EB held its annual dinner dance program at Marymac Hall in Annerley on Saturday 29th July.

Brisbane Indian Times sponsored the welcome drinks, the night featured many Multicultural performances, and the main entertainer was Fortunato once again by popular demand.

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

• Jan Polakus and Robert Barwick from Citizens Electoral Council of Australia at the studios of Australian Indian Radio after their interview with Umesh Chandra. www.indiantimes.com.au Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 27

Who, What, Where, When

• Above: Dr Ajit presenting a token of appreciation to His Excellency High Commissioner Dr A. M. Gondane at the graduation ceremony at AIAS. Right: Dr Ajit with Brisbane Indian Times publishers Umesh and Usha Chandra.

• Community support for GOPIO’s India Day Fair 2017 coming on 19 August, assisting with the promotion is Kamal Bal, Gurjeet Nijjar, Shere Punjab Bhangra Team and Rocky Bhullar at Roma Street Parkland.

• Australian Singapore Business Association of Queensland held its annual Singapore National Day at Brisbane Marriott, Minister Grace Grace was the chief guest.

• Dwadash Jyotir Ling Stathapna at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir by Acharya Dharam Guru Pt Ram Harsh Tripathi Ji. 28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

• Devotees from Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir doing Dwadash Maha Jyotirling Sthapana puja.

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Ramanujacharya RAMANUJACHARYA was the main proponent of the school of Vishishtadvaita or qualified non-dualism philosophy. He advanced the devotional tradition of Alvars, also known as Tamil poet-saints, and Vaishnava scholars Nathamuni and Yamunacharya.

According to the religious tradition, Ramanuja was born into a pious family in 1017 CE in a village in South India. He died at the age of 120 years in 1137 CE. He was married at the age of sixteen.

Soon after the wedding, his father died.

Thereafter, Ramanuja became the head of the house and moved to Kanchipuram. There, he enrolled for study of Vedic texts under Yadavprakasha, an Advaita scholar.

At the school, Ramanuja was unsatisfied with the interpretation of Vedic texts by Yadavprakasha and questioned his explanations. Sometimes, Ramanuja offered his own interpretation of those texts, which was liked by fellow students but annoyed his teacher. Annoyance eventually resulted in extreme hatred and Yadavprakasha hatched a plan to kill Ramanuja. Other students disclosed the plan and Ramanuja was able to escape from him.

At Kanchipuram, Ramanuja started his own school and continued his studies. People started visiting him and listening to his religious discourses. His discussions were greatly accorded with the ideas of the Alvars. Alvars were Vaishnava, devotees of Lord Vishnu. Over time, Ramanuja’s fame spread far and wide.

At that time, Vaishnavas controlled many major temples of the South including Kanchipuram, Srirangam and Tirupati. Yamunacharya was a distinguished Vaishnava scholar of the time and was the head of the temple at Srirangam.

Ramanuja met a disciple of Yamunacharya at Kanchipuram and invited him to his home, wishing to serve him dinner himself. The disciple came to Ramanuja’s house for the dinner when he was not at home. His wife served the meal to the visitor in his absence. Later, when Ramanuja came back home, he found his house washed and saw his wife bathing. She told him about serving the meal to the visitor who was from a Shudra community, a low caste person and hence the purification rituals. It enraged Ramanuja. He renounced his householder status and became a Sanyasi, a saintly person detached from family bonds.

Yamunacharya was of an advanced age and was looking for his replacement. He had heard of Ramanuja and wanted to install him in his place as the head of the temple at Srirangam. Yamunacharya sent his followers to invite Ramanuja to see him.

Ramanuja himself wanted to meet Yamunacharya.

By the time Ramanuja travelled to Srirangam, Yamunacharya had died. His disciples informed Ramanuja of Yamunacharya wishes to appoint him the head of the temple and his instruction for him to comment on Vedic text propagating Vishishtadvaita

philosophy. According to the wishes of Yamunacharya, Ramanuja became the head of the Srirangam temple.

Ramanuja then proceeded to take initiation of the sacred Mantra Om Namo Narayanaya from a Vaishnava saint, Nambi. After austere tests, Nambi initiated Ramanuja with the sacred mantra. He told Ramanuja that this mantra was very powerful and those who would chant it would attain salvation. The mantra should not be disclosed, and should be kept secret.

Realising the power of the mantra, Ramanuja wished everybody to benefit from it. He invited people at the gate of the temple and shouted out the mantra for them to listen and chant. News of his action reached his initiation Guru Nambi, who summoned Ramanuja for punishment.

Ramanuja told Nambi that he would accept any punishment for his action that grants salvation to ordinary people. Guru Nambi was greatly impressed and blessed him.

Ramanuja wrote commentaries on the Upanishads, the Brahmasutra, and the Bhagavad Gita and through them, he expounded the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita. According to this philosophy, all living entities are believed to be qualitatively one with the supreme God and at the same time quantitatively different. Jiva or individual soul is a part of the supreme God but not the supreme God. The religious tradition advanced by Ramanujacharya is known as Shree Vaishnava Sampradaya.

Distinguished Tilak, a spiritual symbol on the forehead, is an important visual feature of its devotees.

Anybody with spiritual inclination can become a disciple of this sect.

Ramanujacharya professed the idea of equality and freedom for all in the society. Serving meals to a Shudra in high caste house was a revolutionary action of his time. Announcing sacred mantras to ordinary people is even now considered a courageous affair. Ramanujacharya favoured breaking of obsolete religious practices.

This year marks the one thousand year anniversary of Ramanuja’s birth, which is being celebrated in India and overseas. Shree Srimannarayana Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, a great scholar of Shree Vaishnava Sampradaya has started a grand project known as the Statue of Equality Project in Hyderabad, India.

The project is a highlight of the celebration of the one thousand year anniversary of Ramanuja’s birth.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is to be the chief guest at the inauguration of the Statue.

Ramanujacharaya’s progressive ideas and actions demonstrate his foresightedness. It is time to respectfully reflect on his contribution to the Indian philosophical tradition.

More information on Hinduism will follow in the next edition of BIT. Awadhesh Sharma

Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association News…

The Prayer Vakratunda Mahakaya Surya Koti Sama Prabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyesu Sarvada Salutations to the supreme Lord Ganesha, whose curved trunk (vakra-tunda) and massive body (maha-kaayaa) shines like a million suns (surya-koti) and showers his blessings on everyone (sama-prabhaa). Oh my lord of lords Ganesha (kurume-deva), kindly remove all obstacles (nir-vighnam), always (sarva-) and forever (sarvadaa-) from all my activities and endeavors (sarva-kaaryeshu).

GOLD Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) would like to remind its members and public that Ganesha Chaturthi will fall on the 25th August, Friday this year.

Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the Hindu festival that reveres God Ganesha. This is the day Hindus celebrate as Lord Vinayakar’s Birthday. Lord Ganesha is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Lord Ganesha’s younger brother Lord Murugan is the second son in Shiva’s family. Ganesha is after all a popular God. His blessings are invoked at most religious ceremonies as He is the one who can remove all obstacles to success. He is the giver of fortune and can help to avoid natural calamities.

The benefits of Chaturthi fasting include material progress, happiness and fulfilment of desires. Worshiping Lord Vinayakar during the festival bring good luck and prosperity to the family.

Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated with great devotion all over India. People bring home idols of Lord Ganesha and celebrate the festival by worshiping the Lord in a special way for a day and a half, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days or 11 days depending on the family tradition and commitment of each individual. Observations include chanting of Vedic hymns and Hindu texts, prayers and fasting. Offerings and prasadam from the daily prayers, that is distributed from the pandal to the community, include sweets such as modaka believed to be a favourite of the elephant-headed deity. On the last day of worship the idol is taken out in a colourful and musical procession to be immersed traditionally at a riverfront like river or beach, thereafter the clay idol dissolves and Ganesha is believed to return to Mount Kailasha to Shiva and Parvathi.

Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association hopes it will able to finish the temple project for next year’s Ganesha Chathurthi in Gold Coast and hope above rituals will be a part of Gold Coast Hindus activities at least from the next year. Building application work for the GCHCA Hindu cultural precinct is underway with the help of the members and volunteers at present and expected to get through in coming months.

Once the association gets the approval it is planning to start its project stage 1 &2 of the project. For this year Ganesha Chathurthi GCHCA is releasing key rings with Lord Ganesha idol pressed wooden key rings to Hindu devotees. The key rings are available from Committee members and also on Sale on its monthly bhajan venue.

GCHCA also wish to announce its Annual General Meeting is on 20th August at 3pm at Helensvale Community Centre, Helensvale. It invites all its members and well wishers to participate in the General Meeting and share their views and join hands with the association to build it more strong in future. We urge all our members, friends and supporters to campaign for life membership among your contacts and in the community and to expand our membership base. The details of membership and the forms are available in our website: http://culture.goldcoasthindu.org.

We appeal to you to support in a big or small way to achieve the objective by: ·Giving $1 a day www.GiveNow.com.au/gchcan · Becoming a Member for life · Joining as a Thousand dollar per Family for Murugan · Sponsoring a Shrine – a lifetime opportunity · Making one off contribution for a special occasion or in memory of loved ones · Offering your volunteer service for the building project Your privileged position and wisdom present the opportunity to become part of this project. Let society and future generations judge your generosity and philanthropic nature.

All tax-deductible donations ($2 or more) can be deposited into the following: Commonwealth Bank Account: The GCHCA Building Donation Account BSB: 064-474 Account Number: 104 88 900 Web site: www.GoldCoastHindu.org.

Email: gchcan@gmail.com

Kavita Chandwani

Tune in To AIR every Tues & Sun (8pm AEST & 3pm IST) to listen to Bhule Bisre Geet with Kavita 30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

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Beachside luxury with Santiburi’s appealing Thailand golf packages

By Rama Gaind IMMERSE yourself in beachside luxury at Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa in Koh Samui, Thailand.

What’s more, the added attraction of ‘all you can golf’ packages are a bonus.

Any time is ‘tee time’ with the resort’s unlimited golf offer at the championship 18hole Santiburi Country Club.

Being the Thai island’s only 18-hole championship course, it is also known as one of the most beautiful courses in Asia.

Santiburi Samui’s package includes a fourday, three-night stay in a luxury villa with daily buffet breakfast plus round-trip airport transfers. You can enjoy unlimited golf for one person on the course during the stay, along with unlimited free transfers to and from the resort and the country club. A daily shoe and club cleaning service is also included, plus laundry and pressing for each player’s golf kit.

Non-golfers needn’t miss out on the benefits either. They can enjoy a three-hour spa treatment at the resort’s Santiburi Spa, which offers a range of contemporary treatments and therapies infused with the southern Thai health and massage traditions.

According to the resort’s general manager Cedric Bonvin, along with Santiburi Samui Country Club being the only championship golf course on Koh Samui, the Santiburi Samui Beach Resort is the island’s only member of Leading Hotels of the World.

• The beachfront at the Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa in Koh Samui, Thailand, is a tranquil haven for relaxation.

“With such a unique combination, we appeal to discerning guests who also like to play quality golf,” Mr Bonvin said.

“Winning the accolade for Best Luxury Golf Hotel in southeast Asia is a recognition of that quality, as well as the high level of facilities and services on offer at each location,” he said.

More than golf Golf is not the only vacation activity that

• Santiburi Samui Country Club is the island’s only 18-hole championship course and also known as one of the most beautiful courses in Asia.

highlights the multi-generational appeal at

Santiburi Beach Resort and Spa. The luxury resort also offers a host of windpowered watersports for guests to try as well as a choice of spa and alternative health treatments, Thai cooking classes and a selection of cultural experiences and island excursions.

The Santiburi ‘All You Can Golf’ packages are based on two guests sharing a luxury villa with a special rate for three-night stays from 1 September-20 December 2017. The competitive rates include unlimited rounds of golf and green fees, but do not include rental of golf carts or caddies.

A subtle and stylish nautical theme runs through the furnishings and staff uniforms, and the luxury resort’s mature beachside gardens lend a soothing natural ambience.

A short transfer from the resort takes golfing guests to one of Thailand’s most breathtaking and challenging golf courses, where the fairways lead through 6,900 yards of untainted tropical hillside forest and palm plantation with constant views of Koh Samui’s pristine North Shore and out across the cerulean waters of the Gulf of Siam.

The luxury resort with the dream location caters for families, but especially romantics with a taste for every luxury imaginable; suites and villas in an authentic Thai style, culinary highlights, water sports, tennis, golf and an excellent spa.

What’s not to like here: there are some compelling reasons to rediscover Santiburi and reassess Samui through the prism of its stunning, pristine and serene North Shore!

