BIT DEC 12 ISSUE by Australian Indian Times

Premier Travel & Tours Pty Ltd Phone: (07) 3831 5866 Fax: 07 3831 5877 premiertravel@bigpond.com For prompt reliable travel services to all destinations around the world. Specialising in travel to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh. Specialising in guided tours to India. Volume 10, Number 3 Saturday, December 15, 2012

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Vietnamese Boat People Memorial unveiled

â&#x20AC;˘ Dr Cong Bui of the Vietnamese Community of Queensland addressing the gathering at the opening ceremony of the Vietnamese Boat People Memorial. Continued page 10

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From the Publisher MAY I begin by wishing everyone, all the best for the festive and holiday season, yes, it's that time of the year again, festive season is in the air! Along with the crazy season comes its challenges.... getting the right gifts for everyone, Christmas lunch or dinner, a whole lot of things to cope with. Strong season warnings are everywhere, people are aware and hopefully they will be suitably prepared. Last month was such a busy month with a record number of functions, one that I was particularly pleased to be a part of was the community volunteers awards. As a judge I was amazed by the amount of work that these people do within their community, and all in the name of charity and goodwill. GOPIO Qld held its end of year dinner and I was pleased to present as GOPIO International, the plans for KOCHI PBD. Gopio Queensland is once again taking a strong delegation. I was saddened to farewell Sumi, a great singer with our band, hopefully one day she and her family will be able to come back to Australia. We will be holding the annual GOPIO conference in Kochi from 5th January. On the UQ Symposium on Indian Media, I was privileged to be amongst such scholars, to hear them express their views on the media situation, even though the seminar was India centric the presenters had an

extensive knowledge of media worldwide. I completely denounce the prank call made by Australian radio station which resulted in the alleged suicide of the Jacinta, a nurse of Indian origin. This kind of action gives a bad name to all in the industry. I had a very interesting talk with Davide Cottone the author of the book "Canecutter", the similarities between the canecutters of Fiji and Mauritius was amazing. What an amazing experience we had at the play "I am here", very touching, thought provoking and humorous. Director Andrew Davis is such a humble man, what creativity and musical talent he possesses. Our December issue is traditionally a smaller print run, and this year is no exception. Many people go away on holidays and hence the smaller print run. I must pen off now by wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. Until next month happy reading. Umesh Chandra. From the Editor...... I would like to wish everyone a Safe, Happy and Healthy Christmas and New Year. It has been a pleasure to assist you and I look forward to being of service in 2013. Trudi Tarres

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Inside • Letters to the Editor.......................2 • Migration Matters...........................4 • Local News.................................5-21 • Business News..........................22-23 • Who, What, Where, When....24-26 • Health & Well Being................30-33 • Real Estate................................34-36 • Astrology.........................................37 • Business Directory/Classifieds...38-39 • What’s On................................40-41 • Bollywood & Entertainment...42-45 • Sport..........................................46-47

Brisbane Indian Times welcomes letters to the editor. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 300 words. All letters, must have a full name, residential address and a phone number. Hard copy letters must have legible signature. Only your name and suburb are published. Initials and pen names are not accepted. All correspondence to the editor is assumed to be for publication unless marked otherwise. The editor reserves the right to abridge, alter (edit) or withhold any correspondence without explanation. Opinions expressed must be genuinely held by the letter writer. Please send your thoughts and opinions to: The Editor, Brisbane Indian Times, PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018 or email: prod@indiantimes.com.au

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Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Trudi Tarres EDITOR: Trudi Tarres JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS: Ram Jattan (UK) Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) Sudesh Aggarwal (ATO News) ML. M. Nawaaz Ashrafi Imam Muhammad Aslam Sundar Gopal Das Yadavendra Das Pastor Joseph Dass Haji Abdul Rahman Deen Janeth Deen Jitendra Deo Atul Dighe (Spiritual Science Research Foundation) Mehraban Farahmand (Baha’i International)

2 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December 2012

Letters to the Editor

Please contact

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Kiran Goel (Immigration Matters) Jatinder Kaur Vinaya Natarajan (Inspire - Prem Rawat) Peter Lane Rai Parth Raval Shobhana Shet (Spiritual Science Research Foundation) Gurjeet Singh Matt Young (Sport) Suite 5, 2281 Sandgate Road Boondall Qld 4034 TELEPHONE: (07) 3356 0102 FACSIMILE:(07) 3352 7693 E-MAIL: prod@indiantimes.com.au Subscriptions: 12 months $40.00 (incl GST) 6 months $24.00 (incl GST) ADDRESS:

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Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager. Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times. Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply/approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers responsibility. While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned. All correspondence should be addressed to: Brisbane Indian Times, PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018. PH: (07) 3356 0102 Fax: 3352 7693 admin@indiantimes.com.au

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Recent news about Australian Migration Regulations Significant Investor Visa The Significant investor stream has commenced from 24 November 2012. Business migrants with $5 million or more can invest in the Australian economy and apply for a provisional significant investor visa, a new stream within the Business Innovation and Investment program. This visa stream provides several concessions for meeting visa requirements such as a not having to meet a points test and no age restriction. Successful applicants are required to meet low residency requirements such as 160 days spent in Australia over four years, after which migrant investors are eligible for permanent residence provided they have maintained their investment. Significant Investors can also extend their four-year provisional visa by two years, with a maximum of two extensions. Eligible investment types includes: Commonwealth, state and territory government bonds, Australian Securities and Investments Commission regulated managed funds and direct investment into proprietary Australian companies. Longer Tourist visas for parents of Australians - towards the end of 2012 From 24 November 2012, parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents will be able to apply for Tourist visas to visit Australia for longer than the current 12 month restriction. Under the new arrangements the department will consider granting on a case-by-case basis the following options: * Tourist visas of up to five years' validity which provide a stay of up to 12 months on each entry to those parents who are outside Australia and are in the Parent (subclass 103) visa queue * Tourist visas of up to three years' validity with 12 months' stay on each entry will be considered for parents who are outside Australia and are not in the Parent visa queue. These changes will allow parents who meet the criteria for a Tourist visa to have regular extended visits with their

family in Australia without needing to apply for a new visa on each visit. Under these flexible arrangements, in addition to meeting all legislative requirements for a tourist visa, parents will be expected to hold private health insurance to cover any healthcare costs during their stay and will have a visa condition limiting applications for further visas while they are in Australia. Parents who are granted tourist visas are also expected to maintain extended periods of absence between visits to Australia. Unrestricted Work Rights for Certain Bridging Visa holders The Minister for Immigration & Citizenship has announced that visa applicants for the following visas will now have nil visa conditions imposed on their bridging visa A or bridging visa B, in effect providing the applicant with unlimited permission to work. However this is only applicable to applicants for the following onshore visas: (a) Partner (Subclass 820); (b) Partner (Subclass 801); (c) Aged Parent (Subclass 804); (d) Contributory Aged Parent Temporary (Subclass 884); and (e) Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 864). New Temporary Work Visas from 24 November 2012 New Temporary Work Visas have been implemented and will replace 12 current temporary work visas. Three new temporary work Subclasses will be introduced and amendments will be made to the Subclass 420 and Subclass 457 visas as below. 1. Subclass 401 (Temporary Work (Long Stay Activity)) visa The Subclass 401 visa will replace the Exchange (Subclass 411) visa, Sport (Subclass 421) visa, and Religious Work (Subclass 428) visa, and establish a single Long Stay Activity sponsorship. This new visa will have the following three streams (1) Exchange stream (for applicants participating in an exchange of staff); (2) Sport stream; and (3) Religious Worker stream.

2. Subclass 402 (Training and Research) visa The Subclass 402 visa will replace the Occupational Trainee (Subclass 442) visa, the Visiting Academic (Subclass 419) visa, and the Professional Development (Subclass 470) visa and establish a single Training and Research sponsorship. This new visa will three streams: (1) Research stream; (2) Occupational Trainee stream (requires nomination by a Training and Research sponsor); and (3)Professional Development stream (requires nomination by a Professional Development sponsor). 3. Subclass 403 (Temporary Work (International Relations)) visa The Subclass 403 visa will replace the Subclass 406 (Government Agreement) visa, the Subclass 415 (Foreign Government Agency) visa, Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker – Diplomatic or Consular visa, and the Privileges and Immunities provisions currently in the Subclass 456 (Business (Short Stay)) and Subclass 457 (Business (Long Stay)) visas. This Subclass will not require sponsorship and will have three streams: (1) Applicants covered by an international government agreement, or who direct the operations in Australia of certain language institutes; (2) Applicants who are to be employed as representatives of certain foreign government agencies or as foreign language teachers in Australian schools; and (3) Applicants who undertake domestic duties in the households of holders of diplomatic visas; and applicants accorded privileges and immunities. This article is intended to provide general information on migration issues and does not constitute migration advice, and no responsibility is accepted by Kiran Goel or AIEES for the accuracy of material appearing in the Brisbane Indian Times. (Ms Kiran Goel MARN: 0639149)

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 5

Divali celebrations at Banyo – a great success By Devinder Bains THE DIVALI function organised at the Banyo Library Hall on Saturday 10th Nov 2012 from 3-5pm turned out to be a great success. Well over 400 people from ten different communities and Groups from as far as Ipswich and Daisy Hill came to attend it despite a continuous rainy weather. It was a combined effort of Banyo District Community Group, Banyo Nudgee Indian Community, Multicultural Developmental Association(MDA), Brisbane City Council and Lord Mayors Suburban Initiative Fund. Which donated $1100 for this function. The local Labour Party representative from the Nudgee Area Ms Leanne Linard opted to be the MC along with Gurjeet Bains. The function kicked off with a slide show prepared by Gurjeet Bains on the importance of Divali to various Indian Communities including, Hinduism, Arya Samaj, Jainism and Sikhism followed by an Indian Australian Quiz. Then started the cultural items of the Indian subcontinent including tabla drum display, Turban tying demonstration by Devinder Singh who tied the turban on Mr Kim Flesser the Local Councillor for Northgate Ward, sari tying demonstration by Susan Watson, Individual Indian dance performances by Shelly

Singh, Muskaan , Janisha and Arshdeep Kaur. Group Dance performances Included Bharat Natyam Dance, Bollywood Dance prepared under the Guidance of Rajni Nair who runs Chilanka Music Dance Institute here in Brisbane. Bhangra Dances from Shere –e- Punjab Junior and Senior Groups under the Guidance of their coach Gurdip Nijjar. And the grand finale event of the Punjabi Giddah performed by local Punjabi girls in their beautiful attire.

Vegetarian food, water and fizzy drinks were available throughout the performance specially provided by Singh Sabha Brisbane Taigum, Punjab Asian Foods & Spices Banyo, Singh Curry House Taigum, Singh Curry Hut Banyo and K Sona Palace Zillmere. Henna application also continued through the function. The authorities are thinking on making Divali Celebration at Banyo an Annual Gala event in the future.

Diwali Celebrations in Australia became more vibrant with Gaura Travel’s active participation

APSQ Deepawali celebration

• From Left: Pta Usha Rai, Hon Ian Walker MP, Mr Jitendra Deo, Mr Surendra Prasad.

ARYA Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland celebrated Diwali on November 10 at Finnish Hall, Mt Gravatt East. The event was well attended and entry was free. The dinner was also provided and more than two hundred and fifty people were present. The chief guest for the evening was Honourable Ian Walker MP, Assistant Minister Planning Reform and Member for Mansfield. Addressing the public Mr Ian Walker thanked Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland for inviting him and gave the following message: "While Deepawali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant meaning as I understand it is- the awareness of the inner light. Therefore, lighting a lamp symbolizes the destruction, through knowledge, of all negative forces- wickedness, violence, lust, anger, envy, greed, bigotry, fear, injustice, oppression and suffering. Deepawali is about the triumph of virtue over vice, of good over evil, of light over darkness and of knowledge over ignorance. It is about unity, tolerance and understanding and, hopes and ambitions for the future. It is a reminder that love, concern and respect for others is the way to a brighter day." The message given by the President Mr Jitendra Deo was significance of Deepawali and he stated "Mantra from Upnishad in Sanskrit is relevant: "Om asto’maa sad

gamaya" "Tamaso”maa jyotir gamaya" meaning " O! God lead us from untruth to truth" "Lead us from darkness of ignorance to light of knowledge” Ladies and Gentlemen this is the message of Deepawali. Deepawali is celebrated on the darkest night in the calendar month. So by lighting Diya's and candles darkness is destroyed, Good overcomes evil and the positive energy of light enriches the lives of all." The MC for the evening as Arunesh Prasad, Yuva Dal President. Sabha Vice President Mr Rajesh Chand introduced the chief guest, and Secretary Mr Hari Chand acknowledged the Chief guests speech. The Treasurer Mr Mul Chand moved vote of thanks. The highlight of the Arya Samaj Deepawali event was traditional and cultural items performed which was very thoroughly enjoyed by the general public- Welcome Classical Dance by Ms Jaya Naidu, Diwali speech Aman Chand, Tumhi Ho Mata,Pita Tumhi Ho, Tumhi Ho Bandhu song by Jaya Kumar, Bhajan by Soneel Deo and Ravneel Deo, Bhajan by Mr Satish Chand, Kishore Kumar hits by Mr Amar Kaushal, Tabla Solo by Ravneel Deo, Classical Dance item by Jaya Naidu, Bhajan by Keshav Chand and finally Yoga and benefits by Mr Avinish Bhardwaz.

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

TODAY, in this busy and hectic lifestyle, a holiday means a lot for all of us. It allows us to rejuvenate ourselves from the monotony of the daily life and this is also one of the chief reasons, we eagerly wait for a vacation. However, to enjoy these holidays, it’s very important to have a proper planning and this can only be done once you opt for the assistance of a travel agency. A professional travel agent not only sorts out an excellent itinerary for you, but at the same time even makes sure that you get the best prices available. Gaura Travel, an Indian subcontinent specialist travel agent, based in Australia is one such notable instance. Since its very advent, it has been offering the passengers with some of the top-notch services. Booking flights via Gaura Travel has always been a pleasant experience for the passengers and this is also one of the prime reasons that they have always opted for the same instead of others. Gaura Travel’s active participation in community events… What’s more, unlike the other travel agencies of these days, Gaura Travel never refrains itself by booking your flights only. From time to time, it has participated in the various community events in Australia. Be it the live-in musical concerts of Gurdas Mann, Babu Mann, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sonu Nigam or the recently conducted India-Australia Friendship Fair, Gaura Travel has always been an integral part of these events. Of late, it even took part in the Deepavali Fair 2012, which was organized at the famous Sydney Olympic Park Athletic

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Centre on 4th November, 2012. Hindu Council of Australia, an Australian Hindu community was the chief organizer of this event. Apart from various events like Ravan effigy burning, rides and games for children, one of the major attractions of this fair was Gaura Travel’s lucky draw competition. The winner of this contest was awarded with a free return ticket to India. However, this is not the only one. Gaura Travel also participated in the Diwali celebration that took place at the Federation Square, Melbourne on 10th November, 2012. Celebrate India, a Victorian nonprofit community organization arranged this entire event. Gaura Travel has been taking part in all the events of Celebrate India for the last four years and this time also it is no exception. Apart from fireworks and traditional dance ceremonies, various fun activities for children like face painting, craft workshop was also there in the event. Gaura Travel Leisure… Being the official travel sponsor of this event, Gaura Travel here also organized a lucky draw contest, where people got the chance to win a free return ticket to India. Besides this, it even launched its exclusive “Gaura Travel Leisure” program, which has been solely designed to promote all those tour packages that are meant for the India-Australia air route. Both these events attained a commendable response from the local Indian inhabitants in Australia. A large number of people came to watch of these events and some of them even participated in the lucky draw contest, being organized by Gaura Travel. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Tantalising the taste buds of Brisbane curry lovers since 2003

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3378 8898 0405 270 694 BOOKING DEADLINES January 13 issue Advertisers 7 January / Editorial submissions 9 Jan

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 — 7

Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association takes off… THE newly formed Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) was formalised following a successful inaugural AGM on August 17th 2012. The interim committee organised the inaugural AGM and it was very well attended by people from South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Under the supervision of Dr. Murthy Divi and Prof. Paddy Krishnan the following Founder Members were unanimously elected to the Management Committee: President Dr Vallipuram Muthukkumarasamy Vice President Dr Pathmanathan Sivakumaran Secretary - Mr S. Indrajith Joint Secretary Mr Vidyakartik Menon Treasurer - Mr Rathinam Srinivasan Assistant Treasurer Mr Tharmalingam Surendran Director of Cultural Activities Prof Thiru Aravinthan Director of Religious Activities Mr Subramaniam Barataraj Director of Educational Activities Dr Elankayer Sithirasenan Director of Resources, media, Publicity and Asset Management Dr Sanmugarasa Kamalarasa Director of Youth and Community Activities, Fund Raising Activities and Event Management Mrs Rathika Rahuraman The GCHCA based in one of the fastest growing regions of Australia, aims to promote Hindu culture among the community by being inclusive and supportive of friendship, respect, peace and tolerance. It will strive to promote and foster Hindu cultural activities, classical literature, music, dance and spiritual and language education by providing resources and facilities at the proposed “Hindu Education and Cultural Precinct” for the South East Queensland youth and adults. The GCHCA is now incorporated in Queensland. It is a registered not-forprofit organization with charity status. The GCHCA Building Donation Account has received Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status from Australian Taxation Office (ATO) which permits donations of two dollars or more to the building fund to be allowable deduction from your taxable income. The GCHCA committee is currently evaluating land options in prime locations in Gold Coast. The association received an offer of a sizable land in a

prime location, but it is contingent on demonstrating up-front sufficient funds for building works. The GCHCA is now in the process of raising funds to make it a reality. The GCHCA is required to present a development plan with costing and matching funds within a few months to take advantage of this offer. The Management Committee has prepared initial Architectural concept designs for the “Gold Coast Hindu Education and Cultural Precinct” and a comprehensive Business Plan. Further details and awareness about the activities of GCHCA can be found on the website: http://GoldCoastHindu.org/ Dr. V. Muthu, the President of the GCHCA, speaking to this correspondent was very enthusiastic about the steadily growing GCHCA Founder membership, but stressed that more Founder members are needed to grow the Association. He added that the Management Committee would be pleased to meet interested people inperson for an in-depth discussion about the GCHCA’s vision and activities. Dr. V. Muthu emphasised that GCHCA is an inclusive organisation and welcomes members from all walks of life and from all communities who embrace the Hindu customs and heritage and that the GCHCA will be a place that brings together Hindu customs and heritage with Australian values of community. The committee members are available to meet the community-at-large after the Bajan session held 3rd Friday of every month (7:15 pm - 9:15 pm) the Helensvale Community Centre, 31 Discovery Drive, Helensvale. They will be delighted to meet the supporters of the GCHCA at this and any other events. They are also seeking suggestions and feedback on their activities from the community. The email address for the general public to send feedback is: gchcan@gmail.com. The GCHCA extends their best wishes to all readers of the Brisbane Indian Times for the upcoming holiday season.

