August 2021 Online Edition!!!

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Print Post Approved PP : 424022 1724 | ISSN 2652-6182

Volume 17, Number 12 Saturday, August 14th, 2021

As God is One, we respect all Religions

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Neeraj Chopra wins India's 1st gold AT Tokyo 2020

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 07 3268 6188 Neeraj Chopra is an Olympic champion! The 23-year-old created history on Saturday as he became the only the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold by winning the men's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020. Neeraj ended India's 121-year wait for an athletics medal with his gold in the javelin final.

Neeraj Chopra threw the javelin 87.03m in his first

throw and bettered it with 87.58m but couldn't go any further. Chopra managed four legitimate throws of 87.03m, 87.58m, 76.79m and 84.24 while his fourth and fifth throws were disqualified.

TOKYO 2020 FULL COVERAGE "Thank you all. The most important thing this year was to compete at the

international level and I told the federation about it, told the TOPS and the federation. The international competitions I went in were very important for me.

"Even during the Olympics I didn't feel like I was competing in something new because of those competitions. I wasn't under pressure of competing with the rest of the javelin stars.

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Inside

• Local News ..................................4-28 • Real Estate ..................................... 30 • India News ..................................... 36 • Fiji News ......................................... 38 • Health & Well Being .................... 40 • Astrology ........................................ 42 • Business Directory/Classified ... 43 • Entertainment .............................. 44 • Sports News ................................... 46

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh Chandra OAM & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: 0430 193 715 sales@indiantimes.com.au JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS Ram Jattan (UK) / Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) / Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) • ML. M. Nawaaz Ashram • Imam Muhammad Aslam • Pastor Joseph Dass • Haji Abdul Rahman Deen • Jitendra Deo • Nimisha Modi • Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters) • Peter Lane Rai • Awadhesh Sharma • Shailendra Singh • Gagan deep Tandon • Ravi Vastrad • Cartoon Corner: Merwyn Machado • Brian Sullivan (Photography) Address: PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018 Ph: (07) 3192 5188 Fax: (07) 3865 5864 E-mail: prod@indiantimes.com.au Subscriptions: 12 months 6 months Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager.

Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times. Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply / approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers / correspondents responsibility.

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From the Publisher Welcome to August 2021 – well here we go, its lock down again and we thought we would be well and truly out of this situation by now – well it’s time to think again. It is here to stay, and we must learn to live with it as we have learned and conquered T.B, Cholera, Cancer, Common Cold just to name a few. One thing for sure this pandemic has changed the cause of history, we will never go back to the pre pandemic normal, we will return to a new normal, but God only knows when.

The situation is quite dire with this Delta variant, which has proved to be quite challenging and baffling. The vaccine rollout saga is ongoing, it has been quite confusing for many, who have received the first dose of AstraZeneca, then the propaganda about blood clots – which led to uncertainty. If this wasn’t scary enough, people were told to get the second dose sooner than the 12-week recommended period, but GPs were reluctant and are advised their patients that if they got the second dose of AstraZeneca sooner than the recommended twelve week they compromised the effectiveness of the jab and would require a further booster down the track. The availability of the jab was also problematic frontline workers and certain age group had been given the priority but there were exceptions.

The lockdown did halt things, though many people were still out and about, most did the right thing and others followed the guidelines to some a certain degree. Now there are talks of incentives for the vaccinated such as free to move around, free to fly etc., not a bad

idea it will be good motivator. In US some companies are refusing to employ anyone who is not vaccinated, the thing is that there are still people out there who refuse to be vaccinated. I believe it will be a requirement for overseas travel when the borders finally open.

GOPIO Queensland had to change the date of India Day Fair due to the snap lockdown and new cases, the committee decided to stay with the venue and allow enough time for replanning. We all know that whenever you change a date, there are other inevitable changes consequently, in this instance hopefully for the better. It has been very challenging for the committee as there are many stakeholders who need to be consulted.

Like India Day Fair many other functions had to be postponed. My personal opinion is that unless it is an annual event of significance it should it not be organised, what we saw was that with easing of restriction many function were being organised risking community safety , some were very poorly organised, where by authorities had to intervene.

Poorly organised functions that do not observe the rules and regulation place undue pressure on the credible organisation who too are placed in the same basket. These actions result in Stricker rules and hostile interactions. Incorporated organisations follow due processes and lodge annual returns with office of fair trading, accounts are audited, some have DGR status and other are just registered NFP. So, when it comes to fundraisers registered NFP’s

should be differentiated with individuals or non-registered bodies, commercial entities are different kettle of fish altogether.

Accountability, transparency and credibility are very important component of the equation.

Our livestreaming has been very popular during this lockdown , we have been providing daily updates of the restriction via our channel, The regular weekly and monthly updates included Real-Estate with Usha, Travel updates with Tanvi Goel, Migration Ka Saffar with Suman Dua and property outlook with Dr Asti Mardiasmo. The music junction show attracted over 25K views, as we were in lock down and could not get singers into the studio , we opted to present an old live recording of Brisbane Babas Band, the chosen show was from the performance at Indian Seniors function in 2010.

On the printed front, we have maintained our print run throughout the challenging times, though we have been asked few times whether or not we are printing or are we online only, so we are online and printed, in fact we had to increase the distribution numbers as outlets reported running out in the first week of delivery.

I would like to finish off by thanking all our advertisers without whom the paper would not be a reality, all correspondents and community organisations for your continued support. Please all remain safe and follow the advice of the health department.

Until Next Month Happy reading.

—Umesh Chandra

BREAKING NEWS INDIA DAY FAIR DATE CHANGED Brisbane, with snap lock down in Brisbane and with continuing restrictions the management committee of GOPIO Queensland had to take the hard but responsible decision of changing the date of India Day Fair. The committee wanted to stay with the venue, so they had to work in with the available dates, this was challenging as GOPIO did not want to conflict dates with other organisations. Finally, the 23rd of October was decided upon, hoping that by that time situation would have changed and more people would be allowed to attend.

There is a lot of work involved in organising the event and if only

limited number of people can attend then it is of no sense. In the meantime, GOPIO Queensland had made some arrangements which could not be cancelled such as the banner of on Story Bridge and lighting up of City Hall, Story Bridge and Victoria Bridge all of which had to go ahead.

GOPIO Queensland revived many messages of congratulation from members and community at large on seeing the banner on Brisbane’s Iconic Story Bridge, a proud moment indeed. In the meantime, a Gala dinner got planned at Government House for the 15th of August, as GOPIO Queensland felt that a celebration on the day should take place.

GOPIO Queensland regrets any inconvenience caused and is looking forward to welcoming everyone on the 23rd October for India Day Fair at South Bank Piazza

Partner Visa’s The Department of Home

Affairs allows Australian Citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their married or de facto partners on the basis of their genuine and ongoing relationship.

Partner visas are generally processed in two stages in Australia.

Sponsored applicants must hold a provisional visa, a Partner (Temporary) visa, in order to be granted a permanent visa, a Partner (Residence) visa.

The grant of the provisional visa enables them to travel to and remain in Australia on a temporary basis.

Following the grant of a temporary visa, a permanent visa may be granted where the decision-maker is satisfied the relationship has been ongoing for at least 2 years and is genuine and continuing.

In some circumstances, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection may grant a waiver for the 2 year waiting period, or grant permanency even where the relationship has broken down before the end of the 2 year period.

Generally a provisional partner visa takes up to 12 months to be processed. Depending on the circumstances, visa applicants may be able to

lodge their partner visa in Australia (subclass 820/801), and be granted a bridging visa, which will allow them to stay in Australia whilst the visa is being processed.

Alternatively, a partner visa may be lodged and granted offshore (subclass 309/100).

Applicants will be required to show that together with their partner, they have a genuine commitment to a shared life together. This may be evidenced through financial interdependence, social context, nature of the household, nature of commitment to each other, and history of relationship.

The department may take into account the cultural background of the applicant, including cultural and legal marriage ceremonies.

Migration Guru has assisted a vast number of clients, in various and complex circumstances, including arranged marriages and de facto applicants. Migration Guru has more than 80 years of collective experience in the industry and a team of Migration Agents / Solicitors. With our vast experience and skills, we are able to provide accurate migration or legal advice based on our clients’ personal circumstances.

If you would like more

information regarding your visa eligibility, applicable visa subclass, or next steps, Migration Guru can assist you in navigating this process.

Our team may be contacted by via email on info at migrationguru. om.au or by calling 07 3036 3800. Readers are encouraged to 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 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, 31002, 27 Garden Street, Southport QLD. Phone: 07 5606 6160 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 1, 162 Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS. Phone: 03 6281 8008 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 5, 490 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson, ACT. Phone: 02 6109 9110 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Suite 124, Level 1, 1 Queens Road, Melbourne, VIC. Phone 03 6240 1930 MARN 0324607 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, 2021 — 3

Essence of refuge away from home in Melbourne

By Rama Gaind COVID-19 has changed the

world as we knew it more than a year ago. Just as we were starting to feel reenergised, our complacency gets shattered. Lockdown and restrictions are introduced.

Radical changes come at times of upheaval. Travel plans get cancelled or postponed, again.

This pandemic is also affecting the ever-evolving hospitality and property markets, some with new ownerships. One such hotel – which has had two new owners since my last visit – has been the Tune Hotel Melbourne. It became Accor Ibis Melbourne Swanston Street Hotel, and today it’s called Essence Hotel Carlton, but the address is still the same: 609 Swanston Street, Carlton, Victoria.

If you are a frequent traveller, then it’s vital that you stay at hotels where the safety and comfort you find at home are also easily attainable in the temporary abode. There is a vast array of choices on offer throughout Australia – from budget to upmarket, and some in-between – that are sure to meet required needs.

The benefits of staying at this hotel nicely fit the bill for affordability. All you have to do is unwind, rejuvenate and pick-up on the special package offers with this one city escape. The rates are competitive and comfort is the name-game for the budget-conscious.

Conveniently located on the fringe of Melbourne CBD, this cosy, modern accommodation is positioned in the heart of the education precinct.

Central location If you seek to indulge in some retail therapy, then head down to Collins Street for its designer stores in heritage buildings, five-star hotels, private clubs and exclusive jewellers. It boasts its very own 'Paris End' and is often referred to as 'the top end of town'. Head in this direction and you get to shop at the flagship stores of Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier, Ermenegildo Zegna, Christian Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari, Hermes, Dior, Tiffany & Co and Hugo Boss.

For more relaxed shopping, stroll west to bustling retail centres like Australia on Collins. For something out of the mainstream, go to Little Collins and Howey Place for haute couture and hip culture

and clothes by Melbourne's most interesting designers. If you are looking for menswear bargains, then head to the stretch between Swanston and Russell Streets. Feel like more shopping? Then take a stroll to the Queen Victoria Market or the Melbourne Central Shopping Centre where you will find a variety of souvenirs, fashion trends and goodies to choose from.

If you prefer something a bit more adventurous and energetic, visit the South Wharf to get a unique insight into Melbourne's rich maritime history along with world-class shopping and dining. Walk along the promenade to see why some of Melbourne's best-loved restaurateurs and publicans call it ‘our heritage cargo sheds home’.

Take a walk to the Melbourne Museum, the Royal Exhibition Building and the famous Lygon Street Italian precinct. An ideal base to explore Melbourne,

YOU HAVE FAVOUR

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

Dear reader, it is with much joy we bring to you the word of God. Today I want to talk to you about God kind of favour.

With your qualifications, resources, money, the people you know will take you so far in life. But when God’s favour is on your life, then things will happen for

Hustle-and-bustle at Flinders Street Station, Melbourne.

Photo: Rama Gaind

Views of Melbourne city from Collins Street. Photo: Rama Gaind

you that you couldn’t make happen, the right people will find you, doors will open which you could not open, you will go to places where you could not on your own. When your life is one where you honour God, are faithful and committed, you are opening the door for God to show His favour in your life.

In the scriptures (Genesis 6), we read that Noah found favour with God by consistently walking with God and following His will. God’s favour led Noah and his family to be saved from the floods that were coming on the earth. When you lead your life, doing your best to please, honour, and obey God, then you are going to accomplish what you could not on your own. Defeat giants which

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

are much bigger. Fight off worry, fear, and depression.

Overcome obstacles that looked so impossible.

Again, in the bible (Genesis 39), we read how Joseph was thrown in the pit by his brothers and then sold into slavery to a group of travellers on their way to Egypt. In Egypt, he was falsely accused and put in prison. Against all the misfortune and disappointments, Joseph had favour in everything that he did. For thirteen years, he was overlooked, mistreated, and kept in the background. But he didn’t get bitter. One night the king of Egypt had a dream that no one could interpret.

Somebody told the king, that a prisoner named Joseph could interpret his dream, Joseph was immediately

the hotel gives easy access to many nearby eateries.

Essence is centrally located: the free tram zone is a five-minute walk from the hotel, which gives you ‘fare-free’ access to places such as Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, Docklands, Etihad Stadium and Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

The Melbourne Central Train Station and QV Melbourne are 0.8km away; Crown Entertainment Complex is 2.9km; 5.1km away from Albert Park; ‘Little Italy’ or Lygon Street is 0.2km away.

Even better, the great outdoors beckon as you head down to Melbourne's Yarra River!

If George Bernard Shaw is to be believed, then “The great advantage of a hotel is that it is a refuge from home life”. However, that may not always be the case as how that sanctuary is perceived is up to individual interpretation.

brought before him. About an hour later, from being a prisoner all these years, Joseph was now second in command of Egypt.

It is interesting to note that Joseph did not come from one of the influential families in Egypt. He didn’t know anybody of importance, didn’t have the money or qualifications.

Yet when the time came for God’s favour for promotion, no one could stop him.

Years later, his brothers came to Egypt in search of food. There was a severe famine in their country, and they went to the palace to buy food. Now they stood before Joseph, who was the Prime Minister. In the past, they did their best to keep him in the pit. But God knows how to promote, endorse, qualify, increase you when the time comes.

Here are 3 things we can learn from God’s

Intersections of Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne.

Photo: Rama Gaind

favour on Joseph’s life.

1) Other people may have more education, talent, and experience, but God’s favour can cause you to go places where you could not on your own. Work in positions for which you did not have the qualifications and experience, overcome mountains that were too large for you.

After being sold as a slave, then sent to prison, it should have been the end of Joseph. But when God has selected you and placed His favour on you, then no matter who has left you, neglected you, rejected you, God’s favour outweighs all opposition.

2) You may have been hidden all this time, but God will show you favour in such a way that people will take notice. They are going to see that God is on your side. As you walk uprightly with the Lord, in obedience and doing your

best to please Him, then do not get discouraged. Like Joseph, you may feel like you are hidden, bypassed, unknown, in the pit, but God’s favour can move you from that pit to your place of prominence.

3) God’s favour places you at the right place at the right time. He will send divine connections.

People will go out of their way to promote you. Joseph could not make it happen on his own. But God’s favour on his life got him out of prison, promoted, and placed in the seat of great authority.

I am encouraging you today to go about declaring the favour of God upon your life. Declare that “God’s blessings are chasing me down.” “No good thing will God hold back from me as I walk uprightly.” “A new favour is waiting for me.”

God bless you.

Ps Joseph Dass

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 5

DISCOUNT OF $50 FOR PROPERTY PURCHASE

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6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 7

India Day Fair

Poster Release and Official Launch

BRISBANE, GOPIO Queensland held their poster release of India Day Fair 2021 at Emporium Hotel on 1st of July. It was all pomp and glamour at the plush Emporium Hotel in Southbank, guests were greeted by welcoming party Savita Deshpande and Saswati Basu Chatterjee.

The registration formalities had to be completed and the registration desk was manned by Irene Balydon and Rani Sharma President Rakesh Sharma and Usha Chandra welcomed everyone into the elegantly set out ball room complemented by the tasteful decorations including the entry redcarpet by Dream style decorators. MC Anu Sharma began the formalities and asked every to be seated,

as per COVID restrictions guests had to be seated for the drinks service.

President Rakesh Sharma welcomed everyone to the grand poster Launch and delivered his presidential address. Umesh Chandra OAM founder president of GOPIO Queensland and Chairperson of Human Right Council of GOPIO International shed light on the GOPIO International and the formation of GOPIO Queensland, He is also a life member of GOPIO International, he also acknowledged other GOPIO international member in presence, namely Mr Pars Ram Punj and Professor Prasad Yarlagadda both of whom have been associated with GOPIO Queensland since its inception.

Next up the chief guest

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

for the poster launch was none other than Pars Ram Punj, who shed light on the formation of GOPIO Queensland he recalled the visit of Late Mr Inder Singh – Chairperson of GOPIO international to Brisbane. Mr Pars Ram Punj together with Umesh Chandra went to see Dr Maha Sinnathamby and the then Mayor of Ipswich, both of whom gave the green light for the formation of the Queensland chapter.

That historic night Mr Punj arranged the first dinner function of GOPIO Queensland at Tattersalls Club in Brisbane.

Mr Pars Ram Punj formally launched India Day Fair 2021 and was joined by number of dignitaries and GOPIO Officials in the release of the

Bold new poster for 2021.

After the poster release and official launch, a slow featured all previous year’s poster and showcased this year’s poster. This year’s poster features Andrea Lam of Dance Masala, right after the poster release, she did a delightful solo seemed like she had transitioned from the poster to the stage.

Desirous of taking India Day Fair to the next level, GOPIO Queensland announce their event partners Ecutas productions – a company known for its expertise in large and professional events. Paviter Noori of Ecutas addressed the gathering and shed light on the new venue and reason behind the change in venue. He disclosed the theme for this year, which is to look local, he assured that

this year’s program will be locally produced with local talents to equal if not better then the overseas artists for the grand finale.

No events are possible without the sponsors so next up sponsors were invited to share their stories of what it meant for them and why they supported this event. This was followed by a vote of Thanks by

GOPIO Queensland’s treasurer Arpit Singh. Other entertainment for the night included a Magic show and live singing by Chandan Das and Usha Chivukula.

Innumerable selfies were taken at the themed poster wall supplied by Dreamstyle Decorators. On the night Brisbane discovered a new photographer, Ishana Chandra.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 9

Emotional Intelligence & Resilience With Canterbury College “If your emotional abilities

aren’t in hand, if you don’t have self-awareness, if you’re not able to manage your distressing emotions, and if you can’t have empathy or have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.” - Daniel Goleman, Author & Science Journalist Emotional intelligence and resilience have been recognised as a key set of human skills, universally required for success in virtually every field.

Often labelled ‘soft skills’, these traits have become characteristics looked for by many employers.

They include: • Emotional awareness of self and others.

• The ability to regulate or control your own emotions.

• The ability to help others regulate or control their emotions.

• Understanding how emotions influence decision making.

Together these emotional skills allow us to grow and understand ourselves and those around us.

Their development occurs via informal and formal ways, including wellbeing classes, feedback across curricular (academic) and cocurricular (sport and performing arts etc) activities, plus selfreflection and mindfulness practice.

Canterbury College is

committed to developing each student’s emotional intelligence across every aspect of their schooling.

Coupled with formal learning, the development of emotional intelligence and resilience is woven throughout the fabric of their daily schooling experience.

The Resilience Project The Resilience Project – a dynamic, well respected

organisation, provides the framework for Canterbury’s social and emotional development curriculum – The Wellbeing Blueprint from Prep to Year 12.

It delivers emotionally engaging programs and provides evidence-based, practical wellbeing strategies to help our students and their parents build their own resilience in today’s stressful world.

The research is clear: the more positive emotion you experience, the more resilient you will be.

For that reason, The Resilience Project focuses on three key pillars proven to cultivate positive emotion: Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM).

The program also focuses on Connection, Purpose, Kindness, Emotional Literacy and Physical Health.

Wellbeing Curriculum The school’s wellbeing curriculum is supported by age-specific, evidencebased programs and uses a wide range of teaching and learning approaches.

Canterbury Wellbeing promotes: • Care, compassion, the ability to relate to others, and have concern for the wellbeing of others, including

their rights, belongings, feelings and opinions.

• Personal responsibility, resilience and self-discipline for learning and interactions.

• A willingness to contribute positively to the College community.

• Increasing independence as the students move through their year levels up to final graduation.

Resilience is when youth can show healthy development despite adversity.

So Canterbury believes that supporting students to develop their resilience is crucial to their education journey at the College, as they strive for success and prepare for an ever-changing world.

Canterbury College: Private Anglican Prep – Year 12 Boys & Girls School 182 Old Logan Village Road, Waterford – Logan City | canterbury.qld.edu.au | 07 3299 0888

A View on Vedas - Sadhguru, Isha Foundation

The Vedas are among the

most ancient scriptures on this planet and yet the most comprehensive in content.

Vedas are not books and the content of the Vedas is not something that someone invented; it is not a moral code that somebody made up. Vedas are a series of discoveries both of the outward and the inward.

It was the knowledge book of the past in this culture. It deals with various aspects like how to eat, how to build a bullock cart, how to build an airplane with solid fuels, how to deal with your neighbor, how to deal with the beings of the beyond and how to attain to your ultimate nature. So Vedas are not really books to be read, they are like a blueprint to the existence in many dimensions.

Various aspects of Vedas are just converting form into sound; that is all they are. If you feed any sound into an oscilloscope – a sound measuring instrument – depending upon the sound’s vibration, frequency and amplitude, the oscilloscope will give out a certain form. Today, it is an established fact that every sound has a form attached to it.

Similarly, every form has

Vedas are a series of discoveries both of the outward and the inward. It was the knowledge book of the past in this culture. It deals with various aspects like how to eat, how to build a bullock cart, how to build an airplane with solid fuels, how to deal with your neighbor, how to deal with the beings of the beyond and how to attain to your ultimate nature.

a sound attached to it.

The relationship between this form and this sound is what we refer to as the mantra. The form is called a yantra and the sound is referred to as a mantra. The technology of using this form and sound together is called tantra.

This relationship between the various forms

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

of existence and the sound was mastered. Most of the Rig Veda, the Sama Veda and the Atharvana Veda is about this relationship – converting the existence into a sound form so that you can let the existence reverberate within yourself by uttering certain sounds.

By having mastery over the sound, you also have

mastery over the form. This is the science of mantras which has unfortunately fallen into very bad misuse and misinterpretation.

These sciences are subjective sciences; they cannot be studied by going to a college. It is because of this subjective quality that all kinds of misinterpretation and

misuse has entered into this to such a point of ridiculousness that now, the whole thing is being wiped out as some kind of mumbo-jumbo.

It needs a very deep sense of involvement and dedication. You have to wear your life out for it, otherwise it does not yield to you. It does not yield

to you because you want to get a qualification or because you are seeking it as a profession. You have to give yourself to it. Only then it yields to you.