Hariakhan Babaji Maharaj: The deathless Saint of the Himalayas From Dhaval Vyas Ahmedabad, India Continued from last issue ONCE Maharaja Sindhiya, the king of Gwalior invited Babaji to come to his palace so that he and his wife might have his Darshan. Babaji agreed and the king and his ministers met with him at the house of a local pandit. Then Babaji went to the queens palace and gave her Darshan separately form the king.

After Babaji left, the king wanted to talk to his queen about their encounter with the high saint. It came out in conversation that the queen had guessed Babaji to be around eighty years old but the king said he had appeared to him to be a youth of around eleven years. It was a common occurrence that Babaji would appear differently to different people.

Miraculous Appearance at Katgharia Dedication For a while, Babaji Maharaj lived in a jungle called Kalichaur. The jungle was called this because there was a life size statue of the mother goddess Kali there carved in black stone. The jungle was full of wild and dangerous animals like snakes, tigers and wild elephants. Babaji lived in the jungle but would sometimes walk along the river banks or cross to the other side of the river to a village called Katgharia.

Wherever he went the news went out that he was present and people would gather around him. His very presence filled the area with his purity and supernatural powers. People would forget their cares, pains, and miseries and become happy like children in his presence.

Whenever the people congregated in this manner around him, they would spontaneously organize spiritual functions such as sacred singing (bhajan), feeding of the poor, or the burning of a sacrificial fire (yajna). Sometimes thousands Call 07 3865 6533

of people would show up in Katgharia from neighboring villages to enjoy the spiritual festivities and return to their homes full of joy and happiness.

Once an English commissioner was passing through Katgharia and observed the huge crowd that had gathered around the saintly figure of Babaji. He saw the spiritual glow emanating from the face of Babaji and he felt peace and happiness welling up within himself. He got down from his horse and went near to get a better look at him. Babaji directed his gaze at the man and for a while the man stood transfixed as if hypnotized.

Later the man asked who Babaji was and he was told he was a very high saint who possessed supernatural powers. The commissioner was so impressed that he decided to donate a large plot of land in Babaji’s name. The devotees built a temple and a small residence on the land. Many years later, after Babaji was no longer seen in the area, Sri Mahendra Brahmachari decided to build a large ashram dedicated to Babaji’s memory. It was he who had taken it upon himself to collect Babaji’s stories from all over the Indian countryside. Finally in 1958, the ashram construction was complete and a huge gathering had been invited to celebrate the opening. People had gathered from India as well as western countries and activities such as sacred music and fire ritual were being conducted. Food was distributed to everyone who attended. As the fire ritual (yajna) was in progress and people were singing or eating suddenly a divine light manifested itself and a celestial form was seen hovering a few feet above the ground. The form of Hariakhan Babaji Maharaj clad in the familiar shirt and Himalayan cap was recognized. A wave of joy went through the crowd and people began to dance ecstatically. Some

lost consciousness through sheer emotion of the moment.

A few years after this incident, the Kadamba tree where Babaji used to sit sprouted a small Pipal tree and then a Banyan tree. Now three auspicious trees are growing from the same trunk. It is said that those particular trees represent the three major forces (gunas) of the universe. The tree is now worshipped with great devotion.

At one time a solar eclipse was predicted. Because of the auspicious occasion, many people in the small town of Ranibag planned to take a dip in the River Gatum Ganga which ran along the outskirts of town. Babaji Maharaj happened to be staying there near the Shiva temple. As generally happened in his presence a large group had gathered, anxious for the chance to take part in the ceremonial bath along with Babaji during the eclipse. A group of others had already planned to bathe at Kurukshetra where the famous battle recorded in the Mahabharata had taken place long ago. That place was made even holier as the site where the Avatar Krishna had delivered his discourse to his companion Arjuna as recorded in the Bhagavad Gita.

As it turned out, part of the group remained in Ranibag and the other part proceeded to Kurukshetra.

When the moment of the eclipse arrived, the group that had gone on to Kurukshetra were amazed and delighted to see Babaji in their midst, wading into the River Ganga along with them.

When the group returned back to their homes in Ranibag, they were surprised to see that Babaji Maharaj had already arrived back from Kurukshetra. They asked the others when he had returned and were told that he had never left. He had remained in Ranibag to bathe with the people that had stayed behind.

Thus they came to know that he had satisfied both groups by being www.indiantimes.com.au

simultaneously present in both places.

Babaji Punished for Smiling During the summer of 1914, Babaji Maharaj had enlisted to help in the building of some military barracks in the Ranibag area. On many occasions he was seen working on projects such as this as an ordinary laborer. The workers were carrying rocks on their heads moving building materials by hand.

At that time, the Minister of Education, one Pandit Jwala Datt of Almora happened to be passing through the area in his horse cart, on his way back to his home town.

As he passed the line of laborers, he saw one of the men smiling at him.

He was incensed that a mere laborer would act so familiarly with a man of his position. So he instructed his secretary to tell the laborer that he would be punished for his rude behavior. The secretary confronted the worker but the worker, who was of course the saintly Babaji, seemed completely unruffled. He merely told the secretary that he was smiling because the bell of the Badrinath temple had fallen down and many people were there trying to raise if back up again but there efforts were not working.

Pandit Jwala Datt became even angrier at this and vowed to inflict his punishment if the story proved to be a lie. So he sent off a telegram to distant Badrinath to find out if the incident had happened. The reply came back confirming that the bell indeed had fallen down and people were trying to raise it back up.

Pandit Jwala Datt was humbled by the experience and baffled by the apparent omniscience of the saint posing as an ordinary laborer. This event completely changed his outlook on life. Before he had been learned but egotistical. Now he became humble and very devoted to Babaji. He spent the rest of his life

in religious devotion.

Babaji Babaji took a job as a laborer when the dam at Lake Bhim Tal was being constructed. There had been several previous attempts to build a dam at the same location but they had all failed. But this time, with Babaji present, the construction was successful. For a time none knew his identity but after a while some people recognized the famous saint and shortly after that he disappeared.

The Proper Way to Meet a Saint Near Nainital at the foot of the Himalayas there is a lake called Khurpatal. At the site of the lake, a village had sprung up and the people there planted gardens and sold produce in neighboring Nainital for their livelihood. Babaji Maharaj occasionally would stay in this quiet town along the placid lake and people from the region would visit to enjoy the blessings of his noble and loving presence.

Once while he was staying there a well educated young man learned of his presence and began to wonder about his identity. It was well known that Babaji had appeared to people unexpectedly in various places at widely scattered intervals of time. He was believed to be centuries old and quite a few thought he had been present for thousands of years. This man had heard that Babaji had been present at the battle of Kurukshetra which took place over 5,000 years ago. He reasoned that Babaji must really be Aswathama, one of the immortal warriors that had taken part in the battles. In the Mahabharata it is recorded that Aswathama was wounded on the top of his head and so the man concluded that this was probably the reason why Babaji Maharaj was habitually seen wearing a Tibetan cap or some other form of head covering.

Continued next issue....

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 — 31

Drunk all the time!

Jesus is Lord Sadhguru, Isha Foundation Key Scripture: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

- Romans 10:9 DEAR Reader, We are excited to bring the greatest good news on this planet just for you! Our theme is to make God simple and per-sonal. God is not an object or an image or imagination of human mind. God is a living and loving person. We find this simple revelation in the pages of Holy Bible. Keep reading with an open heart and humble spirit. You will encounter your Creator today.

Today, let us look at a bold and clear statement made by Apostle Paul. He points out that function of your mouth and alignment of your heart can produce an extraordinary miracle. The miracle of personal and intimate relationship with God. This is a worthwhile and very important matter to find out.

According to the world population data, there are 7.5 billion people on this planet.

The Holy Bible says in Romans 3:23, “For everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard”. And the wages of sin is death and eternal separation from God. That means we all are imperfect and people needing God’s perfect forgiveness and mercy.

Each person has sinned either by rebelling against God or by ignoring His will.

Sin means refusing to do God’s will or failing to do all that God wants. Sin separates

from the knowledge and the rela-tionship with our Creator. But the Good news is that God has dealt with our sins on the cross. He sent Jesus as a ‘Lamb of God’ to carry the sins of all humanity. Not just for one ethnic group or nationality but for the entire world’s sin has been destroyed on the cross.

But, for you to receive the gift of God’s forgiveness and friendship, you need to do your part. Your part must come as a sincere act of faith. This must be your decision of the heart; that you earnestly desire to connect with a real and living God. When you say or declare “Jesus is Lord” you are transferring your debts of sins and rebellion to the one who can wash you and make you as new person.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Let this day be your day of greatest miracle.

The miracle of knowing and reconciling with your true Lord and Saviour.

Please pray this sincerely; “Dear Father God, today thank you for your word that has touched my heart. I confess with my mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead. Now help me to grow in the knowledge of your grace and mercy. Teach me your ways so that I can be a person who will learn to honour you and love one another.

- Amen.

Please email to us your new birth experience so we can help you grow in the glorious hope in your Creator.

Email to us to help you connect with Christ: navig8grace@gmail.com

Hindu Cultural Hub at Clayfield – Celebrating 1,000 years of Sri Ramanujar very start for his VishishtaAdvaitham Principle.

Sri Ramanujar who was inspired by Thirukachi NamSarvadarman parithyajya bigal (one of the Mam Ekam saranam vraja Vaishnavite from Aham tuam sarva-papebhyo Kancheepuram who could Mokshayisyami, ma sucha speak to the Lord at that – Sri Krishna in Bhagavath time). Sri Alavanthar Head Geetha of Vaishnava School in Sri Rangam, while in his death THE meaning of the above is bed sent his disciple Sri “Abandon all varieties of reliPeriyanambigal to fetch Sri gion and just surrender unto Ramanujar to Sri Rangam.

Me. I shall grant you relief By the time they both from the repeated cycle of reached Sri Rangam Sri births and deaths, do not fear” Alavanthar had passed For time immemorial the philosophy of Sanatana Dharma • The actual preserved body of away.

Later Sri Ramanujar went (Eternal Principle) now known Sri Ramanujar Srirangam. back to Sri Rangam to settle as Hindu Religion is to attain Moksha or to end the repeated births and permanently and became disciple of Sri Periyanambigal. Later he started his preachdeaths bound by the Karma or our actions.

1 May 2017 saw the 1000th Birth Day of ing on Sri Vaishnavam. He travelled to Mahan Sri Ramanujar, the Founder Acharya Kashmir to get to know the Sri Sampraof Vishishta-Advaitham, the principle of dayam and wrote commentary (Bashyam) on Special Non-Dualism. Born in Sri Perum- that which is called “Sri Bashyam”. Sri Rabudur a small town in between Chennai and manujar lived the full 120 years and attained Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu, from the be- Moksha. His original body was preserved ginning Sri Ramanujar was a very different and we can still see him in Sri Rangam. follower of Advaitham, the principle of Non- Sri Ramanujar is the Mahan we need to reDualism founded by Sri Sankara Baghavath member in this age of Kali (darkness) where Badar commonly known as Adhi Sankarar. castes, communal and other chaos are being Sri Ramanujar is still remembered for his experienced by the human society! outspoken views and strong belief in Bakthi Stay Connected: to Sriman Narayana. Sri Ramanujar was Our next cultural congregation falls on 25th best known for his denial of caste system and of August 2017. converted everyone irrespective of their birth As a standard practice, we have the followinto Brahminical way of living. ing program at the Bar-Jai Hall: As a student of Adhvaitha School even in his * Pooja by Sri Laxmi Narayan Kurukkal early days he differed from his Guru Yad- * Bajan and Kirtan by devotees havaprakasar, who was a well-known * Monthly religious updates / guest speakers teacher of that time whom every parent on spiritual (or) on yoga techniques wanted their children to learn from him. Sri * Prasatham with vegetarian dinner served Ramanujar openly disagreed with him in ex- * Session conclude with relevant social jusplaining the very basic of the Principle of tice updates and public notices.

Advaitham “Sathyam, Gnanam, Anantham Brahma”. When his Guru explained the We are currently interested in building our meaning as “Parabrhamam is truth, full of networks and relations with different comknowledge and endless” he differed and ex- munities around local and Brisbane area. If plained it as the “Parabrahmam has the qual- you are interested to get involved, please ities of being true, knowledgeable with no contact us on 0469 016 416 or 0427 999 129 end to its variety of qualities. No one can bla- or alternatively contact Sathiya: sathiya.ratantly confirm that Parabrahmam is this makrishnan@gmail.com. More details can quality or that quality as it has endless qual- be found at our web site: ities”. This incidence can be taken as the http://www.hinduculturalhub.org/ Courtesy: Sriram Gopalakrishnan

32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

THE wise said, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But a drink a day keeps the doctor with you. Whatever variety of drink you have, whether wine or whiskey, it is playing on your chemistry to make you feel peaceful and relaxed. It is just soothing you a little bit. If a small quantity of it is so relaxing, then if you drink a bucket of it, you must be really relaxed, isn’t it? But it does not work like that.