Executives elected at Queensland Fiji Football Association AGM

Design by: MIT

QFFA QUEENSLAND FIJI FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

President Mr Aveen Singh

Vice President Mr Jitendra Prasad

Vice President Mr Rajnish Padarath

Vice President Mr Avinash Singh

Vice President Mr Faiyum Khan

Vice President Mr Vineet Raj

Secretary Mr Raynold Ali

Assistant Secretary Mr Abi Sharma

Courtesy Vineet Raj QUEENSLAND Fiji Football Association (QFFA) held their Annual General meeting on Sunday 2 December. The executives were blessed by Mr Sadhu Prasad (QFFA Patron) and congratulated by all the affiliated team officials. Above are the elected executive committee.

Treasurer Mr Irshad Ali

“Connecting the Community”

Resignations from the QTA Managing Committee IT is with much regret I announce the resignation from the QTA Managing Committee of Mr Sai Gollapudi, the Secretary and Mr Manoj Vemula, the Treasurer. Both have compelling personal reasons for taking this step and are very appreciative of the cooperation and support they have

received from the community. Mr Srikanth Chalasani (Ph 0405 522 484) and Mr Sudershan Kanthakadi (Ph 0423 289 873) will immediately assume the positions of Secretary and Treasurer respectively until a new committee is formed at a General Body Meeting soon after the accep-

tance by the QTA membership of the revised constitution and guiding principles being formulated by Professor D S Prasada Rao and Dr Nagulapalli Prasada Rao. Dr Prakash Nallamilli President, QTA. Ph 0423 234 485

Kannada Sangha Qld musical evening a spectacular success

Dr. S. Kamalarasa Director of Resources, Media, Publicity and Asset Management The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association Inc.

Wynnum Womens Club office bearers Courtesy KSQ

• Wynnum Womens Club members having their Dinner at May's Thai in Mayfair Village at Manly.

WYNNUM Womens Club held their AGM in November and the following were elected; Mrs Parmila Kumar - President Mrs Mohini Chand - Vice President Mrs Sindh Prasad - Secretary

Mrs Shanti Prasad - Assistant Secretary Mrs Sushil Kapoor - Treasurer For more information on Wynnum Womens Club please email wynnumwomens@hotmail.com

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

KANNADA Sangha Queensland celebrated the Sangeetha Rasa Sanje Musical Evening program performed by upcoming Kannada playback singer - Chinmai Athreyas on 11th Nov at Hamilton Town Hall, Hamilton. Kannada Sangha Queensland's committee would like to thank each and every one who made their gracious presence, supported, enjoyed, cheered and helped us in making this program a spectacular success. It was an evening of wonderful and melodious music accompanied by spectacular voices of our sangha's local music talents - Mrs Asha Jayaram, Mrs Manjula Hiremath, Mrs Prakruthi Madhuchandra, Mrs Ramya Anil and Mr Nagesh RS. We had an overwhelming response in terms of amazing guests who enjoyed, enthralled with the melodious songs sung by Chinmai as well as our local talents. Later on some fast Hindi film songs made the crowd joyous and dancing proceeded for some of the classic hits. Chinmai also paid vast tribute to Karnataka, beginning with a Karnataka based song and to one of the eminent Muslim Saint - Santha

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• Chinmai with Asha Jayaram, Ramya Anil, Prakruthi Madhuchandra and Manjula Hiremath.

Shishunala Shariff. Half way through the program, a small snack break was given to taste some mouth watering "chaats" - Paav Bhaji and Ragda Pattice - courtesy of M/s Red Peppers Catering. Thank you Vijay and Vani for providing us a tasty snack. The committee would also like to thank all of our sponsors who supported and graced our event. For more information on KSQ please visit www.chandana-brisbane.org or email kannadasanghaqld@gmail.com Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 9

Vietnamese Boat Adele Rice to retire People Memorial well known local entity Adele Rice A (pictured) has announced her retireunveiled ment at a special function to celebrate her From page 1 A MEMORIAL in honour of the Vietnamese boat people was unveiled at Captain Burke Park in Kangaroo Point on Sunday 2 December. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk along with other dignitaries cut the ribbon to mark the opening. The memorial is in recognition of many people who lost their lives fleeing Vietnam at the end of the war. While it was a proud moment for the Vietnamese community, they were saddened by the memory of those who had lost their lives in the attempt to flee.

career held on 23 November at Nudgee Junior College, Indooroopilly. The function was attended by over 400 people. Adele Rice is the founding principal of Milpera State High, a unique school which since 1984 has operated as an intensive English language preparation centre, currently with 250 students from more than 45 countries. Since commencing, the school has catered for over 12,000 students from 120 countries. As principal of a school for refugee and immigrant young people, Ms Rice understands that the migration experience ‘is the most life changing transition of all.’ But she says that education is one of the things that

"Canecutter" released SUGARCANE is a common denominator of people of Indian origin, especially those who were taken by the British to; Mauritius, Fiji, South Africa and other Caribbean nations. Sugarcane in Australia and especially in Northern Queensland was also thriving. Migrants from all over the world came to work on these farms. People of Indian origin were amongst them, in their industrious manner they worked hard and soon bought farms themselves. Davide A Cottone (pictured), the author of "Canecutter" mentions in his book that his ancestors bought their first farm off an Indian person. Davide comes from a Sicilian immigrant family. He loved and honoured his mother and father and the family is sacred to him. Born in Australia in the bustling little sugar town of Babinda in Far North Queensland, English is his second language. Davide launched his book "Canecutter" in Brisbane at a function organised by Giovani Porter, a prominent Northside

Solicitor. It was interesting to see the cane cutting knives, the lantern and the knife sharpening files. These were the same that cane farmers used in Fiji, Mauritius and South Africa. In his Book Davide talks about the pains, the blisters on the hands of the newly arrived migrants as they first started cutting cane. He talks about the cane cutting "gangs" with a "Head man" again something similar to that in the above mentioned countries. Having visited cane farms in Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa and India, I jumped on the opportunity to be part of this book launch and to interview Davide. Cane farming in India is quite different to that of Fiji, Mauritius and South Africa where one can see the commonality of a shared vision and common heritage. Copies of the book can be arranged through our office, contact Trudi on 3356 0102.

Lego League State Competition won by Kedron State High School GRADE eight student Sahibjeet Singh Bains along with nine of his teammates from Kedron State High School took part in the First Lego League State Competition held at QUT, Kelvin Grove Campus on 17th of November, 2012. The competition consisted of two main parts: Programming and Research. The theme of the research component was a Senior Solution for which student teams had to present something that will enhance the living of the elderly people. Sahibjeet along with two of his team-mates came up with a ‘Nursing Home Response System’ that was highly recommended by the judges.

They received the best team of the Logo League Championship 2012. They will now travel to Sydney on the 23 of February 2013 to compete in the National Tournament. The winning team will then advance to the World Logo League Championships to be held at Atlanta, Georgia in US in March 2013.

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

• Staff of Milperra High singing a specially composed song for Adele.

makes the biggest difference in lives, and has the ability to change lives. Ms Rice has been described as one of the most inspirational educators in the state and has been recognised with many awards including: a Churchill Fellowship, the Save the Children White Flame award, a Paul Harris Fellowship (Rotary), Queensland Multicultural Achiever award, and was recently named joint winner of the

Professor Betty Watts Memorial Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Teaching. She was made an honorary Fellow of the Australian College of Educational Leaders in 2011. It is however her students who inspire her and she describes her work as an ‘amazing privilege.’ She is a People of Australia Ambassador for 2012.

Fijian-Indian student wins award at CHARLTON BROWN® graduation ceremony ZARA Khan, Fijian-Indian student and Taringa child care centre worker, won the International Student of the Year Award at the 4 December graduation ceremony for CHARLTON BROWN®, Brisbane’s leading community care training college. The graduation ceremony, which was held at the Parliamentary Annexe in Brisbane CBD, celebrated the successes of CHARLTON BROWN®’s 2012 graduating students. CHARLTON BROWN® academic manager, Christine Kerr, said that Zara, a Diploma of Children’s Services student, demonstrated her passion for the care industry during a recent trip to Vietnam with the colleges’ international practical placement program, Global • From L to R: Zara Khan, Rod Camm (CEO of Skills Queensland), Kay Ganley (CEO of Charlton Brown). Linkages. “Zara demonstrated a willingcare and community services. ness to adapt to new situations and is an CHARLTON BROWN®’s graduation cerextremely trustworthy and caring child care emony was attended by a number of influworker,” said Christine. ential members of the Queensland training The CHARLTON BROWN® students community, including the State Director for graduated from a variety of disciplines, the Department of Foreign Affairs and including child care, aged care, disability Trade and the CEO of Skills Queensland.

"I am here" staged at Bille Brown Studio

I AM here, the play, opened to a very receptive audience at Bille Brown Studio on 6 December. The play was a joint collaboration between Queensland Theatre Company at The Greenhouse Multicultural development Association and Two Thumps Up. The opening night was attended by many invited dignitaries and government officials who work in the Multicultural arena. The Multicultural Development Association (MDA) is an independent, non-government, settlement • Naomi Steinborner and Andrew Davis, thanking the cast of I organisation committed to am here after the show. achieving the best settlement how much courage and resilience our outcomes for their clients and works active- refugee community bring with them as they ly to promote multiculturalism. negotiate the various hurdles of settlement Warran McMillan, chairperson of MDA into the community, and that their contribusaid " I am here, provides an opportunity tion makes our society all more strong, rich, for MDA to share the refugee story with vibrant and dynamic." mainstream Australia, through the rich talThe show was created by Andrew Davis ent and true life experiences of our amazing and directed by Naomi Steinborner of Two co-writer and cast, Pacific, Eric, Senyat, Thumps Up. Andrew was the musical direcLevi, Future and Concy. tor and the sole musician for the entire I am here is not just a show, it's a journey show. Under the expert lighting control of that will touch you for weeks to come and Daniel Anderson, the actors performed natmove you from tears to laughter and sorrow urally and delivered a powerful perforto joy. It will give you an insight into just mance.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 11

Premier holds reception for Indian community

Indian media symposium at UQ

• His Excellency Biren Nanda, High Commissioner for India delivers his address at Queensland Premiers reception for the Indian community.

FOLLOWING on with the tradition set by former Queensland Premiers, Premier Campbell Newman held the annual reception for the Indian community on Wednesday 7th November at the speakers green. The Premier announced his Visit to India, Dr Maha Sinnathamby spoke on behalf of the Indian community in Queensland. H.E. Biren Nanda, High Commissioner for India also spoke and F.I.C.Q President Naidu Bodapati delivered the vote of thanks. India is one of Queensland's biggest trade destinations and during his five-day visit Mr Newman held meetings in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Mundra, Ahmedabad and Kolkata. Former Premier Anna Bligh also chose India for her first trade trip, which also took place in China and Japan. During the trip, the Premier announced a

new deal between Sinclair Knight Merz and India energy giant, the Adani Group, to supply engineering services. He also used a speech in Hyderabad to talk up Queensland as an education destination, saying there were 13,000 Indian students in Queensland, contributing $330 million to the economy. However, the most curious announcement was the unveiling of plans to host India's Maharaja Cup polo tournament on the Gold Coast from 2013. "The Maharaja Cup is an exclusive polo tournament held under the patronage of His Highness the Maharaja Raghav Raj Singh of Shivrati, Udaipur, which is proposed to move between India and Australia annually," Mr Newman said. The Premier insisted his trip had planted the seeds for many deals to come, revealing how a chance meeting at a dinner allowed him to introduce an Indian power station owner to a Queensland coal producer. "He has coal resources that he is trying to find Indian partners for and that is how it works," he said. Mr Newman said India's energy supply issues created countless opportunities for Queensland, not only from coal export but also mining services.

• India media personalities from left: Kewal Kumar, Prof. Vinod Pavarala, Sunil Kanta Behera, Umesh Chandra, Sevanti Ninan, Vibobh Parthasarathi and Pradip Thomas at UQ Indian media symposium.

THE school of journalism and communication, University of Queensland held a symposium on public spheres, the media and social change in India. Pradip Ninan Thomas, Co director of the centre for communication and Social Change at University of Queensland was the facilitator of the three day program. Presenters included; Vibodh Parthasarathi, Ramasami Harindranath, Adrian Athique, Usha Roderigues, Sevanti Ninan, Vijay Selvarajan, Colin Agur, Kewal Kumar, Sukhmani Khorana, Maya Ranganathan, Nagamallika Gudipaty, Scott Fitzgerald, Sunil Kanta Behera, Daniela Bandelli, Kanchan Malik, Pradip Thomas, Eric Louw, Devaki Monani and Umesh Chandra. The line up of the speakers and presenters was an excellent choice of speakers both locally and internationally. Key media personnel and academic commentators from India were also present. Lectures on various media related subjects were deliberated during the three day event. A keynote speech at the dinner function was delivered by Sevanti Ninan on Old Journalism, new Journalism. Sevanti is among India's most well known media commentators. Umesh Chandra and Devaki Monani both touched on the handling of Indian students situation in Indian and Australian media, the impact of the reporting, the conse-

quences. Pradip Ninan Thomas launched his book "Digital India" at the end of the symposium.

• Pradip Ninan Thomas launches his book Digital India at UQ.

‘Deepavali’ lights up Federal Parliament once again in 2012 THE Hindu Council of Australia’s celebration of Deepavali festival at Federal Parliament on November 27 once again not only ignited the spiritual longing of many people but also lit up the hearts and minds of many who come to associate the festival with fun and joy - a lovely social and cultural occasion. Brightening the normally sombre feel of the Senate Committee room, the vibrant celebration brought warm smiles and favourable comments from the Parliamentarians, esteemed dignitaries and the most welcome attendance of the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Ms Julia Gillard, MP. The Deepavali festival brings unity between peoples, groups and communities through its spiritual message of peace and harmony, and by giving primacy to spiritual knowledge over ignorance celebrates the goodness in common humanity - the essential theme being the victory of good over evil. This theme was celebrated in Parliament House as a broad range of cultural and community organisations joined together to share the gift of goodwill and friendship over a celebration that unifies many faiths and cultures. Mr Kanti Jinna, Vice Chairman and Mr Prakash Mehta, Director of Development, Hindu Council of Australia, organised the event under the kind auspice of the Office of Senator Hon Kate Lundy, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Office of His Excellency the Indian High Commissioner, Mr Biren Nanda. Senator Lundy is a welcome participant to many Hindu community celebrations, and shares her genuine enthusiasm toward these time honoured cultural festivals, seen as she warmly lit the Deepavali lamps to com-

• Photo’s courtesy desi.com.au

mence the proceedings. Assisting Senator Lundy in lighting the sacred lamps were His Excellency, Mr Biren Nanda and Professor Nihal Agar, Chairman Hindu Council of Australia whilst three Priests from Temples in Canberra and Sydney chanted the holy mantras. The annual event held at Parliament House since 2004, is a celebration raising the profile of the various Hindu communities and is growing in stature each year. This year’s Deepavali Program was graced by a number of prominent Members of Parliament and Senators who took time out of their busy schedules, during the last week of parliamentary sitting, to share in the culture and enjoyment of this auspicious

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

occasion. The Honourable Members of Parliament who attended the event included Chris Bowen, David Bradbury, Senator Chris Evans, Mark Dreyfus, Ed Husic, Julie Owens, Matt Thistlethwaite, Phillip Ruddock and Theresa Gambaro. Senator Gary Humphries was in attendance to represent Hon Tony Abbott, Leader of Opposition. Senator Lisa Singh and Michelle Rowland, MP for Greenway, Co-Chairs of the Sub-Continent Ministerial Consultative Committee, were also present. The program was also attended by many dignitaries including the First Secretary and Acting Head of Mission of the Fiji High Commission Ms Cheryl Brown-Irava, and a senior Diplomat of the High Commission of

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Mauritius Mr Yesdev Jeelall. After humorously reflecting on her small ‘trip’ in Delhi, the Hon Julia Gillard spoke about the warmth and genuine welcome she experienced during her recent visit to India. She emphasised her attention to building greater India Australia links and was very happy to have the opportunity to host such an auspicious festival as Deepavali in the nation’s capital at Parliament House. This opportunity to build friendships and links was very valuable with more than 80 organisations in attendance representing a broad range of Hindu, Sikh, Islamic and Community Groups such as the India Australia Association of Canberra, The Federation of Indian Associations in the ACT, the Federation of Islamic Councils of Australia, Royal Commonwealth Society, the Canberra Inter-Faith Committee and the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum, from as far as Brisbane and Adelaide. Mr Surendra Prasad (pictured right) from Brisbane gave the vote of thanks, sharing his appreciation for all those who worked consistently over a number of months to bring this wonderful event together. Professor Agar summed it up perfectly in his closing comments, that “by holding this festival here in Canberra, we are able to focus on our spiritual unity, strength and success in this country. We are honoured to offer this Deepavali festival as a celebration of cultural diversity as well as inclusiveness in our multicultural society.” Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 13

Brisbane "Sangeet Premi Club" turns one SANGEET Premi Club, Brisbane's fastest growing club of music lovers,

boast close to one hundred members. The club is headed by Yousuf Alikhan a

very well know Brisbane personality and excellent singer. On their first anniversary the club organised a "Shaam-e-Ghazal" at Hamilton Town Hall on Saturday 17 November. Many renowned artists like

Joseph Nand, Usha Chivakula, Hemant Naik, Sulagna Basu, Neela Nazneen and Yousuf Alikhan and others sang all time favourite melodies from legends of Ghazal, Mendhi Hassan, Jagjit Singh and Talat Mehmood. The singers were complimented by talented musicians well suited for the genre. A well decorated stage set the perfect backdrop and created a "mehfil" type atmosphere. Overall a very successful evening set in the right mood with receptive audience in perfect harmony.

Tulsi Vivah at Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir “THE LORD SALIGRAM AND MATA TULSI VIVAH” was celebrated in style by devotees of Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Burbank on Sunday 25th November 2012 officiated by resident Pt. R H Tripathi Ji. Baraat procession was from Pt. Tripathi Ji’s residence to the Temple complex. Some 250 to 300 dedicated devotees from Brisbane and Gold Coast witnessed the colourful celebration, enjoyed Pt. Ji’s parvachan and took part in Hawan. Prasad and Maha Prasad were served to conclude the occasion. Just a reminder to all the members, devotees and well -wishers of Shree Laxminarayan Mandir that its Web page is at: www.laxminarayan.com.au and contains an update on various matters, including major programs, photo clips, rules, contact details, opening / closing hours – etc. Authorised by Ashok Prasad, Secretary, HMA

Will W illl y you ou h help elp ssave ave a c child’s hil i d’s Christmas? llife ife this this C hrisstmas? Tom Tom To o Greenwood/Save Greenwood/Save the Chi Childr dren en Austra ustralia. ia. STC00729b STC00729b C

No child child is born born to die. Bu ut every every year, year, 7.6 6 million children hildrren ren under tthe he ag age of five five do. That’s ha at’s 7.6 at 6 million cchildren hildren who will will never never open present presents at at bir birthday rtthdays y or Christmas, Christmas, never have never have a chance chance to go go to school, school, never never ver have e a chance chance to reach reach th their h potential potential.

