Local News

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, 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.

Views of Melbourne city from Collins Street. Photo: Rama Gaind Hustle-and-bustle at Flinders Street Station, Melbourne.

Photo: Rama Gaind

Intersections of Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne.

Photo: Rama Gaind

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 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 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 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.

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

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 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.

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 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 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

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.

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.

arya pratiNidhi sabha oF QueeNslaNd

सत्य को समझना और स्वीकार करना

"भल ही आप अकल हों, परं्ु हों सत्य पर। ्ब ठीक है। ्ब ्नन्यां साथ ्ते, ्या न ्ते, ईश्वर आपका साथ अवश्य ्तेगा। सव्यं को अकला मानकर घबराना कभी नहीं चारहए।" सत्य को समझना सरल भी है, और करठन भी। जब व्यक्ति की नी्य् साफ हो, ्ब सत्य को समझना और सवीकार करना सरल हो्ा है। और जब नी्य् खराब हो, ्ब ्ो सत्य को समझना और सवीकार करना बह् ही करठन हो्ा है। नी्य् साफ होन पर जजस बा् को 15/20 वर का ्युवक भी समझ सक्ा है, उस बा् को नी्य् साफ न होन पर 50/60 वर का प्रबुद्ध/प्ररौढ़ व्यक्ति भी नहीं समझ पा्ा। ्या सवीकार करन में संकोच कर्ा है। इसका कारण है रक उसका नमथ्या अनभमान उस सत्य को सवीकार करन स रोक्ा है, रक "मैं 50/60 वर का हो ग्या हं। मैं इ्ना पढ़ा नलखा हं। मैं इ्ना क्वद्ान हं। मैं इ्ना बलवान हं। मैं इ्ना धनवान हं। मरी ्तेश ्नन्या में इ्नी प्रन्ष्ा है। क्या अभी भी मैं गलन््यां कर्ा हं? नहीं, नहीं। मैं गल्ी कैस कर सक्ा हं!" ्यह उस व्यक्ति का नमथ्यानभमान है। एक ईश्वर ही ऐसा है, जो कभी गल्ी नहीं कर सक्ा। न उसन कभी आज ्क गल्ी की, और न कभी करगा। क्यों? उसका कारण ्यह है, रक जो सवदिव्यापक हो, सवदिज्ञ हो, सवदिशक्तिमान हो शुद्ध सवरूप हो न्या्यकारी हो वह गल्ी कर ही नहीं सक्ा। ईश्वर में ्यते सार गुण हैं। इसनलए ईश्वर कभी भी गल्ी नहीं कर्ा। परं्ु आतमा में ्यते सब गुण नहीं हैं, इसनलए आतमा गल्ी कर सक्ा है, और अनक गलन््यां कर्ा रह्ा है। वह सवदिव्यापक, सवदिज्ञ, सवदिशक्तिमान नहीं है। आतमा में ्यते गुण न होन क कारण वह पूणदि न्या्यकारी भी नहीं है। आतमा अलपज्ञ एक्तेशी अलपशक्तिमान आर् आर् गुण वाला होन स, जान अनजान उसस अनक भूलें गलन््यां ्ोर हो सक्ते हैं और हो्ते भी रह्ते हैं। ऐसी जसथन् में ्यह सोचना रक "मुझस गल्ी कैस हो सक्ी है." ्यह कवल मूखदि्ा और ्रनभमान ही है। इसनलए ऐसा कभी न सोचें। हमशा अपन मन क एक कोन में ्यह संभावना अवश्य रखें, रक "मैं अलपज्ञ हं। मुझस भी जान अनजान भूल हो सक्ी है।" जब आप स अनधक ्योग्य्ा वाल ्या बराबर की ्योग्य्ा वाल अनक लोग आपको कहन लगें, रक "आप ठीक काम नहीं कर रह, आप गल् कर रह हैं, ्या गल् कह रह हैं।" ्ो वहां बुक्द्धमान व्यक्ति को रुक जाना चारहए। अपन स अनधक ्योग्य ्या बराबर की ्योग्य्ा वाल उन अनक व्यक्ति्यों की बा् पर गंभीर्ा स मनन करना चारहए। ऐसा करन स उस अपनी गल्ी समझ में आ सक्ी है, परं्ु ्यर् नी्य् साफ न हो, हठ अनभमान आर् ्ोर अनधक मात्ा में हों, ्ब ्यह संभव नहीं है। ्सर पक्ष में -- "्यर् कोई व्यक्ति सत्य पर हो, ्सर कम ्योग्य व्यक्ति उसकी बा् को समझ न पा रह हों, उसकी सत्य बा् का भी क्वरोध कर्ते हों, और वह अकला पड़ ग्या हो। ्ो ऐसी जसथन् में भी उस घबराना नहीं चारहए"। बजलक ऐसा सोचना चारहए, रक "मरा पक्ष सत्य है। ईश्वर मर साथ है। क्योंरक वह स्ा सत्य न्या्य धमदि क पक्ष में रह्ा है।" ऐसा सोच कर उस कोई नच्ा नहीं करनी चारहए। ऐसी जसथन् में ्नन्यां वाल लोग उसका साथ ्तेवें, ्या न ्तेवें, ईश्वर ्ो अवश्य ही साथ ्तेगा। क्योंरक वह पूणदि न्या्यकारी है। उस पर क्वश्वास अवश्य बनाए रखें। "परं्ु इस बा् का ननणदि्य करन में बह् सावधानी रखनी होगी, रक सत्य पक्ष में करौन है? सत्य और असत्य का ननणदि्य प्रत्यक्ष आर् प्रमाणों और ्कदि क माध्यम स ही संभव है, अन्य कोई उपा्य नहीं है।" सवामी क्ववकानं् पररव्ाजक ओ३म