I am not against drink or pleasure. The question is not about, ‘Is this wrong or is this right?’ This is not about a moralistic standpoint. I just think it is a pity that human beings are settling for such small pleasures when something far bigger is possible within themselves. You can be drunk all the time.

Free! No hangover and no doctor! The fundamental question is: Are you for life or against life? If you are for life, what is it that you call as life?

Right now, you know you are alive because you are alert enough. Suppose you fell asleep, do you know whether you are alive or dead? All experience has disappeared. Essentially in your experience of life, awareness is aliveness. How aware you are is how alive you are. Because the experience of life is such: only what you are aware of exists for you, the rest does not exist for you. It does not matter what is present here, if you are not aware of it, it does not exist for you. Awareness is aliveness. But any kind of external intoxicant lowers your aliveness or awareness.

This is why they are telling you not to drink and drive – because it lowers your awareness.

If you become fully aware, instead of existing here as a piece of creation, as a piece of flesh and blood, you will exist as the creator himself. That is the choice you have. Either

you live here as just a piece of creation or you live here as the creator himself.

If you want to exist as a creator, your awareness has to spread. But your depressions, unhappiness, confusions, the alcohol, everything is putting your awareness down.

If all you are seeking is a little bit of pleasure, I am not against it. But if you are a pleasure seeker, wouldn’t you be interested if you were given an opportunity to have a much bigger pleasure? If you could learn how to be drunk all the time and fully alert, wouldn’t you be interested? The science of yoga can give you access to this much more profound pleasantness.

Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary and bestselling author. Sadhguru has been conferred the “Padma Vibhushan” by the Government of India in 2017.

Another mistake...

Pastor Joseph Dass DEAR reader, it is with great joy we bring to you the word of God. When you make a mistake or take a wrong turn in life, often it looks as if you are the only person who could make such a mistake or bring a trouble on yourself. It’s easy to live with regrets and think God cannot help you. Now you think no one else could be so messed up like you.

But let me encourage you that you are not the first or the last person to make a mistake.

Plus God knew you would make mistakes before He called you. He knew you would walk the wrong path, give in to temptation, make some blunders, do some miscalculations. Jeremiah 29 v 11 says God has a great plan for your life and He didn’t base His plans on you making flawless and perfect decisions. What you think is a defeat, you blew it, nothing good could come out of it, God has a way of making miracles out of your mistakes. He can take what could have left you lonely, limited your progress, cancel your plan, and turn it around so you can move towards your destiny.

In the scriptures (Luke 15 v 11-32) we read of a father who had 2 sons. One day the younger son asked for his share of the property and went to a faraway country where he wasted all his money. Finally he was lonely, hungry and lost. It looked like he had come to a dead end. But when he came back to his senses, he moved back to his father, where he was accepted, forgiven and reinstated.

What looked like a big mistake was turned around into something good.

Here are 4 things you can learn when you make a mistake.

1) When you make a mistake, do not go around, down on yourself, guilty, not expecting anything good. And do not dwell on it for long. Know that everyone makes mistakes, and God is full of mercy and He doesn’t turn His back when you make a mistake.

2) The younger son said “I will arise and go

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to my father.” You have to make a decision and set the tone of the day. If not the enemy will set it for you. Where you send your word to will find you there.

3) God knows how to turn your mistake into a miracle. The father had a robe, a ring and a pair of sandals ready. Why? Because he had a solution and the way to fix a mistake. You may be in a complicated situation, a problem that looks like it will never work out, a legal case that is too complex but God has it all figured out. God already knows you could make a mistake or end up in a mess. Just like the father in the story, God is saying “I am going to correct those difficulties, I am going to settle complex issues and work things out for you.”

4) Give yourself hope and encourage yourself. Instead of blaming others take responsibility. When there was no around to lift him, the son spoke to himself about his father’s care, mercy and provision. He believed that there was a way to come out of his mess and so he did.

God bless you.

Ps Joseph Dass josephdass@optusnet.com.au Call 07 3865 6533

Pilgrimage (Hajj) - The Unique Spiritual Journey Prepared by Ml. Aslam ALL praise to Allah Ta’aala the Cherisher and Sustainer of the world, peace and blessing be upon the most beloved and final Prophet of Allah, Muhammad Peace be upon him. The months of Hajj have started and hujjaj-e-karaam are travelling to Makkah to perform Hajj. I would like to highlight important facts regarding Hajj.

The journey for Hajj is a divine one and, in reality, a great migration; an expansive field for self-development, self-rectification and the Greatest Battle against EGOs. The Hajj rituals collectively are an act of worship profoundly associated with the struggle of HazratIbrahim (A.S) his son Hazrat Isma`il (A.S) and his wife Hazrat Hajra R.A. When we come to the sacrificial grounds in Mina, the innumerable sacrifices performed there leave us amazed and perplexed; basically, is it possible for animal-sacrifice to be a part of the rituals associated with an act of worship?

But when we bring to mind the incident of Ibrahim (a.s) when he sincerely endeavoured to sacrifice his nearest and dearest one in the path of Allah subsequent to which the sacrifice at Mina came into existence in the form of a custom, we comprehend the philosophy lying behind it.

Offering sacrifice, in reality, implies one’s total disregard for everything else when striving in the way of Allah and is a demonstration of cleansing one’s heart from everything other than Allah. The reformative and educative effects of these rites can be derived in sufficient measure only when the entire scenario of the sacrifice of Isma`il (a.s) and the spiritual state of the father and the son leading up to the sacrifice is incarnated before man’s eyes and this spiritual state casts its influence upon him.

When we proceed towards Jamarat (three stone pillars, which the pilgrims strike with pebbles - each one to be struck with seven pebbles - in a special ritual of Hajj), the rituals there appear enigmatic and inexplicable to us and we are given to wonder as to what could be the idea behind stoning a lifeless stone pillar and what problem could such an act possibly solve?

However, when we bring to mind the struggle of Ibrahim (a.s) - the champion of monotheism - against the whisperings of the Satan, who appeared before him on three occasions - each time seeking to weaken his resolve and distract him from the great deed Qurbani (sacrifice) and on each occasion Ibrahim (a.s) repelled him by means of stones, these rites appear more meaningful and comprehensible to us.

These rituals convey the meaning that: Throughout your lives, all of you too, are in confrontation with the whisperings of the Satans during your life, and until you do not stone them and drive them away, you shall never be victorious. If you desire that Allah, just as He had sent His salutations upon Ibrahim (a.s) and made his name and doctrine eternal, should also cast His look of grace and favour upon you, then you must follow his (a.s) path too.

When we arrive at safa and Marwah where we observe the people repeatedly moving to and fro between one small mountain and another even smaller one without getting anything - at times walking and at times running - we are surely overtaken by astonishment as to what kind of ritual this is and what could it possibly mean and signify.

But then, when we bring to mind the efforts of Hajar for saving the life of her suckling child in that hot and scorching desert, and how Allah, after her sincere efforts, granted her wish by making the water of Zamzam to flow from beneath the foot of her new-born child, the clock suddenly turns back for us, the curtains tend to get lifted and we find ourselves near Hajar, accompanying her in her quest and efforts. In the path of Allah, one cannot hope to attain any rank and status without exertion and effort!

From what we have presented above, it can be easily concluded that Hajj should be taught in this manner; the memories of Ibrahim (a.s) his son and his wife should be personified step by step so that not only is the philosophy of Hajj perceived and compreCall 07 3865 6533

hended, but also its profound ethical effects illuminate and influence the souls of the pilgrims - for without these effects the entire Hajj is pointless.

Rules The most important way of worship performed in this month is “hajj”, one of the five pillars of Islam. The Muslims from every part of the world assemble in Arabia to perform this unique way of worship. Hajj is a worship, which requires at least five days to be performed in its proper way. There are detailed rules for different acts of hajj for which separate books are available, and the present article does not aim at explaining all these details. However, some basic information about its obligation is being given here: Hajj is obligatory on every adult Muslim who can afford to go to Makkah during the hajj season, whether on foot or by any other carriage.

A Muslim woman cannot travel for hajj unless she is accompanied by a mahram (i.e. husband or relative of a prohibited degree like son, father, brother etc.) If she does not find any mahram to accompany her, hajj is not obligatory on her until she finds one.

However, she must make a will that in case she dies before performing hajj, his heirs should arrange for her hajj-e-badal out of her left over property.

Hajj is obligated only once in one’s life.

After performing the obligatory hajj; one is not required to perform it again. However, he can perform the nafl (optional hajj as many times as he or she wishes.)

Preparation for the Hajj Each pilgrim first enters into ihram. This is a spiritual state of purity during which the person must not quarrel, commit any act of violence or engage in sexual activity. Men signify the state of ihram by bathing, and wearing two pieces of unsewn white cloth: “one covers the body from waist to ankle and the other is thrown over the shoulder.” 4 Women usually wear a simple white dress and “a head covering, but not a veil.” 4 “The white garments are symbolic of human equality and unity before God, since all the pilgrims are dressed similarly.” 2 The pilgrim will then repeat the Talbiyah (Talbeeyah) prayer. One English translation is: “Here I am, O God, at Thy Command!

Here I am at Thy Command! Thou art without associate; Here I am at Thy Command!

Thine are praise and grace and dominion!

Thou art without associate.”

The pilgrim enters the Holy Mosque at Mecca, right foot first, and recites the prayer: “In the name of Allah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. Oh Allah, forgive me my sins and open to me the doors of Your mercy. I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty and in His Eminent Face and in His Eternal Dominion from the accursed Satan.” The pilgrim performs the tawaf. This is a counter-clockwise procession which circles, “the Ka’aba, the [cube-shaped] stone building Muslims believe was originally built

by Abraham and his son Ishmael... It is a symbol of unity for Muslims because all prayers, wherever they are performed, are oriented in the direction of the Ka’aba.” 4,6 The pilgrim then performs the sa’i. He hurries seven times between two small hills near the Ka’aba, called Safa and Marwah. This commemorates the desperate search for water and food by Hagar, one of Abraham’s wives.

Reflections of Hajj Hajj in known to be one of the most exhilarating experiences in a person’s life, which leaves a trail of reflections to be pondered upon. Although the reflections of Hajj are more of a personal feeling one feels within himself. Please note that Allah (SWT) opens the heart of those who seek true guidance and repentance on this blessed journey. So we should all seek to come out of Hajj with a tremendous benefit and deep reflections in order to make a positive change in our lives, insha’Allah.

Facts About the Hajj Journey 1. Hajj is an act of Worship - not tourism or promenade - which requires a physical and spiritual preparation.

2. It is a station of renewing faith with hopes of our sins being wiped out by forgiveness

and the love and trust of Allah (SWT) increases. The pilgrim gets purified and comes out of his sins like a newborn baby.

3. It is a school of training for Taqwah - consciousness of one’s duties towards Allah -, good character and discipline like in the pillars of Islam.

4. It is a manifestation of brotherhood, equality and Unity. The Muslims are like different branches but from one tree. In Hajj, we learn how to develop the Spirit of Unity.

5. It is an annual Muslim convention attended

by Muslims from different horizons, colours, races, and tongues. They exchange ideas and news and celebrate their unity in faith and diversity in culture. They meet in their center-point Makkah (Qiblah). Muslims always have to have a center-point and should be constantly focused on their noble goals.

The following Ahadith from Sahih AlBukhari, shed some light on a few of the aspects associated with the month of Thul Hijjah and Hajj: The Prophet (S), said: “Whoever performs Hajj, only for the sake of Allah (SWT) and does not have sexual relations with his wife (during Hajj), and does not do evil or commit sins, then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” (The reward for Hajj is a new start with a clean slate.)

The Visit to Medinah tu-Rasool (Prophets city) One of the most memorable moments in the journey of Hajj is, undoubtedly, the visit to the city of our Noble Prophet (S).

Medinah, which lies 447 kilometers north of the Holy City of Makkah, is the city of the Prophet (S). This is the place in which the Holy Quran was compiled and the Prophet’s (S) companions administered the affairs of the Muslim Ummah. The following is a list of things to consider and implement before and after your arrival to Medinah.