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", India’s highest annual civilian award, by the Government of India in 2017, for exceptional and distinguished service.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 11

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland

सत्य को समझना और स्वीकार करना "भले ही आप अकेले हों, परं तु हों सत्य पर। तब ठीक है । तब दनु ियां साथ दे, या न दे, ईश्वर आपका साथ अवश्य देगा। स्वयं को अकेला मानकर घबराना कभी नहीं चाहिए।" सत्य को समझना सरल भी है , और कठिन भी। जब व्यक्ति की नीयत साफ हो, तब सत्य को समझना और स्वीकार करना सरल होता है । और जब नीयत खराब हो, तब तो सत्य को समझना और स्वीकार करना बहुत ही कठिन होता है । नीयत साफ होने पर जिस बात को 15/20 वर्ष का युवक भी समझ सकता है , उस बात को नीयत साफ न होने पर 50/60 वर्ष का प्रबुद्ध/प्रौढ़ व्यक्ति भी नहीं समझ पाता। या स्वीकार करने में संकोच करता है । इसका कारण है कि उसका मिथ्या अभिमान उसे सत्य को स्वीकार करने से रोकता है , कि "मैं 50/60 वर्ष का हो गया हूं। मैं इतना पढ़ा लिखा हूं। मैं इतना विद्वान हूं। मैं इतना बलवान हूं। मैं इतना धनवान हूं। मेरी देश दनु िया में इतनी प्रतिष्ठा है । क्या अभी भी मैं गलतियां करता हूं? नहीं, नहीं। मैं गलती कैसे कर सकता हूं!" यह उस व्यक्ति का मिथ्याभिमान है । एक ईश्वर ही ऐसा है , जो कभी गलती नहीं कर सकता। न उसने कभी आज तक गलती की, और न कभी करे गा। क्यों? उसका कारण यह है , कि जो सर्वव्यापक हो, सर्वज्ञ हो, सर्वशक्तिमान हो शुद्ध स्वरूप हो न्यायकारी हो वह गलती कर ही नहीं सकता। ईश्वर में ये सारे गुण हैं । इसलिए ईश्वर कभी भी गलती नहीं करता। परं तु आत्मा में ये सब गुण नहीं हैं , इसलिए आत्मा गलती कर सकता है , और अनेक गलतियां करता रहता है । वह सर्वव्यापक, सर्वज्ञ, सर्वशक्तिमान नहीं है । आत्मा में ये गुण न होने के कारण वह पूर्ण न्यायकारी भी नहीं है । आत्मा अल्पज्ञ एकदेशी अल्पशक्तिमान आदि आदि गुण वाला होने से, जाने अनजाने उससे अनेक भूलें गलतियां दोष हो सकते हैं और होते भी रहते हैं । ऐसी स्थिति में यह सोचना कि "मुझसे गलती कैसे हो सकती है ." यह केवल मूर्खता और दरु भिमान ही है । इसलिए ऐसा कभी न सोचें। हमेशा अपने मन के एक कोने में यह संभावना अवश्य रखें, कि

"मैं अल्पज्ञ हूं। मुझसे भी जाने अनजाने भूल हो सकती है ।" जब आप से अधिक योग्यता वाले या बराबर की योग्यता वाले अनेक लोग आपको कहने लगें, कि "आप ठीक काम नहीं कर रहे , आप गलत कर रहे हैं , या गलत कह रहे हैं ।" तो वहां बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति को रुक जाना चाहिए। अपने से अधिक योग्य या बराबर की योग्यता वाले उन अनेक व्यक्तियों की बात पर गंभीरता से मनन करना चाहिए। ऐसा करने से उसे अपनी गलती समझ में आ सकती है , परं तु यदि नीयत साफ न हो, हठ अभिमान आदि दोष अधिक मात्रा में हों, तब यह संभव नहीं है । दस ू रे पक्ष में -- "यदि कोई व्यक्ति सत्य पर हो, दस ू रे कम योग्य व्यक्ति उसकी बात को समझ न पा रहे हों, उसकी सत्य बात का भी विरोध करते हों, और वह अकेला पड़ गया हो‌ । तो ऐसी स्थिति में भी उसे घबराना नहीं चाहिए"। बल्कि ऐसा सोचना चाहिए, कि "मेरा पक्ष सत्य है । ईश्वर मेरे साथ है । क्योंकि वह सदा सत्य न्याय धर्म के पक्ष में रहता है ।" ऐसा सोच कर उसे कोई चिंता नहीं करनी चाहिए। ऐसी स्थिति में दनु ियां वाले लोग उसका साथ देवें, या न देवें, ईश्वर तो अवश्य ही साथ देगा। क्योंकि वह पूर्ण न्यायकारी है । उस पर विश्वास अवश्य बनाए रखें। "परं तु इस बात का निर्णय करने में बहुत सावधानी रखनी होगी, कि सत्य पक्ष में कौन है ? सत्य और असत्य का निर्णय प्रत्यक्ष आदि प्रमाणों और तर्क के माध्यम से ही संभव है , अन्य कोई उपाय नहीं है ।" स्वामी विवेकानंद परिव्राजक ओ३म ्

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

Patron Re’t Justice Pandit Devendra Pathik “Arya Ratn”

Trustee Mr. Sukarm Pal Singh

Trustee Mr. Mul Chand

President Dr. Sukhvir Singh

Secretary Mr. Hari Chand

TreasurerMrs. Suman Chand

Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

For further information on Havan Satsang program at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre 198 Learoyd Road Willawong QLD 4110 please contact Vice President Mrs.Sushila Pathik 33146059.

SANGEET PROGRAM After the Havan Satsang on 25.07.2021 there was special sangeet -musical program by the competent experienced musicians -Mr. Ramesh Kumar Singh Ji Mrs. Satya B.Singh Ji of Sydney NSW and all the guests really enjoyed,loved and relished the proficiently produced melodious program.

Mr.Jitendra Kumar Ji Mr.Raj Gohil Ji and Mr.Bhupendra Sharma Ji also very ably and skilfully assisted the artists.

Members showed their enthusiasm and eagerness to extend the entertaining program. Compliments and nice feedback received from the participants who really enjoyed the program. The spirit of superb teamwork , magnificent cooperation, dedication commitment was on display from APSQ members and general public which is very deeply appreciated. Thank you Ji हार्दि क हार्दि क धन्यवाद नमस्ते जी

COMMUNITY SERVICE Community service is one of the best ways to help benefit the public or give back to your community. It does not only have positive effects on society, but it will bring benefits to your life and personal development.

Engaging in community service provides people with the opportunity to become active members of their community and has a

lasting, positive impact on society at large. Community service enables individuals to acquire life skills and knowledge, as well as provide a service to those who need it most.

Community service will help connect to the community, benefits your career prospects, raises social awareness, establishes contacts and

friendships, helps develop improve your skills and talents.

Basically community service can help you to feel really good too. When a project is finalised and you can see the fruits of your labour, it feels good knowing that you were involved in something that benefitted the community.

“We make a living by what

we get, but we make a life by what we give. Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know, the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve. Let us join together today to create a fabulous tomorrow”.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 13

Rakscha Bandhan Needs to Promote Prevention of Family Violence

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

Anglo Saxons, Europeans, and nonHindus do not have Rakscha Bandhan festival, they do not have vows to honour and protect sisters, they do not have Navratam, singing and dancing praises to women or devis, they do not have multitudes of Goddesses, Mataas prayed before male deities.

Neither do they have religious anecdotes and chestbeating parvachan and discourse praising women.

Yet these non-Hindu men, these Anglo Saxons and White “European” (Saheb) men appear to have relatively higher respect and regard for women than Hindus and Indians with so many showpieces and hullabaloo glorifying women.

In real fact, we Indians and some Fiji Indians treat our women as trash and lowly weak creatures.

India, with 80% Hindu population, is tainted as the worst country for a woman to be born into (Canada is the best). Why this hypocrisy? Why do we Indians in general and Hindus in particular have institutionalised discrimination against our sisters when we have so many festivals and customs glorifying and worshipping women?

Read on…………

Many believe the concept of Rakscha Bandhan originated from Draupadi and Krishna. Once, when Krishna had hurt his finger while beheading Shishupal, (via Sudarshan Chakra), Draupadi immediately rushing towards him, tore off her sari and bandaged Krishna’s finger. Krishna for this loving act had vowed to help Draupadi to repay every thread which she had used to cover his wound by promising, “whenever you need me I’ll always be there.”

He repaid this debt during Draupadi Cheer Haran (disrobing), and in many episodes of Mahabharat.

Historically there is story of Rani Karnavati (grandmother of the legendary Maharana Pratap) of Chittorgarh and Mughal Emperor Humayun, whom Rani sent a Rakscha Bandhan. When Rani was attacked and defeated and died through mass

Thakur Ranjit Singh (author) remembering his three sisters, L-R, Kokila Devi Woodrow (Goodna, Brisbane), Sarojni Kalawati Mali (Garampani, Tavua, Fiji) and Shakila Madhu Prasad (Goodna, Brisbane) during this festival of Rakscha Bandhan, and blesses them: Akhand Sowbhaagyawati Bhava.

Bollywood immortalised brotherly - sisterly love. Dev Anand and Zeenat Amaan as brother and sister in iconic film “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”, with lovely Raakhi song…”phoolo ka taaron ka sub ka kehna hai..”

Krishn-Dropadi, when Krishn vowed to protect Dropadi after she tied a piece of Sari to his hand after it being hurt in Shishupal Vadh suicide, Emperor Humayun defeated Bahadur Shah and restored kingdom to sons of Karnavati. This almost 5 century old history shows that brotherly-sisterly love through Rakscha Bandhan transcends religions: love of a Muslim brother to a Hindu sister - some 500 years ago.

Bollywood has been foremost in promoting brotherly-sisterly love. From Choti Bahen to Hare Rama Hare Krishna to current times, brotherly - sisterly love has been immortalised in reel (film) life, but such respect for women seem to have escaped India in real life.

The chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions. 'Rakscha Bandhan' or 'Rakhi' is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding by tying a holy thread around the wrist. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the ‘Rakhi’.

We can extend this love to sibling love where one may not have brothers or sisters (sisters to sisters and brothers to brothers). This is similar to the Bandhan which a pundit or priest ties to your hand during Pooja, signifying that God is your protector.

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

This Hindu festival will have little relevance to the theme of brotherly-sisterly love and respect for women if all that the celebration involves is stage shows, singing, dancing and a platform for speeches by politicians. And this also provides an avenue for businesses to sell more sarees, gold, sweets, perfume where this festival has been heavily commercialised to fulfil greed of businesses..

This also becomes a revenue source for media to promote such commercialisation.

Personally I have no objections to brothers giving gifts to their sisters. But is comes with a condition that FIRST gift her the promise to respect and protect all women - starting from your wife.

To the brothers, who has Rakhi tied to their hands, and who vow to protect their sisters, I have one question for you: You vow to protect your sister, but who protects my sister - your wife? This is especially relevant because Indians in general and Hindus in particular hold the relationship of a brother and sister in high esteem, together with respect for all women-theoretically in many cases. While your married sister is someone else’s wife, at the same time, your wife happens to be

someone else’s sister. Hence there is a logical reason for reciprocity if one wants to protect sisters. What this means is that for your sister to be respected and protected, you need to do the same to your wife, and other women, who are somebody else’s sister.

But is this happening?

We reportedly have high incidents of family violence, (and atrocities) especially against women in India and amongst Indian migrants (read People of Indian Origin) to New Zealand and other countries. It therefore came as no surprise to me that one Hindu group in Auckland is blaming an Indian publication, Indian Newslink for publishing a research report they see derogatory to Hindus.

That research by Massey University shows that Indians in general and Hindus in particular are biggest abusers of women in Auckland from their sample in a women’s refuge. And we also have cases of shameful culture of Dowry exported to India and Australia. Bloody shame on this inhumane and dirty system.

I believe that, as that is a fact. Hospital records, police statistics, Auckland Council concerns and Ministry of Social Development figures substantiate this.

Through such concerns, in 2010, Waitakere Indian Association held a joint workshop with these organisations to tackle this problem. Rather than running with bruised egos and praising male chauvinistic Saadhus, Hindu organisations need to really tackle the hard issue facing our community-the band of women beaters in our community.

The visiting Swamis from India need to speak more about relevance of religion to improve wellbeing of migrants rather than abstract knowledge that is merely theoretical -and useless. We need to walk our talk of good deeds. We have too much Pooja, little practice in life, and sadly some disrespects of women are propagated by some of our religious scriptures.

The issue we have is for Hindu and Indian groups to recognize the problem and address the vice, because richness in our culture on respect for sisters and women seem to be inversely related to how we actually treat them.

Therefore, Raksha Bandhan should be an occasion to pass a message to our community to address the issue about respect for women and family violence as they are good avenues for addressing social issues in the community, despite so called Hindu organizations disputing this. Therefore sisters, when you tie the sacred thread, Rakhi on your brothers’ hands,

please ask them not only to vow to protect you, but your Bhabhis (sisters-inlaw) – wives of brothers as well, because they also are somebody’s sister.

I humbly plead to all brothers to accept this theme and slogan for all Rakscha Bandhan in future.

Please take this pledge with all other men: I vow to protect your sister in my home, please pledge to protect mine in your home.

And this way, we will use our culture to tackle this growing and increasing vice of FAMILY VIOLENCE in Indian Community.

We cannot continue to happily celebrate Rakscha Bandhan while our sisters get beaten up by their husbands behind closed doors in their own homes, without community taking any positive action.

Let us all join in the spirit of Rakscha Bandhan to respect all women and introduce social theme for betterment of our women.

Happy Rakscha Bandhan to all.

[E-mailthakurjifj@ gmail.com] [About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a media commentator and runs blog site FIJI PUNDIT to pass social message to the community. He advocates change in community attitudes towards festivals we celebrate, to address issues in our communities.

Otherwise the well-meaning festivals remain hollow, meaningless and mere showpieces.]

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 15

Mirabai – The Princess Devotee of Lord Krishna Mirabai was a princess who became an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna.

She composed Bhajans, devotional songs dedicated to Krishna. She danced and sang at temples and among devotees in devotional ecstasy.

She became one of the well-known devotional poets during Bhakti period in India. This period is also characterised by political uncertainty, internal strife and foreign domination.

Intellectuals sought relief in spirituality and expressed their sentiments through devotional compositions.

The earliest reference to Mirabai is found in Nabhadas’ Shree Bhaktamal composed between 1597 and 1623 AD. In its commentary entitled Bhakti-Rasbodhini, completed in 1712 AD, Priyadas expanded the Nabhadas’ narrative. Both texts focussed on Mirabai’s devotion to Krishna and mentioned her suffering due to harassment from family members.

Biographical details of Mirabai have been a matter of debate among academics.

Scholars have formulated her biography by analysing historical data.

Where historical details are missing, her own writings and legends prevalent about her in the community have been used to complete her profile.

Mirabai’s mother was Vir Kumari and her father’s name was Ratan Singh. Ratan Singh was the youngest son of Rao Dudaji, who had established Merta near Jodhpur as an independent kingdom. Rao Dudaji’s father was Jodhaji who had founded Jodhpur.

Recognising his outstanding service, Rao Dudaji had given a number of villages including Kukri to his youngest son as a reward for maintenance of his family.

Mirabai was born in 1498 AD at Kukri, where Ratan Singh’s family resided.

It is generally accepted that during Vir Kumari’s pregnancy, Rao Dudaji sent a priest to Ratan Singh. He performed religious rites and narrated stories from scriptures for Vir Kumari, hoping that these rituals would shape virtuous qualities in the baby.

Mirabai was a child when her mother died. She came to Merta to live with her grandparents. Rao Dudaji was a devout worshipper of Vishnu. Mirabai displayed religious leaning from her early childhood. She was educated at home and received rigorous training in music. In addition to cultivating desirable qualities of a princess, she was taught skills that a warrior class woman required to have to cope with the difficult times of sixteenth century Rajasthan.

It is believed that in her childhood she received an

idol of Krishna to which she became very attached. There are differing narratives about how she came into possession of this idol.

According to one narrative, when her mother was on her deathbed, she gave Mira the Krishna’s idol, assuring that Krishna would be her guardian.

Another version states that a wandering Sadhu named Raidas, also known as Ravidas, an adherent of Ramanandi Vaishnav sect, presented it to her. Mirabai had mentioned Raidas as her Guru in her poems.

Opinion on this is divided, as Raidas would have been over a hundred years of age at the time he is supposed to have given her the idol.

One legend relates the idol to a wedding party, which passed by her palace.

Observing the procession, she asked her mother who would be her bridegroom.

The mother gave her the idol of Krishna and said that he would be her husband.

Mirabai took it seriously and inferred that she was married to Krishna.

She spent most of the time with the idol and treated it as her divine husband. She decorated the idol, sang songs, worshipped and danced to please it.

Mirabai wedded prince Bhojraj, the son of Rana Sanga of Mewar in 1516 AD. During the marriage ceremony, Mirabai kept the Krishna’s idol with her. After the wedding she moved to Chittor, the capital of Mewar with her husband. She took the idol with her.

Chittor’s patron deity was goddess Kali. After the wedding, Mirabai was brought to the Kali temple to worship the deity but she refused to do so stating that her deity was Giridhar Gopal, Krishna.

As per family tradition Mirabai was asked to cook meat as an offering to Kali.

She detested the killing of innocent animals for deities and declined.

Bhojraj’s family, especially his mother and sister Uda, were annoyed with her behaviour.

They considered her refusal to adhere to family tradition as a bad omen. Their displeasure and meddling in her activities continued in the future. They tried to find faults with Mirabai’s actions and instigated her husband against her.

Bhojraj was sympathetic to Mirabai’s feelings. Mira loved her husband and performed her household duties diligently. Whenever she was free, she devoted her time to adoring Krishna.

She used to visit a Krishna temple outside the palace.

Bhojraj built a Krishna temple in the palace where Mirabai could worship in private.

Five years after their marriage, her husband died in 1521 AD due to a battle

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

wound. Her relatives insisted that she should commit Sati, burn herself willingly on the funeral pyre of her dead husband. Mirabai declined indicating that her husband was Krishna who remained with her and had never died.

After the death of her father-in-law, her brotherin-law named Ratan Singh became Rana or the head of the kingdom.

The widowed Mirabai became fully engrossed in Krishna’s worship. She spent most of her time in Krishna’s temple.

She met sages, religious scholars and wandering Sadhus who visited the temple. A large number of devotees attended her discourses. She broke the conventional traditions of royal household by establishing contacts with outsiders.

The family disliked her meeting outsiders. Dancing and singing in public was beyond the norm of a royal warrior class family.

Ratan Singh was strongly opposed to Mirabai’s religious activities.

He especially hated Sadhus who visited her. He presumed them to be spies for his opponents. He wanted to put an end to her actions and planned to kill her.

Once he sent a poisonous snake hidden in a flower basket to Mirabai. After offering prayers to Krishna, she opened the basket to offer flowers to him. She found the box filled only with flowers. No snake could be seen.

According to another version when she opened the box she found a Shaligram, the stone form of Vishnu instead of the snake.

On another occasion, Ratan Singh sent a cup full of poison for Mirabai to drink suggesting it to be sanctified water. Mirabai offered it to Krishna and drank from the cup without coming to any harm.

It is also stated that Rana placed poison tipped nails concealed in rose petals on her bed. When she lay down on the bed, the nails turned limp and soft like the rose petals.

Mirabai described these incidents in her poems and credited her escape from death to Krishna.

Ratan Singh was assassinated in 1531 AD and Vikramjit succeeded him.

Mirabai continued her routine of singing and dancing in the temple as usual. Visitors to temple spread her devotional songs, which became popular across northern India. Her fame spread far and wide.

According to one legend, emperor Akbar became aware of Mirabai’s fame and spirituality. He wished to see her. He travelled in disguise with his court poet Tansen and attended her congregation.

Akbar was impressed by her devotion and spiritual fervour. He placed at her feet a priceless necklace during his departure. Mirabai put the necklace on Krishna’s idol. The news of Akbar touching her feet reached Vikramjit. He was furious and ordered her to commit suicide by drowning in a river.

She decided to honour his command but as she entered the water, Krishna held her hand and directed her to go to Vrindavan, the sacred site where he had spent his

childhood. She could worship there in peace. She followed Krishna’s instruction.

After some time Vikramjit became repentant, assuming that Mirabai was a real saint.

He travelled to Vrindavan and requested her to return home to which Mirabai agreed.

Despite requesting Mirabai’s return to his kingdom, Vikramjit continued to prosecute Mirabai even though she was not involved in political intricacies.

Tired of interference and harassment from her husband’s family Mirabai left Chittor and returned to Merta, her parental estate.

She could not stay in peace in Merta for long. Her uncle Viramdeo was the head of the kingdom and he objected to her life preferences. He alleged that her activities were more suited to an ascetic woman than to a royal princess.

She sought advice from poet Tulasi Das for her recourse. It is believed that following his advice Mirabai decided to go to Vrindavan again. There she stayed for sometime and dedicated her time to composing devotional songs and singing them in front of Krishna’s idol.

In Vrindavan, Mirabai once wished to see a saint.

She went to his Ashram and requested his disciple to inform the saint about her request. The disciple informed her that the saint did not meet women. She was surprised and commented, “I knew that there was only one real man in Vrindavan. He was Krishna. All others are Gopis, lovers of Krishna.” The saint overheard her comment and realised his fault. He came running and urged her to visit his Ashram but she refused and went away.

Vrindavan was not very far from Chittor and Merta.

Devotees from these regions used to visit her regularly in Vrindavan. The royal families of these kingdoms were also irritants to her services to Krishna. She decided to move away from there to Dwarka, another place associated with Krishna. In Dwarka she lived till her end. She died in 1546 AD. A legend is also woven to her death. It is believed that Udai Singh who succeeded Rana Vikramjit on the throne of Chittor sent a deputation of renowned Brahmins to bring Mirabai back. Mirabai was reluctant to return home. When forced

by Brahmins, she indicated her wish to spend the night at the Ranchhorji temple. She went inside and was never seen again. It is believed that she merged with the statue of Krishna.

It is not known whether she actually died in the night or she quietly left Dwarka at night to maintain her

independence and religious belief, and spent the rest of her life incognito visiting pilgrimage sites.

As the date of Mirabai’s disappearance is accepted as 1546, her meeting with Akbar and Tansen is inconsistent with historical facts. Tansen joined his court after Akbar ascended the throne in 1556 AD. Akbar could have met her only after her escape alive from the Ranchhorji temple.

Mirabai composed her poems or song verses in Braj-bhasha, which was widely popular in North India during her time. Some words from Rajasthani and Gujarati can also be found in her poems.

A female attendant named Lalita always accompanied her. Lalita was loyal to her and was also educated. She wrote down Mirabai’s poems during her companionship.

Mirabai herself might have written some poems.

Original manuscripts written by Mirabai or Lalita were mostly lost. Travelling saints and devotees who attended Mirabai’s congregation spread her works by remembering and later reciting them during their subsequent gatherings.

There are differing opinions about the number of her poetical works. The oldest available complete volume of Mirabai’s poems contains 103 poems. Songs culled from other anthologies number around 400. Most of these are repetitions of the 103 core poems with slight variations.

Many followers of Mirabai believe that she was an incarnation of Radha, the Gopi friend of Krishna’s childhood. Others claim that Mirabai displayed jealousy against Radha assuming that she was also competing for Krishna’s love.

Mirabai in her poems followed the Bhakti tradition established by devotional poets dedicated to Krishna such as Jayadev, Vidyapati and Chandidas. Her Krishna as worshipped by most devotees was not the warrior of the Mahabharat, but the Giridhar Gopal, the one who lifted Mount Govardhan. He was the cow grazier, lover of Gopis and the heroic child of Yashoda of the tenth book of Bhagavat Puran.

Her poems refer to Krishna as her saviour, friend and lover. They mostly display Dasya, Sakhya and Madhurya modes of devotion to God as acknowledged in the Vaishnav tradition.

Mirabai remained steadfast in her belief despite suffering persecutions from those who were supposed to protect her. She symbolises determination.