With W Wi iith your your support, supporrtt, we we can can ttrain rain health health workers orrkers in n countries countries across across the the world world d to diagnose diagnose and treat tre eat at cchildren, hildren, befor before fore it is too o la late atte. Our g goal oal is to train tra a 400,000 400,000 healt health workers or orkers by by 2015. Do D o at ona onate ate to our Christmas Christmas Appeal peal today today and help help m e children mor more children lead lead healt health hy y, h y, happy lives happy lives.

What’s ha at’s even at even more more tragic tragic is many many of these these children hildrren ren ccould ould have e been ssav aved. The aved The three three biggest child biggest child killers killers – pne eumonia, diarrhoe eumonia, diarrhoea rhoea and malaria – are arre ee easy asy to sspot pot and simple simple to treat treat at.

Donate D onate to to our C istmas App Chr Christmas peal today peal today.

It costs costs $150 to train train and equip equip a health health worker orrker to sav save ave children’s hildrren ren’s lli lives ves.

ssavethechildren.org.au avethechildren org.au ⁄ ttimes av imes 1800 76 00 11 1 80 0 7 60 01 1

FFor or business partnership partnership opportu opportu unities with Save the Children Save Children Australia, Australia, pleasse contact contact Barinder Bar inder Singh on 0407 791 027.

Get creative with your gifts… BUY A YAK! Proceeds help us support children in Australia and overseas.

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

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Shri Maharudram No room at the inn? at Shri Shiv Mandir

By Peter Lane Rai

Courtesy Akila Ramarathinam BY Parameshwara’s grace and Kanchi Acharyal’s anugraham, Shri Maharudra Utsavam was held at Shri Shiv Mandir, Minto (NSW), Australia from November 22 to 25, 2012. This was a second Maharudra Utsavam held at the temple premises. The first such event was held in Nov 2010 for 5 days. On this occasion, Shri Rudram from Shri Krishna Yajurveda Samhita was chanted 1331 times by Rithviks in the span of 4 days. On the last day, 45 Rithviks participated in chanting, Rudra Homam and Abhishekam. More than 700 devotees witnessed the chanting event on the 4 days. With the blessings from His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal of Kanchipuram and kind permission from the Shiv Mandir Management Committee, the event was organized by Shri Dorai Rajan and Shri Ramarathinam under the able guidance of Shri Ramachandra Athreyar and the temple priests, Shri Venkatrama Sastry and Shri Lal Bahadur Mishra.

Our special thanks to Sydney Veda Patasala (initiative of VHP Australia) teachers Shri Subramanian, Shri Ramarathinam and Shri Jayashankar for training many Rithviks over the last five years. Kanchi Mutt Silver pendant coins and temple prasadam were distributed to all the Rithviks and sponsors. Shri Murali and his team took care of catering arrangements on all the 4 days and provided delicious lunch and evening prasadam for all the visitors and Rithviks. Shri Nirmaleswara Gurukkal delivered lecture on Siva Puranam on one of the evenings. Smt Lakshmi Narendra presented a Veena Concert on another evening. Sri Rudra Krama Archana was performed on another evening. Sydney Shiva devotees have been witnessing Ekadasha Rudram and Maharudram in alternate years since 2009 at the temple premises. We hope this trend will continue for years to come with the support of Sydney devotees. Om Namasivaaya

DID you know that there are approximately 250,000 Indians living in Australia, making Indians the fourth largest migrant community even surpassing Italians? I've met some of them like Jagbhir a cook in the Valley, Sukhdev an IT worker in the city and Amrit, a single Fijian Indian Ph. D student. They miss their home, even though life back there was not that easy. Life is So to really live out the Christmas story also challenging here coping with a totally then this year, be a friend to the lonely, different culture. invite them into your home for a meal. This Amrit and her family are Christians. When will show them the peace, joy and good will she arrived in Australia she had several which Jesus came to bring. weeks accommodation at the University and then had to find a new place to “lay her head". It was very unsettling, away from her family for the first time and looking for a place to live. Yet she really understood the Christmas story in Luke 2: 4-20 where, for a pregnant, temporary homeless Mary wondering where her baby would be born, “there was no room at the inn” for her and her husband Joseph. Some places Amrit looked at • Breakfast at the farm with Peter, Amrit and Karen Amrit were either too expensive or too and friends.

2012 Members of Parliament National Volunteer Awards VOLUNTEERS make a positive difference in the lives of millions of Australians. They contribute to a socially inclusive society, in which all Australians feel valued and have the opportunity to participate fully in their communities. Community volunteering can be a thankless task at times, ones who do this, do it for the love of it , for the satisfaction of having served the community, to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged. The 2012 Members of Parliament National Volunteer Awards is an opportunity to recognize the contribution of local volunteers to communities all over Australia. Members of Parliament around the nation are took part by presenting awards to volunteers in their electorates. Teresa Gambaro MP, Federal Member for Brisbane presented three awards to very deserving volunteers at a ceremony held at New Farm Library on Friday 7 December. The awardees are as follows; 1. Claude Harvey – AKA – The Mowerman – for his incredible efforts volunteering and singlehandedly raising an astonishing $474,000+ for Bravehearts over the last 11 years. He is a true hero who pushed his trusty lawn mower all the from Toowoomba to Cleveland in October. 2. Carmel Williams, who lives as independently as possible in a house with one of her sisters and their family. She suffered a motor bike accident as a student nurse and has been in a wheelchair ever since. Over the years she has tirelessly pursued volunteer activities eg Sporting Wheelies Association, and represented Australia in wheelchair sports. In more recent years she

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

far from the University. Then through another Indian Christian friend we met and Amrit lived with our family for a few years. As we are still good friends, recently we and other friends went for a weekend to a Dalby farm, four hours drive from Brisbane, to brand, tag and castrate cattle and go kangaroo hunting at night which was all quite an experience!

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has offered that same selfless dedication and service to The Karuna Hospice Service at Windsor. Nothing is ever too much trouble; her enthusiasm and commitment is unflagging despite her own increasing physical limitations. 3. Ms Katrina Porter, who has spent almost two decades enriching the lives of residents at Hilltop Gardens, an aged care centre situated at Kelvin Grove, Brisbane. She still insists that she gets so much more back from the elderly people whom she visits. A single lady who never married, she is considered "one of the family" by many residents at the Queensland Baptist care who hold her in high esteem. Ms Porters parents both worked as chaplains at Hilltop Garden and while accompanying her father on his visits, Katrina realised that this something she found very rewarding and fulfilling. Umesh Chandra, a community volunteer and Hindu Chaplain at University of Queensland, assisted with judging and presentation of the awards. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

DEAR Brisbane Indian Times readers, we welcome you to a new and exiting journey through Inspired Indians column. What is the purpose of this article? The main purpose of this article is to inspire our BIT readers and families to excel in their life, work and be proud citizens of Australia. Additionally, it is to explore the deeper potential for which we have been created. To find insights, wisdom and understandings that will help us make better choices daily. Today we live in an information explosive society. At our fingertips we have more information that may make us crumble and humble. But seldom this information helps us to be a better citizen of this nation. Therefore information alone will not bring transformation to the nation. Information cannot bring inspiration, which we need, to tackle our life issues. We must learn to renew our mind; we must develop a quest for application of true wisdom in order to navigate through life’s challenges. Let’s begin this inspiration journey with a simple question. Do you know your true potential? Or do you understand your true purpose in life? Potential is…untapped talent… hidden strength…dormant ability…unused success. Potential is unexposed ability and latent power according to Dr. Munroe, noted author and a teacher. This further illustration from Dr. Munroe about the word ‘potential’ will shock you and inspire you to reach your dreams. Take a look at the Australia’s mining potential, it was buried waiting to be explored and profited from its value. Can you identify a wealthiest spot on this planet? Is it gold and diamond mines of Africa? Or is it oil fields of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia? No, none of these. Want a surprise? The wealthiest deposits on our planet may be just a few blocks from your home or suburb. They rest in the local cemetery or graveyard. Do not go digging, but dig deep inside your mind to think outside the box. Buried beneath the sacred soil of the graveyard are the dreams that never came to pass, songs and books that were never written or published, paintings that never filled a canvass, ideas that were never used, visions that never became realities, inventions that were never designed to final product, plans that never went beyond the drawing board of the mind. Our graveyards are filled with rich potentials. That is a national tragedy. Let’s journey together and learn how to be inspired so we can fulfill our potential before we end up at the local graveyard. For the Wisdom will enter your heart and the knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Point to ponder: I will not waste my time away with pity excuses any more, but look at the creation to renew my mind and reach my potential before my last breath. See you here next month, until then be inspired you are full of potential. Share your thoughts and inspirations by emailing: navig8grace@gmail.com

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 — 17

Schoolkids Bonus only weeks away THE Minister for Families, Jenny Macklin, and the Member for Reid, John Murphy, visited Homebush West Public School on 10 December to encourage parents with kids starting primary or secondary school next year to go online and update their details to ensure they get the new Schoolkids Bonus in January. “The Schoolkids Bonus will help lighten the load of back-to-school costs for nearly 7000 local families,” Ms Macklin said. “It helps parents buy uniforms, shoes, school books and stationery, as well as other costs like school excursions, music lessons and sports registration fees. “Each year eligible families will receive up to $410 for each child in primary school, and up to $820 a year for each high school student paid in two instalments – just when families need it most. “The first Schoolkids Bonus payment comes in January, so parents only have a few weeks left to let Centrelink know that their child is starting primary school next year to get their payments on time. “If Centrelink doesn’t know their child is starting school, families will miss out on $410. “And if their child is starting high school we also need to know so they can get the

Aged Care Training & Child Care Training

• Minister Macklin and the Hon John Murphy with community leaders, parents and students from Homebush West Public School

higher secondary school payment. “Christmas and January are a busy time for many families, so that’s why we want parents to update their details now before the silly season kicks in.” Families with kids starting primary or high

school and high school don’t need to do anything. Mr Murphy said many families are feeling the pinch right now and need a bit of extra support. “The Schoolkids Bonus replaces the old Education Tax Refund, which too many families were missing out on,” Mr Murphy said. “The Schoolkids Bonus also means families do not have to collect a pile of receipts or fill out that extra paperwork at tax time. “All they need to do instead is check and update their children’s school details online, then receive their Schoolkids Bonus in time for the new school year.” Families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A, as well as young people in school receiving Youth Allowance, and others receiving certain income support or veterans’ payments are eligible for the Schoolkids Bonus.

school next year need to make sure their child’s schooling details are up to date with Centrelink by 31 December to receive their Schoolkids Bonus entitlement in January 2013. Families with children already in primary

For the latest information about the Schoolkids Bonus and other family assistance measures, visit www.australia.gov.au/schoolkidsbonus or ‘like’ our Australian Families Facebook page.

Follow the voyage of Sagar Parikrama II SAGAR Parikrama is the envisaged circumnavigation of the globe solo and under sail by Indian Naval Sailing Vesel (INSV) Mhadei being skippered by Lieutenant Commander Abhilash Tomy of the Indian Navy. INSV Mhadei will be sailing single handedly around the world south of all the great capes viz Cape Leeuwing, Cape Horn and Cape of Good Hope, covering a distance of 21600 nautical miles, crossing the equator twice and starting and finishing its circumnavigation from the same port. While about 5000 people have summited Mount Everest and 500 have gone into outer space, only 181 individuals have solo circumnavigated the globe and only approximately 80 have done so without any stops. This naturally indicates the level of difficulty of solo circumnavigation ventures. Sagar Parikrams 2 began it’s voyage on 1 November 2012 from Mumbai and the voyage itself should last six months. The skipper Abhilash Tomy is an alumnus of India’s Naval Academy and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 2000. He is a maritime reconnaissance pilot by specialisation and has logged in approximately

for Australian Permanent Residents or citizens from a non-English speaking background Venue: 14 Proe Street, Newstead, QLD 4006 Time: 9:00am - 2:30pm Training date: 29th January, 2013 Duration: 12 weeks including work placement (Aged Care Training)* 16 weeks including work placement (Child Care Training)* Contact Saysamone on 3257 1868 (Press option 1) or email saysamone@mccbrisbane.org

1300 hours of flying. A yachtsman by hobby, Lt Cdr Tomy has taken part in various national and international regattas. In 2008, he was appointed as the Yacht services manager of for the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover at Kochi. In 2009, he had volunteered to assist the skipper of INSV Mhadei during Sagar Parikrama 1. He has logged approximately 27000 miles of ocean sailing out of which 25000 miles are on the Mhadei. Follow the Voyage - Sagar Parikrama II can be followed on:• Facebook www.facebook.com/www.mhadei.co.in • Blog www.sagarparikrama2.blogspot.com • You tube channel - Sagarparikrama2

Australia Day isn’t just about celebrating our beautiful beaches and wide-open spaces. It’s not just about celebrating our rich diversity of cultures, or the fact we take our sport more seriously than we take ourselves. And we’re not just celebrating because we have a day off to share with our family and friends. Wherever our personal stories begin, we’re celebrating on January 26, because tomorrow we get to live it all over again. To find out about celebrations near you, visit AUSTRALIADAY.ORG.AU

CELEBRATE TODAY LIVE IT AGAIN TOMORROW 18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

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Wayne Swan: Visit to India Shariah Symposium at to discuss the opportunities Brisbane Convention Centre of the Asian Century IF most people had to name one thing that shows how close Australia’s relationship is with India, many of us would say our shared love of cricket. As the Australian summer heats up, there’s a tinge of sadness that MS Dhoni and the Indian Cricketers won’t be touring Australia this year, despite the stiff competition that South Africa and now Sri Lanka are laying down for the Aussies. As I visited India last week, I was reminded of how much the close relationship between India and Australia has grown over the past decade, moving well beyond the traditional battle for the BorderGavaskar trophy. The fact that the Australian Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have visited India with five weeks of each other is an indication of how highly we value our friendship with the Indian people. Australia and India have a strong bilateral relationship. India is our fourth largest export destination, and the fifth largest source of foreign investment in our country. As Australia’s eighth-largest overall twoway trading partner in 2010-11, our trade and investment links with India are the backbone of our relationship. In fact, trade between Australia and India has more than doubled in the past six years to around $20 billion, and we have set a goal of doubling trade to $40 billion by 2015. Last year, over $11 billion of prospective Indian investment into Australia was approved, representing a tenfold increase since 2001 and there are now around 150 Australian companies with a corporate presence in India, similar to the total number of Indian companies in Australia. The truth is that as the world’s third largest economy, India continues to undergo a remarkable transformation. While global economic conditions remain challenging and our future is not assured, I strongly believe if we work with the key economies in our region and invest in our own productivity both our countries will continue to prosper. The past few years have seen change on a massive scale, not just in terms of the ebb and flow of the global economy, but in how many of the world’s developing economies have continued to ride the waves of growth. As the Asian Century unfolds, and as India continues to grow, so too will our relationship. When the Government talks about the Asian century, too many in the media

By Anisa Sunder Crescents Community News www.crescentsofbrisbane.org

automatically assume that what we are really talking about is China. While it’s clear China figures prominently in any discussion about economies in transition, the mainstream media often overlooks the stunning evolution of the Indian economy. India is an absolutely key part of our ambitious plans to prosper in the Asian Century. As one of the world’s key economies, India is one of our most important partners. If trade and investment are the backbone of our relationship, skills and education represent its lifeblood. This was driven home to me as I stood in the streets of Delhi, where vast numbers of children in their school uniforms were rushing to make it to school on time. These were not wealthy neighbourhoods; they were children from all walks of life. But our relationship goes beyond trade, investment and education. Australia has a huge Indian community, our people are visiting one another’s countries in growing numbers and this visit is one in a series of exchanges between the two governments. I know in my own local community on Brisbane’s Northside there are many people who have emigrated from Indian and are now helping Queensland form strong links with India. Both our countries have much work ahead of us – and both our countries have so many opportunities to share as we head into the Asian Century. Wayne Swan Deputy PM, Treasurer and Member for Lilley

SHARIAH Law is undoubtedly one of the most widely debated and yet misunderstood contemporary Islamic issues of today. In a time where politicians such as Cory Bernardi spout vitriolic messages about Shariah, coupled with the mainstream media often aiding in the spreading of misinformation, it is little wonder that so many of our nonMuslim neighbours in Australia perceive Sharia to be such a threat to their way of life. What is surprising however, is how ill-informed so many of us, as Muslims, are about our own religious laws. It was with the intention to not only educate but to discuss potential solutions to currentday issues that the Revival team, Griffith University, the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic studies and the Council of Imams Queensland set about organising the Shariah Law One Day Symposium. The symposium examined the meaning, sources and objectives of Shariah; Islamic Law vis-à-vis the Common Law, and the Relevance of Abodes (Dar al Islam & Dar al-Harb) in the Implementation of Shariah Law. It also addressed the issue of Islamic Family Law in Australia, what aspects of Shariah laws can be implemented in nonMuslim lands, and who should have the authority to implement them and what circumstances they should be implemented. On Wednesday the 5th of December

approximately 70 people representing various Islamic and non-Islamic organisations from all over Australia convened at the Brisbane Convention Centre to hear from high profile specialists in Islamic Law Dato’ Sri Professor Zaleha Kamaruddin, Shaykh Taha Karaan, Dr Ann Black, Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Adbdalla and Dr Mahmood Nathie. By all accounts the symposium was a resounding success. The keynote speakers were very interesting and their topics relevant and very appropriate in light of recent events. Additionally, the Q and A sessions following each speaker were lively and extremely informative. Jazak’Allah Khairan to the organisers for providing all participants with such a productive and rewarding experience. For anyone wanting to watch a video of the Symposium IslamTV will be posting it up shortly. Snippets of the Symposium will also be posted on the Revival website.