1. When you start traveling to Medinah, Make your intention of performing 40 salats in Masjid Nabawi and to visit Roza tur-Rasool. Rasoolullah (SAW) has stated that whoever prays 40 salats in Masjid nabawi, I will intercede for him. Also during this journey, recite Darud shareef (salawaat upon the prophet sallallahu alahi wasallam) frequently, which is asking Allah to give peace and blessings on the Prophet (S).

2. When the city of Medinah is in sight, show your extreme fondness and excitement and humbly enter the city while reciting Darud Sharif.

3. After putting your luggage at your hotel or place of residence, take a bath or perform ablution (wudu), put on new and nice looking clothes, apply atar, and proceed towards the Prophet’s Mosque while repeating Darud Sharif.

4. Try to enter the mosque through gate AlJibril or gate As-Salaam as these are the gates which lead to the grave of the Prophet (S).

However, if this is not possible, enter through any other door.

5. Place your right foot first in the entrance, praise Allah (such as say Allahu Akbar, Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah, etc.), recite Darud Sharif and say: “ Allah humma aftah li abwabe rahamte ka” “Oh Allah open for me the doors of your mercy.”

6. Upon entrance into the Masjid, offer two raka’s of nafl tahiyyat Al-Masjid (greeting of the Masjid) anywhere in the mosque. If one is able to do this in the Riyadh Al-Jannah area, (the area in the Masjid which is known to rise into Jannah, this is also where the Prophet (S) used to lead the Salah) then this is preferred. However, this place is normally packed of people at all times, especially in the Hajj season. Don’t let that stop you from praying two raka’s there at least once on your visit, but also don’t exhaust yourself trying to always pray there, for this could involve harming other to do so.

7. Visit the grave of the Prophet (S) and that of Abu Bakr and Omar. In front of the sacred tomb of The Holy Prophet (S), there are three sections of brass screens and all three have holes in them. If you stand in front of the middle section between the pillars, you’ll see a big round hole on your left. This is in front of the face of the Holy Prophet (S). Adjacent to it is a door that stays closed. Right after it on the right side is a round hole which is in front of the face of Abu Bakr As-Siddique.

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On the right of it, there is another round hole which is in front of the face of Umar Bin Khattab. Standing in front of it and facing it, say in a respectful and low voice:” Assalamu alaika, ayyuhan-nabiyya wa rahmatul-lahi wa barakatuhu” (Peace be on you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.) After this say: “Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Rasul-Allah”, “Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Nabi-yallah”, “Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Habib-Allah”. Then supplicate to Allah for good things in this life and the life after death. Then move a little to the right and stand before the grave of Abu Bakr. Greet him and supplicate to Allah to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on him. Then move a little to the right and stand before the grave of Umar. Greet him and supplicate to Allah to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on him.

8. When you have to leave Medinah, offer your Salam again to the Prophet (S), cry at this separation, supplicate to Allah and leave with the earnest desire to come back.

Historical Places of Medinah The following are some of many historical places in Medinah which a pilgrim would like to visit. Out of these, a visit to Masjid Quba is highly recommended as holds very high status, next to the Holy Prophet’s Mosque.

1.Al-Baqee The graveyard of Medinah, where a large number of Sahabah (companions) including Usman, Abbas, Imam Hassan, and wives and daughters of the Holy Prophet are buried.

This graveyard is close to the tomb of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), right after the courtyard of Masjid Al-Nabawi.

2. Masjid Quba This is the first mosque in the history of Islam whose foundation stone was laid down

by Prophet Muhammad (S) himself on his migration to Medinah. To offer 2 raka’s of nafl in it is equal to one Umrah. After visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and his tomb every pilgrim should try his/her best to visit it and pray in this mosque as well. A visit to Masjid Quba is highly recommended since the Prophet (SWS) used to visit it quite frequently to pray 2 raka’s.

3. Masjid Qiblatain In this mosque, Allah directed Prophet Muhammad (S), who was in the middle of a Salah along with his companions, to turn his face from Islam’s first Qibla (Bait-ulMuqqadis) to Ka’aba in Masjid Al-Haram.

That is why this mosque is known as a mosque with two Qiblas.

4. Masjid Jumuah This mosque was built at a place where the Prophet (S) offered his first Jumuah prayer in Medinah.

5. Masjid Ghamama This mosque is not far from Masjid AlNabawi. The Prophet (S) used to offer his Eid prayers here. Once the Prophet led Istasqa prayer (prayer for rain) in it and suddenly the clouds appeared and it started raining, hence the name Ghamama (clouds).

6. Masjid Abu Bakr, Masjid Umar Farooq and Masjid Ali These three mosques that are near Masjid Ghamama.

7. Jabal Al-Uhad About four miles on the north of Medinah, famous battle of Uhad was fought at 3 A.H. Hazrat Hamza, the Holy Prophet’s uncle, and other companions are buried here. Rasoolullah (SAW) said that this mountain loves us and we love it.

There are also many other historical sites in the blessed city of Medinah. Each pilgrim is recommended to visit as many sites as possible in Medinah.

Those who are going to perform Hajj, it is better for them to ask forgiveness from those who have been offended or hurt.

They must also do Tawba and repent to Allah (SWT). One must go with clean heart to perform Hajj.

Islamic Society of Algester wishes Hajj Mubarak to all Hujajj.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 — 33

Health Beauty Wellbeing

Thai Herbal Heat Revival Nimisha Modi

Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412 350 013

HEY girls, with so many of us complaining about stiffness and body aches, here’s a solution that has stood the test of time.

This heated muslin parcel of aromatic herbs and spices is a heavenly health treatment in the raw; it had been unchanged since Thailand’s Ayutthaya period (14th - 18th century) when fragrant hot-packs were administered to war-weary soldiers returning home with muscle aches and bruises.

Today, the poultice is still used to alleviate pain or inflammation (especially good postpartum) by opening the pores and bringing a medicinal heat to the muscles induce relaxation.

Ingredients * Prai (common Thai herb): for relief of sore muscles and tired joints * Turmeric: an anti-bacterial skin freshener * Lemon grass: an astringent for skin blemishes Kaffir lime: for toning mature skin and for boosting circulation

* Camphor: for cleansing minor infections Steps 1. Packed tight the parcel should be pomelo size, weighing roughly 400 grams.

2. The pack should be heated over a steamer or hot pot. It can be left steaming until needed, at least for five minutes.

3. The poultice can be placed anywhere on the body for 30 seconds to one minute in each place. It should not be used on the face or genital area. It is good for slimming. www.hetvihairandbeauty.com

6 reasons why you're never too busy to brush

PICTURE this: it’s late, you’ve come home from drinks with colleagues, stopped for a kebab on the way, and all you want to do is crawl into bed as soon as you get inside. So, you decide not to journey to the bathroom and skip brushing your teeth for the night.

Or, you’re on your way out to an appointment after a quick breakfast, knowing you won’t return home until late in the day. You’re running behind and might miss the bus – there’s no time to brush your teeth this morning.

Sound familiar?

This Dental Health Week, the Australian Dental Association is encouraging busy Queenslanders to make oral health a priority.

There are a number of good reasons to make brushing your teeth a must, read on to find out why a twice-daily brush should always be on your schedule.

1. Tooth decay There are few times that decay in your body is a good thing, and tooth decay is no exception.

Tooth decay is a preventable disease that happens when bacteria in the plaque on your teeth create acid out of sugar and carbohydrates in food and drink. The acid attacks the tooth’s surface, eventually leading to holes, or cavities, in the teeth.

2. Stinky breath Ever worried that your breath smells? If you haven’t been looking after your teeth, you might have reason to.

Bad breath can be embarrassing, but it can also be a sign of poor oral health. Most commonly, bad breath is caused by the bacteria in your mouth breaking down old food and dead skin cells left on your teeth, gums and tongue. While these bacteria are naturally occurring, if you don’t brush regularly the bacteria can build in number with a constant supply of food left in your mouth.

3. Gum disease Gum disease is inflammation of the gums caused by a build-up of plaque and calcified plaque (called calculus), and it’s exactly as unpleasant as it sounds.

Inflammation just in the gums is called gingivitis, which causes the gums to become red, swollen and tender, and bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis can be reversed, but you’ll want to get onto it quickly, because if left untreated it can turn into the much more severe periodontitis, which causes bone around the teeth to be destroyed.

Even though it can be painless as it develops, periodontitis can destroy the connection

between your tooth and jaw bone, causing space in the gums where bacteria can collect, and possible permanent bone loss and tooth loss.

4. Infections Tooth decay and gum disease can both lead to infection in the mouth, which can be very bad news.

An infection around the root of the tooth or gum can cause the gum to swell and pus to develop, creating pus-filled pockets called abscesses. Oral infections can spread to cause serious infections in the jaw bones and tissue surrounding the mouth. In some instances, tooth and gum infections can even cause death.

5. Overall wellbeing Don’t be fooled, oral health is not just about your teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque and calculus not only cause inflammation in the gums, but cause inflammation in other parts of the body as well. That’s why poor oral health is linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes-related complications.

6. Look who’s learning If you’re a parent of young kids, you probably spend at least a few minutes every day trying to wrangle your young ones into brushing before bed. But why would children see tooth brushing as important if the adults in their lives don’t lead the way?

Studies show that the oral health of a child is linked to how well their mum looks after their teeth during and after pregnancy. This is because parents can pass on bacteria (both the helpful kind, and the kind that cause decay) to newborn babies, as well as teaching them how to look after their teeth well once they’re born. How well mums and dads look after their oral health can have a big impact on the oral health of the next generation.

Top tips for healthy teeth (and gums and tongues) Have we convinced you to up your oral health game? Follow these tips to keep your pearly whites clean and healthy: • brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste visit the dentist regularly • don’t smoke • limit your sugar intake – remember many packaged foods that appear healthy may have added sugars • look out for acids that are hidden in “healthy” drinks – diet soft drinks and sports drinks contain strong acids that can dissolve the enamel in teeth • drink plenty of tap water • chew sugar-free gum • and choose healthy snacks like fruits, health.qld.gov.au cheese and vegetables.

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

The science behind a broken heart HEARTBREAK is an unfortunately common part of the human experience, and it really, really sucks. We’ve all been there, and it’s safe to say we all want to avoid experiencing heartbreak ever again.

We feel heart broken when we lose someone or something we loved or wanted very much, like a romantic relationship or a friendship, a family member, a pet, or a job or opportunity that was very important to us.

Heartbreak can cause a large amount of stress, especially if the loss is a sudden one.

This stress can affect how we feel emotionally and physically, and may take weeks, months or even years to recover from.

While there’s still a lot to discover about how and why we experience love and heartbreak and the effect these have on our bodies, scientific study has provided us with some clues about why heartbreak makes you feel so rubbish, and some strategies to use if you’re feeling really down.

Why does it hurt so much?

Studies show that your brain registers the emotional pain of heartbreak in the same way as physical pain, which is why you might feel like your heartbreak is causing actual physical hurt. The language we use to describe heartbreak – “I feel like my heart’s been ripped out”, “it was gut wrenching”, “like a slap in the face” – all hint at the way we associate physical pain with emotional pain.

Heartbreak hormones Hormones aren’t just for randy teenagers – our bodies produce a long list of hormones every day for different purposes, including falling in and out of love.

Love can be addictive, like a drug, because of the hormones our brain releases when we become really attached to someone or something. Dopamine and oxytocin in particular are hormones which make us feel good and want to repeat behaviours, and are released at elevated levels when we’re in love.

Then, when heartbreak happens, these hormone levels drop and are replaced with the stress hormone cortisol. Designed to support your body’s fight-or-flight response, too much cortisol over a period of time can contribute to anxiety, nausea, acne and weight gain – all those unpleasant mental and physical symptoms associated with heartbreak.

A medically broken heart Ever wondered if emotional heartbreak can actually, physically break your heart?

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy is the medical

name for a syndrome that can be caused by heartbreak, or more accurately, the stress of a heartbreaking situation.

Acute emotional stress, positive or negative, can cause the left ventricle of the heart to be ‘stunned’ or paralysed, causing heart attacklike symptoms including strong chest, arm or shoulder pains, shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting.

The good news: the condition doesn’t usually cause permanent damage like a heart attack does, and often resolves itself. The bad news: it can be stressful and painful, with people often thinking they’re having an actual heart attack.

Because it’s not possible to tell without tests what’s causing your symptoms, if you ever experience the symptoms of heart attack you should call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.

How to heal heartbreak While it will be different for every person and every circumstance, there are some scientifically sound methods of heartbreak healing you can try.

Tips for dealing with general stress can help you in times of heartbreak, and set up healthy habits for an ongoing, healthy lifestyle. When you’re heartbroken, it can be easy to withdraw from your regular life and stop doing the things that you enjoy. But getting out and about, spending time with positive and supportive people, eating well and exercise can all help boost your mood and distract you from your upset.