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

treasurer- mrs. 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 हार्दिक हार्दिक धन्यवा् नमस्ते जी

CommuNityserViCe

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”.

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 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.

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,

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..”

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-mail- thakurjifj@ 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.]

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 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

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 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.

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 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.

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?”

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 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…

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 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.

arya samaj QueeNslaNd

Jitendra Deo President ASQ

WOrSHIp of God based on the Vedic scriptures is called Ishwar- Prarthana 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. 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

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

leanne linard mp hosts annual Nudgee 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.

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

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.

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.

Santhom Multicultural Dance & Food Fest 2021

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 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.

मोहममद रफ़ी साहब के जवी्न का सफर

२४ र्समबर ९१२४ सारी का्यना् में ्रननुम बजन लग, मधुर धवनी क्बखरन लगी, अैसा सुरीला गा्यन मानो ईश्वरी्य आवाज़ है,्यह शहंशा ए ्रननुम क रूूँधन की आवाज़ थी, क्यों रक मोहमम् रफी साहब पै्ा ह्अ थ। मखमली आवाज़ क मानलक रफी साहब रफलमी ्नन्या क महा्ाब रह हैं, भल ही ३१ जुलाई १९८० में व इस ्नन्या को अलक्व्ा कहकर चल ग्यते, पर व अपनी नूरानी रोशनी इस जहान में क्बखर ग्यते। व ्रननुम क शहंशा ्ो थ ही, साथ में उच कोटी क इंसान भी थ। ्ोस्ों अनभन्य की बुलंर््यों को छन वाला फनकार र्लीप साहब और गा्यकी को न्या मुकाम ्तेन वाल रफी साहब इस गंगा जमुना क नमलन स ्ोनों कलाकार अमर हो ग्यते। र्लीप साहब बह्रीन फनकार ्ो थ ही पर रफी जी की मखमली आवाज़ न र्लीप साहब की फनकारी में चार चाूँ् लगा र््यते। ्ोनों का सफर १९४४ स शुरू हआ रफी जी न पंजाबी रफलम गुल बलोच में परहला गी् गा्या और र्लीप साहब न भी १९४४ में जवारबाटा स रफलमी जग् में क्म रखा । हालाूँरक ्यह रफलम बाकस आरफस पर सफल नही रही। उनकी रफलम प्रन्मा और नमलन आई पर ९१४७ में जुगनू रफलम न उनहते पहली सफल्ा र्ला्यी और इसी रफलम में रफी साहब की मखमली आवाज़ में उन पर गी् रफलमा्या ग्या। गी् क बोल थ ्यहा ब्ला वफा का बवफाई क नसवा क्या है। ्यह गी् रफी जी न रफलम की ना्यका और मशहर गा्यका नूरजहान क साथ गा्या था । रफलम न और इस गी् न पूर ्तेश में ्हलका मचा र््या। इसक बा् रफी जी और र्लीप साहब न जीवन भर पीछ मुड़कर नही ्तेखा। ्ोस्ो रफी जी को ्यह गी् कैस नमला ्यह भी अक कहानी स कम नही ह। इस रफलम क नन्देशक थ सै्य् शरौक् ररज़वी, संगी्कार थ रफरोज़ ननज़ामी और गी् नलख थ ्नवीर नकवी न । र्लचसप बा् ्यह थी रक ्यते सभी लोग लाहरौर स मुमबई आ्यते थ , रफी साहब भी लाहरौर स मुमबई आ्यते थ।रफरोज़ साहब रफी जी की गा्यकी और प्रन्भा स वारकफ थ रफर भी मशहर गा्यका नूरजहान क साथ रफी जी की आवाज़ नमलान स व रहचरकचा रह थ क्यों रक रफी साहब अभी गा्यकी की फील्ड में न्यते थ। उनहोन नूरजहान स अपनी ्क्वधा का जजक्र रक्या ्ो नूरजहान न ्ुरं् कहा रक उनहते रफी साहब को मरौका ्तेकर ्तेखना चारह्यते क्यों रक मुझ लग्ा है रक ्यते लड़का सार रहन्स्ान को रहला कर रख ्तेगा।वह गाव की गोरी में उनक गा्यते गी् स मु्ानसर हो चुकी थी। इस ्रह नूरजहान स आश्वासन पाकर रफरोज़ जी न ्यह गी् रफी साहब स गवा्या। र्ल एक मंर्र का गी्,"्या् न जा्यते बी्ते र्नों की" की ररकर्डिंग ्ार्तेव की लैब में होन वाली थी । ्डतेट रफकस करक लैब बुक कर ्ी ग्यी थी। ररकार्डिंग स एक र्न परहल रफी साहब को १०२ र्डग्ी बुखार सर ््दि और ब्न ््दि था पर रफी जी वा्ते क पककते थ और उनहते प्ा था रक सम्य पर ररकॉर्डिंग ना हई ्ो म्यूजज़क ्डा्यरकटर को भारी नुकसान उठाना पड़तेगा ,जो वह कभी होन नही ्ते सक्ते थ। वह वति स परहल ही घर स ननकल ग्यते। पर संगी्कार क सामन समस्या खड़ी हो ग्यी थी , फमस सटर्ड्यो क कमदिचारर्यों व म्यूजज़शनों न हड़्ाल कर ्ी थी।