She is recognised as a saint in Hindu tradition. Her devotional poems remain popular throughout India.

—Awadhesh Sharma

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The ambrosial period of Chaturmasa for enhancing sadhana, July 20, 2021 – November 14, 2021 The content of this article is taken from the satsang of H.H. Sant Shri Asaram Ji Bapu.

Pujya Bapu Ji had addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in September 1993, that was 100 years after Swami Vivekananda addressed the same parliament in September 1893. Unhappy over the religious conversion happening in India, Pujya Bapu Ji tried to find out the reasons for people for the conversion. It was revealed that poor tribals are given the lure of money and they are converted. To stop the conversion of the tribals on the borders of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and areas of Orissa, Pujya Bapu Ji started “Bhjn kro bhojn kro or dehadi lo“program. Under this program the poor tribals are called into the nearby ashrams and asked to chant ‘Hari Om’ the whole day. They are given food twice during the day and at the end of the day they are given Rs 100 per day, so they feel like they are doing some work. They were issued ration cards by the ashrams and are given free grains and other necessities every month. This scheme to stop conversion is in practice from the last around 2 decades.

To save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2006 Pujya Bapu Ji initiated celebrations of Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents’ worship day) on 14th February. Pujya Bapu ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of

December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu Ji came up with the idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (Holy basil).

So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of the India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2013, he initiated celebration of Tulsi poojan on 25th December.

Chaturmasa starts from Deva – shayani Ekadashi and lasts until Deva -uthi Ekadashi of Kartik month. Lord Narayana sleeps in Yoganidra, in solitude in the ocean, during these 4 months immersed in the bliss of Brahman. As a result, the power of the water increases, and in the same way, a seeker enhances the power of his mind and intellect by doing ajapajapa (chantless mantra) with his breath, thereby coming closer to the bliss of Brahman.

Doing action for the fulfillment of desires or motives such as marriages during these 4 months, is harmful. Actions such as fasting, mauna (silence), japa (chanting), charity, meditation and morning bath are especially beneficial, meritorious and success – giving.

In these 4 months enjoyment of carnal pleasure or conjugal sex will do more harm, but if self-restraint is observed, you will get great help in reflection on Brahman, meditation on Brahman and get repose in Brahman, just as Lord Narayana rests in Brahman.

Especially beneficial in Chaturmasa Take a river bath, pond bath, or ocean-bath before sunrise in Chaturmasa or put 3 bilva leaves in a bucket filled with water and bathe with that water; or make a mixture of sesame seeds, barley and powder of dried Amla (Indian gooseberry) fruit.

Put a little mixture in a bucket or a bowl, filled with water and make a solution and rub it on the body then chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya, Om Namah

Shivaya…’ or contemplate that the Brahman has assumed the form of water and then take a bath. Such a bath will destroy sin, give religious merit and enhance spiritual radiance. By this, the fruit of bathing in all pilgrimages will be obtained.

Sapta-Dhanya ubatan contains barley and sesame seeds, so use this unguent before bathing is also pleasant and joyous. The devotee should take water in his hollowed hand and consider it as the water with which the feet of Bhagavan Vishnu are washed, and then pour it on his head. If for some reason he cannot take a bath with ash or a mental bath with chanting of mantras.

The person who lights a lamp under a Tulsi plant or an Amla tree or a banyan tree, or in a sacred place like a temple, hermitage, river or crossroads has an increase in the light of knowledge in his intellect, understanding and practical life.

The person who eats food served on a pattala (a plate made of palash leaves sewn together) has a preponderance of sattva in his intellect and gets the love of God. If you cannot fast for one day a week in Chaturmasa, then fasting for 1 day in 15 days is a must.

This Opportunity should not be missed For 4 months, Lord Vishnu lives in no-mind bhava without any companion or materials.

If you too remain like this during this period, then it will be helpful in your spiritual progress. This is an opportunity to fill your life with devotional love for Bhagavan, divine knowledge and divine joy.

This opportunity to do penance and sadhna, bhajan during Chaturmasa should not be missed. I performed an anushthana for 40 days, probably that would have been Chaturmasa as far as I

God is a Holy, Righteous Judge…

Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

Key Scripture: As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the king-dom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Dear Reader, In these times of challenges and crisis on global pandemic, we need to seek God for His mercy and grace. Our theme simple and clear. It is to make God real and personal. And to make God very Real Person so you can kern to know His nature and relate to Him. God is not an object or an image or im-agination of human mind. God is a living and loving person. We find this amazing revelation in the pages of Holy

Bible. Keep reading with an open heart and humble spirit.

You will encounter your Creator today. You don’t need a thousand years for your Salvation (Mukti).

You can receive your greatest miracle ‘Mukti’ today. This is the confidence you can have in Christ alone.

This month we focus on some of the most important questions someone may ask you.

For example, “Are you a good person?”

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

Just like asking you “Are you Mr Good Guy?” It looks a like a simple question, but your honest answer to this questions will lead to a self discovery; that may reveal the true condition of your heart and soul.

Try to ask yourself this question “ I am a good person?”.

The only person who can give an absolutely true answer to that question is God alone.

So, why not you ask God this same question, “God, can you please reveal to me that do I qualify as good person according to your standard?”

Let’s meet Mr. Good Guy (Mr. GG), if all good people go to heaven, he will be the first on the line.

Our first question to Mr. GG is: “Have you kept the God’s ten commandments?”

GG: “Pretty much”.

Really?

Do you mind that God examines your life style Mr GG…?

Have you ever told a lie?

GG: Yeah, who hasn’t?

What do you call some who

remember. The powers that I got and the treasure that I got in those 40 days has not reduced at all even after distributing it to the masses for the past 50 years.

Increase spiritual wealth.

Regarding the glory of Chaturmasa, Pujya Bapuji says: Just as the peasant takes rest after sowing seeds, and waits for the crop, similarly this period of Chaturmasa marks the start of amassing the spiritual wealth.

If possible, take single meal in moth of Shravana and increase the Japa. If possible, visit the sacred places to perform Anushthana or arrange a separate room for worship at Home. He should enter the room at 5 am after bath in the morning and come out on second or third morning as part of “Anushthana”. He should observe silence, consume only fruit or light food or milk fitting his physical needs to increase spiritual wealth. He should be determined firmly: “It should not matter if I get respected or insulted, praised or censured; I will attain God even it requires to leave 10 million tasks.” That’s all, and then God will create the opportunity to reveal himself in your Heart”.

Take full advantage of the tremendously glorious period of Chaturmasa by noting the following facts) 1. Remaining engaged in virtuous acts like performance of duty, listening to Satsang, serving the Self-realized men, having Darshan of Saints, worshipping the Lord, etc. and having passion for making donations to deserving persons are considered extremely propitious during the period of Chaturmasa.

2. Sleeping on the bare ground (with blanket, a mat or bedsheet, etc.), practicing Bramhcharya, Japa, Charity, etc. are especially beneficial during these days.

lies?

GG: A liar.

Have ever stolen anything?

GG: Nope.

But you just admitted that you are a liar.

GG: Well, I did steal some pencils and pens from a schoolmates What do you call some who steals?

GG: A thief.

Have ever looked at someone with lust?

GG: Of Course!

Remember, Jesus said, Everyone who looks at a person with lustful intent has already committed adultery with that person in their heart.

Have you ever used God’s name in vain?

GG: Yes, when I was angry at some one who did wrong to me That is called blasphemy “The Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

(Exodus 20:7) GG: Ok, So I am not perfect.

Actually, it is worse than that…

Suppose, God could put a microchip device into your brain that could rec-ord all your private thoughts for a month and play them on a big movie screen for all your friends and family to see…

3. Taking bath with water mixed with Amla (Indian Gooseberry) juice makes a man lustrous and he earns great merits daily.

4. Food in Copper utensils is prohibited in these periods of Chaturmasa. As per the scriptures one should take food served in the Leaves of Palaasha (Butea frondose) tree to enhance Brahmabhava.

5.

One should avoid slandering others specially in these days.

6. Rituals such as marriages are prohibited in these days. As these four months are meant for observance of austerities.

7. The Padma Purana states that one doing Japa and Kirtana of the Lord’s Name, When the latter is asleep, gets crore-fold merits.

8. Recitation of the “Purush Shuktam” while standing in front of Lord Vishnu’s image, augments one’s intellectual power.

Information related to Chaturmasa – Contents composed form external sources Chaturmas is a holy period of four months (July to October) Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin and Kartik, in the Hindu calendar.

The Chaturmasa falls during the period of Dakshinayana. It is the time for devotion, penance, bathing in holy rivers, performing sacrifices, and charity. However, auspicious ceremonies like marriage and other celebrations are not considered ideal during these months. Chaturmasa has significance for Jains and Buddhists as well.

Chaturmas begins with Devshayani Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu goes to sleep (Yog Nidra) on this day and wakes up after four months on Prabodhini Ekadashi. Devshayani Ekadashi comes just after the famous Jagannath Rathyatra and as per the Georgian calendar, it falls in

GG: Oh no, that will be absolutely embarrassing!

Remember, God knows the secrets of every heart (Psalm 44:21) and he knows all our thoughts (Psalm 139).

GG: Well, compared to some worst people in the history of mankind I am saint.

True, but the moral standard is God’s law and not other people. Each of us have to give an account of them self to God (Romans 14;22).

GG: But won’t God just forgive me?

Try that in court of law…

Justice demands that for every broken law you must pay full penalty. Imag-ine trying to escape from paying driving offences.

GG: Then, there is no one man is good in this world.

Yes, that is true, all have sinned and fallen short of God’s moral law that were given through ten commandments.

GG: I can never pay for all the laws I have broken day after day!

There is no way…

Yes, humanly speaking it is impossible, But, There is only one way…

God’s way.

If a sinless person offered to pay your punishment, then justice would be served and you

the month of June or July.

Chaturmasa 2021: Start and end date Chaturmas literally means a period of four months, derived from the Sanskrit chatur, "four", and masa, "month". This year Chaturmasa period started on July 20, 2021 and will end on November 14, 2021.

Major celebrations within this holy period include: • Guru Purnima • Hariyali Teej • Nag Panchami • Krishna Janmashtami • Kajari Teej • Raksha Bandhan • Ganesh Chaturthi • Navratri • Durga Puja • Karwa Chauth • Dhanteras • Narak Chaturdashi • Diwali • Govardhan Puja • Bhai Dooj • Chhath Puja To listen 24X7 live divine Satsang of Pujya Bapu Ji, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http://www.ashram. org/live or search “THE SBM STUDIO” on you tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu Ji, the regular sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane.

To know more about His Divine Holiness Bapu Ji, please watch this video. https://bit.ly/2uZvJuN For more info about Bal Sanskar and yoga sessions, to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine Rishi-Prasad in your mailbox in Australia or to get free online subscription of Rishi -Prasad, please contact by email at bskamd@gmail.com or

by WhatsApp/phone to Ashok Attri and Anu Attri at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802.

Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of Brisbane Indian Times.

could go free.

God showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners (law break-ers), Christ Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8).

We can’t earn God’s forgiveness by our million good works. It is our hum-ble and broken heart that opens the way to receive the free gift of God’s forgiveness to all who trust in the name of Jesus.

It begins with accepting that we are morally fallen short God’s standard, and none of our good works can pay for our sins. Then, we can repent of our lifestyle and turn to God; For He is more than willing to accept all who call on His name with a sincere and sobering heart.

Therefore, we invite you to pray this with a sincere heart; “Dear Father God, today I thank you for your word that has touched my heart. I repent of all my sins. And I confess with my mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and I believe in my heart that Jesus died for my sins, God raised Jesus from the dead for my Mukti (Salvation). Now help me to know Jesus more and more so that I can grow in the knowledge of your grace and mercy. Teach me your ways so that I can be person who will learn to honour you and learn to love each other. Amen.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 19

Arya Samaj Queensland Yog and Meditation- Healing through knowledge Yoga improves mental and physical health Yoga is the practice of noncompetitive, physical exercise involving held poses (in Sanskrit, asana) combined with regulated breathing (pranayama) and meditation techniques. The past few decades have seen a great increase in the practice of yoga in the West.

Jitendra Deo President ASQ

Worship of God based on the Vedic scriptures is called IshwarPrarthana and Upasana. The worship of God or prayer to God is not a routine performance of rituals or recitation of mantras or hymns from the Vedas or other Vedic scriptures but implies incorporating components of the prayer in the fabric of one’s life. Worship is divided into three interconnected components: Stuti, Prarthana and Upasana.

The word Ishwar means Supreme Master of all of the spiritual and physical wealth of the universe; Stuti implies appreciating and understanding the attributes of God; Prarthana is prayer to God to be our guide and adopting virtuous practices in life; and Upasana literally means getting close to God through the practice of spiritual yoga (i.e. meditation).

STUTI Stuti is usually translated in English as praise or glorification of God or singing about God’s glory. Stuti is sincere and implies knowing and appreciating God’s various attributes, a

thoughtful reflection upon them, understanding their significance and finally based on the correct understanding of the attribute, doing appropriate virtuous deeds in daily life. For example one can recite over and over ‘God! You are Omnipresent’ but derive no benefit from it. Stuti on the other hand would mean recognizing in life that God is everywhere in the universe from the closest to the farthest including inside our soul and watches all our karmas i.e. actions at all three levels: thought, word and action. God even knows what goes inside our mind, nothing is hidden from Him. Moreover, God as Karmphaldata judges us based upon our actions and we will not escape His judgment as well as the good or bad reward of our actions. Most humans are far more afraid of being caught committing a sin than actually performing the sin. When people do something wrong purposely, they usually want to ensure that there is no witness to their bad deed,

which may result in them being caught. But the person doing true Stuti of God, realizes that even if one could hide from other persons or electronic monitors, he/she cannot hide from God, therefore, the only reasonable course is not to carry out any bad deed and remembering God’s omnipresence one must do virtuous deeds all the time.

Stuti at a deeper level also implies intense love of God for his benevolence towards us as well as full faith in His judgment. God has no deficiencies and He does not need anything from human beings. We as human beings, however, are imperfect and need God’s grace as well as our personal effort to improve in our lives.

God alone is Almighty and the Master of the universe, none else and only by knowing God and recognizing His shelter we can become fearless in life to pursue truth. As we progress in Stuti we will recognize that while one can hurt or kill our physical body but no one can hurt our soul and the

closer we are to God less and less will be our fears including the fear of death.

The Veda mantra below states the following about Stuti: Ya eka it tamu shtuhi krashtinäm visharshanih.Patirjajnay vrashkratu. (Rig Veda 6 : 45 : 16) Stuti implies that while praising God and reciting God’s various names and/or attributes we should reflect upon and understand the meaning of the God’s name or attribute recited, and then progressively incorporate a component of it (where ever possible or applicable) in our own personal lives e.g. Stuti reminds us that God is kind, just and loving, qualities that we need to acquire if we are to come close to God. (cont. in next issue) Please contact President: Jitendra Deo 3273 3029 or Secretary: Sunil Dutt 5613 3410 for information on activities of Arya Samaj Queensland or log on: www.aryasamajqueensland. org/Facebook Arya Samaj Qld

Brisbane’s New Hindu Temple Celebrates First Sthapana Anniversary Brisbane Shree Venkatesa Durga Temple, located in Kenmore, celebrated their first Sthapana (Establishment) anniversary on Friday the 9th of July.

The Temple was established in July last year with the Kumbabishekam being on the 12th of July 2020. Through Sri Durga and Sri Venkateswara’s blessings the Temple was able to accommodate for two Sivachariars from the Sydney Murugan Temple, Siva Sri Mathy Kurrukal & Siva Sri Lavan Kurrukal, who made it in time just when the NSW and QLD Borders began to open again.

With their expertise, they have made the Kumbabishekam a divine celebration given the circumstances which the ceremony had to be perform in.

Over the last year, there has been a stable growth of the awareness of the Temple within the Hindu community of

Brisbane through the support of grand festivals such as Navarathri, Ganesha Chathurthi, Krishna Janmashtami & Maha Shivarathri. The Temple has accommodated to provide devotee’s with the opportunity to be involved with the prayers through open sponsorships of festivals and events.

The Anniversary celebration consisted of special Abishekam to the Mulavar Durga Deity (Main Altar) followed by speeches by the attendance of the Guests of Honour, Dr. Christian Rowan MP an Mr. Paul McMonagle on behalf of Cr. Greg Adermann. The Temple was fortunate to be presented with the Moggill Electorate Community Award by Dr.

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

Christian Rowan MP. The Temple looks forward to progressing onwards with the support of the Hindu Community of Brisbane in the

coming future.

Shree Venkatesa Durga Temple, 57A Kenmore Rd Kenmore QLD 4069, 0431981998

About us Multiple studies point to the positive effects of yoga on mental and physical health, as well as on personal development.

Yoga alleviates chronic pain. It helps manage coronary artery disease, asthma, diabetes, lymphoma, and breast cancer.

Yoga helps individuals suffering from mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia.

Regular yoga practice also benefits healthy individuals, improving psychological wellbeing, satisfaction with life, and self-esteem, and reducing stress and performance anxiety. Studies have also found that yoga reduces fatigue and negative affect, while increasing positive affect and giving a feeling of being energised.

Yoga poses and self-esteem Predominantly, research into yoga has focused on the benefits of meditation and breathing. A recent review of 465 research papers devoted to yoga’s role in promoting well-being noted that only 169 of those papers included the physical aspects of asana.

To the best of our knowledge, only two previous studies have focused solely on studying the psychological effects of yoga poses.

We compared the effect of the tadasana, urdhva hastasana and garudasana yoga poses to two “high power” and two “low power” power poses. We found that after performing two yoga poses our participants felt more energetic, empowered, and in control than those participants who performed power poses.

Feeling energetic directly affected their confidence and feeling of satisfaction with themselves regardless of their initial levels of self-esteem.

We think such effects had less to do with the meaning of dominance associated with the poses, and more with the feedback that the body alignment in yoga poses provides to the parasympathetic nervous system – the part responsible for regulating the body’s unconscious actions.

The high power poses were seen as more dominant and confident than yoga poses, but were less effective in increasing participants’ self-esteem.

So if it wasn’t the non-verbal meaning conveyed by the body postures that affected our participants’ self-perception, what was it? We can’t answer this directly, but its effect can be interpreted in light of the existing literature.

How do yoga poses affect the

body?

The dispersed effects of yoga practice can all be linked to a common mechanism: the functioning of the vagus nerve which connects the brain (and therefore the mind) to the body.

From the brain stem, the vagus nerve connects facial muscles, heart, lungs, digestive tract, kidneys and reproductive organs.

It plays a key role in operating the parasympathetic nervous system which includes the feedand-breed and rest-and-digest processes, and also regulates heart rate, and promotes calm and soothing states. The nerve is responsible for the neural regulation of parts of the body necessary for communication: the larynx, the eyes, the inner ears (particularly helping to distinguish human voices from background noises), and facial muscles involved in vocal and non-vocal expressions.

It also regulates our caring behaviour, hence why a wellfunctioning vagus nerve leads us to feel calm, relaxed and safe in relation to others. This is also reciprocal: feeling calm, relaxed and sociable also stimulates the vagus nerve. This means it’s possible to start off a positive upward spiral of well-being either by affecting the states of the body or the states of the mind.

Research suggests that the proper functioning of the vagus nerve (assessed as the “cardiac vagal tone” indicating the degree of the vagus nerve’s influence on the heart) promotes emotion regulation, social competence, and prosocial behaviour, and dampens aggression, hostility, depression and anxiety. This supports our theory that yoga practice – meditation, breathing, and performing yoga postures – tones the vagal nerve. Our findings suggest that even a short practice of yoga poses may positively affect the vagal tone, making us feel more satisfied and happier.

(Continued in next issue) Please contact Jitendra Deo on 3273 3029 or visit www. yogguru.com.au for more information and articles.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 21

Virtues of Muharram and Fasting on 'Ashura

BY ML. M. NAWAAZ ASHRAFI Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumadah and Sha'ban."

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets and Chief of the Messengers, and upon all his family and companions.

Allah's sacred month of Muharram is a blessed and important month. It is the first month of the Hijri calendar and is one of the four sacred months concerning which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred.

That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein … "Al-Qur'an 9:36 Abu Bakarah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumadah and Sha'ban."Reported by AlBukhari, 2958 Muharram is so called because it is a sacred (muharram) month and to confirm its sanctity. Allah's words (interpretation of the meaning): " ... so wrong not yourselves therein … " mean do not wrong yourselves in these sacred months, because sin in these months is worse than in other months. It was reported that Ibn 'Abbas said that this phrase referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward.

Qatadah said concerning this phrase that wrongdoing during the sacred months is more serious and more sinful that wrongdoing at any other time. Wrongdoing at any time is a serious matter, but Allah gives more weight to whichever of His commands He will. Allah has chosen certain ones of His creation.

He has chosen from among the angels Messengers and from among mankind Messengers.

He chose from among speech the remembrance of Him (dhikr). He chose from among the earth the mosques, from among the months Ramadhan and the sacred months, from among the days Friday and from among the nights Laylatul-Qadr, so venerate that which Allah has told us to venerate. People of understanding and wisdom

venerate the things that Allah has told us to venerate.

[Summarized from the Tafsir of Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy on him. Tafsir of Surah at-Tawbah, ayah 36] The Virtue of Observing More Nafil Fasts During Muharram Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'The best of fasting after Ramadhan is fasting Allah's month of Muharram.' "Reported by Muslim, 1982 The phrase "Allah's month", connecting the name of the month to the name of Allah in a genitive grammatical structure, signifies the importance of the month. Al-Qari said: "The apparent meaning is all of the month of Muharram." But it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) never fasted any whole month apart from Ramadhan, so this hadith is probably meant to encourage increasing one's fasting during Muharram, without meaning that one should fast for the entire month.

It was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast more in Sha'ban. It is likely that the virtue of Muharram was not revealed to him until the end of his life, before he was able to fast during this month. [Sharh anNawawi 'ala Sahih Muslim] Allah Chooses Whatever Times and Places He Wills Al-'Izz ibn 'Abdus-Salam (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Times and places may be given preferred status in two ways, either temporal or religious/spiritual. With regard to the latter, this is because Allah bestows His generosity on His slaves at those times or in those places, by giving a greater reward for deeds done, such as giving a greater reward for fasting in Ramadhan than for fasting at all other times, and also on the day of 'Ashura', the virtue of which is due to Allah's generosity and kindness towards His slaves on that day … "Qawa'id al-Ahkam, 1/38 'Ashura' in History Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of 'Ashura'.

He said, 'What is this?' They said, 'This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.' He said, 'We have more right to Musa than you,'so he fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day."

[Reported by al-Bukhari, 1865] "This is a righteous day" – in a report narrated by Muslim, [the Jews said:] "This is a great day, on which Allah saved Musa and his people, and drowned Pharaoh and his people." "Musa fasted on this day" – a report narrated

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

by Muslim adds: " … in thanksgiving to Allah, so we fast on this day." According to a report narrated by alBukhari: " … so we fast on this day to venerate it." A version narrated by Imam Ahmad adds: "This is the day on which the Ark settled on Mount Judi, so Nuh fasted this day in thanksgiving," and "commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day" – according to another report also narrated by al-Bukhari: "He said to his Companions: 'You have more right to Musa than they do, so fast on that day.' " The practice of fasting on 'Ashura' was known even in the days of Jahiliyyah, before the Prophet's mission. It was reported that 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "The people of Jahiliyyah used to fast on that day … " Al-Qurtubi said: "Perhaps Quraysh used to fast on that day on the basis of some past law, such as that of Ibrahim, upon whom be peace."