Keep in mind that the old adage that “you’ll heal with time” has some truth to it. Over time, as the stress eases and you begin to calm down and recover, you should expect your bodily systems to gradually return to normal.

When to get help There’s no shame in feeling like you’re not coping very well with a heart break – as we’ve seen, heart break can be a big shock to the system.

If you’re feeling like the stress, sadness or anger isn’t passing, if you’re having trouble getting back to normal life, or if you’re concerned in any way about how you’re feeling mentally or physically, it’s time to get some extra help. Talk with a supportive friend, family member or partner, book an appointment with your GP, or call a hotline like Lifeline or beyondblue to talk to a counsellor about how you’re feeling.

Nimisha Modi

Aloe Vera Gel + Vitamin E Oil Home Remedy for Peeling Skin: Mix two tablespoons of fresh aloe Vera gel and a little vitamin E oil. Apply the mixture on the affected skin.

Allow it to dry on its own, and then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat two or three times daily for at least one week.

3. Oatmeal Bath: Oatmeal is very helpful in reducing the itching and irritation associated with peeling skin. Also, its soothing properties help the skin retain its natural moisture.

Stir one cup of oatmeal into a bath tub filled with warm water. Soak in this soothing bath water for 30 minutes. Rinse your body with clean water, and then pat dry with a soft towel. Apply a gentle moisturizer on your body.

4. Milk: Milk is very beneficial for dealing with peeling skin. It works as a natural skin moisturizer, the protein in milk has a soothing effect and the lactic acid will reduce irritation as well as itching.

Soak a washcloth in ice-cold whole milk and wring out the excess milk. Put the washcloth on the affected area for 10 minutes. Then wash the skin with clean water. Repeat the process two or three times daily until your skin is healthy again.

Mix two tablespoons of whole milk and one tablespoon of honey. Apply this mixture on the affected skin and massage gently. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Do this twice daily for about one week.

Home Remedies for Peeling Skin Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412 350 013

HEY Girls, at regular intervals, the outer layer of skin is completely replaced with new skin.

During this time, the dead skin begins to peel off. This is an important and natural part of the healing process. Most of the time, this process is not noticeable to people.

However, in some cases there may be excessive peeling on the face, fingers and other parts of the body. This can happen when the skin is exposed to the sun for long time. Also peeling skin is very common in those who are experiencing dry skin.

There are natural remedies that can speed up the healing process of skin peeling.

1. Olive Oil: Olive oil has skin-nourishing fatty acids that work as an excellent moisturizer for dry skin. The oil coats the skin and locks in moisture. Plus, the vitamin E in olive oil helps the body fight free radicals that are often responsible for skin aging.

Slightly warm some extra-virgin olive oil in a microwave. Liberally rub the warm olive oil on the affected area and gently massage it so the oil penetrates deep inside the skin. Do these three times daily until your condition improves.

Mix two tablespoons of salt with enough olive oil to create a thick paste. Use this paste as a body scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells.

Do this twice a week until your skin heals completely.

2. Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera has soothing and moisturizing properties that help get rid of peeling skin. It also reduces inflammation, irritation and itching.

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Hope you will enjoy of benefit of radiant skin by using these natural remedies. Keep smiling and I will see you next month. You can also find helpful information on my website www.hetvihairandbeauty.com

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Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 35

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Real Estate News

Income protection insurance

By Gagan Tandon - 0425 158 280 Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisors

INSURANCE for something you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see or touch, such as your income, may seem strange. But how would you pay your mortgage if you were unable to work?

When considering insurance, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s common for people to pass it off as a pesky added fee involved in owning a car, running a business or protecting a house against damage. Income insurance, on first glance, can seem like another costly precaution thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely to prove useful.

But when you think about how your income facilitates your lifestyle, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often at the top of the list in regards to things that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford to lose. Cars and houses can be replaced, but losing an income, perhaps for life, could see both lost.

Income protection insurance covers salary loss due to injury or sickness. Unlike workers compensation, it applies to injury or sickness at any place or time. And, unlike government allowances, it pays in accordance to your earning capacity.

If someone is injured under workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compensation, for the first few weeks they receive a higher rate, but then it drops.

Therefore, peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standard way of living is sacrificed if they depend on this form of protection.

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Income protection policies vary in regards to their terms and conditions, but they usually offer 75 per cent of gross wages for a maximum time period. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a form of insurance that is particularly important for people who have regular repayments to make against debts.

The most important reason for income protection is when a person has a strong reliance on an income.

When you have someone with financial responsibilities, like a family or a mortgage, that may be an important time for income protection.

Having a majority of your current income insured against the possibility of being away from work helps you avoid defaulting on mortgage payments, personal loans or credit cards.

It can be the difference between continuing along within your current lifestyle following illness or accident, or being forced to dramatically change your lifestyle due to an inability to repay your debts.

Most people these days have enough stress already, with the economy and the price of housing uncertain. Income protection gives that little bit of extra peace of mind. It works when you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 37

Real Estate News Beautiful family home with fully ducted air-conditioning

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 39

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Editorial / Photo Submissions

Astrology Aries - March 21 - April 20

You will be eager to bolster your finances and trim expenses this month. To start with, Full Moon arising in the company of malefic Ketu will influence you to resolve long pending issues. You could be cheered by some monetary gains here. But as the week progresses, and with Mercury turning retrograde, you need to watch your step. Get introspective and remodel your strategy to close the gaps and weak areas. Mars could make you restless and impatient at times.

But remain cool and compose Important Dates 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30

Taurus - April 21 - May 22

If you are looking to increase your revenue streams, take heart. Opportunities to earn extra money will arise. The emerging Full Moon will stir strong emotions to strike it big and Mars will reveal options to work on. Alongside, ruler of your Sign Venus moving through Cancer with inspire you to follow your creative pursuits like music, dance, drama and painting. This also seems like a good time to brush up your communication skills. Important Dates 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27

Gemini - May 23 - Jun 21

You will be eager to formulate strategies that are effective, thorough and actionoriented. Full Moon rising in Aquarius through the 9th House in company of malefic Ketu will fetch the sympathy of the stars. You will be impatient, to enhance your prospects and get racing. Venus may help you strengthen you financial position. But there are other planetary configurations that pose hindrances. Important Dates 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, Call 07 3865 6533

27, 29

www.ganeshaspeaks.com Cancer - June 22 - July 22

At the beginning of the August, you will be propelled to seek solutions for the wrongs that you are experiencing. You will try to resolve the emotional pain that has been bothering you for some time. There is a partial lunar eclipse. And full Moon blazes in the sky. Moon here is in direct opposition to Mars and in close connection with Ketu in the 8th House. It is these changes that are influencing your psyche and emotional facet. Important Dates 14, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

Leo - July 23 - August 22

You will be eager to seek secrets for stronger and healthier relationship. Some planetary positions in the coming days could be of assistance. The lunar eclipse happens in opposition to your sign. Moon is in company of malefic Keti and is influenced by aggressive Mars and wily Saturn as well. These locations can put a serious dent in a confirmed relationship. Important Dates 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29

Virgo - August 23 - October 22

Your eyes are set on winning over rivals and achieving success. You wish to thrive and flourish, not just survive. You will be keen to reach your full potential and excellence.

The stars may assist you to some extent here. A lunar eclipse happens with Moon in Aquarius in the 6th House. This can work well for businessmen eager to experiment with innovative ideas to soar over competitors. You will get an opportunity to shake off your financial constraints and limitations, if you have been experiencing any

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lately at some level. Important Dates 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

Libra - September 23 - October 22 It’s

the moon that will have strong bearings on you at the beginning. A lunar eclipse happens with Moon in Aquarius in the 5th House and influenced by Mars. As such full Moon brings to surface the inner tides. Now lunar eclipse here can have varying effects. On the positive side, businessmen and professionals will have important breakthrough by securing a long awaited deal with high worth customers. Important Dates 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30

Scorpio - October 23 - Nov 21

The big task ahead of you this month is to break the shackles of fear and limitations.

Ruler of your Sign Mars along with mighty Sun and malefic Rahu in the 10th House will act as driving force to push your ahead on road to progress. Luna eclipse in the 4th House will help you fight constraints that have held you back so far in achieving your goals. Important Dates 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29

Sagittarius - November 22 - Dec 22

Be prepared this month to come out of your comfort zone and take risks. As you go along you will realize that great, otherwise unforeseen opportunities often come from risktaking. At the beginning Lunar eclipse takes place in the 3rd House. This signifies clearing of hurdles in your way to progress. Important Dates 14, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

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Capricorn - December 23 - Jan 30

This month, you will be eager to come up with new ideas to keep operations, products and services fresh and booming. Lunar eclipse takes place at the beginning in humanitarian Aquarius in the 2nd House. Of course, the influences will depend on which part of the world you are stationed. Also, planets in your Natal chart have greater say while accessing aftereffects of the eclipse. Important Dates 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

Aquarius - January 21 - Feb 19

A lot of your time will go into deep thinking and introspection this month. At the beginning lunar eclipse takes place with full Moon in your sign. Your thoughts will converge inward. Yu will think about yourself actively with regards to work, money, success, progress and family. Important Dates 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30

Pisces - February 20 - March 20

Hard work and pleasure seeking could be the overriding activities for you this month. The planetary configurations will put you in touch with your inner feelings and thoughts. Lunar eclipse takes place with full Moon in Aquarius through the 12th House. Aggressive Mars aspects this full Moon here. Important Dates 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 — 41

WHATÊS ON!

13 - 14 August 2017...

Vedanta Centre – Brisbane Chapter – Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations – 13th August 10am to 12 noon, celebrations by Children of Bala Sangha Class. 14th August 7pm to 8:30pm, please bring a plate. Venue for both days is 12 Greenwood Street, Springfield Lakes. For more information visit www.vedantabrisbane.org or email info@vedantabrisbane.org

8 – 15 August 2017...

Gayatri Mandir – Sri Krishna Janamastami – Bhagwat Katha starts at 7pm followed by arti and dinner. All welcome. For more information visit www.gayatrimandir.org.au or call Daven Pathik 0431 213 444

Shree Vishnu May Mandir – Sri Krishna Janamastami – Everyone is invited to please join in this celebration. Hawan will be performed on Sunday 13 August at 4pm. Hawan sponsor $111 / Food Sponsor $400. For secured online donation facility visit www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au for more information contact Dhiru 0406 213 153

Shree Sanatan Dharam Hindu Association of Qld – Krishna Janmashtami celebrations – Program starts 6:30pm at 550 Wembely Road, Berrinba. Havan Pooja…Mahaprasad served daily. For sponsorship and donations please contact Suruj Deo 0403 282 648 / Rajnil Prasad 0416 292 004

15 August 2017...

Indian Honorary Consulate Brisbane - Independence Day Flag Hoisting ceremony – 9am sharp at 175A Swann Road, Taringa.

ISKCON – Sri Krishna Janmastami celebrations – 6pm at ISKCON Bhakti Centre, Gold Coast, Suite 1c, Trust House Building, 3070 Surfers Paradise. Family fun, kirtan, drama, maha abhisek, dance performance, bhajans, free vegetarian feast. All welcome, bring family and friends. Contact 0433 499 309

16 August 2017...

Vedanta Centre welcomes you to the ‘Turning of the Sod’ ceremony – 9:45am at the Vedanta Precinct, Cnr Tea Trees Avenue and Grindelia Drive, Springfield Lakes. For more information visit www.vedantabrisbane.org or email info@vedantabrisbane.org

19 August 2017...

GOPIO QLD – India Day Fair 2017 – Celebrating India’s 70th Independence Day. Show Stopper Lakhwinder Wadali / Bollywood Dancers, Parades / Stalls / Children’s Activities / Fireworks and more! From 10:30am to 9pm at The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland. Sponsorship / Performers / Volunteers. Please contact President Usha Chandra 0419 775 416 / Secretary Pravnita Singh-Pillay 0449 067 865 27 August – Oct 22 2017...

BSK 5th Annual Cricket Cup – Refer to page 51 for details.

2 September 2017...

Sangeet Mela 2017 – Australia’s Premiere Indian Classical Music and Dance Festival.

Plus Sangeet Premi Rising Star Awards. Tickets and info www.sangeetmela.org

It’s time to talk – youth mental illness: signs, symptoms, support (Workshop) – 46pm at Kenmore Community Centre, 98 Brookfield Road, Kenmore Hills, Qld. Open to all parents, carers, adults. For more information or to RSVP email info@vedantabrisbane.org MAQ proudly presents Onam 2017 – 3pm at I See Church Hall, 308 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks Qld 4073

7 September 2017...

St John’s Cathedral FREE Morning Concert – 11am-11:50am at St John’s Anglican Cathedral, 413 Ann Street, Brisbane. For further information visit www.stjohnscathedral.com.au or call 3835 2222 Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm.