An Evening with the Scholars Crescents Community News www.crescentsofbrisbane.org REVIVAL, a Brisbane-based organization vested with the ideals of bringing Islamic issues to the local community for scholarly discussion, held a dinner on Thursday 6 December at Michael's Oriental in honour of the its overseas keynote speakers who presented at the Symposium on Sharia held the day before. The function, held under the theme of Living Islam Today, was attended by some 100 guests who included Imams, community organization and government representatives as well as Aboriginal elders. Aunty Deborah Bennet (pictured left), who was called on to give an impromptu speech, spoke most eloquently and

appreciatively of the long, enduring history and association between the indigenous community and the Muslims from Indonesia and Afghanistan. This was followed by the effervescent and ebullient Dato’ Sri Professor Zaleha Kamaruddin (pictured above) who spoke on the work her university, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), was doing to incorporate secular and religious content in their curriculum. Shaykh Taha Karaan, a scholar in Islamic jurisprudence from Cape Town, South Africa, gave a racy and inspired talk on living in a Western world with Islamic values. The Q&A segments during the evening dealt with a number of interesting topics that were equally well-addressed by the speakers.

Indian World Supermodel 2012 winner announced 30 OCTOBER, New Delhi - India: Australian based photographer and talent mentor, Raj Suri, is the cofounder of Indian World Supermodel (IWSM). Raj brings IWSM to India in 2012. Raj Suri conducted a professional, targeted campaign involving auditions and a live media event announcement in New Delhi with a VIP guests in the month of October 2012. The winner of the first ever Indian World Supermodel 2012 (IWS), Aasttha Ssidana, was announced by Award winning actor Mr Sanjay Suri amongst VIP guests including India’s leading fashion designers Rohit Bal and Varun Bahl, Anurag Verma (fdci) and other reputed personalities from the fashion industry on Monday 29 October 2012 at an exclusive, by invitation only, party announcement at Shroom, Crescent in New Delhi. The event officially was hosted by IWSM National Director, Raj Suri. Aasttha Ssidana was over the moon on hearing her name and being facilitated by a bouquet of flowers, and holding the prestigious title of IWSM 2012.

The Indian World Supermodel 2012 five finalist, who were selected on the basis of auditions, carried by talent mentor Raj Suri, were: Karina Ahuja, Priyanka Gusain, Aasttha Ssidana, Monali Chaudhary, Aradhana Nayar. Aasttha Ssidana, airfares to Australia and Fiji has been sponsored by Raj Suri Global Sanjay Suri said “Now for years some Indian Models have been making their presence felt on International Platforms and contest like IWSM only makes it better for them by giving them the opportunity to reach out to a global audience". The World Supermodel Australia team is anticipating with great expectations her visit to Sydney. The IWSM co-founder, national director Raj Suri, says “ I was overwhelmed at the turn out of the talent and VIPs guests at the party and felt welcomed by the media and guests in my country of origin – India. He said “IWSM offers representation on the world platform as Indian talent has much to offer to the world” The auditions for the Indian World

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Supermodel World 2012 were conducted by Raj Suri in New Delhi from 20th October to 25th October 2012. Mr Raj Suri, who himself has been a talent mentor in Australia for past 10 years, founder of Miss India Australia, past winners include PALLAVI SHARDA (of HEROINE fame) and VIMALA RAMAN (has completed 17 feature films in India). The finalists were selected on the basis of an audition process which includes a catwalk round, presentation to the camera, elegance and style at a live interaction session with Mr. Raj Suri in New Delhi. The Indian World Super Model provides an international platform to all aspiring and established models to represent their country as well as build their portfolios and get an international exposure, mentoring from Raj Suri, which would open up new avenues not just in the field of modeling but also Film and Television. The Indian World Supermodel search strives to give an international plat• Raj Suri, Aasttha Ssidana & Sanjay Suri. form for talented Indian models. www.indiantimes.com.au

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Business News ‘S***! I’ve Got An ATO Audit?!’ AS a Tax Agent that is usually the first thing a client says to me when I tell them I have received a letter that they are to be audited. Sometimes the words are more explicit. The response I get has hardly changed in the 19 years I have been involved in tax Over the last couple of years the ATO has decided that they will investigate businesses which it considers high risk. They have published over 100 industry benchmarks. These benchmarks are by industry and show what the ATO expects. For example, the ATO will expect a profit of 11% ($55,000) for a discount store with turnover (sales) of $500,000. Anything less may have the ATO knocking on doors. Tax inspectors have also told Tax Agents that they intend to concentrate on cash businesses. Inspectors have been known to eat at restaurants, pay in cash and then at a later date return to check that their sale has been included in the books. They will visit a retail store and buy items over a few weeks and pay at different tills and then return to check their sale has been recorded. They are also concentrating more on lifestyle. If declared income is low, but one has a large home, expensive cars and children in private school the ATO may start asking how this lifestyle has been maintained. They can ask for passports so that they can check holidays and ask how those holidays were paid for. However, it is not all bad news. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on which side of the fence you are on, the ATO is severely underfunded. You have to be quite unlikely to get picked. But it does happen. Last year 118,000 cash business were investigated and this number will get bigger. It is still a small number considering the total number of businesses in Australia. So, how do you avoid getting picked in the first place? First, check to see if your industry is one of the benchmarks published by the ATO. Make sure you are within the ranges expected by the ATO. If you are outside the ranges you may need to come up with a good reason why. Second, ensure you have maintained your books and records properly. The ATO have really emphasised this. Make sure your records are up to date and that you have all till receipts (not just ‘Z’ readings), sales invoices, supplier invoices and how and when payments and receipts occurred. Third, make sure you file and pay all your returns (Tax, BAS, FBT etc) on time. If you

are late or cannot make payment get in touch with the ATO and explain what is happening. They will be more responsive and less likely to investigate. Lastly, keep your private financial affairs separate from your business affairs. Only use a business bank account and business credit cards for business expenses. If you do use a personal credit card use it solely for business purposes and not personal. This is because you do not want to give any indication to the ATO what kind of lifestyle you have. There is also less chance of personal items accidently being claimed as business expenses especially if you have a bookkeeper or Tax Agent preparing your books. Remember a small mistake found by a tax inspector can lead to more questions. If you are unlucky to be audited, what should you do? Well, get a Tax Agent to do the work and communicate with the ATO. It will be expensive but they are experts and should know what to do. You won’t. It is usually a good idea to take out tax audit insurance so that your Agent’s fees are covered. Speak to your Tax Agent who should be able to advice on this. The ATO can ask for a meeting. Try and avoid this but you may not have an option. The ATO may ask for this meeting to be at your home. Ensure this never happens as they want to see what is in your home. Always arrange a meeting at your Tax Agent’s office as a meeting at an ATO office is likely to intimidate you and you may say things you would not normally. During the meeting if you feel uncomfortable at any stage, end the meeting. Try to ensure the meeting does not go beyond an hour and a quarter because after this time you are likely to let your guard down. The ATO will send you notes or minutes of meetings asking it be signed and returned. You are not legally required to sign and my policy is to never sign them. Finally, remember the ATO probably have a lot more information about you than you think. We live in a digital age of Google Maps and data matching. The ATO can see what a taxpayer’s home looks like by pressing a few buttons on a computer at their desk. Try to avoid giving vague answers, tell the truth, stick to the point and only answer the questions asked and nothing more. Article provided by Hitesh Mohanlal. This article is for information only and should not been considered detailed advice.

Chinese commerce body ACFIC gets new head BEIJING, Dec 10 (IANS) Wang Qinmin was elected chairman of the executive committee of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC). The first plenary session of the ACFIC's 11th executive committee was held Monday 10 December, Xinhua reported. Quan Zhezhu was appointed executive vice chairman and 23 others were elected vice

chairpersons, including Li Yanhong, CEO of the Chinese search engine giant Baidu. The new ACFIC chairman vowed to promote industry associations and help build harmonious labour relations. Founded in 1953, the ACFIC is a non-governmental organisation and has over 2.9 million members comprising enterprises, groups and individuals.

HYDERABAD, Dec 10 (IANS) Netxcell Limited, a leading mobile value added service provider, has developed and implemented a subscription platform on cloud for Tata Docomo, which promises to enhance quality of service to the subscribers of the telecom service provider, a company official said. The solution, said to be first in the industry, will enable Tata Docomo to provide real time subscription services for 2G and 3G subscribers. Netxcell will manage the entire pack provisioning and customer life cycle management solutions for Docomo across all of its 18 circles including real-time alerts for system utilization and breach of key service

and performance indicators, said a company release here. "Netxcell's latest solution is an innovative, very flexible and hassle-free system that arms the operator with real-time intelligence on subscriber trends and usage patterns, thereby enabling the operator to engage its subscribers most efficiently," said Debasis Chatterji, CEO Netxcell Limited.

Netxcell develops solution for Tata Docomo

Netxcell has been in the forefront of pioneering and developing niche value-added products and solutions for the mobile space and productivity enabling solutions for the telecom companies, system integrators and enterprises.

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

Cops want to conduct lie detector test on Zee scribes NEW DELHI, Dec 10 (IANS) A Delhi court sent two Zee TV network journalists to judicial custody till Dec 22 for an alleged bid to extort Rs.100-crore from a Jindal Group firm. Police have sought permission to conduct a lie detector test on the two accused and Zee Group chairman Subhash Chandra, their employer. Metropolitan Magistrate Sudhanshu Kaushik posted the matter for Dec 12, while issuing notice to the two journalists and Zee Group chairman Subhash Chandra on police application. "Since the investigating officer has not sought their further custody, they are remanded in judicial custody till Dec 22," the court said while sending the accused to judicial custody. Sudhir Chaudhary, head of Zee News, and Samir Ahluwalia, head of Zee Business, were arrested here Nov 27 on charges of attempting to extort Rs.100 crore from Jindal Power and Steel Ltd. (JPSL) in exchange for not filing news reports linking the firm to the irregular coal blocks allocation. Police moved an application seeking permission to conduct a lie detector test on the two journalists and Chandra, whose twoday questioning ended Sunday 9 December. The investigators also sought permission to conduct a voice sample test on the two journalists. Chandra, Zee Group managing director Puneet Goenka and the two journalists were brought face-to-face and questioned Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December.

Police booked both the journalists under Sections 384 (extortion), 120(b) (criminal conspiracy) and 511 (punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Before arresting Chaudhary and Ahluwalia, police also charged them under Section 420 (cheating). Both journalists were accused of demanding Rs.100 crore from Jindal Group in the form of advertisements to the channel. Jindal had released a CD which purportedly showed footage in which the Zee journalists were trying to strike a deal with his company officials, telling them that their TV news channel would not air negative stories on Jindal Group if the money was paid to them. Jindal, who is chairman of JPSL, had earlier claimed that the Zee executives had demanded Rs.20 crore for four years and they secretly filmed the meetings. They later raised the demand to Rs.100 crore for not broadcasting stories against the company in relation to the allocation of coal blocks, Jindal alleged. JPSL is among the companies named in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report as one of the beneficiaries of the controversial coal blocks allocation. Zee News chief executive officer Alok Agarwal at a press conference defended its journalists, saying "Our executives' arrest is illegal. We strongly condemn arrests of our two executives."

China, India, Brazil to emerge as key global players by 2030: US report By Arun Kumar WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (IANS) Asia will have surpassed North America and Europe combined in terms of global power by 2030 with China, India and Brazil becoming especially important to the global economy, according to a new US intelligence assessment. "The diffusion of power among countries will have a dramatic impact by 2030," says the fifth instalment in the US National Intelligence Council's series aimed at providing a framework for thinking about the future released here Monday 10 December. The report "Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds," released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the apex body of 16 US intelligence agencies, says China alone will probably have the largest economy, surpassing that of the United States a few years before 2030. "In a tectonic shift, the health of the global economy increasingly will be linked to how well the developing world does-more so than the traditional West," the report said. "In addition to China, India, and Brazil, regional players such as Colombia, Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Turkey will become especially important to the global economy. "Meanwhile, the economies of Europe, Japan, and Russia are likely to continue their slow relative declines," the report said. Despite their growing economic clout, developing countries will face their own challenges, especially in their efforts to continue the momentum behind their rapid economic growth, it said. With slowing growth China "faces the prospect of being trapped in middle-income status, with its per capita income not continuing to increase to the level of the world's advanced economies." "India faces many of the same problems and traps accompanying rapid growth as China: large inequities between rural and

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urban sectors and within society; increasing constraints on resources such as water; and a need for greater investment in science and technology to continue to move its economy up the value chain," the report said. "Insufficient natural resources - such as water and arable land - in many of the same countries that will have disproportionate levels of young men increase the risks of intrastate conflict breaking out, particularly in Sub-Saharan African and South and East Asian countries, including China and India," it said. "Three different baskets of risks could conspire to increase the chances of an outbreak of interstate conflict: changing calculations of key players- particularly China, India, and Russia; increasing contention over resource issues; and a wider spectrum of more accessible instruments of war." South Asia, the report said: "faces a series of internal and external shocks during the next 15-20 years. Low growth, rising food prices, and energy shortages will pose stiff challenges to governance in Pakistan and Afghanistan." "Afghanistan's and Pakistan's youth bulges are large-similar in size to those found in many African countries. When these youth bulges are combined with a slow-growing economy, they portend increased instability." However, it said, "India is in a better position, benefiting from higher growth, but it will still be challenged to find jobs for its large youth population. Inequality, lack of infrastructure, and education deficiencies are key weaknesses in India." How the United States' international role evolves during the next 15-20 years was a big uncertainty, the report said. "Whether the US will be able to work with new partners to reinvent the international system will be among the most important variables in the future shape of the global order," it said. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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Who, What, Where, When

• GOPIO Queensland held their end of year dinner function at Simla Restaurant in Mt Gravatt. Guests were entertained by lively music by Brisbane Babas Band, Hafiza Sumi Sharmin was the main singer for the night.

• Kannada Sangha Committee of Yr 2012-13 Navin Kumar, Ravi Prasad, Nagesh RS, Gowtham D, Dattu Kulkarni, Krishna Kumar and Dr Balaji Hiremagalur.

• Double celebration for the Sharmas, Hirdesh Sharma (father) and Komal Sharma (daughter) held a joint celebration at Fountain View Room, Summit Restaurant, Mt Cootha. Komal celebrated her 21st birthday. From Left: Hirdesh Sharma, Rohini Sharma and Komal Sharma. Above Right: Komal with her friends.

• Keith Reed (right), Chairman of Crime stoppers committee Metro South recently presented Surendra Prasad OAM with a Certificate of Appreciation 2012 for Voluntary Service with the Crime Stoppers program in Qld. Crime Stoppers is a Community Volunteer Organisation is working in partnership with the police.

30th Wedding Anniversary Celebrations Mr and Mrs Hari and Indra Birbal (pictured left) celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary • Below left to right: Pawan, Dharma Nani, Suruj Mami, Karishma, Indra and Hari, Priya and Pritika

• Above: Shree Sanatan Dharam Hindu Association of Queensland donated A$1000.00 to Sanatan Dharam Fiji, Secretary, Mr. Divendra Prasad handed the funds over. • Left: Brisbane Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk with Umesh Chandra of Brisbane Indian Times at Lord Mayors Media Xmas drinks.

• Impromptu Question Answer Session at Chinmaya Mission Trivia Night Centre: Honourable MP Graham Perett addressing the audience. Right: Doctors particpating in the Trivia Night. 24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

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Makara Jyothi Ayyappa pooja was held on 1 December at Sr Citizen Hall in Toowong, bhajans followed the pooja (prayer) LORD AYYAPPA, the presiding supreme deity of Sabari Hills is worshipped by millions of devotees. Lord Ayyappa brings to the Devotees contentment, spiritual upliftment, prosperity and fulfillment of their desires and wishes. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 25

Who, What, Where, When

• Dancing at Tiffany’s held their first end of year concert on 8 December. Left: Director / Principal Tiffany Allen with Emillia Burns. Centre: Time to celebrate...some of the students enjoy cake after the concert. Right: Jade Tahi pictured with her parents Nina and Tuhoe & brother Luke.

• Melody Booth and Prashat Bali were married at St Lucia Uniting Church on Saturday 10th November. The reception was held at Stamford plaza.

Chantex Christmas Party at Sofitel...

• From left: Robert Hoitink, Queensland State Director, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Umesh Chandra, 2012 People of Australia Ambassador, Dr Farvadin Daliri 2012 People of Australia Ambassador, Senator the Hon Kate Lundy, Federal Minister for Sport, Federal Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation, Adele Rice, 2012 People of Australia Ambassador, Gail Kerr, Australian Multicultural Council and Access Services. The Federal Minister met Queensland People of Australia Ambassadors over lunch in Brisbane.

• Right: Manu Hingorani celebrated his birthday at GOPIO Queensland function, Manu is a member of GOPIO Qld, both Manu and his wife Sonya Hingorani do a lot of community work, on a Sunday you will probably find them at Shree Laxmi Narayan temple serving Dinner to devotees.

• Chantex Pty Ltd Directors Umesh & Usha Chandra. • Collin & Judy Mason.

• Chantex Accounts Manager Jazmin with partner Chris. • Sales Consultant Wendy with friend Pete Power.

• BIT editor Trudi with partner Danny. 26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

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• Property Manager Leanne with husband Dave. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Fair to women and East Asians Moustaches wars not The Funny Side - By Nury Vittachi PICTURED the scene. A banker, reluctant to give out a large cash loan to a desperate man, asks: "But do you have any valuable assets to offer as collateral?" The applicant points to his upper lip, saying: "Yes. My moustache." "Don't be ridiculous," says the banker. But no. That's not what happens. This is Planet Earth, Weirdest Place in the Galaxy. So what ACTUALLY happened was that the banker said: "That'll do nicely," and handed over the money. True story. In the Arab Emirates, male facial hair is being used as collateral for loans, I hear from a reporter researching facial hair. One of the most feared punishments for wrongdoing in that region is moustachectomy, which is the forced shaving of the upper lip, a traumatic experience which victims liken to castration, although I don't suppose many of them have actually been castrated, not more than once, anyway. Facial hair is in, in a big way. Thousands of people in India joined in the Australian tradition of turning November into Movember, or "grow-a-moustache" month, and almost all were men. That's one of several problems with this trend. First, many women find it extremely hard to grow moustaches, so it's only a matter of time before all female Earthlings take out a class action against the organisers for trillions of bucks.

Second, baldies (like the present writer) cannot grow moustaches as it makes us look like gay guys from the 1970s, not a good look. Third, many men (and women) in China cannot grow moustaches at all, because Chinese people are more highly evolved than regular humans, or so a friend from Shanghai tells me. I was about to tell him he was talking rubbish, but held back, in case he wasn't. I know for a fact that Chinese WOMEN have weird superhuman powers, having encountered them regularly. The Shanghai gentleman said it takes him a year to grow a moustache, and even then it is so sparse that it looks like a long, thin, flat spider perched on his lip. Poor him. Moustaches boost male confidence, psychologists say. In parts of India, police officers have even been given government grants for moustache cultivation. (Not sure what they spend the money on, perhaps that Gro-Fast fertiliser you get in gardening shops?) The following day I saw a report on the BBC that Turkish doctors are offering moustache implants for men (or presumably, eccentric women) who feel their upper lips are too naked. Simply book yourself into an Istanbul hospital and come out with a thick, luxurious Lech Walesa-style growth which curtains your whole mouth, filtering out bugs, acid rain, particulate matter, etc.