It was also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast on 'Ashura' in Makkah, before he migrated to Madinah. When he migrated to Madinah, he found the Jews celebrating this day, so he asked them why, and they replied as described in the hadithquoted above. He commanded the Muslims to be different from the Jews, who took it as a festival, as was reported in the hadith of Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: "The Jews used to take the day of 'Ashura' as a festival [according to a report narrated by Muslim: the day of 'Ashura' was venerated by the Jews, who took it as a festival.

According to another report also narrated by Muslim: the people of Khaybar (the Jews) used to take it as a festival and their women would wear their jewellery and symbols on that day]. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'So you [Muslims] should fast on that day.' "[Reported by al-Bukhari] Apparently the motive for commanding the Muslims to fast on this day was the desire to be different from the Jews, so that the Muslims would fast when the Jews did not, because people do not fast on a day of celebration.

[Summarized from the words of al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar – may Allah have mercy on him – in Fath al-Bari Sharh 'ala Sahih al-Bukhari] Fasting on 'Ashura' was a gradual step in the process of introducing fasting as a prescribed obligation in Islam.

Fasting appeared in three forms. When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came to Madinah, he told the Muslims to fast on three days of every month and on the day of 'Ashura', then Allah made fasting obligatory when He said (interpretation of the meaning): " … observing the fasting is prescribed for you … " [Al-Qur'an2:183] [Ahkam al-Qur'an by al-Jassas, part 1] The obligation was transferred from the fast of 'Ashura' to the fast of

Ramadhan, and this one of the proofs in the field of Usul al-Fiqh that it is possible to abrogate a lighter duty in favour of a heavier duty.

Before the obligation of fasting 'Ashura' was abrogated, fasting on this day was obligatory, as can be seen from the clear command to observe this fast. Then it was further confirmed later on, then reaffirmed by making it a general command addressed to everybody, and once again by instructing mothers not to breastfeed their infants during this fast. It was reported from Ibn Mas'ud that when fasting Ramadhan was made obligatory, the obligation to fast 'Ashura' was lifted, i.e., it was no longer obligatory to fast on this day, but it is still desirable (mustahabb).

The Virtues of Fasting 'Ashura' Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of 'Ashura', and this month, meaning Ramadhan."Reported by AlBukhari, 1867 The meaning of his being keen was that he intended to fast on that day in the hope of earning the reward for doing so. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "For fasting the day of 'Ashura', I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before."

[Reported by Muslim, 1976] This is from the bounty of Allah towards us: for fasting one day He gives us expiation for the sins of a whole year.

And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.

Which Day is 'Ashura'?

An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "'Ashura' and Tasu'a' are two elongated names [the vowels are elongated] as is stated in books on the Arabic language. Our companions said: 'Ashura' is the tenth day of Muharram and Tasu'a' is the ninth day. This is our opinion, and that of the majority of scholars. This is the apparent meaning of the ahadith and is what we understand from the general wording. It is also what is usually understood by scholars of the language."AlMajmu' 'Ashura' is an Islamic name that was not known at the time of Jahiliyyah.

[Kashshaf al-Qina', part 2, Sawm Muharram] Ibn Qudamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "'Ashura' is the tenth day of Muharram. This is the opinion of Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib and al-Hasan. It was what was reported by Ibn 'Abbas, who said: 'The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) commanded us to fast 'Ashura', the tenth day of Muharram.' [Reported by at-Tirmidhi, who said, a sahih hasan hadith] It was reported that Ibn 'Abbas said: 'The ninth,' and reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used

to fast the ninth. [Reported by Muslim] 'Ata' reported that he said, 'Fast the ninth and the tenth, and do not be like the Jews.' If this is understood, we can say on this basis that it is mustahabb (encouraged) to fast on the ninth and the tenth, for that reason. This is what Ahmad said, and it is the opinion of Ishaq."

It is Mustahabb (Encouraged) to Fast Tasu'a' with 'Ashura' 'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) fasted on 'Ashura' and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, 'O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.' The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, 'If I live to see the next year, in sha Allah, we will fast on the ninth day too.'

But it so happened that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) passed away before the next year came." [Reported by Muslim, 1916] Ash-Shafi'i and his companions, Ahmad, Ishaq and others said: "It is mustahabb to fast on both the ninth and tenth days, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) fasted on the tenth, and intended to fast on the ninth."

On this basis it may be said that there are varying degrees of fasting 'Ashura', the least of which is to fast only on the tenth and the best of which is to fast the ninth as well. The more one fasts in Muharram, the better it is.

The Reason Why it is Mustahabb to Fast on Tasu'a' An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "The scholars – our companions and others – mentioned several reasons why it is mustahabb to fast on Tasu'a': The intention behind it is to be different from the Jews, who only venerate the tenth day. This opinion was reported from Ibn 'Abbas …

The intention is to add another day's fast to 'Ashura'.

This is akin to the prohibition on fasting a Friday by itself, as was mentioned by al-Khattabi and others.

To be on the safe side and make sure that one fasts on the tenth, in case there is some error in sighting the crescent moon at the beginning of Muharram and the ninth is in fact the tenth."

The strongest of these reasons is being different from the People of the Book. Shaykh ul-Islamibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade imitating the People of the Book in many ahadith, for example, his words concerning 'Ashura': 'If I live until the next year, I will certainly fast on the ninth day.' " [Al-Fatawa al-Kubra, part 6, Sadd adh-Dhara'i' alMufdiyyah ila'l-Maharim]

Ibn Hajar (may Allah be pleased with him) said in his commentary on the hadith "If I live until the next year, I will certainly fast on the ninth day" and "What he meant by fasting on the ninth day was probably not that he would limit himself to that day, but would add it to the tenth, either to be on the safe side or to be different from the Jews and Christians, which is more likely. This is also what we can understand from some of the reports narrated by Muslim."

[Fath, 4/245] Ruling on Fasting Only on the Day of 'Ashura' Shaykh ul-Islam said: "Fasting on the day of 'Ashura' is an expiation for a year, and it is not makruh to fast only that day … " [Al-Fatawa al-Kubra, part 5] In Tuhfat al-Muhtaj by Ibn Hajar al-Haytami, it says: "There is nothing wrong with fasting only on 'Ashura'." [Part 3, Bab Sawm at-Tatawwu'] Fasting on 'Ashura' even if it is a Saturday or a Friday At-Tahawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) allowed us to fast on 'Ashura' and urged us to do so.

He did not say that if it falls on a Saturday we should not fast.

This is evidence that all days of the week are included in this. In our view – and Allah knows best – it could be the case that even if this is true (that it is not allowed to fast on Saturdays), it is so that we do not venerate this day and refrain from food, drink and intercourse, as the Jews do.

As for the one who fasts on a Saturday without intending to venerate it, and does not do so because the Jews regard it as blessed, then this is not makruh … " [Mushkil alAthar, part 2, Bab Sawm Yawm as-Sabt] The author of Al-Minhaj said: "It is disliked (makruh) to fast on a Friday alone …

But it is no longer makruh if you add another day to it, as mentioned in the sahih report to that effect. A person may fast on a Friday if it coincides with his habitual fast, or he is fasting in fulfilment of a vow, or he is making up an obligatory fast that he has missed, as was stated in a sahih report."

Ash-Sharih said in Tuhfat al-Muhtaj: "If it coincides with his habitual fast – i.e., such as if he fasts alternate days, and a day that he fasts happens to be a Friday, if he is fasting in fulfilment of a vow, etc." – this also applies to fasting on days prescribed in Shari'ah, such as 'Ashura' or 'Arafah. [Tuhfat alMuhtaj, part 3, Bab Sawm alTatawwu'] Al-Bahuti (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "It is makruh to deliberately single out a Saturday for fasting, because of the hadith of 'Abdullah ibn Bishr, who reported from his sister: 'Do not fast on Saturdays except in the case of obligatory fasts' [reported by Ahmad with a jayyid isnadand by al-Hakim, who said: according to the CONTD. ON PG 23

8th Annual Toowoomba Annual International Food Festival and Garden City Mosque Open Day Alhamdulillah, Muslims in Toowoomba had another successful community event on Saturday, 31 July 2021 despite the pandemic and lockdown in many parts of Australia and Queensland.

This was the 8th Annual Toowoomba Annual International Food Festival and Garden City Mosque Open Day. The event is now an important part of annual calendar of Toowoomba and it has been financially supported by grants from Queensland Government.

The diversity and taste of food were great. The environment was very welcoming and engaging.

People asked questions informally and in the formal session, as well as during viewing of the inside of the reconstructed Masjid building. In general, the participants were very happy and left with an impressive positive note.

The speakers were very positive and highlighted the contribution of Muslims and the Mosque in the social fabric of Toowoomba. The guest speakers appreciated the message of unity and upheld the actions of the Islamic Society of Toowoomba to bring people together to create a peaceful and harmonious community breaking barriers of nationality and ethnicity.

The formal presentation session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran

by Br Abdu Mohamed.

The speakers included Cr Paul Antonio, Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council; Hon Garth Hamilton

MP, Federal Member for Groom (Toowoomba); Professor Barbara de la Harpe from University of Southern Queensland; Inspector Km Hill representing the Queensland Police Commissioner; Mr Mark Creedon, Principal of Darling Height State School; and Professor Shahjahan Khan, President of Islamic Society of Toowoomba.

A recorded message of Minister for Multicultural Affairs Queensland Hon Leanne Liard MP was played. Hon David Janetzki MP, State Member for

Toowoomba South could not join the event as he had to be in quarantine. Associate Professor Dr Mainul Islam delivered the Vote of Thanks acknowledging all the guests, sponsors, volunteers and participants.

With reference to the contemporary practice to protect people from the covid-19 pandemic, Professor Khan noted Dr Craig Considine’s article in the Newsweek that suggested that Muslims and non-Muslims are following Islamic Shariah by practicing Lockdown and Quarantine.

As Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “If you heard the plague of land, do not enter it, and if it occurred on the land while you were on it, do not get out of it.” (Lockdown); and the Messenger ordered, “keep those with contagious diseases away from healthy people.” (Quarantine).

We received fairly good media coverage. The event was covered in the Daily Chronicle last weekend and it was posted and shared in many social media which helped us to reach out to much wider population, especially those who could

not make to the event.

All these were possible, firstly because of the help of Allah, and secondly, the sincere contributions of members of the community, our brothers and sisters, who prepared yummy food and sold it, helped set up the stalls and dismantle them, erected the fences, curried the gazebos, clean the chairs and tables, and collected and damped the rubbish.

Jazakum Allah Khair.

In spite of the covid-19 pandemic lots of people turned up throughout the day keeping everyone

busy and engaged. People kept coming and leaving continuously. We missed a good number of expected participants from Brisbane and Gold Coast areas due to sudden lockdown in greater Brisbane and surrounding regions.

I believe your sincere hard work and the willingness to present Islam and Muslims to the people in this city and region are the key to the success of the event. And all of you did this only to please Allah SWT. I am sure this will make a positive and longstanding impact within the wider community.

Our special thanks to the communities who had food stalls including our sisters and brothers of Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bosna, Egypt, India, Malaysia/Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan/ Eretria, and Middle Eastern countries.

May Allah accept our efforts and contribution to the house of Allah and to the community, and reward everyone with the best in both worlds.

From left: Federal MP Hon Garth Hamilton; Professor Shahjahan Khan, Inspector Kim Hill, Queensland Police Serivices; Cr Melissa Taylor and Mayor Paul Antonio, Toowoomba Regional Council; Professor Barbara de la Harpe, University of Southern Queensland; Community Police Officer Catherine English; and Principal Mark Creedon, Darling Heights State School.

Virtues of Muharram and Fasting on 'Ashura CONTD. FROM PG 22 conditions of al-Bukhari], and because it is a day that is venerated by the Jews, so singling it out for fasting means being like them … except when a Friday or Saturday coincides with a day when Muslims habitually fast, such as when it coincides with the day of 'Arafah or the day of 'Ashura', and a person has the habit of fasting on these days, in which case it is not makruh, because a person's habit carries some weight."[Kashshaf al-Qina', part 2, Bab Sawm al-Tatawwu'] What Should be Done if there is Confusion about the Beginning of the Month?

Ahmad said: "If there is confusion about the beginning of the month, one should fast for three days, to be sure of fasting on the ninth and tenth days." [Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah, part 3 – as-Siyam – Siyam 'Ashur'] If a person does not know when Muharram began, and he wants to be sure of fasting on the tenth, he should assume that Dhul-Hijjah was thirty days – as is the usual Call: (07) 3192 5188

rule – and should fast on the ninth and tenth. Whoever wants to be sure of fasting the ninth as well should fast the eight, ninth and tenth (then if Dhul-Hijjah was twenty-nine days, he can be sure of having fasted Tasu'a' and 'Ashura').

But given that fasting on 'Ashura' is mustahabb rather than wajib, people are not commanded to look for the crescent of the new moon of Muharram as they are to do in the case of Ramadhanand Shawwal.

Fasting 'Ashura' – For What Does it Offer Expiation?

Imam an-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "It expiates for all minor sins, i.e., it brings forgiveness of all sins except major sins."

Then he said (may Allah have mercy on him): "Fasting the day of 'Arafah expiates for two years, and the day of 'Ashura' expiates for one year.

If when a person says 'Amin' it coincides with the 'Amin' of the angels, he will be forgiven all his previous sins … Each one of the things that we have mentioned will bring expiation. If there are minor sins for which expiation is

needed, expiation for them will be accepted; if there are no minor sins or major sins, good deeds will be added to his account and he will be raised in status … If he had committed major sins but no minor sins, we hope that his major sins will be reduced."[Al-Majmu' Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, part 6, Sawm Yawm 'Arafah] Shaykh ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (ay Allah have mercy on himmay Allah have mercy on him) said: "Taharah, salah, and fasting in Ramadhan, on the day of 'Arafah and on 'Ashura' expiate for minor sins only."

[Al-Fatawa al-Kubra, part 5] Not Relying Too Much on the Reward for Fasting Some people who are deceived rely too much on things like fasting on 'Ashura' or the day of 'Arafah, to the extent that some of them say, "Fasting on 'Ashura' will expiate for the sins of the whole year, and fasting on the day of 'Arafah will bring extra rewards." Ibn al-Qayyim said: "This misguided person does not know that fasting in Ramadhan and praying five

times a day are much more important than fasting on the day of 'Arafah and 'Ashura', and that they expiate for the sins between one Ramadhan and the next, or between one Friday and the next, so long as one avoids major sins. But they cannot expiate for minor sins unless one also avoids major sins; when the two things are put together, they have the strength to expiate for minor sins. Among those deceived people may be one who thinks that his good deeds are more than his sins, because he does not pay attention to his bad deeds or check on his sins, but if he does a good deed he remembers it and relies on it. This is like the one who seeks Allah's forgiveness with his tongue (i.e., by words only), and glorifies Allah by saying "Subhanallah" one hundred times a day, then he backbites about the Muslims and slanders their honour, and speaks all day long about things that are not pleasing to Allah. This person is always thinking about the virtues of his tasbihat (saying "Subhanallah") and tahlilat (saying "La ilaha illallah") but he pays no attention to what has been reported concerning

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those who backbite, tell lies and slander others, or commit other sins of the tongue. They are completely deceived." [AlMawsu'ah al-Fiqhiyyah, part 31, Ghurur] Fasting 'Ashura' When One Still has Days to Make Up From Ramadhan The fuqaha' differed concerning the ruling on observing voluntary fasts before a person has made up days that he or she did not fast in Ramadhan. The Hanafis said that it is permissible to observe voluntary fasts before making up days from Ramadhan, and it is not makruh to do so, because the missed days do not have to be made up straight away.

The Malikis and Shafi'is said that it is permissible but is makruh, because it means that one is delaying something obligatory. AdDusuqi said: "It is makruh to observe a voluntary fast when one still has to make up an obligatory fast, such as a fast in fulfilment of a vow, or a missed obligatory fast, or a fast done as an act of expiation (kafarah), whether the voluntary fast which is

being given priority over an obligatory fast is something confirmed in Shari'ah or not, such as 'Ashura' and the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, according to the most correct opinion." The Hanbalis said that it is haram to observe a voluntary fast before making up any fasts missed in Ramadhan, and that a voluntary fast in such cases does not count, even if there is plenty of time to make up the obligatory fast.

So a person must give priority to the obligatory fasts until he has made them up. [AlMawsu'ah al-Fiqhiyyah, part 28, Sawm at-Tatawwu'] Muslims must hasten to make up any missed fasts after Ramadhan, so that they will be able to fast 'Arafah and 'Ashura' without any problem. If a person fasts 'Arafah and 'Ashura' with the intention from the night before of making up for a missed fast, this will be good enough to make up what he has missed, for the bounty of Allah is great.

ON BEHALF OF THE ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF ALGESTER, WE WISH ALL THE MUSLIMS A WONDERFUL NEW HIJRI YEAR. AAMEEN.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 23

QLD Coercive Control Network Meeting - Policing, Justice & Coercive BRISBANE ,Another excellent instalment of the Coercive Control Network Dinners was co-hosted

by DVConnect and White Ribbon Australia , There were over 120 cross-sector leaders, survivor advocates and practitioners join at Queensland Parliament House to discuss coercive control, legal reform and policing on 9th July.

Yarraka and Guyala Bayles mother and daughter team did the acknowledgement to country and an emotional poem, Australian Federal Police officer and survivor advocate Carla Duncan

delivered a powerful and emotional on her lived experience.

Betty Taylor from Red Rose Foundation Australia, former police officer Marc Hogan, Children’s Commissioner Natalie Lewis, Acting Superintendent Ben Martain and specialist DV LAWYER Kathleen Simpson shared their perspectives, stories and thoughts on how we can create a future where women and children are free from all forms of men’s violence and abuse.

Attorney General Shannon Fentiman MP spoke on and shared her

commitment consultation,

to

broader careful

crafting of legal reform and investing in training,

education and capacity building across the system

that must work together to increase safety for women.

Leanne Linard MP Santhom Multicultural hosts annual Nudgee Dance & Food Fest 2021 business breakfast BRISBANE, Another excellent instalment of the Coercive Control Network Dinners was co-hosted by DVConnect and White Ribbon Australia, There were over 120 crosssector leaders, survivor advocates and practitioners join at Queensland Parliament House to discuss coercive control, legal reform and policing on 9th July.

Yarraka and Guyala Bayles mother and daughter team did the acknowledgement to country and an emotional poem, Australian Federal Police officer and survivor advocate Carla Duncan delivered a powerful and emotional on her lived experience.

There were over 120 cross-sector leaders, survivor advocates and practitioners join at Queensland Parliament House to discuss coercive control, legal reform and policing on 9th July.

Betty Taylor from Red Rose Foundation Australia, former police officer Marc Hogan, Children’s Commissioner Natalie Lewis, Acting Superintendent Ben

Martain and specialist DV LAWYER Kathleen Simpson shared their perspectives, stories and thoughts on how we can create a future where women and children are free from all forms of men’s violence and abuse.

Attorney General Shannon

Fentiman MP spoke on and shared her commitment to broader consultation, careful crafting of legal reform and investing in training, education and capacity building across the system that must work together to increase safety for women.

BRISBANE St.Thomas the Apostle Syro Malabar parish of Brisbane South is hosting its annual multicultural day at its parish premises at 108-112 Middle Road, Hillcrest QLD – 4118 on Saturday, the 28th August 2021. The celebrations in previous years were marked by participation and attendance of over three thousand people from different cultural background and nationalities.

The 24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

event supported by the Queensland Government, the Logan City Council and many businesses aims to celebrate the cultural diversity of people living in South East Queensland.

It is the largest such annual event by any Indian organisation in Brisbane South. The event highlights include live cultural performances, multi-cuisine food, outdoor games, animal farm, pony rides, kids’ activities and raffles with

attractive prizes. The event organisers have advised that the public will have free entry and limited onsite parking for the event.

It is a day-long event that starts at 10.00 am. All are welcome to attend the event and enjoy the multicultural performances and food along with family and friends.

For further details about the event, please contact the organisers on 0401 352 044 or 0452 649 950.