Continued page 44

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

14 October 2017...

Hindu Society’s 2017 Diwali Celebration The Hindu Society of Queensland Inc. 2017 Deepawali celebration will be held on 14 October 2017 at Bracken Ridge State High School from 6:00pm.

1. RaffleTickets: The Society since incorporation in 1992 is having raffle tickets as its major fund rising project and is always drawn at the Diwali celebration. Anyone wishing to donate a prize is requested to contact our President, Daven Pathik on 0431 213 444.

2. Door Prizes: This year, the Society is having ten door prizes. Anyone wishing to donate a door prize is requested to contact our Vice President, Prem Chand on 0423 375 276 or send email on premchand1902@gmail.com.

Prizes could be Dinner for Two Voucher, $100 vehicle repairs voucher, 10 DVD’s, Movie for 2 etc.

3. Diwali performers: This year our Diwali stage program coordinator is Neelima Chandra and her contact is: Mobile 0405 409 156 & Email: nchan83@eq.edu.au. The performers form is on our Hindu Society’s website. Please fill and email to Neelima.

4. Diwali Souvenir Magazine: This year our Society is producing a Diwali Souvenir Magazine 72 pages all in colour with high-quality printing.

Anyone wishing to advertise their companies, Diwali message for both personal and organisations, please write our Vice President, Prem Chand on premchand1902@gmail.com.

Prem Chand, Public Relations Officer

www.indiantimes.com.au

Call 07 3865 6533

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 43

WHATÊS ON!

From page 42...

9 September 2017...

Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre Project proudly presents A Grand Musical Evening – 5:30pm at Runcorn State School, 200 Nemies Road, Runcorn. Featuring live Bollywood music by talented local artists Vijen, Sharad, Subrato, Suhas, Raghu, Raj, Mithun, Manpreet, Anup, Ashwini, Charu, Binny, Bondita and child artist Rugved. Followed by mouth-watering dinner. Tickets $30. Contact Jitendra Deo 0411 798 012 or Sandeep Kumar 0451 569 712

6th Australian International Hindu Conference – 9am to 4:30pm at Adelaide Convention Centre North Terrace, Adelaide.

Strengthening communities – Stronger Australia. For more information contact conference2017@vhpsa.org.au or call 0416 650 525 – www.vhp.org.au

Brisbane Tamil School’s 32nd Annual Cultural Concert – 5:15pm at Indooroopilly State High School, Corner of Ward Street and Turner Street, Indooroopilly. Tickets $25 Family / $10 Single / Pensioner. Dinner will be sold at a minimal price. For more details contact Ramanan 0435 602 864 or Sangeetha 0401 074 738

16 September 2017...

Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam proudly presents “An evening of Indian Classical Dance” Bharatanatyam Concert – 6pm at St. John Anglican College, Forest Lake. For more information call Smt. Manga Surendran 0433 967 489 / email manga.suren@gmail.com or follow on Facebook Indian Classical Dance Brisbane 21 September 2017...

Mental Health First Aid Course (FREE of Charge) at Access! – Register your interest to attend a Mental Health Aid Course at Access! Course participants learn about

signs and symptoms of the common and disabling mental health problems, where and how go get help when someone is developing a mental illness, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.

Spots will be limited! Register your interest at caitlin.boydford@harmonyplace.org.au

21-29 September 2017...

Vedanta Centre of Sydney – Brisbane Chapter – Sri Durga Ashtami Puja – the worship of Mother Durga on the occasion of Sri Durga Ashtami Puja will be performed on Wed 28 Sept (7-8pm), you and your family and friends are cordially invited to attend the worship and receive the grace of the Divine Mother. Sri Durga Saptashati (Chandni) will be recited from 21 Sept to 29 Sept from 5:30am to 7:30pm at 12 Greenwood Street, Springfield Lakes.

For more information visit www.vedantabrisbane.org or email info@vedantabrisbane.org 30 September – 2 October 2017...

International Veterans Soccer Tournament – Meera Sami Memorial Cup – Ireland Park, Liverpool, Sydney. Registration and information email austfiji.ifa@gmail.com

6 October 2017...

FICQ Diwali 2017 – The Indian Festival of Lights – A day stacked with non-stop entertainment, music, dance, Bollywood, henna, Indian and multicultural food, arts and crafts. From 10am to 10pm at King George Square, Brisbane CBD. Visit www.ficq.org.au for more information 13 October 2017...

IABCA – India Australia Business & Community Awards – Black Tie Gala event at Brisbane City Hall. Limited tickets on sale visit www.iabca.com.au Continued page 46

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

www.indiantimes.com.au

Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 45

WHATÊS ON!

From page 44

14 October 2017...

Hindu Society 2017 Diwali Celebration – 6pm at Bracken Ridge State High School. For more information contact Prem Chand premchand1902@gmail.com or visit www.hindusociety.qld.org.au 29 October 2017...

Gandhi Salt March Limited (an Australian Registered Charity) presents….Power of Peace Festival, Ipswich & Brisbane – Refer to flyer page 21 for details

Weekly Events...

Mondays…

Brahma Kumaris Australia – Meditation & Positive Thinking Sessions – Mondays 10.30am to 11.30am: Regular meditation should improve your ability to focus and think clearly. By practising mediations which cultivate our ability to sense and care for our natural energy we are able to live life with greater awareness and confidence. Each class includes guided meditations, discussions, short talks and the introduction and practice of techniques. Each session is a different topic. Meditation sessions Tuesdays 6.30pm to 7.30 pm and Sundays 5.30pm to 6.30pm. During these sessions there will be meditation commentaries, music and periods of silence. You can come and go at any time during these sessions. Venue: 27 Bordeaux Parade, Mermaid Waters. Please phone to register – 5575 2126. Email goldcoast@au.brahmakumaris.org or visit www.brahmakumaris.org/au/whatson for more information

Brisbane Good Samaritan Prayer Fellowship (Malayam Service) – Congregation on every Sunday from 10am to 12pm at Stafford Scouts, 38 Appleby Road, Stafford, Qld 4053. For further information contact 0468 358 646 or 0411 269 322. Come and hear the message of your eternal life, GOD BLESS Picabeen Community Centre – you’re invited to playgroup! – For parents with children aged 0-5 years from all cultures and backgrounds. Come along and meet families from all backgrounds in your community.

Every Monday (Except public holidays) 10am – 12pm. Picabeen Community Centre, 22

Hoben Street, Mitchelton Qld. Phone 3354 2555

Zi Za Dong Zen Association – Energy Healing to improve health and well beings – ZZDZ Assn. Inc is a not for profit charity foundation based in Brisbane. Focusing on energy healing named Qi Gong through meditation, it provides free energy healing sessions and guidance. Practicing Qi Gong will encourage you to achieve a positive outlook on life, by helping to reduce stress and calm your mind.

It also increases vitality, enhances your immune system and helps to eliminate negative attitudes and behaviours. Session Times & Locations: Mondays-Thursday & Saturday 9am – 12pm at 10 Cognac Court, Calamvale.

Thursday afternoon (except 1st week) 3.30pm – 6pm at Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown Library. 67 Level 2, Cnr Calam & Compton Road. Friday afternoon 2pm-5pm at Logan West Library – 69 Grand Plaza Drive, Brown Plains. For more information email zzdz.aus@gmail.com or visit www.zzdz.org.au Wednesdays…

Brisbane Good Samaritan Prayer Fellowship (Malayam Service) – Cottage Meeting on every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8pm at Stafford Scouts, 38 Appleby Road, Stafford, Qld 4053. For further information contact 0468 358 646 or 0411 269 322.

Come and hear the message of your eternal life, GOD BLESS

Sundays…

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc – Vedic Yaj (Havan) –The Sabha performs Havan Yaj every Sunday from 2-4pm at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre, 198 Learoyd Rd, Willawong and the public is welcome to be part of it. The members of public now can perform Havan Yaj at the centre. The fee of $50 is required for use of centre facilities to cover operating costs. The Havan Kund, utensils are available for use as well The Havan ingredients can be supplied if you are unable to get them. Mango sticks, Ghee, Samagri, Chamfor etc is available at the centre as well for $25. The seating capacity of the Yajshalla (Havan Hall) is 100. Contact Vice President Mrs Sushila Pathik for further information and bookings on 3314 6059.

Contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 or visit www.aryasamajqueensland.com for further information.

Australian Pentecostal Assembly Brisbane – Sunday Worship every Sunday 9am11.30am at 84 The Community Place, 84 Kedron Park Road, Wooloowin Qld with Pastor Prakash Jacob. Cottage Meeting every Tuesday 7.30pm-9pm / Kids Bible Study every Friday 7pm-7.45pm / Intercessory Prayer every Friday 7.45-9pm. Worship in Hindi, English, Malayalam and other Indian Languages. For more information Phone 07 3315 5597 /

0413 347 562 or info@apabrisbane.com.au / www.apabrisbane.com.au

email

Brisbane Multinational Church Service – Every Sunday 9.30am at 757 Gympie Road Lawnton. Come and join us for a great time of Praise and Worship plus inspired preaching of God’s word. We thrive for the presence of God and are passionate to see people be trained up and grow in the knowledge of the word of God. Special service time to pray for healing, deliverance and other spiritual needs. Enquiries 0424 1802 40.

Star Christian Church – Clontarf Beach State School Hall. Every Sunday – Morning Service at 9.30am. Evening Service at 5pm. Come fired up and expectant! Star Church is a great, young church located on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula. A Pentecostal community connected with the Australian Christian Churches. We passionately want God’s presence in our lives, desire to be trained and knowledgeable in His Word, hungry for the supernatural, excelling in our service and hospitable at life. For more information visit www.starchurch.org.au

To view monthly events and keep up to date with events visit our website www.indiantimes.com.au/events

The Mantra Room – Live Kirtan – Spend an evening of sacred Yoga chant with Gayatri, Ishvara, Jayadharma and friends Fridays 6pm, Sundays 5pm and Wednesdays 7pm at Australian School of Meditation & Yoga, 236 Montague Road, West End. Amazing Vego Food $5. Come celebrate, meditate and let the music set you free. For more information call 3844 8441 or email brisbane@asm.org.au

Thursdays…

Sai Baba Aarti Program – Every Thursday 7.30pm – Virginia State School, 1678 Sandgate Road, Virginia (next to Virginia Train Station) Aarti & Archana opportunity for all attendees, Prasad & Dinner provided.

Enquiries call 0405 392 793 / saibababrisbane@gmail.com / Like on Facebook www.facebook.com/SaiBabaBrisbane

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

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Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 47

Censorship has become Dilip Kumar improving, will a promotional tool in the be in the hospital for a few hands of filmmakers: more days: Hospital official Randeep Hooda Bollywood & Entertainment

ASSURING fans that the actor is “doing well” Lilavati Hospital’s vice president Ajaykumar Pandey said Dilip Kumar will be in the hospital for a few more days.

Legendary actor Dilip Kumar, who is being treated for dehydration and kidney-related ailments, is recovering but is still kept in the ICU for observation, a senior official said Monday 7 August.

The 94-year-old actor was admitted to the Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra on August 2 due to dehydration and urinary tract infection.

“He is improving. He is doing fine. His creatinine levels have reduced. He is not on ventilator but is in the ICU. Due to the age factor, we have to keep him under observation,” Lilavati Hospital’s vice president Ajaykumar Pandey said.

“He will be in the hospital for a few more days,” Pandey said.

The 94-year-old actor has faced several medical complications in the recent years.

Kumar was hospitalised last April for fever and nausea. He was again admitted to Lilavati in December for swelling in his right leg.

He was last seen on the big screen in Qila in 1998. Known as the Tragedy King, Kumar has acted in over 65 films in his career and is known for his iconic roles in movies like Devdas (1955), Naya Daur (1957), Mughale-Azam (1960), Ganga Jamuna (1961), Kranti (1981), and Karma (1986).

PTI

When I was bigger in size, I was getting equal attention from men: Bhumi Pednekar

• Bhumi Pednekar, Akshay Kumar with Mohsin Khan, Shivangi Joshi, Rishi Dev and Mohena Kumari to promote Toilet: Ek Prem Katha on Television show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai in Mumbai. IANS

BHUMI Pednekar, who had earlier gained weight for her debut film Dum Laga Ke Haisha and later lost all of it , says she felt equally beautiful when she was fuller because all the men around her made her feel comfortable.