SMS at 20: Quick, cheap, easy and here to stay By Prasanto K. Roy on't let anyone tell you that SMS is D dying! It's the only common medium among the 6 billion mobile-phone users on

this planet after voice calls. They sent 8 trillion text messages last year. Two out of three users use SMS. SMS, which in 20 years grew to become central to mobile telephony, does have competition from instant-message apps and services such as BlackBerry Messenger and WhatsApp. Yet in countries such as India and China, which make up 5 billion of those 6 billion mobile users according to World Bank data, and where cheaper "feature-phones" dominate over smartphones, text is the communications lifeline. SMS, or short message service, is the world's biggest form of written communication, in terms of users. It far outstrips all forms of computer- or mobile-based email, and data-based mobile messaging services. It's been a long journey since the first SMS text message sent in December 1992 by British engineer Neil Papworth, then 22. He sent a "Merry Christmas" from his computer to Richard Jarvis of Vodafone. There was no reply option on Jarvis' phone. That came with Nokia's first text-capable GSM handsets phone in 1993. The idea wasn't British. Finnish former civil servant Matti Makkonen, the "father of SMS", suggested a mobile messaging service in a 1984 conference. In a rare interview to the BBC, given entirely over SMS, the reclusive Finn says he didn't ever see SMS as separate issue - "it was just a feature in mobile communications, very useful for quick business needs". SMS began to take off in 1995, but slowly, with the average user sending a mere 5 messages per year. The West, especially the US, was slow to adopt text messaging, and SMS growth remained slow until the mid 2000s when mobile telephony really spiked in Asia. By 2010, five billion mobile users were sending over 1,200 text messages each, adding up to over 6 trillion messages that year--12 million messages a minute. And by the end of 2011, six billion mobile users had sent over 1,300 messages each. That's 15 million SMSs a minute, or 250,000 every second, adding up to 8 trillion SMS messages. The flurry of traffic isn't just SMSs sent between users (peer messaging). It includes

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those from banking and other entities to customers (service or broadcast messages). In India, as in many countries, it's now the norm to get a verification SMS the moment you withdraw cash, or use your credit card to buy something. The Reserve Bank of India, the country's federal bank, made it mandatory in 2009 to use an additional layer of verification for online use of credit cards. The mobile provides this second-level authentication for many banks, with a one-time password. This additional layer of security has made transactions safer, and the banking sector has become one of the world's biggest users of service SMS. SMS is under pressure in the West, with increasing smartphone use. As well as in advanced Asian economies such as South Korea and Japan, which have seen a shift to other apps and messaging services. Britain saw a 3 percent decline in SMS traffic last year, from a nearly 40 billion peak the previous year. Even in India, SMS saw a marginal decline in traffic last year - but due to anti-spam regulation. The measures were controversial, and ended up shutting down many legitimate subscription services, with the directive that the government's national donot-call (NDNC) registry over-rode subscription opt-in. Critics of India's anti-spam regulation say that while it cut down messages from the organized, bona-fide bulk SMS suppliers, it created a cottage industry of thousands of smaller spammers. These shadowy suppliers buy and sell databases, especially of numbers listed in the NDNC registry, and spam mercilessly. What's next for SMS? Clearly, text messaging is a need that will remain as long as people communicate with each other, even as multimedia (such as video chat) rises. Text is quick, cheap, economical with bandwidth, and non-intrusive. But text messaging is gradually migrating from the pay-per-message SMS, toward services that ride on mobile data. I expect SMS to see a global dip two years down and then get a fresh lease of life as telcos come up with cheap unlimited SMS plans. Service SMSs from banks and others will continue for the decade ahead. They have no better alternative to SMS. Nor is there a quicker, cheaper, easier way for the over 800 million mobile phone users in India, and the billions elsewhere who carry $50 handsets, to communicate.

Heat Spells Danger, but life goes on... By Charlie Compost AN early heatwave like the one just experienced spells danger for the vegetable gardener. Unless precautions are taken promptly, you will lose a prize plant or two. It’s time to double check that all crops are suitably mulched and watered daily. Restrict watering to evenings when evaporation is minimal. Be selective about planting locations and favour spots that have some shade protection during the hottest time of the day. Yet cultivation must go on. White Corn/Maize Having grown up in Africa, this is something I miss terribly. The “first world sweet-corn,” has its merits but it lacks the earthy full-bodied starchiness of real corn. Now is a good time to get it planted and the deadline for germination is in February. The corn plant is a voracious feeder and will benefit from a well composted or manured bed. Regular side dressings of a fertilizer rich in Nitrogen is vital to success as is daily watering. It is advisable to grow the plants in a cluster as this aids pollination. Check the cobs regularly and pick when the corn is tender. Try roasting these on the grill of a barbecue and you’ll be an instant convert.

For more detailed information and instructive videos, log on to the website at www.worldvegetablegarden. blogspot.com.au If you have any comments or questions, or photos of your veggie plants to share, please email them to aesat56@gmail.com

Playing hard to get is tactic to draw good mate LONDON, Dec 10 (IANS) A new study has found playing hard to get is part of a subconscious strategy to draw a good mate. Published by the European Journal of Personality, the research identified 59 ways in which men and women manipulate their partners to get what they want and how and why these work, Daily Mail reported. Researches from the University of Western Sydney and Singapore Management University after quizzing 1,500 people for the study found the old adage -- treat them mean, keep them keen -- certainly seems true, especially so for women who used the tactics more than men. According to researchers, that can be explained by women having more to lose if they fall pregnant with a partner who is not committed to them, or because men fear they might lose out if they overplay the tactic. "Because a woman risks more in her sexual relationships than men do - pregnancy costs - she should want a mate who has higher value and is unlikely to leave her saddled with an offspring," the report said.

Among men and women, appearing very confident was the top-ranked tactic, followed by talking to others and third, withholding sex. Woman used several tactics more than men, including sarcasm, withholding sex, sounding busy, teasing, flirting with other people, using the answerphone and turning down the first few dates. While men were more likely to act snooty or rude, saying all the right things but not calling and not treating their prospective partner in the right way.

Scans reveal why some people make sound choices LONDON, Dec 10 (IANS) Researchers, after analyzing brain scans, have figured out why some people have better insight into their choices than others. We're constantly evaluating our options and making decisions based on available information. For example, investment bankers have to be confident that they're making the right choice when deciding where to put their clients' money. Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging at University College London, led by professor Ray Dolan, have pinpointed specific brain areas that compute both the value of the choices we have and our confidence in those choices, giving us the ability to know what we want. The team used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure activity in the brains of hungry volunteers while they made choices between food items that they would later eat, the journal Nature Neuroscience reports.

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To determine the subjective value of the snack options, the participants were asked to indicate how much they would be willing to pay for each snack. Then they were asked to report how confident they were about making the right choices, according to a University College statement. It has previously been shown that a region at the front of the brain, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, is important for working out the value of decision options. The new findings reveal that the level of activity in this area is also linked to the level of confidence participants placed on choosing the best option. Steve Fleming, Wellcome postdoctoral fellow, now based at New York University, says: "We found that people's confidence varied from decision to decision. While we knew where to look for signals of value computation, it was very interesting to also observe neural signals of confidence in the same brain region."

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 — 27

A media analysis of 2012 IDC coverage in Ba: Questioning the questionable media treatment of the event Thakur Ranjit Singh, Media Relations Limited Auckland OCTOBER 2012 (Vol 18 (2) of Pacific Journalism Review, a journal of Pacific Media Centre (PMC) at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) runs my article, titled Fiji’s coup culture 1987-2006: A media perspective. In that article I raise some pertinent issues relating to action or rather inaction and deficiency in Fiji media between 1987 and 2006 that led to so many coups to happen in Fiji and so many false prophets masquerading as a saviours of iTaukei. I questioned Fiji media’s inability to question issues, raise intelligent and informed discussions and raise knowledge about what people needed to know. In effect, I branded Fiji media of pre-2006 as sleeping on the job, especially The Fiji Times. I raise a rhetoric question; would we have been able to avoid political instability in Fiji if we had more educated, effective, neutral and responsible media? Coincidently, I raise the same issues when discussing soccer fiasco and the abandoned final at Inter-district Soccer Tournament (IDC) at Govind Park in Ba on the night of 14th October, 2012. While other lessons may be learnt or forgotten, I raise the standard of sports reporting both by Fiji and visiting overseas media, especially from New Zealand. Most media personnel covering IDC in Ba, Fiji over that IDC weekend were either from Suva or belong to teams Ba have defeated, hence they carry animosity or dislike towards the most successful soccer giants in Fiji’s history – Ba soccer team. Posting comments on my Facebook, I commented that the biggest enemy for Ba Soccer Team is its success and popularity. In the finals, Ba appears to have played against 15 players - 11 from Suva team and

other 4 the match officials, including a controversial and questionable referee. Two goals against Ba were disallowed in the final. Nobody questioned those. Why these media people are harping about a decision that appeared questionable to the officials and those watching the game. Fiji has no video refereeing; hence human factors, likes, dislikes, discrimination, envy and infallibility do come in. Mai TV’s journalistic standard comes into question as well when the commentator and technical teams over and over played what appeared to be a controversial last minute goal, taken from a fixed camera from only one location. However, Mai TV failed to do the same with two controversial goals that were NOT awarded to Ba. We seemed to have had an extremely partisan media covering IDC. It would help sports immensely if media personnel covering such games, many of who are not qualified match officials, displayed some semblance of media neutrality and dig deeper on issues that thwart sports development in Fiji. I commend Fiji Football Association for making a rationale and expedient decision in abandoning the match and summoning the help of Police and fire brigade in case of crowd getting rowdy. Some may see that as an overreaction but thanks to the immediate and effective action and show of force by authorities that prevented more adventurous spectators from taking advantage of the mayhem that was waiting to happen. Had our police and authorities being that effective and vigilance on that fateful 19th May, 2000, perhaps the riots in Suva City and political instability could have been avoided when the police were caught with their pants down due to ineffective leadership twelve years ago. The immediate action and show of force during the trouble at the

ground bolstered our confidence in the police force. At the same time it showed good effective leadership of FFA to make timely decision to diffuse a volatile situation. Perhaps this may be a learning curve for sports in Fiji where perhaps consideration may be given to introduce video-refereeing in some crucial games or where too many questions, as in this case, have been raised about standards of refereeing. While I agree that the referee’s decision is final and walkout should not be condoned, these should be viewed in proper context and perspective. The situation had been made very explosive, even provocative and frustrating for Ba fans who see their team short-changed in a habitual fashion by an apparently partisan decision -making by match officials. This had left Ba fans very frustrated. Apart from two goals not allowed in the final match, there were other questionable decisions against Ba, and media never came on board to question such supposed injustice that was damaging sports development in Fiji. In light of general standard of media in Fiji and ethnic media in NZ, this IDC also revealed lack of media’s ability to grasp the technicalities of the game, question any anomalies and report constructively without taking sides, to improve the standard of the game. They should have raised issues about standard of refereeing and resulting frustration that resulted in the "hated" team walking off the field in the final. They may have influenced improvements and avoided abandonment had they been more questioning from day one. Were the media impartial and neutral with a view of reporting anomalies to improve the standard of refereeing? I believe not, as the reporters came with their blinkered and partisan view of teams they supported, or the team (s) they hated.

Did they question other questionable decisions of the referee and match officials to prevent the situation that escalated? Why were so many goals by very popular and envied team Ba disallowed in so many cases? If one thing this IDC match reflected is the inefficiency and failure of the local and overseas media to be neutral and questioning. Journalistic standards went down Ba river, they all became armchair critics without much knowledge of the technicalities involved and became little Gods. So how can they question decision, many times without the full knowledge of ALL facts? They just shoot off their mouths and shoot the photos without full facts. In sports, a picture can lie, if the other factors linked to the picture are not taken account of. A ball in goal may not be a goal if it was taken in offside situations. Ba had some three such goals disallowed. We do not have journalists parading those photos. How come some media are showing photos of a disputed goal in the final, telling us to believe it was a LEGAL goal, without full facts, and confusion it may have been an offside? In the past, Fiji democracy has been let down by a partisan, uneducated, poorly trained and inefficient media. Same seems to apply to their game coverage of IDC soccer tournament at Goving Park in October, 2012. [E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz] (About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is an independent media commentator and heads Media Relations Limited, a communications and media promotions company. While he hails from Ba, his analysis was more to prompt media to assert a responsible and neutral role in sports reporting that develops sporting standards in Fiji. His other writings, views and thoughts are available on his blogsite FIJI PUNDIT at www.fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz

River Saraswati: where lies the mystery Prayers, peaceful From Dhaval Vyas Ahmedabad. India Continued from last issue... IN a book "Sarasvati: Legend or History" has described the find in details. The demise of the Saraswati, was near fatal to the people and civilization thriving on the banks of the river. The scarcity of water forced the people to migrate. Saraswati-Sindhu civilization did not vanish but there was shift of population after the economy around the river collapsed. The civilization moved to the east to the Ganga Yamuna Plains, west northwest and south to Godavari plains. The Mittani and the kassites are probably the Saraswati civilization of west . They also worship vedic gods. At lothal site a huge dock capable of handling ocean going and river navigable ships have been excavated. Also dough nut shaped anchors have been found at this site and other sites indicating internal and external maritime trade and also that rivers were used to navigate large ships to and from sea. Therefore the river used for this purpose have to be huge and should be perennial and should have the capacity to displace a huge quantity of water. Saraswati was a similar type of river. This river was more than seven kilometer wide. In 1980 the palaeo channels of Saraswati was discovered by Professor Yashpal using landsat imagery. In 1996 professor Valdiya traced the course of river Saraswati from west garhwal in the Himalayas to the Gulf of Khambat in Gujarat using Hydro-geological studies. These two sources come to the

same conclusion regarding the course of this mighty river. According to this the river Saraswati followed the course of the modern rivers Ghaggar, Hakra and Nara where most of the IVC sites are located. In 1997 Hindustan times dated Feb 17 carried the research result of Dr S.M. Rao and Dr.K.M.Kulkarni of Bhaba Atomic Research Center. They tracked the course of the old Saraswati from its source in the Himalayas and its flow through Rajastan Bhawalpur and Sindh to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat by using the same lands at imagery. They undertook what is known as isotope hydrology study wherein using low levels of Tritium, which is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope they collected evidence to prove that waters trapped in the underground channels below the ancient course of the river Saraswati belonged to that river itself. Times Of India dated 02.05.2001 carried an article regarding the research which has been on the past so many years roughly 15 years ago. The concerted efforts of about 200 scientists brought back this legendary river to life. Reality. Rig Vedic river Saraswati "ambitame, naditame devitame saraswati" was no cock and bull story but a ground reality. This river originated from Har-kidhun Glacier in the west Garhwal, Bandarpunch massifs in the Himalayas along with river Yamuna. The two rivers flowed parallel for some distance later joined together and then proceeded south as the vedic mighty river Saraswati. Seasonal rivers and rivulets including Ghaggar, joined Saraswati as it followed the course of the present river Ghaggar through modern Punjab and Haryana. The Sutlej and the Shatdru, another vedic river,

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

joined Saraswati as a tributary at shatrana approximately 25 kilometers south of patiala. Saraswati then followed the course of the Ghaggar through Rajasthan and Hakra in Bhawalpur before emptying into the Rann of Kutch Via Nara in the Sindh province running parallel to the Indus river. Therefore this river which carried the waters of three perennial rivers and numerous seasonal rivers was a mighty river indeed "naditame" which means 'the greatest river'. The river, which had originated from Kapal tirith in the Himalayas in the west of Kailash, was flowing southward to Mansarovar and then taking a turn towards west. Even today the Saraswati flows from the south of Mana [ Near Badrinath, Himalayas ], pass which meets river Alaknanda, 3 km away in the south of Mana village. Missing of a prominent river from the map is not a mystery; it is quite natural as the natural phenomena evolve through environmental changes. A part of the river Saraswati till now exists as Ghaggar in Haryana, the rest of it has disappeared in the fringes of the Marusthali or the Thar Desert. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai has made a breakthrough in its research for the existence and probable location of the mythical Saraswati river. The Rajasthan Ground Water Department undertook the task to ‘unearth’ the river with the collaboration of BARC and Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad (a wing of ISRO) in 1998. If the effort is successful, the people living in the desert belt of Rajasthan will be hopefully supplied more than 3500 year old water derived from palaeo-channels, believed to be the mythical Saraswati. www.indiantimes.com.au

marches for Tibet

DHARAMSALA, Dec 8 (IANS) From prayers to peaceful marches to appeals to the United Nations (UN), a number of events have been lined up by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to express solidarity with the self-immolators in Tibet, an official said on Saturday 8 December. The CTA, the democratically elected government of Tibetans based in Dharamsala, has urged Tibetans living in exile and their sympathisers worldwide to garner support for international intervention in the ongoing crisis in Tibet. "A special prayer service will be held in the morning of Dec 10 at the hilltop Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamsala," CTA spokesperson Lobsang Choedak told IANS. He said Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama and democratically elected leader Lobsang Sangay, would preside over functions in Mundgod in Karnataka, another Tibetan settlement Dec 10, observed as World Human Rights Day. Ninety-two people have reportedly killed themselves since March 2011 in a string of selfimmolations in Tibet to press for the return of the Dalai Lama and the restoration of freedom to Tibet, claims the CTA. To apprise the international community about the tense situation prevailing in Tibet, the second leg of the "Flame of Truth" global torch relay is currently touring North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and Australia. CTA officials said after passing through more than 30 countries,

the torch relay would culminate at three UN locations: Geneva, New Delhi and the US. "The torch relay would end with the submission of appeal letters and signatures simultaneously to the UN to send an independent international fact-finding delegation to Tibet," an official said. Meanwhile, 374,690 people have joined the solidarity with Tibet online campaign (www.solidaritywithtibet.org) launched by Sangay. A video on self-immolations has also been viewed by over 10,000 people within two days of its launch, a CTA statement said. The six-minute video explains the reasons behind the ongoing wave of fiery protests. Concerned over self-immolations, the US urged China Dec 6 to address its policies that are pushing Tibetans to immolate themselves. It also asked China to engage in a dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without preconditions. "The US is deeply concerned and saddened by the continuing violence in Tibetan areas of China and the increasing frequency of self-immolations by Tibetans," special coordinator for Tibetan issues Maria Otero said. Meanwhile, a sombre mood is prevailing over the entire locality of Dharamsala's suburb of McLeodganj over self-immolations. Streets are lined with banners and posters depicting photographs of those who have sacrificed their lives in Tibet. The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