मोहम्मद रफ़ी साहब के जीवन का सफ़र

२४ दिसम्बर ९१२४ सारी कायनात में तरन्नुम बजने लगे, मधुर ध्वनी बिखरने लगी, अैसा सुरीला गायन मानो ईश्वरीय आवाज़ है ,यह शहं शा ए तरन्नुम के रूँधन की आवाज़ थी, क्यों कि मोहम्मद रफ़ी साहब पैदा ह्अे थे। मखमली आवाज़ के मालिक रफ़ी साहब फ़िल्मी दनु िया के महाताब रहे हैं , भले ही ३१ जुलाई १९८० में वे इस दनु िया को अलविदा कहकर चले गये, पर वे अपनी नूरानी रोशनी इस जहान में बिखेर गये। वे तरन्नुम के शहं शा तो थे ही, साथ में उच कोटी के इं सान भी थे। दोस्तों अभिनय की बुलंदियों को छूने वाला फ़नकार दिलीप साहब और गायकी को नया मुक़ाम देने वाले रफ़ी साहब इस गंगा जमुना के मिलन से दोनों कलाकार अमर हो गये। दिलीप साहब बेहतरीन फ़नकार तो थे ही पर रफ़ी जी की मखमली आवाज़ ने दिलीप साहब की फ़नकारी में चार चाँद लगा दिये। दोनों का सफ़र १९४४ से शुरू हुआ रफ़ी जी ने पंजाबी फ़िल्म गुल बलोच में पहिला गीत गाया और दिलीप साहब ने भी १९४४ में जवारबाटा से फ़िल्मी जगत में क़दम रखा । हालाँकि यह फ़िल्म बाक्स आफिस पर सफल नही रही। उनकी फ़िल्म प्रतिमा और मिलन आई पर ९१४७ में जुगनू फ़िल्म ने उन्हे पहली सफलता दिलायी और इसी फ़िल्म में रफ़ी साहब की मखमली आवाज़ में उन पर गीत फ़िल्माया गया। गीत के बोल थे यहाँ बदला वफ़ा का बेवफाई के सिवा क्या है । यह गीत रफ़ी जी ने फ़िल्म की नायका और मशहूर गायका नूरजहान के साथ गाया था । फ़िल्म ने और इस गीत ने पूरे देश में तहलका मचा दिया। इसके बाद रफ़ी जी और दिलीप साहब ने जीवन भर पीछे मुड़कर नही देखा। दोस्तो रफ़ी जी को यह गीत कैसे मिला यह भी अेक कहानी से कम नही ह। इस फ़िल्म के निर्दे शक थे सैयद शौक़त रिज़वी, संगीतकार थे फ़िरोज़ निज़ामी और गीत लिखे थे तनवीर नकवी ने । दिलचस्प बात यह थी कि ये सभी लोग लाहौर से मुम्बई आये थे , रफ़ी साहब भी लाहौर से मुम्बई आये थे।फ़िरोज़ साहब रफ़ी जी की गायकी और प्रतिभा से वाक़िफ़ थे फिर भी मशहूर गायका नूरजहान के साथ रफ़ी जी की आवाज़ मिलाने से वे हिचकिचा रहे थे क्यों कि रफ़ी साहब अभी गायकी की फ़ील्ड में नये थे। उन्होने नूरजहान से अपनी दवि ु धा का जिक्र किया तो नूरजहान ने तुरंत कहा कि उन्हे रफ़ी साहब को मौक़ा देकर देखना चाहिये क्यों कि मुझे लगता है कि ये लड़का सारे हिन्सदु ्तान को हिला कर रख देगा।वह गाँव की गोरी में

उनके गाये गीत से मुतासिर हो चुकी थी। इस तरह नूरजहान से आश्वासन पाकर फ़िरोज़ जी ने यह गीत रफ़ी साहब से गँवाया। दिल एक मंदिर का गीत,"याद न जाये बीते दिनों की" की रिकर्डिं ग तारदेव की लैब में होने वाली थी । डेट फ़िक्स करके लैब बुक कर दी गयी थी। रिकार्डिं ग से एक दिन पहिले रफ़ी साहब को १०२ डिग्री बुखार सर दर्द और बदन दर्द था पर रफ़ी जी वादे के पक्के थे और उन्हे पता था कि समय पर रिकॉर्डिं ग ना हुई तो म्यूज़िक डायरे क्टर को भारी नुक़सान उठाना पड़ेगा ,जो वह कभी होने नही दे सकते थे। वह वक्त से पहिले ही घर से निकल गये। पर संगीतकार के सामने समस्या खड़ी हो गयी थी , फ़ेमस स्टूडियो के कर्मचारियों व म्यूज़िशनों ने हड़ताल कर दी थी।शंकर जैक्सन जी उन्हे समझाने का प्रयास कर रहे थे कि किसी तरह रिकॉर्डिं ग हो जाये पर कर्मचारी टस से मस नही हुअे , वे अपनी माँगों पर अडे रहे । लाचार शंकर जैकिशन जी ने रफ़ी साहब के घर पर फ़ोन किया ताकि उन्हे आज की रिकॉर्डिं ग पर आने से रोक ले। लेकिन उन्हे पता चला कि रफ़ी जी घर से निकल चुके थे। अुन दिनों मोबाईल फ़ोन नही थे इसलिये उन तक संदे श पहुँचाने का कोई और तरीक़ा नही था। रफ़ी जी कार से उतरकर सीधे स्टूडियो रूम की तरफ चले गये वे कर्मचारियों की हड़ताल से अनभिज्ञ थे। उनका लाल चेहरा देखकर शंकर जैकिशन जी ने नया पैंतरा सोचा, उन्होने रफ़ी जी से कहा आपकी तबीयत ठीक नही लग रही है आप घर जाकर आराम करिये रिकॉर्डिं ग फिर किसी दिन हो जायेगी। रफ़ी जी ने कहा कोई बात नही, अब आ गया हूँ तो गीत रिकार्ड करके ही जाऊँगा। यह बात कर्मचारियों तक फैल गयी कि बुखार और बीमारी की हालत में भी रफ़ी साहब रिकॉर्डिं ग करने आये हैं तो उन्हे बहुत बुरा लगा। वे सब रफ़ी जी की इज्जत करते थे। सारे म्यूज़िशन चुपचाप आकर अपने साज ठीक करने लगे और १०२ बुखार मे रफ़ी साहब ने अपने मख़मली आवाज़ में शिद्दत के साथ गाकर उस गीत को अमर गीत बना दिया। आज भी उस गीत को एक बार सुनने के बाद बार बार सुनने को मन करता है । फ़िल्म गाइड में गीत था , "दिन ढल जाये पर रात न जाये"।इस गीत की रिकॉर्डिं ग हो चुकी थी। रफ़ी साहब ने इस गीत को गाया था। पर देव साहब और उनके भाई विजय आनंद जी को लगा कि इस गीत में कोई कमी सी है , शाट के हिसाब से गाने

की लय ठीक से बैठ नही पा रही है । उन्होने संगीतकार एस डी बर्मन जी को फ़ोन करके बता दिया। बर्मन जी ने कहा आप लोग इतनी अच्छी धुन से नुक़्स निकाल रहे हो और फ़ोन पटक दिया। फिर उन्होने विचार किया कि अगर प्रोड्यूसर और डायरे क्टर को कोई कमी लग रही है तब कोई तो बात होगी ।उन्होने फ़ोन करके उनसे कहा आप हारमोनियम मँगा कर रखिये मै आ रहा हूँ । तीनों ने मिलकर धुन में कुछ फेर बदल की ,ताकि गीत शाट से मैच हो जाये। और दस ू रे ही दिन रफ़ी जी को बुलाकर फिर से नयी धुन पर गीत गँवाया । रफ़ी जी ने नये उत्साह के साथ गीत गाया।देव जी ने उन की तरफ लिफ़ाफ़ा बढ़ाया तोI रफ़ी जी ने पैसे लेने से इं कार कर दिया ।यह कहकर लिफ़ाफ़ा लौटा दिया कि एक ही गीत को गाने के लिये दो बार मेहनताना नही ले सकते ।देव साहब की मिन्नतों के बावजूद उन्होने पैसे नही लिये। देव साहब ने अपने एक इं टरव्यू में बताया कि रफ़ी जी नेकदिल, साफ़ तबीयत के फरिशते थे। रफ़ी जी वाक़ई न सिर्फ़ शहिनशा ए तरन्नुम थे बल्कि वो दिल के भी शहं शाह थे। उन्होने कई उभरते हुअे संगीतकारों की मदद की थी। न जाने कितने नये संगीतकारों के लिये मुफ़्त में गीत गाये थे। लक्षमीकांत प्यारे लाल जी जब नये नये इं डस्ट्री में आये थे तो उन्होने रफ़ी जी से इल्तिजा की कि वे उन्हें पूरा मेहनताना नही दे पायेंगे। रफ़ी जी ने मुस्कु राकर हामी भर दी। गीत गाने के बाद उन्होनें रफ़ी साहब को १००० रूपये दिये । रफ़ी साहब ने जेब से दो सिक्के निकाले और दोनों के हाथ पर ५०१ ,५०१ रूपये रखकर कहा कि अल्लाह के फ़ज़ल से दोनों दिन दन ू ी रात चौगुनी तरक़्क़ी करें । अैसे नेकदिल इं सान थे रफ़ी साहब। क़ुदरत फ़िल्म के सभी गीत किशोर जी ने गाये थे। एक गीत "दख ु सुख की हरएक माला " गीत के लिये डायरे क्टर चेतन आंनद जी चाहते थे कि इस गीत के साथ सिर्फ़ रफीजी ही इं साफ़ कर पायेंगे। संगीतकार आर डी बर्मन जी सिर्फ़ एक गीत गाने के लिये रफ़ी जी से आग्रह करने से क़तरा रहे थे। उन्हीं दीनों एक नया गायक चंद्रशेखर गाडगिल उनसे काम माँगने आया था। बर्मन जी को उसकी आवाज़ पसंद आयी थी और सोच रहे थे कि यह गीत उसकी आवाज़ पर सही बैठ रहा है । उन्होने उसकी सिफ़ारिश चेतन आनंद जी से की पर वे एक ही बात कह रहे थे कि यह गीत सिर्फ़ रफ़ी जी ही गायें। बड़ी मुश्किल से बर्मन दाँ ने उन्हे अुस कलाकार को सुनने के लिये राज़ी किया। गाडगिल

की आवाज़ चेतन जी को पसंद आयी। उसकी आवाज़ में गीत रिकार्ड किया गया,पर रिकार्डिं ग सुनने के बाद चेतन आनंद फिर अटक गये कि इस गीत को रफ़ी जी से गँवाया जाये। हारकर बर्मन जी ने रफ़ी जी से डेट लेकर गीत रिकार्ड करवाया । तीन अंतरे रिकार्ड होने के बाद चाय के लिये ब्रेक ली गयी तभी रफ़ी जी के मायक्रोफोन से उसी गीत की आवाज़ आने लगी। रफ़ी जी ने बर्मन दाँ से पूछा सच बताइये क्या यह गीत पहले भी किसी से रिकार्ड करवाया गया है क्यों कि जिसने भी गाया है ख़ूबसूरत अंदाज मे गाया है । बर्मन दाँ ने पूरी बात बता दी तब रफ़ी जी ने कहा पंचम क्यों किसी नये कलाकार की जिन्दगी मेरे हाथों बरबाद करवा रहे हो । अैसे कहकर रफ़ी जी ने माइक्रोफ़ोन उतारा और आख़िरी अंतरा गाये बिना ही स्टूडियो से चले गये। बर्मन दाँ बुलाते ही रह गये पर वे लौटकर नही आये। आख़िरकार हारकर उस गीत के तीन अंतरे रफ़ी जी की आवाज़ में चौथा अंतरा चंद्रशेखर गाडगिल की आवाज़ में रिकार्ड हुआ और अुस अधूरे गाने से चंद्रशेखर को ख़ूब ख्याति मिली। इस अधूरे गीत की वजह से और अपनी प्रतिभा के बलबूते पर वह मराठी फ़िल्मों का प्रसिध्द गायक बन गया। उसका रोम रोम रफ़ी जी को दआ ु यें देता है । इस तरह रफ़ी जी ने एक नये गायक की गायकी को मरने से बचा लिया"। ओ पी नैयर और रफ़ी जी ने कई गीत रिकार्ड किये थे। साथ में काम किया था। रफ़ी साहब समय के पक्के थे। हमेशा हर रिकॉर्डिं ग पर समय पर पहुँचते थे पर एक बार ओ पी नैयर जी इं तिज़ार कर रहे थे पर रफ़ी साहब को काफ़ी देर हो गयी। आते ही उन्होने नैयर जी से देर से आने के लिये क्षमा माँगी। नैयर साहब ने देर से आने का कारण पूछा तो उन्होने बता दिया कि शंकर जैकिशन की रिकॉर्डिं ग करते हुअे अुम्मीद से ज़्यादा वक्त लग गया। यह सुनते ही नैयर जी आगबबूला हो गये और कहने लगे शंकर जैकिशन जी का गाना मेरे गीत ये ज़्यादा महत्वपूर्ण है तो तुम उन्हीं के लिये काम करो। आज की रिकॉर्डिं ग कैंसिल और आज के बाद मै तुम्हारे साथ काम नही करूँगा । यह कहकर वे चले गये। काफ़ी समय तक दोनों ने साथ काम नही किया। रफ़ी जी नेक दिल इं सान थे। वे अपनी बेइज़्ज़ती भूल गये , उनके देर से आने के कारण उस दिन नैयर जी के नुक़सान की चिता करते रहे । रफ़ी साहब के पास काम की कोई कमी नही थी । फिर भी अेक दिन उठकर नैयर जी के घर चले गये और उन से कहने लगे ,

भाई कब तक नाराज़ रहोगे अब माफ़ भी कर दो। काम भले ही साथ में ना करे दोस्ती तो निभा ही सकते हैं । नैयर साहब ने उठकर उन्हे गले लगा लिया।कहा अगर तुम्हारी जगह कोई और होता तो जिस ऊँचाई को तुम छू रहे हो अैसे समय मे मेरे पास कभी नही आता।तुम्हारा दिल पाक पवित्र है । जिस में किसी के लिये द्वेष भाव नही है ।तुम सचमुच महान हो। मैं तो अपना ईगो को पकड़कर बैठा था। फ़िल्म जी चाहता है में रफ़ी सुमन कल्याणपुरी जीवका गीत है ।"मेरी जिन्दगी हम तेरे प्यार में कहाँ कहाँ से गुज़र गये " राजेन्द्र नाथ और श्यामा पर यह गीत फ़िल्माया गया है । पर एक अंतरा जायमुकर्जी पर फ़िल्माया गया है । आप इस गीत को ग़ौर से सुनेंगे तो आपको लगेगा कि राजेंद्र नाथ पर फ़िल्माये गये गीत को उन्होने एक अलग अंदाज से गाया है ।पर जो जायमुकर्जी पर फ़िल्माया गया अंतरा है वहाँ गीत गाने का अंदाज एकदम अलग है । यह कला सिर्फ़ रफ़ी जी के गीतों में ही आपको नजर आयेगी।रफ़ी साहब ने हर नामचीन हीरो को अपनी आवाज़ दी है ,पर आप जब भी गीत सुनेंगे तो आपको समझ मे आ जायेगा कि यह गीत राजेन्द्र कुमार जी पर फ़िल्माया गया है या फिर देवानंदजी पर फ़िल्माया गया है , क्यों कि हर कलाकार के साथ रफ़ी जी के गाने का अंदाज अलग अलग होता था। हर इं सान से कभी न कभी कोई चूक तो हो ही जाती है । फ़नकार कितना ही बड़ा क्यों न हो चूक तो उससे भी हो सकती है । तो दोस्तों एक छोटी सी चूक तो रफ़ी साहब से भी एक बार हो ही गयी थी। ९१८० में बप्पी लहरी जी ने एक ख़ूबसूरत धुन बनायी थी और रफ़ी साहब को भेज दी कि अगर धुन उन्हे पसंद आये तो वे उस गीत को उनके लिये गायें। उन दिनों रफ़ी साहब बेहद मसरूफ रहते थे,पर क्यों कि धुन उन्हे बेहद पसंद आयी ।उन्होने बप्पी जी को फ़ोन किया कि वे गीत गाने को तैयार हैं ,कब गीत गाना होगा? बप्पी जी ने कहा हम कल ही इस गीत को रिकार्ड कर सकते हैं । दस ू रे दिन गीत को रिकार्ड किया गया। हमेशा रफ़ी साहब गीत गाने के बाद उसे कई बार सुनते थे फिर स्टूडियो से जाते थे। पर उस दिन वे मसरूफ थे तो गाना गाते ही वे कार में बैठकर स्टूडियो से निकल गये। बप्पी दाँ ने बाद में गीत सुना तो उन्हें पता चला कि गीत के आख़िरी शब्द को बोलने में रफ़ी जी से मामूली चूक हो गई है ।गीत के बोल थे " फूल का शबाब क्या, हुस्न महाताब क्या, आप तो आप हैं आप का जवाब क्या"। पूरा गाना सही था

पर गाने के अंत में अेक जगह रफ़ी साहब ने गाया है "आपका जवाब का", भूल से क्या को का कहा है । बप्पी दाँ ने रफीजी को फ़ोन कर के बताया कि गीत में हल्की सी चूक हो गयी है । रफ़ी जी ने कहा, कोई बात नही गीत को फिर से रिकार्ड कर लेंगे । पर दर्भा ु ग्य वश वह कल आ नही पाया क्यों कि रफ़ी साहब का अचानक अंतकाल हो गया। उन दिनों टै क्नालाजी इतनी अैडवांस नही थी कि अुस मामूली चूक को सुधारा जा सके। गीत की धुन बड़ी प्यारी थी, रफीजी ने उसे दिल से गाया था ।बप्पी दाँ उसे यूँ डब्बे में बंद करके रखना नही चाहते थे। आख़िर १९८९ में इस गीत को "फ़र्ज़ की जंग" फ़िल्म में गोविन्दा और नीलम पर फ़िल्माया गया। आपको आश्चर्य होगा कि यह गाना सुपर हिट हो गया। लोगों का ध्यान इस मामूली सी गल्ती पर गया ही नहीं। 1960 में फ़िल्म चौदहवीं का चांद के शीर्षक गीत के लिए रफ़ी को अपना पहला फ़िल्म फेयर पुरस्कार मिला।1961 में रफ़ी को अपना दस ू रा फ़िल्मफेयर आवार्ड फ़िल्म ससुराल के गीत तेरी प्यारी प्यारी सूरत को के लिए मिला। 1965 में ही लक्ष्मी-प्यारे के संगीत निर्दे शन में फ़िल्म दोस्ती के लिए गाए गीत चाहूंगा मै तुझे सांझ सवेरे के लिए रफ़ी को तीसरा फ़िल्मफेयर पुरस्कार मिला। 1965 में उन्हें भारत सरकार ने पद्मश्री पुरस्कार से नवाजा। 1966 में फ़िल्म सूरजके गीत बहारों फूल बरसाओ बहुत प्रसिद्ध हुआ और इसके लिए उन्हें चौथा फ़िल्मफेयर अवार्ड मिला। इसका संगीत शंकर जयकिशन ने दिया था। 1968 में शंकर जयकिशन के संगीत निर्दे शन में फ़िल्म ब्रह्मचारी के गीत दिल के झरोखे में तुझको बिठाकरके लिए उन्हें पाचवां फ़िल्मफेयर अवार्ड मिला।1977 में फ़िल्म हम किसी से कम नहीं के गीत क्या हुआ तेरा वादा के लिए उन्हे अपने जीवन का छठा तथा अन्तिम फ़िल्म फेयर एवॉर्ड मिला। रफ़ी साहब के जीवन सफ़र की एक झलक मैंने आपको दिखायी । उम्मीद करती हूँ उनके जीवन के इन अनोखे पहिलूओं को जानकर आपको आश्चर्य भी हुआ होगा, और उनके जीवन दर्शन को सलाम करने का मन कर रहा होगा। मैं बस इतना लिखकर अलविदा कहूँगी, किसी को भी उसके क़द का गुमान न था, वो आसमान था मगर सर झुकाये बैठा था। कविता चाँदवानी

Kavita ji

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 25

Who, What, Where, When...

Proud moment for new citizen receiving their citizenship at Brisbane City Hall

Queensland Governments official Luncheon in honour of His Excellency Mr Manpreet Vohra High Commissioner for India and Mrs Naseem Vohra

FICQ members meet and Greet His excellency Manpreet Vohra at Brisbane Red Cross centre

GOPIO Gold Coast lunch in honour His excellency Manpreet Vohra

Leanne Linard MP receiving her memento at Mandela Day celebration in Queensland parliament house

Robert Mokombozi introduces the team behind Mandela day celebration in Queensland Parliament house

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

Who, What, Where, When...

Councillor Vicki Howard (third from left) at women’s luncheon at Radio 4EB

Event organiser Irene Balydon with her guests at Radio 4EB’s women’s lunch

Christmas in July presented by Punjabi Welfare Association of Australia Inc revived bipartisan support.

Bhangra time at Christmas in July Function by PWAA at Michaels Oriental Restaurant

Honourable Cameron Dick MP, Queensland Treasurer and minister for investments at the South Side business breakfast and budget briefing

Mid-Winter Music night presented by Ecutas Production and Folk Studio

The Launch of Sarang Band at Ron Hurley Theatre, Seven Hills Call: (07) 3192 5188

Minister Shannon Fentiman MP , Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the prevention of Domestic and Family Violence - at White Ribbon coercive control network dinner at parliament House www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 27

ESWARALAYA KALAIKOODAM - 40TH YEAR CELEBRATIONS

BRISBANE Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam celebrated their 40th year celebrations on the 10th of July at St John's College Auditorium: Forest Lake. The concert – “Shiva Shakthi Layam'' was a great success and was held amid

Covid 19 concerns. The show was rescheduled from the original date of 3rd of July due to the lockdown and the entire organizing team needs to be commended to stage the concert during the pandemic.

Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam

is one of the leading Bharatha Natyam schools in Brisbane and has been operating since 2003 in Queensland. Prior to Brisbane, the dancing school was operating in New Zealand and Sri Lanka The entire show was

Indo-Fijian who was crowned Australia’s MasterChef SYDNEY as someone who

grew up struggling to see anyone who looked like themselves on television, I’ve always celebrated South Asian representation whenever it just pops up in the media. I’m proud and I’m loud about it. But Justin’s MasterChef victory on Tuesday night evoked a different feeling. On one hand, I was squealing at the TV screen when the victory music started playing as he plated up his final dishes.

On the other, I felt a wave of calmness come over me because I hadn’t felt more at home watching Aussie TV than I did in that moment.

Like Justin, I’m the daughter of Fijian Indian immigrants. Most people from the South Asian diaspora will tell you that there’s a sharp cultural difference between Indians from Fiji, and Indians from India (or Africa or Malaysia and so on). As a Fijian Indian woman, I’ve struggled to be heard and understood within the wider Indian community, and I’ve questioned where I really fit in within the realm of brown-ess. Am I really an Indian?

“You’re not a real Indian… because you’re from Fiji and can’t speak proper Hindi,” I recall another Indian woman telling me when I was back at school.

“You’re Fijian Indian… oh yeah, you do look a bit Islander,” a white person

once told me.

My great grandparents migrated to Fiji from Gujarat, India in the 1930s and 1940s as tailors. My grandfathers both became businessmen in the country’s capital, Suva, and my parents were raised there before travelling to Australia and New Zealand for a university education. My upbringing has been different to many of my Indian friends whose parents and grandparents were raised in India. While my friends travelled to India every Summer school holidays, I went back to Fiji.

To this day, I’ve never been to India, yet am obsessed with Bollywood and mehendhi, so is that enough to make me a ‘real’ Indian?

While I can’t speak Hindi, I can speak what we call the more laidback, slang Fijistyle of Gujarati. There’s also Fiji Hindi which my parents can fluently speak, and if I ever rarely hear anyone speak it on the train, I smile as I’m instantly transported

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

back to Suva seawall or Nadi airport where ‘Bula shirts’ and palm trees meet your gaze from every direction.

“It’s not Fiji time, man,” Justin’s dad said during the MasterChef grand final on Tuesday. I excitedly bounced from the couch when he said that, because it’s those small phrases that virtually every Fijian Indian father (mine included) has used as the excuse for our family rocking up to a wedding one hour late. “It’s Fiji time, we’re not late at all,” my dad has uttered on countless occasions.

Who thought we’d ever hear that on mainstream Aussie TV? Then we come to the food. I loved that I could text a Fijian Indian friend while Justin was cooking and speculate whether he would serve up a classic jungli murgi (chicken) dish.

When Justin cooked one of his mother’s fish curries, I recognised each of the spices. I knew the sour tang he spoke of was the mouthwatering flavour that made my mum’s own fish curry recipe, passed down generations, be nothing like what you’d be served at any Indian restaurant.

Justin’s victory is not only a big win for South Asian representation in general, but for us Fijian Indian kids who didn’t realise until now that it was this representation we’d been yearning to see.

choreographed by the founder and the Directress of the school, Smt Manga Surendran.

The concert commenced with Mantra Pushpanjali followed by Saraswathi Sth uthi,Keerthanam,Ardhanar ishwara Stotram and other

various items. The entire concert was accompanied by live music performed by leading artists from Brisbane.

The highlight of the show was “Sapthamaatrikas” which showcased the different forms of “Shakthi” and was written

and choreographed especially for the concert.

The contribution Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam has made to Bharatha Natyam in Queensland is both remarkable and a great success story.

A MUSICAL NIGHT

BRISBANE Three best buddies and music lovers (Chandan Das, Tanvi Goel and Hemant Dua) came together to give community the best music experience for good cause, called “Close to my Heart, it was attended by over 130 people from Brisbane, Gold coast and wider community at QLD Russian Community Centre Inc on 26th June.

A small contribution to Jay Ho & Lakshmi Jeevan Jagrati to help the sufferers in this COVID-19 pandemic situation which is the Intent of this concert ‘Close to my Heart’.

The event was graced by the presence of GOPIO QLD President Mr Rakesh Sharma, GOPIO Gold Coast’s founding member Mr Puspinder Oberoi, President of Telangana Jagruthi Australia Mr Srikar Reddy and several other dignitaries and representatives of the many Indian and multicultural communities within Brisbane and Gold Coast.