शंकर जैकसन जी उनहते समझान का प्र्यास कर रह थ रक रकसी ्रह ररकॉर्डिंग हो जा्यते पर कमदिचारी टस स मस नही हअ , व अपनी मागों पर अ्डते रह। लाचार शंकर जैरकशन जी न रफी साहब क घर पर फोन रक्या ्ारक उनहते आज की ररकॉर्डिंग पर आन स रोक ल। लतेरकन उनहते प्ा चला रक रफी जी घर स ननकल चुक थ। अुन र्नों मोबाईल फोन नही थ इसनल्यते उन ्क सं्तेश पहचान का कोई और ्रीका नही था। रफी जी कार स उ्रकर सीध सटर्ड्यो रूम की ्रफ चल ग्यते व कमदिचारर्यों की हड़्ाल स अननभज्ञ थ। उनका लाल चहरा ्तेखकर शंकर जैरकशन जी न न्या पैं्रा सोचा, उनहोन रफी जी स कहा आपकी ्बी्य् ठीक नही लग रही है आप घर जाकर आराम करर्यते ररकॉर्डिंग रफर रकसी र्न हो जा्यतेगी। रफी जी न कहा कोई बा् नही, अब आ ग्या ह ्ो गी् ररका्डदि करक ही जाऊगा। ्यह बा् कमदिचारर्यों ्क फैल ग्यी रक बुखार और बीमारी की हाल् में भी रफी साहब ररकॉर्डिंग करन आ्यते हैं ्ो उनहते बह् बुरा लगा। व सब रफी जी की इजज् कर्ते थ। सार म्यूजज़शन चुपचाप आकर अपन साज ठीक करन लग और १०२ बुखार म रफी साहब न अपन मख़मली आवाज़ में नशद्द् क साथ गाकर उस गी् को अमर गी् बना र््या। आज भी उस गी् को एक बार सुनन क बा् बार बार सुनन को मन कर्ा है। रफलम गाइ्ड में गी् था , "र्न ढल जा्यते पर रा् न जा्यते"।इस गी् की ररकॉर्डिंग हो चुकी थी। रफी साहब न इस गी् को गा्या था। पर ्तेव साहब और उनक भाई क्वज्य आनं् जी को लगा रक इस गी् में कोई कमी सी है , शाट क रहसाब स गान की ल्य ठीक स बैठ नही पा रही है। उनहोन संगी्कार एस ्डी बमदिन जी को फोन करक ब्ा र््या। बमदिन जी न कहा आप लोग इ्नी अचछी धुन स नुक़स ननकाल रह हो और फोन पटक र््या। रफर उनहोन क्वचार रक्या रक अगर प्रोड्यूसर और ्डा्यरकटर को कोई कमी लग रही है ्ब कोई ्ो बा् होगी ।उनहोन फोन करक उनस कहा आप हारमोनन्यम मगा कर रजख्यते मै आ रहा ह । ्ीनों न नमलकर धुन में कुछ फर ब्ल की ,्ारक गी् शाट स मैच हो जा्यते। और ्सर ही र्न रफी जी को बुलाकर रफर स न्यी धुन पर गी् गवा्या । रफी जी न न्यते उतसाह क साथ गी् गा्या।्तेव जी न उन की ्रफ नलफाफा बढ़ा्या ्ोI रफी जी न पैस लन स इंकार कर र््या ।्यह कहकर नलफाफा लरौटा र््या रक एक ही गी् को गान क नल्यते ्ो बार महन्ाना नही ल सक्ते ।्तेव साहब की नमनन्ों क बावजू् उनहोन पैस नही नल्यते। ्तेव साहब न अपन एक इंटरव्यू में ब्ा्या रक रफी जी नकर्ल, साफ ्बी्य् क फररश्ते थ। रफी जी वाकई न नसफदि शरहनशा ए ्रननुम थ बजलक वो र्ल क भी शहंशाह थ। उनहोन कई उभर्ते हअ संगी्कारों की म्् की थी। न जान रक्न न्यते संगी्कारों क नल्यते मुफ़् में गी् गा्यते थ। लक्षमीकां् प्यारलाल जी जब न्यते न्यते इं्डसट्ी में आ्यते थ ्ो उनहोन रफी जी स इजल्जा की रक व उनहें पूरा महन्ाना नही ्ते पा्येंग। रफी जी न मुसकुराकर हामी भर ्ी। गी् गान क बा् उनहोनें रफी साहब को १००० रूप्यते र््यते । रफी साहब न जब स ्ो नसककते ननकाल और ्ोनों क हाथ पर ५०१ ,५०१ रूप्यते रखकर