The Month of SAFAR - AL - MUZAFFAR Courtesy Imaam Nawaaz ALL praise is to Allah, the Exalted who has given us life, enabled us to spend the month of Muharram in peace and to witness the new moon of the month of Safar with health and iman (faith). Following the sacred month of Muharram, Safar is the second month of the Islamic or the lunar calendar. However, it is a month that is greeted with caution and fear in many circles of our Muslim ummah (community). It is considered a month of bad omens, bad luck and has been linked with many superstitions. One wonders why Safar has been singled out so in this manner? We all know that our deen of Islam is a practical way of life. Superstition and belief in irrational omens does not fit in with the way of life defined by Allah and our Prophet (SAW). A quick look at history clears up not only the root causes behind many superstitions but also clears many misconceptions that people may have regarding the month of Safar. A Glance at the History Behind the Month of Safar The Arabs were a warring nation. Small arguments and disputes would turn into feuds and wars that lasted not only for years, but sometimes spanned over even generations. However, even in the days of jahiliyya (Pre-Islamic ignorance), the Arabs observed the sacred months of Rajab, Dhul Q’ada, Dhul Hijja, and Muharram, wherein there was a ban on fighting and battles. However, as soon as the month of Muharram would end, the Arabs would resume their feuds and the men would proceed to settle scores with their rivals, thus leaving their houses empty, while they headed out to battles or skirmishes. Hence, the month of Safar derives its name from this event of Safar-al-Makaan (or empty houses). The literal meaning of the word ‘safar ‘ is empty or vacant. Another opinion holds that fighting the enemies and leaving them empty handed after taking away their possessions, may have been another reason for the name Safar (Sifran-min-Almata’) – i.e. they would leave their enemies’ coiffeurs empty and take all their belongings away. (Reference: Lisan Al-‘Arab) Famous muhaddith (writers of hadith) and historian Sakhawi states in his book, Al Mashoor Fi Asma-il Ayam Walshahoor that due to this resumption of killings and fighting in the month of Safar, many people started regarding it as a month of ill-fate and bad luck. Sadly, history has revealed that man has never been able to accept what he has done himself as the cause for his own unhappiness, and instead has always blamed others for his misfortune. Safar was no exception. Instead of realizing that they themselves were responsible for the lootings and killings in Safar, the Arabs blamed the month itself to be that of misfortune and despair. The Truth about Superstitions Allah tells us in the Qur’an that every person is responsible for what happens to him: And [for] every person We have imposed his fate upon his neck, and We will produce for him on the Day of Resurrection a record which he will encounter spread open. [Al-Qur'an-] No person, animal or object, nor day, month or year can cause harm to anyone. All such superstitions and beliefs have no basis in Islam what so ever. How can any particular day or month be unlucky or be a portent of bad omens when in fact months and years are formed by the alterna-

tion of days and nights which Allah has appointed for our convenience and to help us organize ourselves? “And We have made the night and day two signs, and We erased the sign of the night and made the sign of the day visible that you may seek bounty from your Lord and may know the number of years and the account [of time]. And everything We have set out in detail.”[AlQur'an-Surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey): 12] Considering any time, hour, day, month or year to be ‘unlucky’ is also disliked as Allah the Exalted says: “ The son of Adam hurts me for he abuses Time though I am Time: in My Hands are all things, and I cause the revolution of day and night.” (Sahih Bukhari) The Prophet (SAW) also negated all superstitions and beliefs of the period of jahiliyah (PreIslamic Ignorance) concerning the month of Safar. Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “(There is) no ‘Adwa (contagious disease conveyed without Allah’s permission), nor is there any bad omen (from birds), nor is there any Haamah, nor is there any (bad omen in the month of) Safar… ” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim). Superstitions Regarding Safar Existing in Society Today! Although the Prophet (SAW) negated the superstitions the Arabs had associated with Safar in his time, unfortunately those sentiments have crept back into our society. Some of these superstitions are: 1. This month is full of misfortune and calamities and one must recite Surah Muzammil 313 times in order to be saved from them. 2. To commence any important venture, business etc. during this month will bring bad luck. One must instead make 365 balls of flour and toss them into the sea or rivers in order to counter bad omens and to increase rizq (provision). 3. The first to the thirteenth of Safar are days of ill-fortune and evil. 4. The person who distributes food or money on the 13th of Safar will be saved from its ill-fortune. 5. The last Wednesday of Safar should be celebrated and regarded as a holiday due to the incorrect belief that the Prophet (SAW) recovered from his illness on this day. 6. Unfortunately, recourse into history reveals that it was in the latter days of Safar that the 7. Prophet (SAW) fell ill, and this was the same illness that became the cause of his death. 8. A nikah (marriage) performed in this month would not be successful. Again, history reveals to us that Ali (RA) married Fatima (RA) in the latter days of Safar. Would the Prophet (SAW) have allowed the marriage of his beloved daughter in a month which could have brought bad luck? What We Should Do in the Month of Safar! Although specific ibadaat (acts of worship) for certain months of the Islamic calendar have been defined for us, there is no such special instruction given regarding the month of Safar. However, we must realize that every minute given to us on Earth is a blessing in which we can gain Allah ’s Pleasure and amass good deeds for our hereafter. Whether it is the month of Safar or any other, we must do our utmost to do as many good deeds as we possibly can. Due to the association of Safar with superstitions, we as Muslims, should also make it a

Can Muslims celebrate Christmas???

Question: During the Christmas season, Christians all over the country illuminate their houses with lights, put up Christmas trees, and exchange gifts. TV is full of jingle bells and all the stores are decorated for Christmas. All this is very tempting to small children; children love putting up lights and decorating for holidays. Some Muslim families also put up Christmas trees and lights to keep their children happy. They argue that Christmas is, after all, Prophet Jesus' birthday and there is no harm in celebrating Christmas as long as children are happy. When our children started talking a few years back they started asking why we do not put up lights and trees during Christmas, it was explained to them that we are Muslims and we don’t celebrate Christmas; we celebrate Èids.(eid -ul-fitr, eid-ul-adha, eide-meelaad ) To keep our children happy and to get them excited about Èids, we started putting up lights (green and white) around the house and decorating inside the house during Ramadan until after Èidul-Fitr and during Èidul-Adha as well as for the eid-emeelaad. We exchange gifts with our Muslims friends on these Èids. Alhamdulillah, our children now wait for Èid, not for Christmas. What is the Islamic position on these issues? Can we celebrate Christmas? Is it OK to put up lights during Ramadan and Èid? Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, Muhammad (saw). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Every people have their Èid…" Some celebrations are of a religious nature, and some others are social and cultural. Some celebrations are based on beliefs and practices that are contrary to Islamic teachings, and some celebrations are not of that nature. Some people claim that Christmas is now a secular holiday and it is very much an international holiday rather than a religious holiday. But it is

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point to shun all superstitions that we come across and direct others to do so too. We should shun all superstitions not only regarding the month of Safar but also otherwise. We must understand that all conditions which befalls us, good or bad, favourable, or unfavourable are from Allah as a result of our actions as proven in the ayah mentioned above). Allah says in the Qur’an: “And whatever strikes you of disaster – it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much.” [Al-Qur'an - Surah Ash-Shuraa (The Consultation):30] We must remember that the most unfortunate person is actually he who disobeys Allah commandments such as one who does not perform the five daily salawaat (prayers), not someone who has his path crossed by a black cat or one who weds in the month of Safar. We must not let unimportant and baseless matters of superstitions occupy us so much that we forget to do what Allah has commanded us. Rather, we should remember to keep things in perspective and follow and believe only that which has been revealed by Allah and taught by our Prophet, in order to gain success in this world and the next. May Allah grant us the courage and fortitude to follow His commands and to follow the guidance given by his Prophet (saw). Ameen! Marriage of Bibi Fatimah (RA.) and Hazrat Ali (R.A.) Many of us have probably placed ourselves and even others in difficult conditions and unnecessary expenses only to pass through the regular routines of life. Interestingly enough if we think clearly, many of these hardships we put ourselves through are rootless, and derive only from an unnecessary norm and culture that have found its way into society affecting our lives either willingly or unwillingly. During the era of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) there lived a rich man by the name of Abd alRahman ibn Awf (RA), whom as the custom of the pre-Islamic era believed a large dowry (1) to present a woman's value and her husband's superiority in society. Abd al-Rahman visited the Prophet(S) and said, "If you give Fatimah's hand in marriage to me, I will put as her dowry a hundred camels covered with expensive Egyptian cloth followed by a thousand gold Dinars!!(2)" Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) asked, "Do you think I am the servant of wealth and money that you try to impress me with these things?" Other than Abd al-Rahman, there were many other men from the companions of the Holy Prophet who would ask Hadrat Fatimah's (ra.) hand in marriage for reasons ranging from her well-known virtues to her relation to the Prophet and a noble family. However, all suitors were refused for as the Holy Prophet had said, Hadrat Fatimah's (ra.) marriage had been decreed by Allah (3). And alas with the descent of the angel of revelation, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) had been commanded to marry Hadrat Fatimah to Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra.) (4). Although it is true this marriage is a divine marriage, however Hadrat Fatimah's (ra.) character and in general women rights in Islam for choosing their own husbands provided that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) not proceed to this act without having his daughter's word in this matter. When Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) discussed Ali ibn Abi Talib's (ra.) proposal to her, he clearly explained his characteristics. Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra.), a man whose worldly goods and

wrong to assume that because this holiday is national and international, it has ceased to be Christian. It is true that this holiday is very popular and it is extremely commercialized; nevertheless it is basically a religious holiday. It's very name and all its symbolism is Christian through and through. Christians celebrate at Christmas what they believe to be the "day of the birth of God's Son" or what they call "God Incarnate". Thus it is not only a celebration of another religion, it is also a celebration that is based on a belief that is totally against the teachings of Islam. From the Islamic point of view, the belief in the "Son of God" or "God in the flesh" is a blasphemy and kufr (denial of God's Oneness). By participation in Christmas, it is possible that slowly one may lose his or her consciousness of this basic point of difference. Muslims must be very careful in this matter. The greatest danger is for our next generation, who may slowly lose their Islamic faith in tawhid and may start believing in Jesus as "more than a prophet and servant of Allah". The argument that “Christmas is, after all, Prophet Jesus' birthday and so there is no harm in celebrating Christmas” is neither logical nor Islamic. Why should Muslims celebrate Jesus' birthday? For us Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, not Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was the last one and they say that "after God spoke through many prophets … in these last days he spoke to us through his son whom he made to inherit everything" (New Testament, Hebrews 1:1). Thus they celebrate his coming, but for us Muslims, Prophet Muhammad was the last Prophet and Allah appointed him for all people and for all times to come. The Prophet Muhammad (saw)'s birth is celebrated as an appreciation to Allah for this great Na'mah of him being the Mercy of Allah. Maulood is not celebrated like Christmas!!! We do agree that our little children are deeply affected with the festivities and glitter of this holiday. We should try to take them to some Islamic camps and conferences at this time and give them some other alternate programs and activities. But Muslim families should not have Christmas trees in their homes, nor should they

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wealth were to the least, and who did not meet the criteria for marriage that the pre-Islamic era required of him, had however a character that was full of faith and religious virtues. This time, unlike the previous cases Hadrat Fatimah (ra.) agreed. Once Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) saw Hadrat Fatimah's (ra.) agreement in marriage, he asked Imam Ali (ra.)if he has anything to place as his wife's dowry. Imam Ali (ra.) replied, "May my parents be sacrificed for you, you are well aware that my belongings are nothing more than a sword, a shield, and a camel." The Holy Prophet, who believed a small dowry to increase a woman's value as opposed to a large one (5), replied, "You are correct. You will need your sword for battles with the enemies. And with your camel you must water the palm trees and travel with it on your trips. Thus you can only give your shield as her dowry." The Holy Prophet ordered to sell Imam Ali's (ra.) shield. He divided its money into three sections. He gave a part of it to Bilal (ra) to purchase a decent perfume, and he spent the other two to purchase some household items and clothes for Hadrat Fatimah (ra.). Obviously with the money from the shield the material that could be bought were very cheap and simple! (6) Hadrat Fatimah's (ra.) simple dowry and its usage for purchasing necessities of the home can be the biggest lesson for decreasing our expenses and remaining satisfied with what we are capable of purchasing. A marriage so divine, yet so simple? What are its criteria? Where then can virtues be found? And amidst all these, how should we act? Let us be the judge. “What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil, [O man], is from yourself. And We have sent you, [O Muhammad], to the people as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as Witness.” [Al-Qur'an-Surat An-Nisa' (the Women): 79] Footnotes : 1- Dowry, also known as Sidaq refers to a wealth that a husband offers his wife as a gift to show his true intention. He can also choose to accept the option of offering this dowry the moment his wife asks for it. The issue of dowry can also be seen in other religions and cultures. However, the way it has been defined in Islam has some differences. 2- The basic unit of money in the time of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). 3- Kashf al-Ghummah, vol. 1, chapter on marriage of the master of women of the two worlds. 4- Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)has said in this regards, an angel came to me from Allah (SWT) and said, "The Lord sends his greetings unto you and has said, I have wedded your daughter Fatimah in the heavens to Ali ibn Abi talib; you too therefore wed her to Ali!" 5- Mustadrak al-Wasa'il, vol. 14, p.216 6- History has recorded the material that were purchased with the money consisted of the following items: a large scarf for four Dirham, material for a dress for seven Dirham, a bed made of wood and leaves from a date palm, four pillows made from sheep skin and filled with leaves from an aromatic plant, a woolen curtain, a small mat, one hand mill, a leathern sac for water, one copper flatwash, a container for milking the cow, and a pitcher made from clay.

put up lights inside or outside their homes at this time. We should tell our children that we are Muslims and this is not our holiday. This is the holiday of our Christian neighbors and friends. We may give greetings to our Christian friends and neighbors on their holiday, but we should not make it our own holiday. It is pleasing to know that you celebrate Ramadan and Èids with lights and decoration of your home and exchange gifts with your children. This is very thoughtful, indeed. It is good to decorate our homes and masjids during Ramadan and for Èids. It is mentioned in one of the Hadiths that even the heaven is especially decorated during the month of Ramadan. Allah Almighty closes the gates of Hell and opens the gates of Paradise during the month of Ramadan. We Muslims should give special attention to our own Islamic holidays. In this way our children will be attracted to our own celebrations rather than looking at others. Unfortunately, there are some Muslims who do not pay any attention to Ramadan and Èid. Some of them do not even come to Èid prayers and even if they come, they do not take their day off from work. Thus their children have no idea about Islamic holidays or they think that Islam is a religion without any festivals and celebrations.” Explaining the reasons why Muslims don’t celebrate and believe in Christmas, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: “Christmas was a pagan custom which was adopted into Christianity; it has nothing to do with reverence and love of Jesus, the mighty Messenger of Allah that we Muslims hold in the highest regard and respect. If Jesus were to come today, whether or not he would identify himself with those who celebrate Christmas is a question one should ask seriously. If we are celebrating the great teachings of Jesus or other prophets, we must do so everyday. To do so means to practice love, mercy, justice and compassion and to be actively engaged in doing the will of God.” Allah Almighty knows best.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 — 29

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc The meaning of "Om"

The pronunciation of the word "OM" is supposed to symbolize the totality Jitendra Deo of all sounds as it President includes all other sounds that humans can utter. “OM” Name is the religious This idea of totality also symbol of the Hindus. But it is omnipresent exists in the English word "Omnipresent" in almost all the major cultures of our that includes OM as its prefix. We also have world. Another way of saying Om is Aum. Aum is words like Omnipotent and Omniscient, all the sound of the infinite. Aum is said to be of which have the concept of totality in the essence of all mantras and Vedas, the their meanings. The ancient Greek alphabet had Omega as highest of all mantras or divine word. By its last letter. Omega written in the lower sound and form, AUM symbolizes the inficase of the Greek alphabet, if turned to its nite Brahman and the entire universe. side, looks quite similar to the Sanskrit way A stands for Creation. of writing Om. It is from the Greek alphaU stands for Preservation. And finally M stands for Destruction or bet "Omega" that we have the English phrase "the alpha and Omega", which dissolution. The three portions of AUM relate to the means, "to include everything". It is said states of waking, dream and deep sleep and that the word Om has been used to make the three guans (rajas, satva, tamas). The other words. Om is a well-known symbol to three letters also indicate three planes of Indians all over the world. Almost every existence, heaven, earth and the nether- Indian household owns some sort of Om world. AUM can represent all the words symbol. The way I was taught Om is a symproduced by the human vocal organ. A is bol of God. produced by the throat, U & M by the lips. Please contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or In the Vedas, AUM is the sound of the Sun, the sound of Light. It is the sound of assent. Hari Chand 3345 4716 for information on activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of It has an upward movement and uplifts the Queensland or visit: soul, as the sound of the divine eagle or falwww.aryasamajqueensland.com con.