It was the best opportunity for all music lovers to lost themselves in sur sangeet, so this lovely evening was divided into 3 segments. The first segment was an “Intro” to singers, the 2nd segment called “Close to my Heart” and final segment was “Geet Sangeet” which was the celebration of Bollywood songs through the ages. It was unforgettable combination of touching gazals of Jagjit Singh, great numbers of Kishore Da, Bappi Lahiri, Asha Bhosle, Sonu Nigam, KK, Shreya Ghosal and Md Rafi and evergreen Lata Mangeshkar J. The crowd was thoroughly entertained throughout the night. Hemant Dua, Chandan Das, Anvi Vaidya & Shabnam, Imran,Drea Mer & Sabbir Alan mesmerized everyone with their amazing singing and Steve Shankar and DJ Amit Music added the best music to make it sound just best while Tanvi Goel and Zain Chamadia hosted the event

and entertained each and every one with their creative singing/dancing trivia quizzes in between. Zain infact did a little workshop on “lungi dance” too which was enjoyed by each one including little kids. Everyone loved three course meal catered by Sheesh Mahal. All sponsors, singers, musicians including emcee were recognized with certificates for their outstanding work.

The event was sponsored

by AusIndia Travel, Education Embassy, Superme Turf, JV Transport, Dreamworld IT Solutions, Australian Indian Radio and Brisbane Indian Times. Thanks to Joy for taking all amazing photographs for us.

RIC team says, “We are confident that this is only the beginning of our journey & we will be coming back with more events with beautiful melodies & young talented singers & musicians” Stay tuned!

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 29

Olympics to create a $1M median house price in Brisbane From the Desk of the Chief Economist WE SECURED THE 2032 OLYMPICS - GO BRISBANE!!!

Those words were shouted by the many people who crowded Southbank on Wednesday 21 July, followed by fireworks popping and the Story Bridge lighting up in the Olympic colours.

The days after, saw a slew of congratulations, comments (both supportive and critical), and questions about 'what will this mean? for Brisbane'. For the real estate industry, the question is clear: What will hosting the Olympics mean for our property market? How far will prices go?

It is key to observe how median house prices have travelled on two distinct occasions: International sporting events held in other capital cities within Australia International events held in Brisbane and South East Queensland

Sydney Olympics 2000 The 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics was one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in Australia. It required one of the largest recreational, cultural, and residential developments in Sydney’s history; with the total cost estimated at $6.6 billion. Since then

the Olympic Park has undergone over $2.7 billion worth of development to continue the success of the area.

The athletes’ accommodation was reconfigured to offer 900 townhouses and 700 apartments.

Newington and surrounding suburbs sales activity rose by 58.0% between 2000 and 2001 (the year after Olympics), and median house prices grew by 13.4% in the same period.

Median house price growth was not limited to the year after the Olympics.

It grew by 38.5% two years after, and 66.4% three years after.

Brisbane World Expo 1988 and G20 Brisbane Summit 2014 World Expo 1988 and G20 Summit 2014 were key international events that were deemed to have “put Brisbane on the map” and paved the way for “world-class city Brisbane”.

We have compared median house prices for the 11 years prior to each actual event and quoted the 12 years growth to include the year after the event. This allows for a fairer comparison to Olympics 2032 timings.

Both events were located in Southbank and South Brisbane, thus we have included not only Brisbane local government area / council (LGA) median house prices but also data for impacted surrounding suburbs, as property transactions will also occur in

nearby areas.

Key findings: Between 1977 and 1989, which captures the 11 years prior to Expo 1988 and the year after, Brisbane LGA median house price grew by 278.8% During this timeframe, median house prices in South Bank and its surrounding suburbs grew by an average 335.3% Between 2003 and 2015, which captures the 11 years prior to G20 Summit 2014 and the year after, Brisbane LGA median house price grew by 112.7% During this timeframe, median house prices in South Bank and its surrounding suburbs grew by an average

111.6% In the year after Expo 1988 Brisbane LGA median house price grew by 29.7%, South Bank and its surrounding suburbs grew by an average of 19.1%.

In the year after G20 Summit 2014 Brisbane LGA median house price grew by 6.0%, South Bank and its surrounding suburbs grew by an average of 10.3%.

It is clear from the above key findings that hosting both Expo 1988 and G20 Summit has served the Brisbane property market well. That is both in the short term of one year after the event, and the long term throughout the 12 years time frame of preparation, hosting, and post-event.

such as Ipswich, Redland Bay, and Coomera breaking the $1M median price mark.

Again, going metaphorically at “half strength” due to different market speeds, and applying

a 56.0% growth rate (111.6% divided by 2), creates many $1M and close to $1M suburbs: Tennyson ($1.5M), Redland Bay ($994K), Herston ($1.4M), Coomera ($865K), and Broadbeach unit market

($973K).

In conclusion, not only will we see immense price growth for Brisbane LGA as a whole, we will also see extraordinary markets in specific Olympic 2032 suburbs and surrounds.

Moving forward As always, the correct policy and strategy are key.

At present, there are still many debates surrounding hosting the Olympics 2032, on a myriad of issues: cost to the tax-payers (and whether there is a better allocation for this), how well the Olympics will be managed (considering what happened at the Commonwealth Games 2018 in the Gold Coast), and whether or not it will have real long-term benefits for Brisbanites.

In the real estate world, a key question is whether or not Olympics 2032 will make Brisbane, from a purchasing power perspective, as unaffordable as Sydney. At present, local buyers do have an advantage, as we are still sheltered from international demand (borders closed). But the Games is 11 years away –

this gives time for the world to re-open, economies to recover – and already we are seeing record-breaking property sales.

The Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Area (aka The Village) has been confirmed as the site of the Athlete’s Village for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. More than 15,000 athletes will be residents over the course of both Games.

Once the Games are finished the Village will be repurposed to provide a diverse residential offering including: retirement living, aged care, social and affordable housing, student accommodation, Build-to-Rent, and market accommodation. It is predicted in total this new land supply will catalyse $500M in private

investment and create 1600 construction jobs.

Whilst this sounds promising, there needs to be a clear and detailed execution strategy, including an intensive consultation process with key stakeholders.

The 2032 Olympic Games provides a golden opportunity for our three levels of Government to work together to create crucial infrastructure and unlock land supply. Increasing supply is key to housing affordability, given the potential demand the Games will attract.

The prospect of a $1M median house price for Brisbane is a real possibility.

We know we have 11 years.

So no matter where or what your property journey may be, now is the time to weigh up your options and formulate a strategy.

Brisbane Median House Projection Brisbane LGA median house prices have travelled upwards for the past 46 years, recording $810,000 as of 30th June 2021, breaking the $800,000 mark for the first time.

Brisbane LGA median house price grew exponentially after Brisbane World Expo in 1988, and even more so after G20 Brisbane Summit 2014.

In the 12 years between 2003 and 2015, median house prices grew by 112.7%.

This takes into account the timeframe for G20 that is equivalent to now and 1 year after Olympics 2032.

Applying this level of growth will result in a $1.7M median house price by 2033.

That said, data shows property price growth move at different speeds. There was higher growth in the 12 years between 1977 – 1989, the timeframe for Expo 1988, of 278.8%, versus 2003 – 2015, the timeframe for G20, of 112.7%.

Because of this difference, there is a potential that Brisbane’s median house price will not travel as far.

That said, even if we go at “half strength”, metaphorically speaking 56.0% (112.7% divided by 2), that still takes us to $1.2M by 2033.

If we were to take historical data from the Sydney Olympics 2000, median house prices in Newington and surroundings grew by an average of 13.4% in the year after the Olympics were held. Applying 13.4% to the current median house price of $810,000 gives us $918,540.

Bearing in mind Olympics 2032 is still 11 years away and based on how the Brisbane market is travelling, the potential to eclipse this price point is high. Regardless of the calculation method, the conclusion points us to Brisbane becoming a $1M median house price city sooner rather than later.

As seen in previous international events there is a multiplier effect to the property prices in surrounding suburbs.

Olympics 2032 events will be held in various suburbs throughout Brisbane, as well as on the Gold Coast and

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

Sunshine Coast.

The year after the Sydney Olympics 2000, Newington and surrounding suburbs’ median house prices grew by 13.4%. The year after Expo 1988, South Bank and its surrounding suburbs grew by an average of 19.1% and grew by 10.3% after G20 Summit 2014.

Taking a simplified average approach between all three events gives us an average median house price growth of 14.3%. Applying this to 2021 median house prices results in many suburbs becoming $1M areas, such as Tennyson, Woolloongabba, and Herston.

Between 2003 and 2015, which captures the 11 years prior to G20 Summit 2014 and the year after, median house prices in South Bank and its surrounding suburbs grew by an average of 111.6%. If we were to apply this growth to suburbs where Olympics 2032 events will be held, we will see suburbs such as Hamilton and Chandler breaking the $3M median price mark, and currently extremely affordable areas

Combined capital city preliminary auction clearance rate rises as volumes remain steady There were 2,077 homes originally scheduled to go to auction this week across the combined capital cities, however this has revised down to 1,806 auctions as a portion are rescheduled to a later date.

Of the 1,466 results collected so far, which equates to an 81.2% preliminary collection rate, 79.2% were sold results. This week’s preliminary clearance rate is higher than last week’s 74.8% preliminary clearance rate, which later revised down to 73% at final results on Wednesday. Final results last week saw a total 1,728 auctions held. One year ago, a lower 1,154 auctions took place with a final clearance rate of 58.7%.

In Melbourne, 679 homes were taken to auction this week, recording a preliminary auction clearance rate of 77.1%. This was considerably higher than the 71.9% preliminary figure last week when the city was in lockdown. The final clearance rate came in at 70.8% last week across 772 auctions. One year ago, 357 auctions took place and a final auction clearance rate of 55.1% was recorded.

Sydney has remained rather resilient despite the prolonged lockdown currently faced.

The city has seen over 500 properties taken to auction each week. This week 685 homes proceeded to auction, returning a preliminary auction clearance

rate of 80.8%.This week’s results are an improvement on the 74.8% preliminary clearance rate recorded last week. The final results last week came in at 72.8% across 585 auctions. Of the results collected so far this week, 14% were withdrawn, which is lower than last week’s final of 21%. Of the sold results, 64.5% were sold prior the auction event this week, which is higher than the 58.1% of sold priors last week. Canberra was the best performing of the smaller auction markets this week, with a preliminary auction clearance rate of 92.1%.

Following this was Adelaide with a preliminary clearance rate of 82.5%.

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32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 33

Geocon Group doubles down on Canberra market following bumper financial year in sales CANBERRA Founded in 2007

by Managing Director, Nick Georgalis, Geocon Group has grown to become Canberra’s largest and most prolific property developer, having built over 4000 apartments, with an annual company turnover of $500 million.

Leading the transformation of Canberra into a worldclass, cosmopolitan capital city, Geocon’s hallmark is architecturally stunning buildings that deliver a new standard of contemporary apartment living.

Setting the benchmark for real estate development and sales, Geocon builds design-led lifestyle precincts which are close to town centre, connected to public transport, schools, universities and retail and dining amenities.

A key contributor to the vibrancy of Geocon’s mixeduse precinct is the select hotel and hospitality brands created by Iconic Hotels by Geocon, the hotel division of Geocon. With a portfolio of brands spanning mid-scale to premium accommodation offerings, Iconic Hotels

by Geocon designs and delivers unparalleled hotel and hospitality offerings in Canberra, its surrounds, and the NSW South Coast.

Canberra’s largest property

developer, Geocon Group has recorded a bumper year in residential property sales, exchanges and settlements, despite Covid-19, bolstering the Group’s confidence in the Capital’s property market, particularly for investors, for years to come.

The Group reported over 1000 sales for the 20/21 financial year, totalling $438.5 million. Additionally, the company achieved over 840 Settlements at a value of $385 million Included in the bumper sales were 850 Exchanges in off-the-plan apartments sales to the value of $372 million which will be settled by 2024.

With total transactions in the last 12 months equalling an impressive $823 million,

it’s a balance sheet that would be the envy of most developers.

Geocon Group’s Managing Director Nick Georgalis, who founded the company in 2007, said the Group was tremendously pleased with the sales results which indicates the strength and appeal of the Canberra market, particularly with investors who made up 70 per cent of sales.

“Our sales team averaged 20 sales and 16 settlements per week which is pretty fantastic in any standard year let alone during a pandemic where state-wide lockdowns were occurring regularly,” Mr Georgalis said.

“We have seen record sales in the past 12 months for apartments and the

market should see the same increases in value for apartments over the next 12 months that we have seen in housing over the past 12,” he said.

“It is difficult to be consistent in the best of times, let alone the turbulent 12 months that we have all just navigated.

These numbers are a team effort from a dedicated, consistent group of property professionals of who I am incredibly proud.”

Mr Georgalis said he put down Geocon’s success to several key factors, apartment pricing being attractive to investors, strong rental yields in Canberra’s stable rental market and strong capital growth.

“Canberra is currently the

strongest performing market nationally, returning rental yields and capital growth of eight per cent, respectively,” he added.

This was up from 325 apartments worth $141 million the previous financial year – despite enduring the pandemic and the various patches of statewide lockdowns across the country in that period.

Geocon will focus this new financial year on sales at its multi-staged masterplanned community, WOVA which comprises 797 apartments built across four buildings ranging in height from two 12-storey building, one 16-storey building to a landmark 24-storey tower.

The development will also incorporate a 53-room hotel, 2415 sqm of retail space, lap pool and sauna, resident’s private cinema, co-working spaces, contemplative rooftop terrace, fitness studio, bar club lounge, and Chef’s kitchen and dining

room.

The precinct amenity will further include alfresco restaurants and cafes, 3,370 sqm of landscaped gardens and a four-level basement carpark for 1000 car spaces.

Sales at the development has been strong with 255 sold in stage one since launching recently to the market in March 2021.

Geocon currently has in excess of 963 active apartments currently or soon to be constructed with further projects in future planning. Current projects include: WOVA (797 apartments) in Woden Valley, Nightfall (334 apartments) in Belconnen, Aspen Village (622 apartments), Metropol (552 apartments), The Establishment (290 apartments) and High Society (542 apartments) which recently settled.

Grand Central Towers (430 apartments) which recently settled.Total of 2,595 apartments are due to be delivered by late 2024.

Apartments at Geocon’s landmark WOVA residential community, selling successfully to both investors and owner-occupiers alike, start from $299,900 for a one-bedroom apartment. For more information, please visit www.geocon.com.au.

Associate Secretary of GOPIO International Jaswant Mody Dies in Accident NEW JERSEY, Jaswant Mody, 83, an Indian American community leader and former vice president of the Federation of Indian Associations died when his car collided with a freight train on July Fourth in Piscataway, New Jersey on July 4th.

The entire Indian American community is shocked at this sudden death. Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International stated; “It is a great loss for the whole Indian Diaspora community.

He was the sincerest volunteer I have ever worked with. He is currently Associate Secretary of GOPIO International and was at our Zoom meeting of GOPIO on Friday late in the night.

Jaswant Bhai was such a great volunteer, at the First Global Convention in 1989, he was at the welcome/ registration desk for 7 days.

When we had a convention in Delhi at the Ashok Hotel In 2009, he just came and stayed at the hotel for 3 days at his own expense, just to take care of the registration.

That was his commitment for GOPIO. We will miss a lot in our activities. May his soul Rest In Peace.”

He died in a tragic car accident and was the only

one affected,” the family said in an email from son Neil Mody, to community members. “Thanks to all for being a part of his life, he is deeply missed already,” said the note. Jaswant ‘Jay’ Bhailal Mody, an Environmental engineer, a Piscataway civic leader, long active with Indian cultural organizations, passed away suddenly on the Fourth of July 2021 in his hometown of Piscataway, NJ at the age of 83.

Jaswant was born in Mumbai, India on May 20, 1938. After attending the University of Bombay, he followed his dream to come to the United States of America for freedom

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

and opportunity. Jaswant worked and saved for the fare, and after 1 months of traveling by passenger ship, he arrived in New York. He then began his American Dream. Jaswant attended universities in Utah, Ohio, and New Jersey. Jaswant married and settled down in New Jersey and worked as an engineer for over 5 decades.

He retired in 2012 from the DEP of NYC after working there for over 25 years.

Jaswant lived his life as a public servant. He volunteered his time to the Indian community through various organizations and was awarded a Lifetime Service Award by the Association of Indians in America. Jaswant was also very active in the Piscataway community, where he’s lived for the past 47 years.

He was a Committeeman for over 20 years, with the Piscataway Democratic Organization. He served on the Piscataway Township Zoning Board. He helped organize the first India Day Parade in Piscataway.

Jaswant is survived by his wife Chandrika, son Neil, daughter Lena, daughterin-law Sheetal, son-in-law Rupal, 4 grandchildren, 2 sisters, 3 brothers, and several nephews and nieces.

86 Scott Lane, North Maclean /www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au. 04812 38360

Shree Krishna Janamastami

By His Holiness Dharam Guru Pt Tripathi Ji Everyone is invited to please join us in this celebration

Monday 23rd Aug till Monday 30th Aug, 2021

Time: Mon to Friday 6:30pm onwards.

Saturdays and Sunday 5:00pm Onwards Food will be provided daily.

Hawan will be performed on Sat, 28th August at 5:00pm

Shree Krishna Ji Ka Janam & Utshav at: 8:00pm on Monday, 30th of August Celebrated with Kirtans,Sohar & Garba Then Bhog, Aarti & Maha Prasad Food Sponsor $400.00

No fixed sponsor for Havan, donate as you wish.

Contact: Dhiru Desai: 04062 13153, Rajesh Gopal: 04223 44046, Bharat Solanki: 04111 31485, Devika Maharaj: 04248 91159, Ranil Dayal 0403 146575, Narendra Singh 04780 64876, Rabean Singh 04034 33379 or the Temple 5548 6814 For online donation facility visit: www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 35

Coronavirus Latest News LIVE Updates: 38,628 New Covid Cases In India, Nearly 13% Lower Than Yesterday Coronavirus live update: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar - the three big states - reported zero Covid deaths.

2.39 per cent, remained below 5 per cent.

New Delhi: India today reported 38,628 new Covid cases, a drop of nearly 13 per cent from yesterday's 44,643 cases. The positivity rate stands at 2.21 per cent, less than 3 per cent for last 12 days.

With India crossing the

50-crore mark on Friday in the number of Covid vaccine doses administered, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country's fight against the pandemic has received a "strong impetus".

Also, the weekly positivity rate, which is currently at

Here are the LIVE updates on India coronavirus (COVID-19) cases: Trinamool MP Santanu Sen takes jibe at Centre over vaccine shortage in Bengal Taking a jibe at the Central government for handling the COVID-19 pandemic in a "nonserious" manner, Trinamool Congress MP Santanu Sen on Saturday said that the Prime Minister should be called a "Publicity Master", alleging that the Centre sold one vaccine at three different prices across the country.

Amid the ongoing vaccine shortage in West Bengal, the

Japanese Government Approves Indian Contingent's Visit To Its Embassy In Tokyo

Tokyo Olympics: The Indian Ambassador to Japan Sanjay Kumar Verma will felicitate the medal winners, besides interacting with other athletes.

The Indian contingent at the Tokyo Olympics, including the medal winners, has got the required approval from the Japanese government to leave the Games Village and travel to the Indian Embassy for a felicitation ceremony on Saturday. With the Olympics taking place amid rising COVID-19 cases in the host city and the country, athletes and officials are confined to the Games Village and competition venues. Deputy

Chef de Mission Prem Kumar Verma told PTI that it's an honour for the contingent to be invited by Indian Ambassador to Japan Sanjay Kumar Verma.

The Ambassador will felicitate the medal winners, besides interacting with other athletes.

"We wanted around 30 members of our contingent to be at the Embassy but the clearance has only come for 13 (due to COVID-19 infection control guidelines).

It will be a privilege for all of us to meet the Ambassador," Verma said.

Bronze winning men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh, bronze

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

winning boxer Lovlina Borgohain and wrestler Ravi Dahiya, who won a silver, are expected to be part of the team to visit the Embassy. mong the Indian officials, Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra, Chef de Mission B P Baishya, his deputy Verma, Indian Boxing Federation chief Ajay Singh, Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Singh will be there.

The Games organisers have asked the Indian contingent to strictly follow the COVID-19 counter measures at the Indian Embassy, just like they have been following in the Village and competition venues.

TMC leader slammed the Centre for its "faulty vaccine policy", and alleged that India's vaccine policy has been "condemned by the World Health Organisation and the Supreme Court".

Speaking to reporters, the TMC MP said, "The problem with the Central Government is that it was never serious in handling the COVID situation since the beginning. On January 16, when the vaccination started, there was not enough awareness among people and they refused to get vaccinated. By the time they understood the importance, there were not enough vaccines left.

Delhi Reports 72 New Covid Cases, One Death In Last 24 Hours

The national capital recorded 72 fresh COVID-19 cases and one death due to the disease on Saturday, while the positivity rate rose to 0.10 per cent, according to data shared by the health department in New Delhi.

This is a marked increase in the number of daily cases, as 44 cases were reported in the city on Friday.

The coronavirus death count in the city has now risen to 25,066, according to the latest health bulletin.

On Friday, five deaths were also reported, while the positivity rate had stood at 0.06 per cent, according to official figures.

On Thursday, 61 cases with a positivity rate of 0.08 per cent, and two deaths were recorded.

No death due to COVID-19 was recorded in Delhi on Wednesday, while 67 fresh cases were reported with a positivity rate of 0.09 per cent.

This was the fifth time since the starting of the second wave of the pandemic in the national capital when zero fatality had been logged in a day.

On July 18, July 24, July 29 and August 2 too, no death due to COVID-19 was recorded, according to official data.

On March 2 this year, the national capital had reported zero death due to the virus. On that day, the number of single-day infections stood at 217 and the positivity rate was 0.33 per cent.

Tokyo Games: Bajrang Punia To Feature In Bronze Bout, Aditi Ashok In Line For Medal, Women's Hockey Team Finishes In Fourth Position Tokyo Games: Bajrang Punia lost his semi-final bout, and will wrestle in his bronze medal game on Saturday. Meanwhile, golfer Aditi Ashok is still in line for a medal and the women's hockey team lost in the bronze medal match.

The medal proved elusive but the Indian women's hockey team earned plenty of respect with a momentous fourthplace finish in the Olympic Games where golfer Aditi Ashok also stood on the cusp of history even as star wrestler Bajrang Punia disappointed, on Friday. Up against 2016 Games goldmedallists Great Britain in the bronze play-off, India ended 3-4 but managed to give the more fancied team quite a run for its money and in the process earning some more appreciation from the country as well as their opponents.

Rani Rampal and her gutsy teammates cried long after the final hooter had gone off but one thing was clear, history had been scripted by a team that finished last in the previous Games and from whom nobody expected anything.

"I said to the girls, 'Listen, I can't take away your tears.

No words will help that.

We didn't win the medal, but I think we achieved something bigger, and it's inspiring a country and making the country proud'," the team's Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne, whose fouryear stint with the side also came to an end on Friday, said.

Another unexpected medal contender on the

day was Aditi, a 23-year-old Bengalurean whose mother Maheshwari is her caddie at the Games. The unheralded youngster placed herself sole second on the leaderboard and in line for a medal after carding a threeunder 68 in the third round.

Aditi fired five birdies and two bogeys on the day.

She was three-under after picking up shots on fourth, sixth and seventh holes before bogeys on ninth and 11th pulled her back.