कहा रक अललाह क फज़ल स ्ोनों र्न ्नी रा् चरौगुनी ्रक़की करें। अैस नकर्ल इंसान थ रफी साहब। कु्र् रफलम क सभी गी् रकशोर जी न गा्यते थ। एक गी् "्ख सुख की हरएक माला " गी् क नल्यते ्डा्यरकटर चते्न आंन् जी चाह्ते थ रक इस गी् क साथ नसफदि रफीजी ही इंसाफ कर पा्येंग। संगी्कार आर ्डी बमदिन जी नसफदि एक गी् गान क नल्यते रफी जी स आग्ह करन स क्रा रह थ। उनहीं ्ीनों एक न्या गा्यक चंद्रशखर गा्डनगल उनस काम मागन आ्या था। बमदिन जी को उसकी आवाज़ पसं् आ्यी थी और सोच रह थ रक ्यह गी् उसकी आवाज़ पर सही बैठ रहा है । उनहोन उसकी नसफाररश चते्न आनं् जी स की पर व एक ही बा् कह रह थ रक ्यह गी् नसफदि रफी जी ही गा्यें। बड़ी मुजशकल स बमदिन ्ा न उनहते अुस कलाकार को सुनन क नल्यते राज़ी रक्या। गा्डनगल की आवाज़ चते्न जी को पसं् आ्यी। उसकी आवाज़ में गी् ररका्डदि रक्या ग्या,पर ररकार्डिंग सुनन क बा् चते्न आनं् रफर अटक ग्यते रक इस गी् को रफी जी स गवा्या जा्यते। हारकर बमदिन जी न रफी जी स ्डतेट लकर गी् ररका्डदि करवा्या । ्ीन अं्र ररका्डदि होन क बा् चा्य क नल्यते ब्क ली ग्यी ्भी रफी जी क मा्यक्रोफोन स उसी गी् की आवाज़ आन लगी। रफी जी न बमदिन ्ा स पूछा सच ब्ाइ्यते क्या ्यह गी् पहल भी रकसी स ररका्डदि करवा्या ग्या है क्यों रक जजसन भी गा्या है ख़ूबसूर् अं्ाज म गा्या है। बमदिन ्ा न पूरी बा् ब्ा ्ी ्ब रफी जी न कहा पंचम क्यों रकसी न्यते कलाकार की जजन्गी मर हाथों बरबा् करवा रह हो । अैस कहकर रफी जी न माइक्रोफोन उ्ारा और आजख़री अं्रा गा्यते क्बना ही सटर्ड्यो स चल ग्यते। बमदिन ्ा बुला्ते ही रह ग्यते पर व लरौटकर नही आ्यते। आजख़रकार हारकर उस गी् क ्ीन अं्र रफी जी की आवाज़ में चरौथा अं्रा चंद्रशखर गा्डनगल की आवाज़ में ररका्डदि हआ और अुस अधूर गान स चंद्रशखर को ख़ूब ख्यान् नमली। इस अधूर गी् की वजह स और अपनी प्रन्भा क बलबू्ते पर वह मराठी रफलमों का प्रनसध् गा्यक बन ग्या। उसका रोम रोम रफी जी को ्आ्यें ्ते्ा है। इस ्रह रफी जी न एक न्यते गा्यक की गा्यकी को मरन स बचा नल्या"। ओ पी नै्यर और रफी जी न कई गी् ररका्डदि रक्यते थ। साथ में काम रक्या था। रफी साहब सम्य क पककते थ। हमशा हर ररकॉर्डिंग पर सम्य पर पहच्ते थ पर एक बार ओ पी नै्यर जी इंन्ज़ार कर रह थ पर रफी साहब को काफी ्तेर हो ग्यी। आ्ते ही उनहोन नै्यर जी स ्तेर स आन क नल्यते क्षमा मागी। नै्यर साहब न ्तेर स आन का कारण पूछा ्ो उनहोन ब्ा र््या रक शंकर जैरकशन की ररकॉर्डिंग कर्ते हअ अुममी् स ज्या्ा वति लग ग्या। ्यह सुन्ते ही नै्यर जी आगबबूला हो ग्यते और कहन लग शंकर जैरकशन जी का गाना मर गी् ्यते ज्या्ा महतवपूणदि है ्ो ्ुम उनहीं क नल्यते काम करो। आज की ररकॉर्डिंग कैंनसल और आज क बा् मै ्ुमहार साथ काम नही करूूँगा । ्यह कहकर व चल ग्यते। काफी सम्य ्क ्ोनों न साथ काम नही रक्या। रफी जी नक र्ल इंसान थ। व अपनी बइजज़्ी भूल ग्यते , उनक ्तेर स आन क कारण उस र्न नै्यर जी क नुकसान की नच्ा कर्ते रह। रफी साहब क पास काम की कोई कमी नही थी । रफर भी अक र्न उठकर नै्यर जी क घर चल ग्यते और उन स कहन लग , भाई कब ्क नाराज़ रहोग अब माफ भी कर ्ो। काम भल ही साथ में ना कर ्ोस्ी ्ो ननभा ही सक्ते हैं । नै्यर साहब न उठकर उनहते गल लगा नल्या।कहा अगर ्ुमहारी जगह कोई और हो्ा ्ो जजस ऊचाई को ्ुम छ रह हो अैस सम्य म मर पास कभी नही आ्ा।्ुमहारा र्ल पाक पक्वत् है। जजस में रकसी क नल्यते द्तेर भाव नही है ।्ुम सचमुच महान हो। मैं ्ो अपना ईगो को पकड़कर बैठा था। रफलम जी चाह्ा है में रफी सुमन कल्याणपुरी जीवका गी् है।"मरी जजन्गी हम ्तेर प्यार में कहा कहा स गुज़र ग्यते " राजतेनद्र नाथ और श्यामा पर ्यह गी् रफलमा्या ग्या है। पर एक अं्रा जा्यमुकजजी पर रफलमा्या ग्या है। आप इस गी् को गरौर स सुनेंग ्ो आपको लगगा रक राजेंद्र नाथ पर रफलमा्यते ग्यते गी् को उनहोन एक अलग अं्ाज स गा्या है।पर जो जा्यमुकजजी पर रफलमा्या ग्या अं्रा है वहा गी् गान का अं्ाज एक्म अलग है। ्यह कला नसफदि रफी जी क गी्ों में ही आपको नजर आ्यतेगी।रफी साहब न हर नामचीन हीरो को अपनी आवाज़ ्ी है ,पर आप जब भी गी् सुनेंग ्ो आपको समझ म आ जा्यतेगा रक ्यह गी् राजतेनद्र कुमार जी पर रफलमा्या ग्या है ्या रफर ्तेवानं्जी पर रफलमा्या ग्या है, क्यों रक हर कलाकार क साथ रफी जी क गान का अं्ाज अलग अलग हो्ा था। हर इंसान स कभी न कभी कोई चूक ्ो हो ही जा्ी है। फनकार रक्ना ही बड़ा क्यों न हो चूक ्ो उसस भी हो सक्ी है । ्ो ्ोस्ों एक छोटी सी चूक ्ो रफी साहब स भी एक बार हो ही ग्यी थी। ९१८० में बपपी लहरी जी न एक ख़ूबसूर् धुन बना्यी थी और रफी साहब को भज ्ी रक अगर धुन उनहते पसं् आ्यते ्ो व उस गी् को उनक नल्यते गा्यें। उन र्नों रफी साहब बह् मसरूफ रह्ते थ,पर क्यों रक धुन उनहते बह् पसं् आ्यी ।उनहोन बपपी जी को फोन रक्या रक व गी् गान को ््यार हैं ,कब गी् गाना होगा? बपपी जी न कहा हम कल ही इस गी् को ररका्डदि कर सक्ते हैं। ्सर र्न गी् को ररका्डदि रक्या ग्या। हमशा रफी साहब गी् गान क बा् उस कई बार सुन्ते थ रफर सटर्ड्यो स जा्ते थ। पर उस र्न व मसरूफ थ ्ो गाना गा्ते ही व कार में बैठकर सटर्ड्यो स ननकल ग्यते। बपपी ्ा न बा् में गी् सुना ्ो उनहें प्ा चला रक गी् क आजख़री शब् को बोलन में रफी जी स मामूली चूक हो गई है।