The message of Christmas… DEAR reader, as we look forward to this Christmas, let us once again focus our attention towards the real message of Christmas. God had a Pastor Joseph message that He wanted to communicate to us. Christmas is all about the message from God and the coming of our Saviour. After the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the angel said to the frightened shepherds "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." This was God's message of deliverance, God's plan to act and save mankind through Jesus, who is the way, the truth and life. They were to name the baby Jesus, which means God saves or God is our saviour. This was God's plan to save mankind from disaster or death (eternal separation from God). That is God has met at our level of faith, our level of understanding about God, our level of knowledge about God. God is bringing His presence into the world in a whole new way. That the God of the Universe would experience human life as a human being. Jesus saw things through human eyes, He heard things through

Gita Jayanti 2012 Submitted by Sundar Gopal Das SRI Gita Jayanti falls on December 24th. On this day, about 5100 years ago, Sri Krishna spoke Srimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in the battlefield of Kuruksetra. The Gita is the essence of Vedic knowledge and forms the foundation for the other scriptures such as Srimad Bhagavatam and Ramayana. Srimad Bhagavad Gita consists of 18 chapters; chapters 25 to 42 of the Bhisma parva of the great epic Sri Mahabharata. In the Gita, Sri Krishna clears Arjuna’s many doubts. These doubts are in fact universal and using Arjuna as a medium, Sri Krishna is actually clearing many of our doubts. The purpose of the Gita is to deliver mankind from repeated cycle of birth and death. It speaks about the nature of the soul, the material nature, and the Supreme Lord. The Gita teaches how one can attain the supreme abode and the Supreme Lord and attain eternal peace and happiness. Whilst we can achieve some peace and happiness in this world, it is not eternal or lasting. The spiritual world, Sri Krishna explains “that abode is eternal, is transcendental and never annihilated. That place from which, having attained it, one never returns to this material world.” That eternal abode has been

human ears. Jesus felt the pain, sorrow and struggle as a human being and experienced temptation as a human Dass being. He even tasted food with a human mouth. This may seem rather insignificant, but this was God's way of experiencing life on our level. God knows when we hurt, and are in pain. He understands when we lose a loved one, when we are let down or betrayed. Jesus knows what it is like to go through physical pain. Emmanuel means we have a God who understands us because He has gone through the realities of life. The message of Christmas is Jesus coming down to our level and to lead us back into a right relationship with God .Jesus forgave us all our wrongdoing (sin) which only God can do and now is always with us the Greatest GIFT to all of mankind, that we can receive Him with all joy and gladness by making Jesus our Lord and our Saviour, the true message of Christmas. A very happy and blessed Christmas & New year to all. Blessings Ps Joseph described as a place of eternal bliss where one is always engaging in a loving relationship with the Lord. Sri Krishna explains how one can attain that abode “Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, he will attain that.” So we can reach the spiritual world or the kingdom of God if we can remember the Lord at the time of death. However we can only do this by remembering the Lord throughout our life. While many methods have been explained in the Gita, Sri Krishna explains that devotional service, bhakti yoga, is the easiest, direct and most practical way of remembering him “One can understand the Lord only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of the Lord by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God.” The nature of pure devotional service is that it does not have any other desires except to bring happiness to the Lord, it is causeless and uninterrupted. Sri Krishna explains the process of becoming free from the reactions of karma “One who performs his duties without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action. You should always think of the Lord, and at the same time carry out your prescribed duties. In this way you will be freed from bondage to work and its auspicious and inauspicious results. With your activities dedicated to the Lord and

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

Chanting and Meditation – the Difference

NOWADAYS meditation is widely advised as a practice that helps quieten the mind, relieve it from stress, achieve higher levels of concentration or relaxation, etc. In this article we will see the differences between meditation and chanting, why meditation is difficult to achieve in today’s times and why chanting is of greater value to those seeking spiritual growth. In this article we use the term ‘meditation’ to refer to the thoughtless state. This state is experienced after intense practice. Chanting is the repetition of God’s Name. Comparison of meditation and chanting The table above shows why in the current era chanting is more beneficial than meditation. Practical benefits of chanting compared to meditation Following are some of the practical benefits of chanting compared to meditation. Uninterrupted spiritual practice: In meditation we need to sit in a specific posture. Consequently, if we suffer from backache sitting in that position can become difficult. Chanting is not bound by these restrictions. In addition, the time required to go into a meditative state when practicing meditation is not required in chanting. Continuity of spiritual practice: Meditation cannot be done continuously for the entire day, but chanting can occur continuously. Reduction in likes and dislikes: We can chant while eating. When our mind gets absorbed in chanting, we tend to forget what we are eating and this helps us in reducing our likes and dislikes. If we keep chanting while doing every activity, then all impressions are gradually reduced. This does not occur when we practice meditation. The ego is stronger and harder to over-

come through meditation for several reasons: * It is not easy to achieve communion with the God principle during meditation, as the idea and experience that one is in fact separate from God remains strong. The feeling that “I am separate from God” is ego. * It is easy to have thoughts such as “I am meditating”, “I am going into meditation” which not only increase the awareness of oneself, mind and body, but also can lead to thoughts of being special and unique, thus increasing ego. * While chanting, one is significantly more aware of God. The awareness that we are chanting only due to God's grace is also experienced. As a result, the ego of doing spiritual practice does not develop and in fact undergoes dissolution. Completeness in spiritual practice: Chanting can be done during any and every activity, which means other aspects of spiritual practice can occur simultaneously. For example, one can make efforts to develop spiritual emotion, study our personality defects and ego and make efforts to reduce them, and so on. This is important because by and large we need to undertake spiritual practice while fulfilling responsibilities such as looking after our homes, children, profession, etc. Conclusion – meditation and chanting Nowadays many people practice meditation as a psychological self-improvement technique rather than a tool for spiritual growth. Due to this, the benefits derived from such meditation are also at a psychological level. Based on the above comparison, for spiritual growth in today’s era chanting is of greater value. If you are already practising meditation with the intention of achieving spiritual growth, we recommend you complement it with the spiritual practice of chanting. You can read more about this article on http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/ chanting-meditation You can e-mail us your comments and queries at shobhana.shet@ spiritualresearchfoundation.org

your mind and intelligence fixed on Lord, you will attain the Lord without doubt.” Sri Krishna promises “Those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form—to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have. I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all. But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him. Though engaged in all kinds of activities, they are under My protection and reach the eternal and imperishable abode by My grace.” In the end Sri Krishna declares “In all activities just depend upon Me and work always under My protection. In such devotional service, be fully conscious of Me. If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditioned life by My grace. Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me.

I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. You will attain transcendental peace and you will come to Me without fail.” The Bhagavad Gita can be read at any time and under any condition. Even reading a verse or a part of a verse daily gives great benefit. Mahatma Gandhi has said “When doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me in the face, and I see not one ray of hope on the horizon, I turn to Bhagavad-Gita and find a verse to comfort me; and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. Those who meditate on the Gita will derive fresh joy and new meanings from it every day.” From the Brisbane Bhakti Yoga Centre, we wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and may the new year bring happiness and joy to all.

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Any comments or questions, please contact us at bhaktibrisbane2010@gmail.com. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Health Beauty Wellbeing Herbal Hair Oil.... By Nimisha of Hetvi Hair & Beauty (Mobile 0412 350 013) HERBAL hair oil is a concentration of herbal extracts that penetrate deep into the scalp and nourishes hair roots. The idea is to treat, condition, revitalize and promote hair growth. Coconut oil + curry leaves recipe Take some fresh curry leaves and grind the leaves into paste. Use two tea spoons of curry leaf paste, then pour half cup of oil, preferably coconut oil into a pan or pot. Start to heat the oil in a low flame. After two minutes add the curry leaf paste into the oil. After some time when the oil gets heated you will see fumes coming from the oil. Watch when the green colour of the paste starts to become dark just switch off the flame. Allow the oil to cool. Then filter the oil and pour it into a glass bottle. When you want to use the oil just take enough oil into a heating pan and heat it. Just heat it minimum enough to apply on hair. Do not apply oil if it is too hot. Apply throughout your hair from top to end. Massage the scalp and hair well. Wait for 10-15 minutes before taking shower. Hibiscus Hair oil Recipe This is another homemade hair oil recipe. It is made with hibiscus leaves and flowers. For this you can use the leaves and flowers of this plant. All types of hibiscus can be used. But the plant with thick leaves is better. The juicy and sticky leaves can give better result. This oil will increase thickness of your hair. Get five Hibiscus flowers and three fresh leaves. Using grinder crush it. You can get

half cup out of it. Then put this mix into a heating bowl or pan. Add one cup of your coconut oil and mix the content well. Heat it in low flame. Now when the fumes starts coming add three leaves of Tulsi. Add fenugreek and see it pops up. At that time switch of the flame. Allow it to cool. Filter the homemade hibiscus hair oil into a glass bottle. You should massage your hair for at least 7-10 minute. Tulsi Hair Oil Recipe Tulsi hair oil is good for itchy scalp, it will also help you if you have sweaty scalp. First make paste of fresh Tulsi leaves. Now heat half cup of coconut oil at low flame. Add Tulsi paste into them, steer them thoroughly. Use Fenugreek to check oil temperature as mentioned in above recipe. Allow the oil to cool. Then filter the oil into bottle. For now try these recipes, I will continue on this subject next month. Till then enjoy silly season. Nimisha

My Life, My City…discovering ways to make a better Brisbane Courtesy Dr Danielle Shanahan Postdoctoral Research Fellow RESEARCHERS at the University of Queensland and CSIRO are carrying out a joint research project to explore how city parks, bushland and other greenspaces influence people’s lifestyles and wellbeing. Their goal is to find better ways to plan cities for people’s wellbeing as well as for nature conservation. They are calling for Brisbane residents to participate in a 15 minute online survey called ‘My Life, My City’. You can find the survey here: www.research.net/s/MyLifeMyCity_CS. You will be helping the researchers discover better ways to plan the city, and if you complete the survey by 15 December 2012 you can also go in the draw to win some great prizes!

New drug halves transplant's deadly side-effect WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (IANS) A new drug halves the risk of serious and often deadly side-effect of lifesaving bone marrow transplant treatments, according to a new finding. The study combined vorinostat with standard drugs given after transplant, bringing down the percentage of patients developing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) to 21, compared to 42 percent of patients who did with standard medications alone. "GVHD is the most serious complication from transplant that limits our ability to offer it more broadly. Current prevention strategies have remained mostly unchanged over the past 20 years," says study co-author Sung Choi, assistant professor of paediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School. GVHD is characterized by the transplanted stem cells producing immune cells that attack the recipient's body. The new immune cells treat the patient's normal cells as foreign invaders and begin to Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

damage the patient's organs, according to a Michigan statement. Vorinostat is currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat certain types of cancer. But Michgian researchers, led by senior study author Pavan Reddy, found in lab studies that the drug had anti-inflammatory effects as well. Participants were older adults undergoing a reduced-intensity bone marrow transplant with cells donated from a relative. They received standard drug used post transplant to prevent GVHD. They also received vorinostat as a pill. Researchers found vorinostat was safe and tolerable with manageable sideeffects. Besides, rates of patient death and cancer relapse among the study participants were similar to historical averages. The results mirror those found in the laboratory using mice. These findings were presented on Sunday at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology. www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 - 31

Health Beauty Wellbeing Gas: Eating to stop the wind By Thilliar Varnakulasingham IN digesting our common food, a great amount of wind is produced in the bowels. Whether you like or not, you will produce some gas now and then. Gas is produced when food is broken down in the digestive tract. It is not something abnormal. Everyone releases gas. One type is smelly and is released quietly. The other type is noisy but not that smelly. If you eat many eggs and if they are not properly broken down and digested, you may even release a very smelly and obnoxious gas. The gas is called hydrogen sulphide. It is colorless. It has a rotten egg smell. Some foods produce more gas than others. Beans and other plants high in carbohydrates are great gas producers. These foods produce more wind (or gas) because they are not entirely broken down during digestion. When small carbohydrate particles pass into the lower intestine, bacteria move in and begin to feed on them. They produce a lot of gas. The gas has to go out. It goes out approximately 14 times a day. Proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and medication have the potential to cause gas. It is possible to keep the gas under control. There are some culprits. Milk contains milk sugar called lactose. Many adults do not produce enough enzymes to fully digest the sugar in dairy foods. Undigested lactose goes into the lower intestine. It begins to ferment with the help of bacteria, causing gas. If you cannot drink two or more glasses of milk anymore, you can drink small amounts without having to avoid public places. It must be borne in mind that drinking milk with meals is much less likely to cause gas than having it alone. You can buy reduced –lactose milk or you can take lactose supplements. They supply the enzyme missing in

people with lactose intolerance. People who cannot handle milk can enjoy live-culture yogurt or live active cultures. Yogurt contains bacteria that can digest the lactose for you. The more help you get with lactose digestion, the less likely you are to have gas. Dietary fibre- insoluble and solubleis present in plant foods with varying degrees of each according to a plant’s characteristics and it is not present at all in animal foods. It includes a variety of polysaccharides that are not digested or only partly digested by human digestive enzymes while some are partly digested in the large intestine by bacteria. Besides polysaccharides, dietary fibre contains other plant components such as cellulose, lignin, waxes, chitins, pectins, beta-glucans, inulin and oligosaccharides. Besides helping lower the blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, it gives a feeling of fullness. But unfortunately they also produce large amounts of gas. This is especially true in people who have increased the intake of fibre rich foods. Some good sources of dietary fibre are oats, root vegetables such as potatoes and yams, some fruits such as apples, bananas and berries, certain vegetables such as broccoli and carrots, legumes such as kidney beans, lentils and dried peas and psyllium seeds. These foods are health promoting foods, but they do release considerable quantity of gas. To get the benefits of fibre, it is a good idea to add it slowly to your diet. Your body gets used to the extra roughage. If you do this way, you are less likely to have a problem with gas. Many people get gas when they eat cookies or ice cream. They also add fat and calories. Even if you suppress your cravings by eating sugar- free candies or chewing gum, you will still get gas. Sugarless gum and candies are gas producers. Artificial sweeteners help keep your calorie intake down, but they can

also give large amounts of gas. Honey produced by honeybees, the genus Apis, from the nectar of flowers is a sweet and viscous fluid without the addition of other substances other than water or other sweeteners. Honey is Mother Nature’s own sweetener. Fructose is found in honey, fruits and juices. They cause gas. Having l to 2 tablespoons of honey is enough to cause gas in some people. Even if you try to eliminate or reduce certain foods, they sometimes produce bubbles anyway. To fight back against this nuisance, you can add a pinch of baking soda to a glass of water and drink it down. Baking soda contains sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate) and tartaric acid. It is easily available in supermarkets. If it works for you it is well and good. But do not use it frequently. If you have to go to public places where you have to mingle with people, then you may use it. It is good to seek medical advice before you take baking soda. You may want to forgo fruit at the end of a meal in a public place. Fruit after a meal promotes gas because it causes fermentation. People have been fermenting foods for ages, using yeasts, molds and bacteria .Our ancestors used fermentation to make foods. Fermentation increases flavor, medicinal value and nutritional value of foods. During the process of fermentation, gas is produced. The main gas released during fermentation is carbon dioxide. If you suffer from gas, you can have your fruit first thing in the morning or at least an hour or so after a meal. Releasing gas is a natural process. You should not get upset whenever you release gas. It is nature’s way of getting rid of an unwanted substance. Reference: The Doctors Book of Food Remedies- Selene Yeager and the editors of Prevention

Catch the wind... Courtesy Vinaya Natarajan I WOULD like to talk about something very simple. I would like to talk about what you have, not what you don't have. Somehow, we live in a time, in a society, where the belief that we all have to improve ourselves is very prevalent. We have to become better. There are seminars, books to read, places to go, all based on the premise that we have to improve ourselves. There was a gentleman who had a ranch in Australia. He was very poor. He had to sell many things just to stay afloat. Then came a time when he couldn't really afford anything. Ultimately, he decided that he was going to sell the ranch itself. Things had become so bad for him that his family had to eat whatever was available in nature, as there was not enough money to buy food in a store. On one of the very last days before the ranch was to be sold, out of frustration or whatever it was, the man started digging. When he started digging, he found a gold mine. This gold mine had always been there. Nobody put the gold mine there on the very last day. He needed to dig, and when he dug, he found something beyond his imagination, something he couldn't comprehend. All the time he had been involved in his drama, in his yearning, in his prayers to make things better, all that he had been looking for was right there. It always had been. Digging was the one thing he hadn't done. Maybe he had prayed and searched and asked his friends for help. He had probably spent many a night lying sleepless on his

bed, hoping, wishing, "Please, give me better times. Give me the power to continue on." But nothing happened. There were no signs, no writing in the sky, nothing. Everything just kept evolving. The day finally came when he was going to sell the ranch, but with a little bit of digging, all his prayers and questions were instantly answered. I cannot help but feel that each one of us is exactly like that. We have this ranch of life. It has seen good days and bad days. It has seen times of prosperity, rain, and bumper crops and it has seen drought. We, the farmers, have spent many a night lying in our beds, wishing, hoping, thinking that the good days will come again, that somehow things will improve again. This story can take any shape you want. The farmer can be lying there hoping that somehow he will be a better farmer something many people do. They want selfimprovement. But all it really takes is to dig within and find the gold mine. Peculiarly enough, we have the ambition for selfimprovement, but we are not really qualified for it because we don't know the self. We get caught in trying to visualize what the improvement might be, but if we don't recognize the self, how can we improve it? What has to be discovered and understood is that all we are looking for is within us. If we have ever desired peace, there is an infinite mine of peace within every single one of us. If we have ever desired unconditional love, within every single human being there is an infinite supply. If you have ever desired joy in your life, within you is immeasurable joy deeper than the ocean.

Stick to healthy diet for weight loss

LONDON Dec 9 (IANS) Cutting down butter and cheese, biscuits, cakes and crisps and going in for lowfat diet could help shed pounds, according to a new research. In this way, people can get slimmer in six months without dieting. The more fat you stop eating, the more weight is lost, says a new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA). The results prove for the first time that weight loss is possible simply by choosing foods lower in fat despite a plethora of recent publicity extolling the benefits of low-carbohydrate and no-carb diets, the British Medical Journal reported. Lee Hooper from UEA's Norwich Medical School, who led the study, said the regime led to consistent lower weight for at least seven years. "The weight reduction that we found when people ate less fat was remarkably consistent - we saw it in almost every trial. Those who cut down more on fat, lost more weight," she said, according to the Daily Mail. "The effect isn't dramatic, like going on a diet. The research specifically looked at people who were cutting down on fat, but didn't aim to lose weight - so they were continuing to consume a normal amount of food," added Hooper. The systematic review included results from 33 randomised controlled trials, lasting six months to eight years, involving 73,589 men, women and children with varying states of health. The effect on Body Mass Index (BMI) - a score showing whether people are overweight or obese - and waistline was measured after at least six months. The results show that eating less fat reduces body weight by 1.6 kg.