Bollywood actor Bhumi Pednekar, who is gearing up for the release of Akshay Kumarstarrer Toilet Ek Prem Katha, has said the men in our country are changing slowly, but certainly in their attitude towards women.

Bhumi had earlier gained weight for her debut film Dum Laga Ke Haisha and has later lost all of it , has said she felt equally beautiful when she was fuller because all the men around her made her feel comfortable.

“You know when I was bigger in size, I was getting equal attention from men, nobody made me feel uncomfortable by looking at me in a different way. I wore clothes that I wanted to, and flaunted my skin as per my wish. That’s why my confidence was high even then. That is why I would like to say that men’s attitude towards women is slowly but steadily changing,” Bhumi said.

The actress, who started her career as an assistant casting director with Yash Raj Films,

believes that was the best training ground she had to understand the craft of cinema. “I do not want to change any part of my story. If today, people ask me to choose between working in YRF for five years before debuting in Bollywood or wait for the opportunity for a dream debut with a song-dance saga film, I would choose the earlier any day.”

“From taking audition to working with the creative team, production design, I got expose to every aspect of film making -- both are important to become a good actor. Coming from a regular middle class family, I think I am very fortunate,” Bhumi added.

Having grown up watching movies of legendary filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Bimal Roy, Bhumi said this is the right phase of Hindi cinema where an actress like her can make a space.

“Not that I haven’t grooved with the peppy songs of Khalnayak and Rangeelaa, but my love for cinema has come from watching a lot of Ray, Mukherjee, Benegal among others; because my mother loved watching those films and we used to watch them together,” Bhumi said.

HT

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

ACTOR Randeep Hooda’s film Jism 2 completed five years of its release on Aug 3. The film, actor Sunny Leone’s launch vehicle, had run into huge censorship issues. Hooda says that in the age of the Internet, cuts make no sense.

Ever since the censorship debate caught fire, several names from Bollywood have voiced their views against how the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), informally called the Censor Board, stifles creativity. The latest to speak on this is actor Randeep Hooda, whose film Jism 2, completed five years of its release on August 3, 2017. Jism 2, which was the Bollywood debut vehicle of former adult film star Sunny Leone, was almost derailed by the Censor Board, which refused to certify it unless director Pooja Bhatt made the changes demanded by the Board.

Randeep says, “Youngsters — the people you’re trying to prevent from watching [a film’s] content — are the ones who are mostly on the Internet. And whatever you’re censoring is actually generating more curiosity and, at the end of the day, everything is easily is available on the Internet, which remains uncensored.”

Like many other actors and filmmakers, Randeep asserts that the CBFC should only certify what kind of content is appropriate for which age group, and not demand cuts. This is what has also been recommended by a committee led by filmmaker Shyam Benegal.

The committee submitted its report in 2016,

and Benegal met officials at the Information & Broadcasting Ministry in July 2017 to follow up on this. “[The CBFC] asking for cuts or censoring scenes makes no sense to me,” says Randeep.

The actor points out a rather interesting fact: how the whole censorship issue eventually benefits a film. “Look how censorship is being used to create hype around a film, and it clearly has become a great promotional tool [in the hands of filmmakers], and I suspect if Mr Pahlaj Nihalani [CBFC Chairman] is getting paid,” jokes the actor.

However, Randeep adds that it’s unwise for anyone to fall for the hype created through a censorship controversy. “I recently watched a film that was very talked about [for] censorship; when I actually watched it, it was a bloody bore. A lot of people had gone to watch it only because it was hyped so much about scenes being censored,” shares the actor, adding that it was much later that he found out it was all planned.

“I had read this film’s script as well — I figured out that the film reached multiplexes because it was sensationally promoted. It wasn’t a very interesting movie to watch in the first place, and it used censorship as a promotional thing,” adds Randeep, clarifying that he is not referring to Lipstick Under My Burkha, directed by Alankrita Srivastava, who fought for months to get her film certified and released.

HT

Actor - cricketer Dhruv Sharma no more KANNADA actor Dhruv Sharma, who was also one of the star players of the Karnataka Bulldozers led by Kichcha Sudeep at the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL), passed away on Tuesday morning (August 1). The actor is survived by his parents, wife and two daughters. None on the team that we spoke to were aware of Dhruv having had any preexisting health condition and say that he was one of the fittest on the team.

Dhruv apparently collapsed in his house on Saturday (29 July), following which he was rushed to hospital. It is said that he had some family and financial problems and attempted suicide. Early on Tuesday morning, he suffered a cardiac arrest and multiple organ failure. He was declared dead at 3am at Columbia Asia Hospital. The post mortem is being carried out at MS Ramaiah Hospital.

Dhruv started his career in films with Snehanjali almost a decade ago. He also acted in a few other films later. He was a flamboyant star in both cricket and films. Salman Khan was impressed with Dhruv Sharma when he met at him at the very first season of the Celebrity Cricket League. After watching Dhruv in action, Salman had said that Dhruv was one of the best talents in the league.

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What's more, after Salman learnt that Dhruv was differently challenged — he was hearing and speech impaired — Salman asked to meet him personally and praised his spirit.

Dhruv had played for all the six seasons of the CCL, and was the vice captain of the Karnataka Bulldozers.

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A Gentleman: I take criticism from industry seriously, says Sidharth Malhotra

Bollywood & Entertainment

Sidharth’s upcoming film is A Gentleman: Sundar, Susheel, Risky, in which he will be seen in a double role. The film revolves around a person with a mistaken identity.

SRK called me ‘beta’, says Jab Harry Met Sejal choreographer Gurdeep Singh Babbar DELHI University alumnus Gurdeep Singh Babbar, who choreographed for the song Phurrr, has cherished memories of sharing college experiences with actor Shah Rukh Khan and director Imtiaz Ali, who both went to DU. Back in 2015, when Gurdeep Singh Babbar, an alumnus of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur (SGTB) Khalsa College, Delhi University, got a chance to choreograph for director Imtiaz Ali’s movie Tamasha, little did he know that he’d later choreograph for Bollywood’s King Khan. Gurdeep has choreographed the dance steps for the song Phurrr, which is in Shah Rukh Khan’s most recent release Jab Harry Met Sejal, also directed by Imtiaz Ali. “The first opportunity I got was choreographing for the song Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai in the movie Tamasha. Abhishek, the assistant director of the film, had approached me.

It was a pleasure working with Imtiaz sir, but I had no idea that we’d be working [together] again,” says Gurdeep, who landed his first Bollywood project thanks to his bhangra choreography for his college.

“Then I got busy with theatre practices. In September 2016, I got a call from the line producer of Jab Harry Met Sejal, who told me that I had to choreograph SRK’s steps, for Imtiaz sir’s movie yet again. I couldn’t have asked for more. I was told that the shooting was to be held in Europe — the very idea of choreographing a song abroad was exciting,” says Gurdeep.

Recalling his experience of choreographing for the Baadshah of Bollywood — that is one of the several nicknames of Shah Rukh Khan — he says, “The day I reached the location, I met Imtiaz sir after two long years. But to my surprise, he introduced me to Shah Rukh sir as his own choreographer. [Then] I heard the track that had to be shot and knew it would be a challenge, since it had no lyrics, initially. The track created by [DJ] Diplo was solely instrumental and was a challenge [for me] to choreograph, since it had Western beats and music. But having a team of such talented people around made the process interesting,” says Gurdeep.

He got to work and drew upon his own experience. “I showed a bit of the bhangra, set to the original music, to Imtiaz sir and he liked it very much. We started practising with SRK at 2am, and the sequence was shot a few days later. That is the song that went on to be titled Phurrr, once the lyrics were added.”

But that’s not the experience that Gurdeep says that he really cherishes from this project.

His best memories are from the time spent Shah Rukh and Imtiaz after pack-up. “I had a really good time with both Shah Rukh sir and Imtiaz sir. I went out partying with them after shooting, when both of them shared their college experiences with me,” says Gurdeep, adding, “Shah Rukh Khan is a very genuine and gentle person, despite being such a massive star. He always treated me like one of his own; he used to call me ‘beta’.

It felt very nice to know that he was so humble even with a fresher like me. One thing he said that really touched my heart was, ‘You’re untouched by the real world. Don’t Call 07 3865 6533

let anyone kill your innocence ever.’”

About his previous work in choreography, Gurdeep says, “Bhangra was my passion and being part of the bhangra team in college fuelled that passion. I used to get appreciation and encouragement from our coaches, and that really helped that love for dance and bhangra grow. I became the president of the [college] society in the year 2013-2014, and managed to bag a couple of individual prizes in the final year. It was the overall development of my talent and personality that helped me [take] my first step into Bollywood,” says Gurdeep. “I’m currently focussing on my YouTube channel, Bhangra Honours, which aims to make bhangra reach everyone who loves or has an interest in the dance form. I direct and choreograph bhangra videos, along with a few other guys, and we work hard to make bhangra reach a lot of people.”

HT

BOLLYWOOD actor Sidharth Malhotra believes in the power of constructive criticism, but says he takes criticism seriously when it comes from industry insiders. Within a short span since his debut with Student Of The Year, Sidharth has tasted a fair share of success and failure.

Asked whether he has learnt to handle criticism better after films like Kapoor And Sons and Baar Baar Dekho, Sidharth said, “Well, I think film reviews don’t really help an actor to grow or improve creativity because their words and comments are black and white...

They are always inching towards negative or positive. And I understand that for them, they mostly concentrate on the business potential of a film.”

He added, “Only constructive criticism can help us to grow as creative people, as actors.

Therefore, I take any constructive assessment seriously when it comes from insiders of the fraternity.”

The actor said he tries to do new characters with every film, and then assesses if he has got it right or explores the flaws. “These things matter for me to go to the next level.

So, I take criticism seriously, depending on where it is coming from.”

The actor has also featured in films like Hasee Toh Phasee, Ek Villain before Brothers. “Kapoor And Sons earned more than Rs 100 crore at the box office and people and critics showered their praise on me. And then Baar Baar Dekho happened. Now you understand... I do not live on my success and failure. It’s really temporary,” he said.

“Our film Brothers earned around Rs 85 crore at the box office. It is not a small number. So, calling the film a failure would be little unfair. But I accept that we couldn’t live

up to the expectation set by Baar Baar Dekho. Such things happen... As a young actor, I will choose the script that won’t work at times and I will learn something out of that as well.”

Sidharth’s upcoming film is A Gentleman: Sundar, Susheel, Risky, in which he will be seen in a double role. The film revolves around a person with a mistaken identity.

Talking about it, he said: “Since both the characters are different from each other, the film caters to a wide audience. It has action, romance, mystery and that interests people who love watching action and romance both.

We had a great time working with everyone.

Whether it is Raj, DK (director duo of the film) and Jacqueline (Fernandez), it was so much fun. She is such a happy girl and has an infectious energy. Hopefully, people will like the film.”

The Fox Star Studious film is releasing on August 25.

HT

In 'depressing' times, industry pins hopes on 'Jab Harry Met Sejal' IT’S a "depressing" time for the Hindi film industry as Bollywood's bigwigs like Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor have failed to translate their star power into promising box office collections.

All eyes are now set on Shah Rukh Khan's ' Jab Harry Met Sejal ', which has a "huge responsibility" of bringing much needed respite at the ticket windows with its release on Friday 4 August, say trade gurus.

The Imtiaz Ali directorial is bringing back Shah Rukh in his romantic hero avatar after the intense 'Raees', along with his 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' co-star Anushka Sharma.

While Salman's 'Tubelight' couldn't light up the box office, Ranbir's 'Jagga Jasoos' too evoked a lukewarm response.

So far only films like 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania" and 'Hindi Medium' have done well, and 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' too has been attracting the audience since its release on July 21.

So, hopes from Shah Rukh are really high, trade experts said.

"We are hoping that 'Jab Harry Met Sejal' will bring in some respite as the whole industry and the audience is eagerly waiting for this film. The mood in the industry is very depressing right now because no major film is working at the box office," film and trade business expert Girish Johar said in an interview.

"Shah Rukh is one of the

biggest stars we have had in recent times. He has a very huge fan following, not only in India, but across the globe. Also, in this film he is coming back with Anushka, who is one of the top talents of our country. The film has a very good director and good music. So, it is looking as something fresh at the box office," he said.

The film's team is tight-lipped about the number of screens it is due to release in globally, as well as its budget. But it has been shot in locations like Prague, Amsterdam, Vienna, Lisbon and Budapest, apart from Punjab. The story of the movie revolves around a Punjabi tour guide Harry, who helps www.indiantimes.com.au

Gujarati girl Sejal in finding her engagement ring.