गी् क बोल थ " फूल का शबाब क्या, हसन महा्ाब क्या, आप ्ो आप हैं आप का जवाब क्या"। पूरा गाना सही था पर गान क अं् में अक जगह रफी साहब न गा्या है "आपका जवाब का", भूल स क्या को का कहा है। बपपी ्ा न रफीजी को फोन कर क ब्ा्या रक गी् में हलकी सी चूक हो ग्यी है। रफी जी न कहा, कोई बा् नही गी् को रफर स ररका्डदि कर लेंग । पर ्भादिग्य वश वह कल आ नही पा्या क्यों रक रफी साहब का अचानक अं्काल हो ग्या। उन र्नों टैकनालाजी इ्नी अै्डवांस नही थी रक अुस मामूली चूक को सुधारा जा सक। गी् की धुन बड़ी प्यारी थी, रफीजी न उस र्ल स गा्या था ।बपपी ्ा उस ्य ्डबबते में बं् करक रखना नही चाह्ते थ। आजख़र १९८९ में इस गी् को "फज़दि की जंग" रफलम में गोक्वन्ा और नीलम पर रफलमा्या ग्या। आपको आश्च्यदि होगा रक ्यह गाना सुपर रहट हो ग्या। लोगों का ध्यान इस मामूली सी गल्ी पर ग्या ही नहीं। 1960 में रफलम चरौ्हवीं का चां् क शीरक गी् क नलए रफी को अपना पहला रफलम फते्यर पुरसकार नमला।1961 में रफी को अपना ्सरा रफलमफते्यर आवा्डदि रफलम ससुराल क गी् ्तेरी प्यारी प्यारी सूर् को क नलए नमला। 1965 में ही लक्मी-प्यार क संगी् नन्देशन में रफलम ्ोस्ी क नलए गाए गी् चाहंगा मै ्ुझ सांझ सवर क नलए रफी को ्ीसरा रफलमफते्यर पुरसकार नमला। 1965 में उनहें भार् सरकार न पद्मश्ी पुरसकार स नवाजा। 1966 में रफलम सूरजक गी् बहारों फूल बरसाओ बह् प्रनसद्ध हआ और इसक नलए उनहें चरौथा रफलमफते्यर अवा्डदि नमला। इसका संगी् शंकर ज्यरकशन न र््या था। 1968 में शंकर ज्यरकशन क संगी् नन्देशन में रफलम ब्ह्मचारी क गी् र्ल क झरोख में ्ुझको क्बठाकरक नलए उनहें पाचवां रफलमफते्यर अवा्डदि नमला।1977 में रफलम हम रकसी स कम नहीं क गी् क्या हआ ्तेरा वा्ा क नलए उनहते अपन जीवन का छठा ्था अजन्म रफलम फते्यर एवॉ्डदि नमला। रफी साहब क जीवन सफर की एक झलक मैंन आपको र्खा्यी । उममी् कर्ी ह उनक जीवन क इन अनोख परहलूओं को जानकर आपको आश्च्यदि भी हआ होगा, और उनक जीवन ्शदिन को सलाम करन का मन कर रहा होगा। मैं बस इ्ना नलखकर अलक्व्ा कहगी, रकसी को भी उसक क् का गुमान न था, वो आसमान था मगर सर झुका्यते बैठा था।

कव्ता चाँद्ानवी

Kavita ji

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

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

Christmas in July presented by Punjabi Welfare Association of Australia Inc revived bipartisan support. Event organiser Irene Balydon with her guests at Radio 4EB’s women’s lunch

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

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 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.

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 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.

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!