However, she made amends with birdies on the 15th and 17th to keep herself in the hunt.

With a storm forecast for the next two days, there is every possibility that she might just clinch the first ever Olympic medal in golf for India if she holds on or play does not happen because of weather. The event will become a 54-hole affair if storm prevents play on Saturday and Sunday.

"I think no matter how I do this week people have heard about golf, and they continue to tune in if they have extended the golf coverage in India, because I'm in the top three or whatever," she said.

"I think that's good itself.

People seeing golf instead of the other sports, it's always good to get more people aware of the game."

The same, however, could not be said of Punia, who entered the Games as an overwhelming favourite to be among the top two at least. After just about making it to the semifinals following two close wins, the second seeded Punia was outmaneuvered by

Azerbaijan's Haji Aliev in the last-four stage, leaving him with a bronze to fight for on Saturday.

There was disappointment as usual in the athletics arena despite a creditable performance by the men's 4x400m relay team. Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Tom Noah Nirmal, Rajiv Arokia and Amoj Jacob combined to break the Asian record after completing the race in 3:00.25sec to finish fourth in the second heat but it was not enough to earn them the final berth.

The earlier Asian record was in the name of Qatar which had clocked 3:00.56 while winning the gold in the 2018 Asian Games. Earlier in the day, the race walkers failed to impress with below-par performances at Sapporo.

National record holder Priyanka Goswami was among the leading pack around the halfway mark but eventually finished 17th while compatriot Bhawna Jat ended at 32nd in the women's 20km race walk event.

In the men's 50km event, Gurpreet Singh pulled out after the 35km mark due to cramps under hot and humid conditions.

Saturday could prove to be historic in Indian athletics when Neeraj Chopra presents his challenge in the javelin throw event. He topped the qualifications with his very first throw and has raised hopes of doing what the likes of late Milkha Singh and P T Usha could not do despite coming very close.

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Indian Independence Our best wishes to India and the Indian-Australian community on India’s Independence Day.

Paul Scarr Senator for Queensland

Amanda Stoker Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General Assistant Minister for Women Assistant Minister for Industrial Relations Senator for Queensland

Scott Morrison Prime Minister

Luke Howarth Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services Member for Petrie

Authorised by A.Hirst, Liberal Party of Australia, Cnr Blackall and Macquarie Sts, Barton ACT 2600.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 37

FOCUS ON FIJI Million dollar reward package announced

COVID-19: Fiji announces 752 new cases and 7 deaths Fiji has reported 752 new

Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has announced a million dollar reward package for the Fiji 7s men’s and Fijiana teams.

Mr Bainimarama, on his official social media Facebook account, said the package would also include helping the men’s captain Jerry Tuwai with a house.

“Rugby doesn’t just let us forget our troubles, it inspires us to overcome them,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“The victories of our men’s

Prime

7s and Fijiana have inspired us all. To give back, we’re announcing a million dollar reward package for these heroes.”

Tuwai’s father, Poasa Vunisa, said they were blessed to have heard of this good news. “We are blessed.

This has showed God’s unfailing love for us and to Jerry,” he said.

Fiji Rugby Union CEO John O’Connor said they would release the breakdown of the announcement soon.

Urgent request for volunteers to donate blood

To address the continuing

shortage of blood in the country, the Fiji Red Cross Society is working with the Fiji National Blood Service to recruit more blood donors.

Blood is needed every day for pregnant mothers, accident victims, cancer patients, complications of diabetes and patients who need surgery.

The Fiji Red Cross Society says over a hundred volunteers have undergone comprehensive training and will be recruiting blood donors across the country through the use of telephones.

If you want to help and donate blood, you can call 8903885 if you live in the Central Division, 992 0297 if you live in the Western Division and 999 2464 if you live in the Northern Division.

You can also register

online through the Fiji Red Cross Facebook page.

Fiji National Blood Service Director Josefa Bolaqace says those who are concerned about whether it’s safe to donate blood during this pandemic can be assured that their blood drive will follow the highest standards of safety and infection control.

He stresses that individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible to donate blood, however, a person would need to wait seven days after getting the vaccine before donating.

Fiji Red Cross Society Director-General, Ilisapeci Rokotunidau says with the current challenges of COVID-19, it is critical that people do not stop donating now.

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

COVID-19 cases for the 24hour period that ended at 8am today.

Ministry of Health and Medical Services permanent secretary Dr James Fong said 88 cases were from the Western Division and 664 cases from the Central Division.

Dr Fong also reported 7 new deaths for the period July 10 to August 5 – six deaths reported in the Central Division and one death in the Western Division.

Below are the details of the deceased persons provided this evening: A 75-year-old man from Tailevu. He presented to a medical facility in severe respiratory distress.

His condition worsened at the medical facility and he died on the same day (05/08/2021). He received the first dose of the vaccine in mid-July. He did not receive the second dose of the vaccine. This means that he was not fully vaccinated; A 53-year-old man from Nausori who died at home on 04/08/2021. He was not

vaccinated; A 58-year-old man from Vatuwaqa who died at home on 05/08/2021. He was not vaccinated; A 52-year-old man from Naitasiri. He presented to a medical facility in severe respiratory distress.

His condition worsened at the medical facility and he died on the same day (05/08/2021). He was not vaccinated; A 48-year-old man from Narere who died at home on 05/08/2021. He was not vaccinated; A 49-year-old woman from Nadi who presented to the Nadi Sub-Divisional

Hospital with an altered level of consciousness. Her family reported that she was noted to be unwell one day prior to her presentation. Her condition worsened in the hospital and she died on the same day (04/08/2021). She was not vaccinated; and A 78-year-old man from Cunningham. He presented to the CWM hospital in severe respiratory distress.

His condition worsened at the hospital and he died 14 days after admission (10/07/2021). He was not vaccinated.

Some updated statistics provided this evening (as at 8am, August 6):

752 new cases as at 8am 7 COVID deaths reported from July 10-August 5 268 new recoveries reported since the last update (Aug 5) 23,696 active cases – Central Division – 18,967 active cases; Western Division – 4729 35,570 cases recorded during the outbreak that started in April 2021 35,640 cases in total recorded in in Fiji since the first case was reported in March 2020, with 11,501 recoveries 7 more deaths of COVID-19 positive patients reported (classified as nonCOVID deaths) 290 deaths due to COVID-19 recorded in Fiji 288 of those deaths recorded during the outbreak that started in April this year, and 153 COVID-19 positive patients died from the serious medical conditions they had before they contracted COVID-19 Source: Ministry of Health PS Dr James Fong, COVID-19 Update, August 6 (2021)

Fiji Airways clarifies leases Fiji Airways has said it had

recently returned two A330200 aircraft that were on lease an all its other A350 and Boeing 737 MAX fleet remains with the company.

The company offered the clarification after the AttorneyGeneral and Minister for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, had said in Parliament in May that Fiji Airways couldn’t return leased aircraft.

“In respect of new leases of aircraft, Mr Speaker, sir, you simply cannot just lease an aircraft today and say, “Oh, I do not want it

tomorrow and give it away.

There are penalties to be paid. It is not like me going to buy a hire purchase for a bed from Courts. This is an aircraft, it costs hundreds and millions of dollars,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum had told

Parliament on May 27.

This newspaper asked Fiji Airways to clarify what aircraft the minister was referring to in the Parliament statement which couldn’t be returned?

“Clarifying that the

aircraft being referred to are the A350 and Boeing 737 MAX fleet,” said a company spokesperson.

The two leased A330-200 aircraft, the Island of Beqa and Island of Vatulele, have been returned a few months ahead of its end of lease.

The two aircraft joined the Fiji Airways fleet in May and July, 2018 as part of a short-term lease from the lessor.

Fiji Airways has not responded to our query on whether the company has paid any penalty for returning the planes early.

Plans for Olympic celebration once 80% of adults are fully vaccinated – PM Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says they will plan for a proper celebration for our Fiji 7s teams when at least 80 percent of Fijian adults are fully vaccinated.

He made the comment while announcing a milliondollar reward package for our Fiji 7s teams.

He adds there are enough vaccines for every eligible Fijian and people should continue with their lifesaving work of protecting Fijians through vaccination.

The Fiji Men’s 7s team players and team management will receive $33,000 each for getting gold while the Fijiana 7s team players and team

Prime

management will receive $11,000 each for getting bronze.

Also included in this package is a house for Jerry Tuwai who is the first and

only rugby player to have won two Olympic gold medals.

ô͚đŀ

cordially invites you all to

Venue : Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre 198 Learoyd Road, Willawong, Qld 4110 RIG VEDA

SAM VEDA

Gayatri Maha Yajna Sponsorship

For your Donation towards Yajna sponsorship please kindly contact: Coordinator Mr. Mul Chand - 0428466698 Dr. Sukhvir Singh - 0421897157 Mrs. Sushila Pathik - 0427017888 Please pre-register your interest to participate in the Yajna so that organisers can make arrangements to adequately accommodate all.

Bank : Bank of Queensland Acct Name : Arya Pratinidhi Sabha Of Queensland BSB Number: 124077 Acct Number: 22274433

YAJUR VEDA

ATHARVA VEDA

Refreshments and Lunch will be provided to all present

Havan Yajna ceremony is one of the most important rites laid down in the Vedic scriptures for householders and is part of the eternal Sanatan Vedic Dharm/culture. Yajna is the cornerstone of the Vedic way of life .The benefits of havan/agnihotra are multi-dimensional . ALL WELCOME

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 39

Can people with normal liver function tests still have chronic hepatitis?

In Australia more than 30% people with chronic hepatitis do not know they have it, many of them were born overseas.

Furthermore, most people with chronic hepatitis B get infected with hepatitis B either at birth or in early childhood and live with the virus for many years, but feel and look healthy. For hepatitis C, people can get infected at any age without knowing it.

Some people with chronic hepatitis B or C go to see their doctor regularly and have blood tests with normal liver function results. However, normal liver function results do not mean they do not have chronic hepatitis B or C. The only way to find out if someone has chronic hepatitis B or C is to have a specific blood test for hepatitis B or C. These tests

are not included in regular annual blood tests, or general blood tests or if you have had blood tests in a hospital.

It important to know that a person with chronic hepatitis B or C may not

have any changes to their liver and general blood tests.

However, over time hepatitis B and C could cause serious damage to the liver and even liver cancer.

Therefore, it is vital to visit

your GP to ask for specific hepatitis B and C tests if you were born overseas: • For hepatitis B – you can ask your doctor to check for Hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody, and Hepatitis B core antibody. The results can tell you if you have hepatitis B, if you have immunity to protect you either through hepatitis B immunisation or the previous infection.

• Hepatitis C – you can ask your doctor to check for hepatitis C antibody, if positive, you will need another test for hepatitis C RNA (this checks for actual virus in the blood) to find out if you still have hepatitis C. What happens if you do have either of these viruses?

• For hepatitis B – you will need regular check-ups with your doctor for life (for most people this is every

six months) and possibly treatment to help prevent damage or cancer of the liver if needed.

• For hepatitis C – you can get treatment that can cure (clear) the virus. The treatment is easy and will take 8-12 weeks.

Fibroscan is available free at ECCQ for all people diagnosed with hepatitis B or hepatitis C. If you need or would like a Fibroscan please see your GP and ask for a referral.

If you would like more information or have questions you can: Visit our website www. eccq.com.au/bbv Contact our Program on 07 3844 9166 If you live in Cairns you can contact HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Sexual Health Coordinator Cairns Sexual Health Service 381 Sheridan St, Cairns North, QLD, 4870 Phone: 4226 4760

Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

Remedies for Baking Soda Nimisha Modi

Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

Hey Girls, this time we are discussing remedies for Baking Soda. Yes I know we all have a box of baking soda always handy in the pantry, these solutions are for smoother hair, brighter skin, smoother foot and hands, and whiter teeth Dry Shampoo Dry shampoo is an amazingly useful product to have on hand. Apply it on those mornings you hit snooze one too many times, after a gym session, or to simply give your hair some added lift.

Baking soda makes for a fantastic all-natural dry shampoo which really keeps the oiliness in check.

Use it on its own, or mixed with a few drops of essential oil – like lavender, lemon or rose – for a pleasant scent.

Those with light coloured hair can just work the powder evenly through the hair, before brushing.

Brunettes may need to add a little cocoa powder to the mix first to avoid a grey tinge.

Repair “Swimmers’ Hair” If you’re a blonde who swims regularly, you probably suffer from some dullness, discolouration or even a green tinge to your hair!

One of the easiest methods of removing this build-up is by mixing a paste of baking soda and water.

Coat the green areas with this paste and leave it to

baking soda will soften and soothe your whole body.

You can also take a cool baking soda bath in the summer to relieve sunburn or bug bites.

work for ten minutes before rinsing with clean water.

Make sure to shampoo the sodium bicarbonate out and follow up with a good conditioner as this can be quite drying. Depending on how to green your hair is, you may have to repeat the process a few times.

In future, soak your hair thoroughly in clean water before entering the pool.

This stops the hair from taking up chlorine and other metals from the water which lead to discolouration Body exfoliator Your skin will look dull and ashy if you allow dry, dead cells to build upon the surface. Speed cell turnover and get an enviable all-over glow by exfoliating once a week. No need to buy an expensive scrub; make your own with baking soda by using the same formula as your face: one part water to three parts baking soda.

Detox Bath Soak Pair baking soda with Epsom salts for the perfect pre-bedtime soak.

Not only will this duo help you eliminate toxins, but they will reduce bloating, promote restful sleep and encourage healthy skin.

While running your bath, pour in a half cup of baking soda and a handful of Epsom salts. For added benefit, shake in a few drops of essential oil.

Relax in this soothing blend for 20 to 30 minutes, remembering to hydrate afterwards with a glass of water.

Artificial tan remover Have you ever applied

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

Facial scrub Love that deep-clean feeling you get from a facial scrub with microbeads?

These products may do wonders for your skin.

But for a safe alternative: Make your own exfoliating facial scrub using baking soda. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub onto your face with gentle, circular strokes, then rinse with warm water. self-tanner expecting a summery bronzed glow and instead ended up with orange skin or unsightly streaks? Next time you have a self-tanner mishap, you don't have to wait for it to fade away. Use the body exfoliator formula—one part water to three parts baking soda—to gently scrub it away.

Deodorant If you have sensitive skin, you may be able to use a dusting of baking soda in place of store-bought deodorant. Baking soda neutralizes acids and bases, so it removes odours. It also won't stain your clothes the way many antiperspirants can.

Razor burn soother A razor burned bikini line can be painful, not to mention unsightly. Soothe your sensitive skin with a solution of 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Allow the solution

to dry on your skin (it will take about 5 minutes), and then rinse with cool water.

Men can also use this same formula for a pre-shave or after-shave treatment on their face as long as they avoid the eye area.

Itchy skin reliever You don't have to settle for skin that's dry, itchy, and uncomfortable in the cold winter months. Taking a warm bath (not hot—that'll make your dry skin problem worse!) with a half-cup of

Cautions of Baking Soda on Skin While baking soda has a multitude of uses for hair, skin and more, it can be very drying and may even cause irritation to those with sensitive skin. To ensure baking soda is right for you, test out any treatment using sodium bicarbonate on a small patch of skin before applying liberally.

Discontinue use if you experience any unwanted side effects.

No matter your skin type, you should avoid using baking soda too regularly as it may alter the pH balance of the skin – apply no more than twice per week, or less if you have dry skin.

See you all next month where we will discuss even more uses of baking soda.

In the meantime, if your face or your hair is giving you too many problems, you can always book a facial or a hair mask with me on 0412350013.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 41

AUGUST-2021

Aries ( 21st March to 20th April )

Taurus ( 21st April to 21st May )

Gemini ( 22nd May to 21st June )

Stars predict brighter chances for Aries to start a new relationship. It may be the right time for singles to get into a secret love relationship. Proposal from a friend or a colleague may come as a surprise. However, you may need to stay cautious before making any major decisions related to your love life. Avoid commitments in a relationship as it may not go a long way. The month may bring significant changes in the career front. Learn to exercise patience as workplace challenges may frustrate you. There may be chances of a job change or confrontation with immediate bosses or colleagues. Mellow down your tone and sit across the table to resolve differences. Money and finance may be average for Aries natives. There may be a rise in income sources but excessive expenditure may imbalance your balance sheet. Regular income sources may not gain momentum. However, you may make some financial gains from multiple investments. Academically, the month may not show expected results. Students may need to focus and sincerely work towards their goals. Health-related expenses may arise on the domestic front.

You may seriously need to work on your fitness levels. A weak immune system may make you prone to fever and seasonal cold. It may be advisable to keep away from beverages. Digestive disorders may give your system a hiccup. Get to healthy eating and avoid roadside eatables.

Taurus natives may have a schedule packed month with job and business-related activities. Be attentive about new changes and investments that may affect your financial cautiousness. Learn to be patient and work honestly towards your goals. Relationships may need to be scrutinized. A sudden break due to separation may bring stressful moments in life. There may be indications of a family get-together or celebration on the maternal side. At the workplace, you may easily overcome challenges with your strategic mind and patience. The month shows planned changes in your work schedule. Money and finance may take a back seat as the period may not be suitable for making new and major investments. Refrain from lending monetary assistance to friends and siblings. Despite chances of income enhancement, you may not be able to strike the balance as unplanned expenses may rise. Hectic work schedules may keep you busy around the month. You may experience a change in your work environment. Interactions with new people may be predicted. Seniors may give you a helping hand.

Overall, the month may keep you occupied with new work assignments. Workrelated travelling may be envisaged for the month.

Gemini may benefit from peculiarities they may have been ridiculed for. You may be the centre point at parties and public gatherings. People may get drawn towards your vibrant and enthusiastic energy levels. The period may demand you to keep your innovative ideas on hold as the period may not be beneficial. Keep away from temporary depressive mood swings. The period may help you earn fortune without much delay. It may be the perfect time to plan a vacation with your family. Take care of your responsibilities as the head of the family and invest your time rather than money to make your family happy. Those planning to execute or change their home as well as office decors may find the period suitable. Consultation with an expert may enhance chances of better growth prospects. However, too much reliance and support on others may make you feel burdensome, as you are the perfect judge of your destiny. With increased mental and physical stamina you may remain enthusiastic to undertake multiple tasks. Make sure you channelize your creativity in the right direction for good and purposeful things. Rejuvenation is what your body may demand the most, however, packed work schedules may restrict you from enjoying your own time.

Cancer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )

Leo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )

Virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd September )

Cancer may get a career boost this month. Majority of your professional dreams are likely to get fulfilled after trials and tribulations. Success may propel your self-confidence and strengthen your will-power during the period. The month may prove a beneficial one as impediments and challenges may gradually come to a halt as time progresses.

This may pave the way for better growth opportunities. It may be the time to consolidate your position rather than making ambitious moves. With a positive planetary affect, your personal life may have a smooth sailing. There may be warmth and intimacy in your relationships that may give a soothing effect. With the impact of the love planet Venus you are likely to experience noticeable changes in your love life. However, pride may engulf you, make sure it does not play the spoilsport in hurting the feelings of your loved ones. Learn to keep arrogance and overindulgence at bay while interacting with others. Exercising discipline and self-control may enhance the chances of financial growth and expansion. However, pending issues related to investments and assets may resolve easily. Jupiter’s influence may urge you to get away with your egoistic tendencies and highhanded behaviour.

Students may undergo some important changes that are likely to bring some stiff challenges in their educational pursuits. However, friends, mentors may prove lifesavers in resolving complex issues for reasonable progress. Fitness levels may get impacted as Mars may bring carelessness in tackling health issues. You may run low on energy levels. Besides, the influence of Venus may make you lethargic and undisciplined that may adversely affect your health parameters.

Unemployed Leos may feel uncomfortable for one or the other reason. Besides, excessive workload or indifferences may make interactions difficult with bosses or colleagues.

However, positivity from Jupiter may soothe your nerves to some extent. Those looking out for job opportunities may see good news coming up their way. Although, you may need to toil harder and exercise patience till the end of the month. Money and finance may work out well as past issues may get sorted out with ease providing you relief around the mid-month. The period may lure you to invest in the real estate sector or property. Try and refrain from any financial transactions during the latter part of the month. Faulty planetary placements may give rise to relationship problems. Though, it may be a temporary phase that may soon fade away with time. Strong planet influences may aid students however, maintaining balance, staying focused and time management issues may develop loopholes at times. Despite soaring health issues, you may be able to maintain healthy fitness levels around the month.

A positive month for Virgos on the career front.

Although, you may initially feel burdensome as hurdles may arise in the initial part of the month. Things may gradually fall in place with positivity from Mercury. The period may bring good tidings for businessmen. All they may need to be careful is maintain a good rapport with high worth clients as the impact of Mars is likely to cause disruptions.

However, success may be guaranteed in the latter part of the month. Financial matters may sound profitable throughout the phase. The transiting Venus may yield excellent monetary gains along with providing suitable grounds for investments. Expenses may take the toll as the month progresses. Your financial strength may get stronger towards the month-end. In relationships, you may enjoy some wonderful moments with your loved ones, although there may be disturbance due to family or personal issues. With love from Venus, things may get back into the flow as warmth and intimacy may cement your relationship. Emotional tides may rise to the peak towards the end of the month. Singles may come across someone special who may sweep them off their feet. Students may surge ahead with excellent performances. Mercury’s influence may enhance your knowledge and refine your skills. As the month progresses planetary impact may bless you with full potential. Health may shine. However, seasonal ailments may hold the grip in the initial part of the month. Energy levels may gradually get a push. Precisely, a strong and healthy immune system may keep you fit and fine around the latter part of the month.

Libra ( 23rd September to 22nd October )

Scorpio ( 23rd October to 22nd November )

Sagittarius ( 23rd November to 21st December )

A sense of joy and cheerfulness may surround Libra during the month. Through introspection and by exercising your mind on things, which are not mundane, you will rise above the stress and strain of routine existence. Try and enjoy the phase!

Relationships may turn sour as parents may find it tough to cope up with the necessities of their children. You may prove yourself perfect in the role of a husband/wife and father/mother, revealing your inner side that you may have kept concealed! Take health precautions and abstain from overindulgence in food and vices like alcohol that may lead to ailments and stress. Meeting some respectable persons may guide you to a way out of your delusions that may also boost your creativity. Relationships may remain stagnant as you and your partner may be in two minds as to who may make the first move.

Walk the talk before situations turn dire! Expressing an independent and freedomloving nature will not come as a surprise for your near and dear ones, especially who suffer from a mistaken identity perception. Your affectionate and loving character may be a reason for your children and friends to rely on you in times of distress. Interactions and intermingling with people may finally lead to some romantic encounters. Entrepreneurs may embark on short journeys or trips that may bring profitable results.

An exciting month that may bring new experiences at your doorstep making you feel content and happy. As aptly said every cloud has a silver lining! Similarly, tough situations may evaporate as you plan to work on your positives and achievements. The mid-month indicates an adventurous as well as thrilling long trip! Unhealthy diet and jet lag may put a dent in your fitness levels. Make sure you utilize the time ideal for self-care. At the career front, the month may be enthusiastic as well as promoting. Those striving hard to achieve the desired goals are likely to do well. It may be a promising period as you may remain happy to seek new professional gains. Finances may top the chart for the month as you may witness some new avenues for income enhancement. A wonderful month to save money as and when it comes to you. However, stay cautious while lending money as you are likely to suffer losses. Natives working to pull down their weight may see some progress towards the end of the month. This may come up as a wonderful gain in your personal life. To add up, you may get more health-conscious which in turn may give you satisfaction with the way life may take turns.