Delhi-based distributor Joginder Mahajan pointed out how 'Jab Harry Met Sejal" will get a full week to prove its worth as it is not facing any clash at the box office, unlike Shah Rukh's last few films. In fact, Shah Rukh himself made a smart move by averting a clash with Akshay Kumar's much-a waited 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha', due for release on August 11.

"Shah Rukh's last few films lost out on some percentage of collection because of the clash with other big films. But 'Jab Harry Met Sejal' will not face the same problem. It will get full one week, which is good," Mahajan

said.

Another interesting factor is that the movie, produced by SRK's Red Chillies Entertainment, will have a special fourday weekend.

"That will be an interesting factor. As August 7 will be an off (due to Raksha Bandhan), people will have a good reason to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with 'Jab Harry Met Sejal'," Mahajan said.

With tracks like 'Radha', Butterfly', 'Hawayein' and the latest DJ Diplo collaboration 'Phurrr', the film's music has also set the pace for good bookings.

"We launched advance bookings for 'Jab Harry Met Sajal' on our platform. There is a lot of buzz around the film and we have registered great initial interest," However, the collection and sustainability of 'Jab Harry Met Sejal' will depend a lot on the content of the film and the subsequent release of 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' , which promises an entertainer with a message on sanitation and open defecation.

"At the end of the day, good content works, if you see a small film like 'Hindi Medium' has done fabulous business earlier this year. Also, a much smaller film like 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' has done quite well. So, whenever the industry stands out in terms of content, public likes it and they watch the film," Johar said.

HT

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017 — 49

Sports News 'I don't want tension': Indian boxer beats China rival then offers belt back to heal border rift • Reuters image.

Arsenal win FA Community Shield 4-1 on penalties after Chelsea stars misfire

• Vijender Singh, left, fights Zulpikar Maimaitiali in Mumbai. Singh later offered to hand back a title belt as a gesture of peace between India and China. Photograph: Rafiq Maqbool/AP

AN Indian boxer won a title fight against a Chinese opponent before offering to hand back the prize as a gesture of peace between the two nations which are locked in a territorial dispute in the Himalayas.

Vijender Singh beat Zulpikar Maimaitiali on points on Saturday to retain his WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight title and take his opponent’s WBO Oriental super middleweight belt.

After the unanimous verdict in Mumbai, Singh hugged Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan and other celebrities before returning to the ring, taking the microphone and saying: “I don’t want this title. I will give it back to Zulpikar.”

He added: “I don’t want tension on the border. It’s a message of peace. That’s important.”

The gesture follows a stand-off in a remote frontier region beside the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan that has become increasingly tense. On Thursday (3 August), China demanded India immediately remove troops from the border, accusing it of building up troops and repairing roads along its side of the border next to the Indian state of Sikkim.

The neighbours share a 3,500km frontier, large parts of which are disputed. Indian officials say about 300 soldiers from either side are facing each other about 150 metres

(yards) apart on the plateau.

The current standoff began on 16 June when a column of Chinese troops accompanied by construction vehicles and road-building equipment began moving south into what Bhutan considers its territory.

Bhutan, a small kingdom with close military and economic ties to India, requested assistance from Delhi, which sent forces to resist the Chinese advance.

To avoid escalation, frontline troops in the area do not generally carry weapons, and the Chinese and Indian troops reportedly clashed by “jostling”: bumping chests, without punching or kicking, in order to force the other side backwards.

At the heart of the dispute are different interpretations of where the “trijunction” – the point where the three countries’ borders meet – precisely lies. China argues its territory extends south to an area called Gamochen, while India says Chinese control ends at Batanga La, further to the north.

About 3,000 troops from both countries are reportedly stationed near Doka La , an area initial media reports said was about 15km from Gamochen, but which satellite imagery shows could be as close as two to three kilometres away.

The Guardian Associated Press contributed to this report

ARSENAL emerged 4-1 winners on penalties in the FA Community Shield after the game had ended 1-1 in normal time. Victor Moses gave Chelsea the lead but Sead Kolasinac equalised late for Arsenal.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and star signing Alvaro Morata were the Chelsea fall guys as Arsenal won the Community Shield 4-1 on penalties at Wembley on Sunday 6 August.

Goals from Chelsea’s Victor Moses and Arsenal new boy Sead Kolasinac sent the game to a shootout and with both Courtois and Morata limply squandering their spot-kicks, Arsenal won the trophy for the third time in four years.

Courtois blazed his penalty over the bar before substitute Morata, a £75.6 million capture from Real Madrid, shot wide, allowing Olivier Giroud to seal victory for Arsenal.

Arsenal, embarking upon their first season without Champions League football since 1997, have won on their last nine visits to Wembley, a run stretching back to a victory over Wigan Athletic in the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 2014.

Arsene Wenger’s side open the Premier League season at home to 2016 champions Leicester City on Friday, with Antonio Conte’s Chelsea beginning their title defence at home to Burnley the following day.

Moses, sent off after receiving a second yellow card for diving as Arsenal stunned Chelsea 2-1 in May’s FA Cup final, partially atoned by putting the champions ahead early in the second half.

But after Pedro had been shown a straight red card for an ugly challenge on Mohamed Elneny, Kolasinac headed in an 81st-minute equaliser to leave the game 1-1 at full-time.

As in the cup final, Arsenal made the more assured start and came within inches of opening the scoring when new signing Alexandre

Lacazette curled a shot against the post after a slick counter-attack.

Mertesacker forced off Per Mertesacker was one of the heroes of Arsenal’s FA Cup win, expertly marshalling a badly depleted defence, but the club captain was to last just 27 minutes of the teams’ reunion.

The giant German centre-back had to go off after a collision with Gary Cahill’s elbow left blood streaming down his face, giving Bosnian defender Kolasinac an opportunity to make his official debut.

As Arsenal reorganised, Chelsea began to assert themselves, Moses and Pedro working Petr Cech before Willian was harshly booked for diving after his left foot was clipped by Hector Bellerin’s knee inside the box.

Neat footwork set Alex Iwobi up to curl a shot at Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois late in the first half, but within a minute of kick-off in the second half, Arsenal found themselves behind.

Granit Xhaka’s attempt to clear Willian’s corner sent the ball high into the air and when Cahill headed it back into the danger area, Moses darted in behind Rob Holding to apply an emphatic finish.

Elneny squandered a presentable chance for Arsenal by slicing wide and then sent Courtois scrambling with a mishit cross from wide on the right.

Wenger threw on Giroud and Theo Walcott for Lacazette and Iwobi and saw Xhaka extend Courtois with a 30-yard effort.

Pedro’s dismissal for catching Elneny’s left Achilles with his studs tipped the momentum in Arsenal’s favour and they equalised when Xhaka’s cross from the ensuing free-kick was headed in by Kolasinac.

Agence France-Presse

Pakistan Cricket Board wants U-19 Asia Cup out of India, in ‘neutral’ venue The Pakistan Cricket Board is set to raise a demand to move the U-19 Asia Cup out of India and to a ‘neutral’ venue due to cricketing and political tensions between the nations.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will raise an objection to India hosting the U-19 Asia Cup in the upcoming development and annual general meetings of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), set to take place on August 11 and 12.

The hosting rights have been allotted to India and the matches will happen in Bengaluru. However, Pakistan does not want to send a team to India given the recent political tensions between the two countries.

“Since Pakistan is current chair of ACC, we

will discuss this matter on August 12 in Colombo. There are secure neutral venues outside India and Pakistan where the championship can be held,” Najam Sethi, head of PCB’s executive committee, said to cricket website ESPNcricinfo.

Another unnamed official told the site that whilst Pakistan is willing to play the tournament, it wasn’t feasible to play in India currently. ”We definitely want to play the tournament, being an important member in the ACC. But playing in India in present circumstances is not possible. There will be a visa glitch and a lot of other off-field issues will prevail. We don’t want to face any inconvenience ahead of the event.”

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2017

• Najam Sethi, head of Pakistan Cricket Board’s executive committee, is in favour of the U-19 Asia Cup being held in a neutral venue. (AFP/Getty Images)

This isn’t the only recent time that IndiaPakistan cricketing ties have been the subject of debate in Pakistan. Yesterday, former Pakistan player and coach Javed Miandad stated that the PCB should boycott India

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games in future ICC events if bilateral cricketing ties are not resolved.

The U-19 Asia Cup is set to take place in November this year.

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Sports News Betty Cuthbert, Australia’s four-time Olympic gold medallist, dies aged 79

AUSTRALIAN Olympic icon Betty Cuthbert, the only athlete to ever win gold in the 100m, 200m, and 400m, has died aged 79 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, officials said Monday 7 August.

Cuthbert shot to fame as a little-known 18year-old at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, winning the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, earning her the nickname “Golden Girl” by local media.

She suffered a hamstring injury at the Rome Games four years later and briefly retired, before being coaxed back to the track to win the 400m at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.

During her career, she set nine world records, four of them in 1958, and remains the only athlete, male or female, to win Olympic gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m.

Swimmer Ian Thorpe is the only Australian to claim more Olympic gold medals, with five.

“Betty was the Golden Girl of the track and a national heroine,” said Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates.

“It’s very sad to lose such a great champion.

Betty battled her illness for many years and showed tremendous courage, but more importantly she always managed to smile.”

Athletics Australia president Mark Arbib called her “inspiring”.

“She is the only athlete, male or female, to win Olympic gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m, with her trophy cabinet also including three medals from the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“She will be forever remembered as a legend of the sport and a trailblazer for our female athletes.”

Born in Sydney, she moved to West Australia in later life after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1969, which confined to a wheelchair.

She returned to the spotlight in 2000 when she took part in the ceremony to light the cauldron at the Sydney Olympic Games.

Cuthbert was the inaugural member of the Athletics Australia Hall of Fame and she was inducted into the IAAF Hall of Fame in 2012.

“Rest in peace Betty Cuthbert -- an inspiration and a champion on and off the track,” tweeted Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, while fellow track legend Cathy Freeman said: “Thank you for the inspirational memories, Betty Cuthbert.”

AFP

• Betty Cuthbert was the inaugural member of the Athletics Australia Hall of Fame and she was inducted into the IAAF Hall of Fame in 2012. (Twitter )

Usain Bolt praises Justin Gatlin: ‘He’s one of the best I’ve faced’

• Usain Bolt (right) and Justin Gatlin during the medal ceremony of the men's 100m at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in London on Sunday 6 August.(AP)

JUSTIN Gatlin surprised everyone with a season’s best 9.92, denying Usain Bolt his last individual gold medal at the IAAF World Championships of Athletics.

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who had to settle for bronze in the 100m on Saturday night (5 Aug) at the IAAF World Championships of Athletics after being defeated by Justin Gatlin, has hailed the American as one of the best competitors he has faced.

Gatlin surprised everyone with a season’s best 9.92 as he denied Bolt his last individual gold medal. Christian Coleman (9.94) took silver, with Bolt clocking 9.95 seconds.

Gatlin, a two-time dope cheat, was greeted with boos while he was handed his gold at the medal ceremony.

But, Bolt, the eight-time Olympic Gold winner, insisted the reactions of the crowd were unfair.

“I always respected him as a competitor,” the Guardian quoted Bolt as saying. “He’s one of the best I have faced.

“For me he deserves to be here, he’s done his time and he’s worked hard to get back to being one of the best athletes. He’s run fast times, he’s back and he’s doing great. I look at him like any other athlete, as a competitor,” he added.

Bolt, who will be turning 31 this month, also insisted that he has no regrets, adding that he tried his best.

“I have no regrets,” Bolt said.

“I came out and did my best; win, lose or draw. I did it for the fans, they wanted me to do one more season. No one is going to be Call 07 3865 6533

happy to not win. But it doesn’t change anything in my career,” he added.

Meanwhile, 35-year-old Gatlin also paid his tribute to Bolt and said that the Jamaican’s exit would leave a massive hole in track and field.

HT

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza rushed to hospital after he coughs up blood

MASHRAFE Mortaza, Bangladesh national cricket team’s charismatic captain, credited for leading his side to recent success in limited-overs cricket, was rushed to a hospital on Sunday 6 August after he coughed up blood.

According to a report from bdcrictime.com, Mortaza was taken to a hospital but was released after preliminary investigations. He was declared fit and was not admitted.

The report added that the 33-year-old rightarm fast bowler, who has played 36 Tests, 179 ODIs and 54 T20Is for Bangladesh since making his debut in 2001, was not keeping well for the last couple of days and was also due for a check-up.

The official doctor of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Debashish Chowdhury, announced later, “There is nothing serious happened to Mashrafe. He coughed up some blood in the morning and that’s why he went to hospital for checkup. His lungs have been checked and everything is fine now. He won’t have to be admitted in hospital.”

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