Destiny may work in your favour for the month. You may stay content with life as past good deeds may turn rewarding. However, this may be purely credited to your hard work! Enjoy fruits by the sweat of your brow!Careers may face some ups and downs in the initial phase. However, things may fall in place as prospects may improve to new heights. It may be due to the proximity between the transit of Mars and Venus who may gradually fall apart. This fragment of planets may open up ways for new opportunities. All you may need to do is stay cautious and maintain humility. Money and finances may also keep up in good shape due to your frugal nature of focusing on priority needs! A prudent decision to spend wisely may enhance savings as well as your bank balance that may boost up your confidence levels. You may adhere to this practice for a stable financial condition. Visiting a pilgrim place may prove beneficial. You may successfully move ahead in life with your spiritual beliefs. However, excessive travelling may adversely affect your fitness levels. Ensure you take good care to keep your health parameters in shape. The month may be excellent for academics. Children preparing for competitive examinations are likely to do well. Excellent performances in studies may bring happiness for students and parents. However, staying focused for better future performances may get necessary for students.

Capricorn ( 22nd December to 20th January )

Aquarius ( 21st January to 18th February )

Pisces ( 19th February to 20th March )

Sharp intellect and a tactical approach is likely to help Capricorn natives take accurate decisions. However, you may face challenges due to language-related barriers in either area of finance or on the work front. Refrain from overconfidence and disrespectful talks. This may aid in avoiding verbal combats with colleagues and companions.

To sum, you may expect major changes on the professional front. All you may need to consider is that one must be prepared to rise to challenges for a rapidly changing scenario! With the magnanimous Sun creating auspicious circumstances you are likely to bathe in honour, prestige and authority this month! With extensive support from friends and family, you may make headways in your professional life. In money and finances, you may need to curtail your expenses and prioritize your needs. Hard work may help you attain everything your heart desires. Although, it may not be a suitable period to plan out international trips or undertake foreign projects as the outcome may not be satisfactory. But, you may rely on the situation that may gradually improve in the second half of the month.

Revision and analysis may be the keywords for expected results in August. Aquarius natives may need to reanalyze their working habit and problem-solving attitude to get success during the month. Ensure you prioritize health and avoid argument and stress for healthy living.

Finances may get a jolt as unplanned expenses are likely to rise. Get to some quick analysis to curtail expenditure and limit desires. The Ketu transit may jolt your finances for the month. However, past investments are likely to show off well. But, you may need to refrain from investments in land and property as losses may incur. With Rahu’s influence, there may be a decline in profits. The period may be unsuitable for monetary gains as there may be confusion with various investment options. It may only be preferable to go ahead with speculative deals under expert supervision.

With changes in the planetary placement, you are likely to get inclined towards meditation. You may get prone to secret learning or some research work that may bring you success. Those in businesses may communicate well with partners and gain and share their experiences. Some new changes may bring good vision to execute and implement excellent business plans with efficiency. Personal relationships are likely to go sour as there may be a misunderstanding with elder siblings. The transit of Saturn and Jupiter may teach married couples to cultivate their relationship with love and care.

A good month for Pisces natives to reanalyze and clear their backlog. A sudden trip to home-land may be foreseen.

Chances of a job change may be indicated however the period may not be suitable for the same. Challenges related to money and finances may crop up at the job front. Miscommunication in a new project at work is likely to bring impediments. Postpone major changes in business plans as legal hassles are likely to bring unnecessary stress and tension. Love and relationship are likely to bloom as you may get involved in a secret affair or receive a sudden proposal from a friend. However, it may be advisable to refrain from hasty decisions in a new relationship. You may get engulfed with aggression and thoughts of losing your partner. It may be a disturbing phase as there may be disagreements with your beloved. Exercise caution before getting to any conclusive decision in marital matters. Although, positive aspects and commitments are likely to help and improve your married life.

Education and learning may shine as students aspiring for higher studies or research work may get success. The month may give you an opportunity to travel overseas, learn a foreign language and also have a great time with friends. Natives in careers related to charity or religion are likely to get success. Those interested in the study of occult sciences may get a chance or develop a desire to get through it. Domestic matters may compel you to forgo arguments and unnecessary confrontations with family members as it may disrupt the peace and harmony at home. Negativity may adversely affect your physiological health. Nonetheless, harbouring positive thoughts and adopting an optimistic approach may overcome personal and professional challenges.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 43

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2020 — 51

Bigg Boss OTT confirmed contestants: Karan Nath, Urfi Javed, and Zeeshan Khan will participate in Karan Johar’s show Rani Mukerji has left from India to a global location to start shooting her muchawaited next theatrical Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway! Billed as an untold story about a journey of a mother’s battle against an entire country, the movie will be directed by Ashima Chibber, of Mere Dad Ki Maruti fame.

A trade insider says, “Rani is set to start shooting the film in the next couple of days. She has done intensive preparation for the film which will be revealed in due course of time and one can expect a sublime Rani Mukerji performance as Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is a complete author-backed role for her. Rani will be out of the country for over a month for this shoot. She has been waiting to start this project which is extremely close to her heart.”

“Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is a story of true human resilience and it is a film that is dedicated to all the mothers out there. It is truly one of the most amazing scripts that I have read in a long time and I immediately

decided to do this special film,” Rani had said during the film’s announcement.

Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway will be produced by Nikkhil Advani of Emmay Entertainment and Zee Studios. Rani Mukerji was last seen in Pradeep Sarkar's

Mardaani 2 produced by her husband Aditya Chopra.

She has also wrapped up the shoot of her crime comedy Bunty Aur Babli 2 directed

by Varun V. Sharma opposite Saif Ali Khan, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Sharvari Wagh.

Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is a story of true human resilience and it is a film that is dedicated to all the mothers out there. It is truly one of the most amazing scripts that I have read in a long time and I immediately decided to do this special film,

TV producer Rocky Jaiswal rubbishes the rumors of getting married to actress and girlfriend Hina Khan; says they will marry but it is not the right time now Actress Hina Khan and producer Rocky Jaiswal are one of the most adorable couples in the Television industry. The duo never shy away from expressing their love openly and can be seen sharing lovely pictures of each other during various occasions on their social media handles. The couple are often found giving major couple goals thereby treating their fans. It has been a long time since the couple are dating and their fans are eagerly waiting to see them getting married.

Rocky Jaiswal came forward and rubbished the rumors of them getting married any time soon.

The 33-year-old producer clarified that they have seen good and bad times together and marriage is not on their minds yet. He said that they do not want to get married just for the sake of it and only make the decision when it is the right time.

He pointed out how many couples nowadays split after a few years of marriage and they are both happy in their space. He further says that they have built trust in their relationship over time and currently concentrating on growing in their respective careers. He also says that they will surely marry but not now.

Rocky expressed that he is very frank and open with his girlfriend Hina and are always there for each other no matter what. He said that his ladylove is very understanding and he can express any kind of feelings to her. The sincerity and clarity in a relationship are what they have nurtured properly mainly during times when the relationships have become so brittle. Hina Khan met Rocky Jaiswal on the sets of her TV show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai where he worked as a supervising producer and both fell in love after working for 8 years.

Ronit Roy reveals he lost This is how much Rekha was paid for a one-minute apperance in the promo of Ghum Hain Kisikey Pyaar Meiin many celebrity clients of his security agency during the pandemic; says only Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan stood by him We all are aware that Bollywood actors also make select appearances on the small screens from time to time, but have you ever wondered about the real reason for that brief special appearance? One of the most recent examples is of Rekhaji making a special appearance for Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin’s promo. A source from the industry shared, "There is no parallel to Rekha Ji! We all know her charisma is

boundless and she was also a part of the first promo when the show was launched. The

title of the show is inspired by one of the most melodic tracks of Bollywood and this

song has a special place in her heart. It's truly wonderful that she is a part of the second promo as well which talks about trouble in paradise for Sai & Virat’s love story on the show."

Also, as per industry sources the Bollywood Diva has got a huge sum of money, to the tune of around Rs. 5-7 crores for the brief 1-minute appearance in the promo!

Now, that’s some serious moolah we must say.

Rani Mukerji flies overseas to start shooting for Ashima Chibber’s film Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway Rani Mukerji has left from India to a global location to start shooting her muchawaited next theatrical Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway! Billed as an untold story about a journey of a mother’s battle against an entire country, the movie will be directed by Ashima Chibber, of Mere Dad Ki Maruti fame.

A trade insider says, “Rani is set to start shooting the film in the next couple of days. She has done intensive preparation for the film which will be revealed in due course of time and one can expect a sublime Rani Mukerji performance as Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is a complete author-backed role for her. Rani will be out of

the country for over a month for this shoot. She has been waiting to start this project which is extremely close to

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

her heart.”

“Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is a story of true human resilience and it is a

film that is dedicated to all the mothers out there. It is truly one of the most amazing scripts that I have read in a long time and I immediately decided to do this special film,” Rani had said during the film’s announcement.

Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway will be produced by Nikkhil Advani of Emmay Entertainment and Zee Studios. Rani Mukerji was last seen in Pradeep Sarkar's Mardaani 2 produced by her husband Aditya Chopra. She has also wrapped up the shoot of her crime comedy Bunty Aur Babli 2 directed by Varun V. Sharma opposite Saif Ali Khan, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Sharvari Wagh.

Actor Ronit Roy runs a security agency called Ace Security that provides bodyguards for celebrities.

He recently revealed that he lost many clients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that only actors Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan supported him during the tough time when he had also considered shutting down the firm.

Talking to a leading daily, Ronit Roy said that post the lockdown in March 2020, he had decided to shut down his security agency.

However, he decided to keep the employees on the roster as they were all in need of funds for personal reasons.

He said his clients, the “socalled stars”, went away.

He said that only Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay

Kumar stood by him during the lockdown and he is grateful to them.

Ronit further said that when work resumed he asked his 110 employees to return to their duties. However, 40 of them declined as they did not want to come back from their hometowns. Upset by the perceived indifference by the employees, he has now changed the way his agency operates. He said that he has resumed operations and doe not have anyone on the roster now and has devised some way to pay the staff.

Further talking about lost clients coming back to him when the situation improved, Ronit said that those clients were never short on money and when few approached him again he refused to work with them.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 45

Aussies eye fantastic 50 medals on final day: Olympic Medal Tally LIVE Australia has moved within touching distance of a milestone 50 medals as the Tokyo 2020 Games draw towards a spectacular conclusion on Sunday.

The Boomers claimed a first-ever Olympic medal with bronze on Saturday night, at the same time as Nicola McDermott bagged silver in the women’s high jump final.

That took Australia’s total medal haul to an incredible 46, including 17 gold.

On Friday, Australian pair Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar won a silver medal in the women’s beach volleyball, going down in the final to the USA.

Then 24-year-old Harry Garside lost his lightweight boxing semi-final to Cuba’s

Andy Cruz, but is guaranteed a bronze medal.

And Kelsey-Lee Barber

won bronze in the javelin to wrap up another successful day.

Indonesia celebrates Olympic gold offering the winners five cows, a meatball restaurant and a new house Five cows, a meatball restaurant, and a new house: Just some of the prizes promised to Indonesian badminton gold medallists Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu when they return home from Tokyo.

South-East Asia's biggest country is badminton-crazy and the sport has produced all of its golds since being added to the Olympic programme in 1992.

Women's pair Greysia and Apriyani defeated China's Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan 21-19, 2115 on Monday, giving Indonesia its first gold of the Tokyo Games.

At a time when the country's badminton association is reporting a COVID-linked drop in people taking up the sport, the government quickly stepped in with a 5 billion rupiah ($473,000) cash award — and the pair have since been showered with more gifts.

Five cows, a house and a meatball restaurant The district head in Apriyani's hometown on Sulawesi island promised her five cows and a house, while a chain of meatball restaurants pledged to give them both their own outlet.

Celebrations went viral on social media, with a meme in which a Twitter user switches places with Greysia

when she changes her racket receiving 44,600 likes.

In a message on Twitter, President Joko Widodo said the pair's "tough and thrilling" victory was a gift ahead of independence day on August 17.

Broto Happy, a badminton association spokesperson, said the pair's win came at a time when recruitment of new players had stalled because the coronavirus had

shut down competitions.

"This is the sign of love from badminton lovers in Indonesia to the new winners," he said of the nationwide celebrations.

Greysia, 33, said on the Badminton World Federation's website: "I was born to be a badminton player. And I had that faith when I was just 13, that I wanted to make history for Indonesia."

Barber takes out bronze in javelin final Australia's KelseyLee Barber has capped a stunning turnaround in form by winning bronze in the women's javelin tonight.

The 29-year-old reigning world champion produced her best throw with her sixth and last with 64.56m.

It was only five centimetres behind Poland's Maria Andrejczyk (64.61m) and a bit under

two metres behind gold medallist Shiying Liu from China (66.34m).

Barber's bronze comes after struggling over the past six months with the javelin "yips", and she only made the final with her last throw in qualifying.

Barber broke down in tears afterwards, embracing her husband and coach Mike Barber in the grandstand.

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

‘She shouldn’t be on TV’: Genevieve Gregson breaks Australia’s heart all over again

Aussie 3000m Steeplechase runner Genevieve Gregson has given an emotional interview just days after her horror Achilles injury.

The 32-year-old fell on the last water jump of the Steeplechase final and was quickly picked up by the medical staff, leaving the stadium with a ruptured Achilles. And it was her birthday.

Devastatingly, it was her right Achilles, with Gregson having come into the Olympics with issues with her left Achilles.

Speaking on Friday night, Gregson was clearly still heartbroken, but vowed not to be finished competing for Australia.

“It’s raw, it’s hard. I’m not okay yet but I will be,” she said. “I haven’t spoken to many people so that’s why I’m a bit vulnerable right now but I’ll be happy soon.

Just getting through it.”

Gregson said her friends, family and her husband were all hurting with her, but she said the reaction from the Australian public had “been insane”.

She said her left Achilles had been causing her issues since Rio and she had been compensating by putting extra pressure on her right side.

She said “something had to give” — unfortunately it was during the Olympic final that it finally gave way.

When Gregson grabbed her ankle she felt there was no tendon and “just laid

there in disbelief but I almost expected it”.

As for what’s next, Gregson said she wanted to continue to represent Australia and may even look at stepping up to the marathon.

But first, she has a long recovery to come.

“It’s looking like I’m not just going to get one Achilles fixed I’m going to try and go for both which means the next year ahead of me is pretty brutal,” she said. “I’ll be wheelchairbound for a while but (her husband) Ryan is on his way home and I’ll meet him in Singapore and we’ll work out a plan from there and it will be a good one because we’re a good team and I wouldn’t have come this far without him.

“I’m just ready to find a plan for the next year or so because I don’t feel like I’m done yet. I love the roads. I think I’ve got a lot to give in the marathon or just in road running in general and I’m such a proud Australian athlete. I just couldn’t imagine a setback like this tearing me away from the sport. I don’t see it that way.”

It was a heartbreaking interview as Gregson struggled to hold her composure as the injury was still so raw.

Social media was heartbroken all over again with some saying that she shouldn’t have been interviewed at all.

Country libraries and tertiary students are the winners from National Backyard Cricket fundraising campaign THE Learning for a Better World (LBW) Trust has raised nearly $5 million since its inception 15 years ago. It draws on the generosity of the Australian and international cricketing community to provide transformational educational opportunities for young men and women in the developing world.

Our hope is that, when they graduate, these young men and women will have the opportunity to play an important part in improving the future of their communities and nations.

Over 1300 students from countries including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania, Indonesia, Kenya and Afghanistan are supported annually.

The LBW Trust fundraisers through charitable donations, the LBW Trust Annual Dinner, Batting for Change events, and Women for Change fundraising campaigns.

Each of these avenues draws on the support of Australians, the cricketing community, and our diverse group of Directors, Committee Members,

Patrons, and Ambassadors including legends of the game. Our Board of Directors consists of a wide range of professionals, from journalists and authors to accountants, bankers, teachers, lawyers and businesspeople, all bound by a common philanthropic passion and a love of cricket.

The inaugural National Backyard Cricket campaign was made possible by the support of our marketing and media partners; MultiConnexions, Triple M, Nexba, Spriggy, Blue Chip Communications, CW Consults, Nightjar and Budgy Smugglers. For more

information, please refer to the National Backyard Cricket website http:// nationalbackyardcricket. com.au.

The LBW Trust has now distributed the funds raised during the inaugural National Backyard Cricket program, held last summer to country libraries across Australia and tertiary education projects in India and Sri Lanka.54 country libraries across Australia have received funding grants which will enable these libraries to complete projects ranging from computer access for young people, to ESL classes,

special needs programs and coding classes. Almost half the grant applications requested funding for technology equipment.

Harvey Norman has generously matched the funds raised for libraries during the National Backyard Cricket program enabling grants to meet the technology needs of 21 libraries. In total, nearly $70,000 in grants will be distributed to country libraries working with our partner, Friends of Libraries Australia.

Tertiary students in India and Sri Lanka have also been the recipients of the

funds raised by the National Backyard Cricket program for overseas education. At a time when the pandemic has devastated the lives of so many in the Indian subcontinent, the support provided to the students to support their education and relieve pressure on their families has been invaluable.

There were 125 games of backyard cricket played during the National Backyard Cricket program, with over 320 donors helping to raise more than $125,000. The program was supported by cricketing royalty including; Justin

Langer, Alex Blackwell, Ryan Carters, Russel Arnold, Alyssa Healy, Ed Cowan and Michael Holding.

David Vaux, Chair of The LBW Trust said, “National Backyard Cricket was an opportunity for families and communities across Australia to come together and have fun playing our iconic game after an extremely challenging 12 months, while supporting an important cause at the same time. We are so thrilled we can support local libraries and overseas tertiary education as we know they both have a powerful impact on learning and life outcomes.”

“We are heartened by the generosity of the Australian public who participated in National Backyard Cricket.

The program exceeded our expectations. Together with our partners, we are proud of National Backyard Cricket’s success in its first year. We have established a great platform for National Backyard Cricket to build on. “For more information, please visit https:// nationalbackyardcricket. com/.

Neeraj Chopra wins...

CONTD. FROM PG 1 "You all helped me (fans and media). I have worked hard but you all have worked equally hard with me. Thank you so much for all the facilities," Neeraj Chopra told reporters after winning the gold medal.

Neeraj also dedicated his gold medal to Milkha Singh and said he would have wanted to personally meet the legendary sprinter with the medal. He also dedicated the gold to PT Usha and other Indian athletes who came close to winning an Olympic medal.

Neeraj Chopra achieved what the legendary Milkha Singh and PT Usha missed by the barest of margins at the Olympic Games. Neeraj not only realised their dream but made it special by winning the Gold medal in Men's Javelin at the Tokyo Olympics.

No Indian had won a medal in athletics since the country started taking part in the Games in 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium.

The International Olympic Committee still credits Norman Pritchard's 200m and 200m hurdles silver medals in the 1900 Paris Olympics to India though various researches, including the records of then IAAF (now World Athletics), showed that he had competed for Great Britain.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

Pritchard was not an Indian and the country's first Olympic participation under a national Olympic body was in 1920.

Neeraj Chopra became the only 2nd Indian after

Abhinav Bindra to win an individual Olympic Gold medal.

The 23-year-old from Panipat was at his calmest best, hurling the javelin 87.58m to script history for India.

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 47

Rotary Club of Brisbane International Changeover Event Rotary Club of Brisbane International (RCBI) hosted it’s annual changeover event on Saturday 17 July 2021 at Gateway of India, Springwood.

The night was a celebration of the Rotary year led by President Soko Niko after having accomplished multiple humanitarian projects both in local communities and abroad, effortless youth and vocational service programs, continued support towards Rotary foundation and emphasizing on fellowship and networking.

The challenge of COVID-19 pandemic did not damper the year in any way, it allowed the club to pursue serving above self using advanced technology on hand. Two of our humanitarian projects bagged service awards at District 9630 changeover, go RCBI! The night also welcomed the new President, Subhashni Singh and her board for the new Rotary year 2021-2022. President Subhashni is an enthusiastic Rotarian and a Financial Controller who hails with an abundance of business and leadership knowledge who no doubt will take the club to another level in the coming year. This year RCBI is tooting to be ‘Rotary Happy’ in every possible way.

We congratulate Rotarian Jitendra Prasad (Past District 9630 Governor and RCBI Charter President)

GOPIO GC Hosts IHC

On Sunday, 18th of July, GOPIO GC hosted a community meeting with the new High Commissioner of India to Australia, His Excellency Shri Manpreet Vohra and Shrimati Naseem Vohra. Also present as a chief guest was Honorary Consul of India QLD, Mrs Archana Singh.

The event was held

for being named the Rotarian of the year for his relentless support , contribution and guidance to the club, Rotarian Anisha Ranchod was named Rotary Hero for her outstanding coordination and support for our award-winning Feeding Breakfast to Kids project in Logan and President Soko was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellow pin for her exceptional leadership.

Our next big community

and humanitarian project ‘to build a library and computer lab for local school in PNG’ was announced on the night

by President Subhashni. The project committee has been established and preliminary work has commenced. We look forward to the support and contribution from our community to bring this project to fruition, our latest fundraiser dubbed as the ‘Bulawood’ is on 4 September 2021.

over a delicious lunch at Randhawa’s Indian Cuisine, at Emerald Lakes.

Although the event was limited in capacity due to Covid restrictions, it was attended by many of Gold Coast’s prominent business, cultural and community leaders and representatives.

This meeting was a wonderful opportunity

for attendees to network and build relations with our Indian High Commissioner and each other.

By facilitating events like these, GOPIO GC hopes to work together with Shri Manpreet Vohra and members in our community to better serve our wider Indian diaspora in Gold Coast in the future.

Keep Sharp: Build A Better Brain At Any Age

By Dr Sanjay Gupta, Hachette Australia, $32.99

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By Rama Gaind If you are on the lookout for simplistic strategies to improve brain function and memory then you should look elsewhere, because Dr Gupta subscribes to the notion that what is “good for the heart is good for the brain”.

It’s a logical assertion, but neurosurgeon and the CNN chief medical correspondent advises that in order to best take care of your body, you have to first take care of your mind.

In that case, you should be able to keep your brain young, healthy and sharp with this science-driven guide to protecting your mind from decline. His allinclusive approach includes exercise, getting enough sleep and a healthy diet, alongside maintaining a social life and trying new things.

With many references to medical studies, he thoroughly debunks common myths about the brain, such as that languages become harder to learn as one ages, and explains the processes of various neurological functions, such as creating memories.

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

The author’s primary concern is to nurture a resilient brain that propagates new cells, makes the ones you have work more efficiently and is continuously enriched throughout life.

In particular, he wishes to stave off age-related brain illnesses classified under dementia, with Alzheimer’s at the fore.

Keep Sharp debunks common myths about ageing and cognitive decline, explores whether there’s a “best” diet or exercise regimen for the brain, explains whether

it’s healthier to play video games that test memory and processing speed or to engage in more social interaction.

Keep Sharp includes a 12-week brain-training program.

Dr Gupta didn’t grow up with a deep-seated desire to be a doctor, let alone a brain surgeon. He chose medicine at 13 years of age after his grandfather suffered a stroke. “Those early explorations into the world of brain biology were at once demystifying and magical.”

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www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 49

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021 — 51

52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, August, 2021