There is immeasurable joy within every human being. This is the reality. Peace and joy are not new. They have been talked about again and again throughout history. This little drama that we find ourselves caught in is nothing new. The suffering you are trying to run away from, however big or small it may be, is the same. Generations change. I know that a hundred years from now, people will be playing with gadgets I cannot even imagine. When the gadget doesn't work, the frustration will be exactly the same as it is today. If what we are trying to run away from is within us, then what we are trying to run toward is also within us. What we don't want is within us, and what we do want is within us. Understanding of the self is not complicated. What it means is the understanding of you by you, not by somebody else. Listen quietly and hear. Hear what your heart is saying. It is not going to ask you to go to the moon. It is not going to ask you to buy a new car. Your heart is going to ask you for peace. It is going to ask you to be filled with joy. It is going to say to you, "Do that which will bring gratitude to me today." Will today be that day? Can today be that day? Shouldn't today be the day I have been waiting for in my life? We think we have the luxury of this thing we call time. We don't understand how little time we have until we run out of it. When we are not running out of it, we think we have all of it. When we start running out of it, we wonder, "What happened?" Nothing new happened. This has been happening to everyone. When our thirst becomes so clear

that we are no longer involved in luxuries, it becomes simple. We don't even need to speak the language to ask for water. There comes a time when thirst becomes so great that the need for water supersedes all barriers. It is clear. It is like flying a kite when there is no wind. As long as you run with the kite, it goes up, but as soon as you stop running, it comes right back down. As long as the wind is blowing, you can fly the kite and make it dance. When the wind stops, there is nothing you can do. The wind has to be there. The wind is your thirst, and you are the kite. If you want to fly, there has to be wind. Catch the wind and go. As long as the wind is there, fly. You belong there. You don't look good wrapped up in a box. You look good flying. That's how it needs to be for everyone. I say this to you because it is possible to be fulfilled in your life. It is possible to have understanding and peace in your life. Maharaji

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Real Estate News Majority of property sales in Australia occurred under $600,000 over past 12 months AS Australians pay closer attention to how they spend their money, property purchases are one such area that reflects just how price conscious consumers have become in the past twelve months. In the weekly RP Data Property Pulse, research analyst Cameron Kusher takes an inside look at where the biggest dollar spend based on price points is taking place for properties, and confirmed that or the year to August 2012, almost four in five home sales have been below $600,000. “Over the past year, almost half of all house and unit sales in Australia were transacted at prices less than $400,000, while only 5.4% sold for more than $1million,” Mr Kusher said. Properties that sold for between $200,000 to $400,000 accounted for a majority of sales; this price bracket accounted for 41.2 per cent of sales over the year. Property sales between $400,000 and $600,000 accounted for 30.4 per cent of all sales over the year, while the price bracket between $600,000 to $800,000 represented the third largest segment at 11.2 per cent. An interesting point raised by Mr Kusher in the analysis is that sales over $1 million accounted for only 5.4 per cent of all sales

compared to 7.1 per cent of sales at prices below $200,000. By chiselling down to a capital city level, the results tell a different to story to the rest of the nation where 34.9 per cent of sales in this market occurred between $400,000 and $600,000. In the same capital city markets, home sales at prices in excess of $1 million account for just 7.4 per cent which is much higher than it is across the nation. Capital city sales of homes under $200,000 (2.7%) are significantly lower than the figure across the country (7.1%). Throughout Australia, 48.3 per cent of all homes sold were at prices below $400,000. Within the combined capital cities, just 37.2 per cent of all sales were at a price below $400,000. Australia’s two cheapest cities; Adelaide and Hobart had the greatest proportion of homes sold for less than $200,000 at 6.3 per cent and 12.9 per cent respectively. Canberra, with very few cheap housing options under $200,000 recorded just 1.0 per cent in sales while Melbourne and Perth both recorded 1.9 per cent. In Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin and Canberra, the greatest proportion of sales over the year have been for properties

priced between $400,000 and $600,000. Within the remaining cities, homes priced between $200,000 and $400,000 have accounted for the largest proportion of sales. Looking into total sales activity below $400,000 across all of Australia, Mr Kusher confirmed that the regions with the greatest proportion of sales below this benchmark are all rural areas of the country and are generally located away from the coast. They also have relatively low overall populations. Mr Kusher said that the regions which have the lowest proportion of home sales below $400,000 are typically either capital city markets, coastal or linked to the mining and resources sector. Most of which have much higher population bases and therefore

relatively strong demand for housing. “The good news is that across most regions at least 30 per cent of home sales over the past year have been at prices below $400,000, highlighting there remains opportunities for price sensitive purchasers. “These opportunities, particularly in capital city and coastal markets, are more prevalent in the unit market or within the outer suburbs where property prices tend to be lower. “Clearly, it will be a stretch for buyers on a below average wage to enter into most capital city housing markets. An option for a buyer in this particular group may be to choose to look outside the capitals and focus on more affordable options such as units or purchasing with a partner,” Mr Kusher said. rpdata.com

Quiet confidence continues for home owners as housing affordability rises THE Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) says the September quarter of 2012 recorded a minor improvement in housing affordability. REIA President Ms Pamela Bennett says, “The proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreased slightly, just 0.1 percentage points to 31.8%. Housing affordability has been improving very gradually for five consecutive quarters.” New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory contributed to the improvement and compared to the same time last year, Victoria recorded the largest rise in housing affordability across the country with the proportion of family income required to meet loan repayments decreasing 4.4 percentage points. The proportion of income required to meet loan repayments increased 1.7 percentage points in the Australian Capital Territory. The Territory had the largest decrease in housing affordability with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments at 18.9%, which is 12.9 percentage points below the national average. The proportion of income required to meet loan repayments in New South Wales is 36.5%, making it the least affordable state or territory in which to buy a home. “First home buyers made up 19.0% of the market compared to 17.9% in the June quarter. Although increased, this proportion is dramatically down from the 30.8% level of the June 2009 quarter,” said Ms Bennett. The average loan size to first home buyers increased 0.8% to $289,800 with rises in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory. The average home loan increased 1.0% over the quarter and 5.7% compared to the September quarter of the previous year to $320,542. With rental affordability, Tasmania had the

largest rise with the proportion of median income required to meet average rents decreasing 1.2 percentage points. Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory recorded increases in the proportion of median weekly family income required to meet weekly rent for a three bedroom house, up 0.4, 0.2 and 1.3 percentage points respectively. “Overall, the figures show a quiet confidence in the market,” concluded Ms Bennett.

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Real Estate News Goods and services tax (GST) and property transactions Courtesy Sudesh Aggarwal INTRODUCTION If you buy, sell, lease or develop property, you may need to register for the GST. This is because you may be considered to be running an enterprise. An enterprise includes business or activities you undertake with a view to making a profit. Many people are actually carrying on an enterprise when making property transactions, but do not register for GST when they are required to do so. Even if it’s a 'one-off' transaction like subdividing land and building on it, you may still be required to register for GST. You must register for the GST if the total value of what you sell in any consecutive 12 month period will be, or you think it will be, $75,000 or more. For GST purposes, property includes any of the following: • land • land and buildings • an interest in land • rights over land • a licence to occupy land. You apply GST differently to property depending on whether it is either: • residential, or • commercial. Understanding GST obligations and entitlements relating to property transactions can be difficult. If you are not sure, talk to a registered tax agent or call us on 13 28 66. RESIDENTIAL PREMISES Residential premises include houses, units and flats. Vacant land is generally not considered to be residential premises.’ Properties are residential premises if they can be occupied, are occupied or are intended to be occupied as residences. Existing residential premises You do not have to pay GST on the sale of existing residential premises unless the property is new (see the new residential premises section below). If you purchase existing residential premises you cannot claim a GST credit on the purchase. You cannot claim GST credits for anything you buy for the sale of existing residential premises. You do not have to pay GST when you sell the property. If you own premises and they are used for residential and commercial purposes, GST may apply (see the commercial residential premises section). New residential premises Residential premises are new when any of the following apply: • they have not been sold as residential premises before • they have been created through substantial renovations • new buildings have replaced demolished buildings on the same land. After a new residential premise has been rented continuously for five years, it is no longer considered a new residential premise. You can claim GST credits for any purchases you make to sell a new residential premise (subject to the normal rules on GST credits). You must pay GST on the sale of the premises. Residential rental premises If you lease residential accommodation that is not new: • you do not have to pay GST on the rent you charge • you cannot claim GST credits for anything you purchase or import to lease the premises. If you build new residential premises for sale, you can claim GST credits for the construction. If you build new residential premises for sale and then rent them out while you are planning to sell them, you need to report an adjustment to the GST credits you may have claimed. COMMERICAL RESIDENTIAL PREMISES Commercial residential premises include: • hotels, motels, inns • hostels, boarding houses • caravan parks, camping grounds • establishments that provide residential premises that are similar to hotels, motels, inns, hostels and boarding houses. COMMERCIAL PREMISES Buying commercial premises If you buy commercial premises to use in your GST-registered business, you can generally claim the GST included in the purchase price of the premises. You cannot claim GST credits if any of the following apply: • the seller used the margin scheme to work out the GST included in the price • you purchase property from someone who is not registered (or required to be registered) for GST • you purchase the property as a GST-free supply • you are not registered (or required to be registered) for GST. Selling commercial premises If you sell commercial premises, such as shops and facto36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

ries, you are generally liable for GST on the price paid to you. You can also claim GST credits on purchases you make that relate to selling the property (subject to the normal rules on GST credits), for example, the GST included in the real estate agents’ fees. If you sell commercial premises, you may be able to use the margin scheme to work out the GST that applies to the sale. See the margin scheme section below. If your commercial premise is being leased when you sell it, you may be able to treat it as a GST-free sale of a going concern, where the “going concern” is your leasing enterprise. See the selling a business section below. If you lease or rent commercial premises If you rent out property as the lessor, you pay GST on the rent you charge if: • you lease a factory or shop, and • you are registered (or required to be registered) for GST. If you are renting commercial premises as the lessee, you may be able to claim GST credits for the GST included in the rent you pay if the following applies: • you lease the property from another person to carry on your business, and • you and the lessor are registered, (or required to be registered) for GST. SELLING A BUSINESS Going concerns For GST purposes, when you sell a business, you are selling a ‘going concern’ if you sell all of the things that are necessary for the continued operation of the business and you carry on (or will carry on) the business until the day of the sale. A sale of a going concern is GST-free if, in general, all of the following apply: • the sale is for payment • the purchaser is registered (or required to be registered) for GST • the buyer and seller have agreed in writing that the sale is of a going concern • the supplier sells all things necessary for the continued operation of the business The seller and the purchaser may be able to claim GST on other expenses that relate to selling and buying the property, for example, the GST included in the solicitors' fees. VACANT LAND If you purchase vacant land for resale or use the land in a business-like way, you may need to register for GST. SUBDIVIDING You may need to register for GST if you do any of the following: • purchase land to subdivide and resell • subdivide land – including land next to your home – and build on it • subdivide land and use it in a business-like way. PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT, BUILDING AND RENOVATING Renovating for profit If you buy a property with the intention of renovating and selling it at a profit, you may be required to register for GST at the time you sell it. However, you cannot claim any credits for what you buy to renovate unless you are registered at the time of such purchase. Building new residential premises If you build new residential premises for sale: • you can claim GST credits for the construction and any purchases you make related to the sale of the premises (subject to the normal rules on GST credits) • you have to pay GST on the sale. If GST applies, you generally pay GST of one-eleventh of the sale price. You may also be able to use the margin scheme to work out the GST you must pay. MARGIN SCHEME Generally, the amount of GST you must pay on property sales is equal to one-eleventh of the sale price. The margin scheme is another way of calculating the amount of GST that you are liable to pay on the sale price. The margin is generally the difference between the sale price and one of the following: • the amount you paid for the property • an appropriate property valuation. Whether you can use the margin scheme depends on how and when you purchased your property as well as the GST status of the sale of the property to you. For further information, visit www.ato.gov.au/ otherlanguages and view the margin scheme factsheet. NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY OWNERS If you are a non-resident property owner who is registered (or required to be registered) for GST: • any commercial property or commercial residential property you lease or sell in Australia will generally be taxable • all new residential property you sell in Australia will generally be taxable. If you are registered for GST and you own commercial property, you can claim GST credits on purchases you make that relate to renting or leasing your property. MORE INFORMATION www.indiantimes.com.au

For more information: • visit our website at - www.ato.gov.au/property - www.ato.gov.au/otherlanguages for tax and super information in 25 languages • refer to the following brochures (in English), available from our website - GST and property (NAT 72957) - GST for small business (NAT 3014) • refer to the following brochures and factsheets which are available online in up to 13 languages - An Introduction to Goods and Services Tax (GST) (NAT 74240) - Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the margin scheme (NAT 15145) • phone - the ATO business tax infoline on 13 28 66 from Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 6.00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) - If you don’t speak English well and want to talk to a tax officer, you can phone the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50 for help with your call. • visit one of our shopfronts • speak to your registered tax agent OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU We are committed to providing you with guidance you can rely on, so we make every effort to ensure that our publications are correct. If you follow our guidance in this publication and it turns out to be incorrect, or it is misleading and you make a mistake as a result, we must still apply the law correctly. If that means you owe us money, we must ask you to pay it but we will not charge you a penalty. Also, if you acted reasonably and in good faith we will not charge you interest. If you make an honest mistake in trying to follow our guidance in this publication and you owe us money as a result, we will not charge you a penalty. However, we will ask you to pay the money, and we may also charge you interest. If correcting the mistake means we owe you money, we will pay it to you. We will also pay you any interest you are entitled to. If you feel that this publication does not fully cover your circumstances, or you are unsure how it applies to you, you can seek further assistance from us. We regularly revise our publications to take account of any changes to the law, so make sure that you have the latest information. If you are unsure, you can check for a more recent version on our website at www.ato.gov.au or contact us. This publication was current at June 2012. © COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA 2012 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Attorney-General’s Department, Robert Garran Offices, National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 or posted at http://www.ag.gov.au/cca PUBLISHED BY Australian Taxation Office, Canberra, October 2012

Chris McGregor elected President of FIABCI Australia CHRIS McGregor of First National McGregor in Hobart has been elected as the new President of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) Australia for 20132015. Mr McGregor has been an active member of FIABCI for 7 years and his appointment follows the vacation of the position by Victoria-based Ms Robyn Waters. FIABCI is a federation of 100 national real estate associations, including the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and the global advocate for the profession. Mr McGregor says, “I plan to continue the great work of previous Presidents and develop more opportunities for members to use the networking facilities FIABCI offers.” Mr McGregor paid tribute to Ms Waters, who has been President since 2008. He says, “Robyn has made an immense contribution on behalf of the profession.” “Her energetic work on behalf of the Australian Chapter and its members has placed us firmly on the international map as a force to be reckoned with. I’m delighted Robyn is staying on as Vice-President. We will continue to benefit from her vast experience, her professional friendships, contacts and sense of fun!” Mr McGregor will continue to dialogue with the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), the Property Council of Australia and the Australian Property Institute in an effort to have the membership base of FIABCI Australia embrace the new World Councils of FIABCI. The World Councils encompass Managers, Brokers, Developers/Investors and Experts. REIA and FIABCI recently renewed their Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming the strong connection between the two bodies which was formed in the 1960’s. REIA President Ms Pamela Bennett says, “We are very proud of our long and successful collaboration with FIABCI and congratulate Chris McGregor on becoming President of the Australian Chapter.” Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Panoramic, 360-degree world of Norfolk Island Story and photos by Rama Gaind There’s a wealth of balance in the 360degree world on Norfolk Island. You’ll feel privileged as you stand at the summit of Mount Pitt and catch spectacular panoramic views of the entire island and the surrounding ocean. In the heart of the Norfolk National Park, this 318-metre-high peak is the highest point (together with Mount Bates). Savour the moment…as there aren’t many places in the world where you can observe the whole country from the one point. An untouched and unspoiled island, Norfolk is rich in experiences, a destination where there’s more to do and see than people realise. Ideal for families and couples wanting to go on long weekend escapes, direct flights can get you there in just over two hours from Sydney and Brisbane. Norfolk is a pristine, petite island of 3455 hectares sitting splendidly in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Australian mainland and 1063 kilometres from Auckland. You’ll be amicably surprised by its amiability, warmth, openness, and an appealing eccentricity. Norfolk Island was where the “worst of the worst” convicts were sent, for this was an infamous prison in the British Empire in the 1800s. Discovered by Captain James Cook in 1774, the British used it as a penal colony, twice. The island is inhabited by descendants of the original mutineers from Captain Bligh’s ill-fated voyage on the Bounty. The original township of Kingston, which is in the world heritage-listed Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic area, still stands guard on Slaughter Bay, and comprises a golf course and a cemetery where the head-

stone inscriptions impart unsettling stories. According to the curator of the Norfolk Island Museum Lisa Richards, “you can literally immerse yourself in the amazing stories of Norfolk Island in our museums at Kingston—spanning Polynesian and two penal settlements, to the current Bounty mutiny descendants here today”.

• Pramod and Sharmila Narayan, seated, surrounded by their children Neha, left, Akash and Pooja at their home on Norfolk Island.

Indian family With a population of 1800—no, make that 1700 at present as the other 100 are working off-shore—I was not surprised to learn that there are a few families of Indian origin living on the island. I spent a delightful afternoon with Pramod Narayan and his family. Born and bred in Fiji with ancestors from Baroda in India, he came to Norfolk in January 2008 to work for a hotel until it changed hands. He continues to work in the hospitality industry along with his wife, Sharmila. Their three children also enjoy the island’s

beautiful natural surrounds: Pooja, 19, who is working towards becoming a dental nurse; Neha, 16, is in Year 11 at the Central school and Akash, 13, is in Year 8. Island highlights Here you’ll find a very special breed of cow— Norfolk Blue—that is not found anywhere else in the world. This heritage brand was evolved on the • Spectacular views across the Pacific Ocean and beyond from island. Endeavour Lodge on Norfolk Island. Photo: Rama Gaind Robyn Menghetti first noticed the cattle were blue and blue and Captain Cook’s lookout and marvel at white. Along with her husband, Paul, they Cyclorama, the 360-degree giant panoramic set up a breeding program. Now the meat is painting that follows the story of the supplied to their award-winning Norfolk Bounty and its crew. Driving is stress-free, with hardly any trafBlue Homestead Restaurant Grill & Bar. Robyn points out: “We are very particular fic, one roundabout, no traffic lights, a 50as we manage from not just paddock-to- kilometre speed limit (30 kilometres in plate, but from conception-to-plate as school zones), seatbelts were only introduced a year ago and you must not forget to well”. Take time out to visit the prize-winning practise your ‘Norfolk wave’ by acknowlTwo Chimneys Winery on the eastern side edging the passing driver with the gentle of the island against the backdrop of lus- lift of the hand or one finger. Roads have quaint names; phone numbers cious tropical rainforest. It is Norfolk’s first and only boutique vineyard and winery are five digits long; the residents are listed established by Noelene McAlpine and her in the telephone book by their nicknames; and be fascinated by the special lilting husband, Rod, in 2003. Meet Dino and Helen Bosley at Dino’s Norf’k language. Don’t forget to take your passport when Restaurant, and along with enjoying a superb meal, find out about their “love of you visit this self-governing, external territory of Australia. It’s a tax haven where India”. tourism is the only source of income. Scenic beauty You’ll be bowled over by Norfolk’s sheer Norfolk is eight kilometres by five kilometres with 170 kilometres of roads, no public evergreen, sprawling magnificence! transport and a surprising number of things Rama Gaind was a guest of Norfolk Island to do for such a small place. Scenic views also abound from the top of Tourism and Air New Zealand.

Astrology Aries “The Ram” “The Go-Getter” March 21 - April 20 You look set to remain engrossed in career issues. Good news is that you will make admirable progress. Students too will taste success in their studies; they will manage to concentrate better. Your health shall improve, and you may regain a few lost opportunities. Be ready to grab them, as and when stars send them your way. All said, note that you will need to keep a close watch on your health after 21st. Take care when it comes to your reproductive health, reminds Ganesha. The month also seems have potent travel stars. However, ensure that your travel plans are wellthought-of and have room for plan Bs; delays are likely. Money wise you would be better off; promotions or pay hikes are possible. Amidst your blazing schedules, make some time for your near and dear ones, specifically your spouse. Best Days of the month: 3, 4, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31. Taurus “The Bull” “The Builder” April 21 - May 22 Planets indicate great progress on the work front, which will, in turn, give you success and happiness. Now, you are more sure about your career plans, and thus surge ahead with renewed confidence. This will lead to rewards, appreciations and, who knows, even promotions. Take this opportunity to gain confidence of your bosses, points Ganesha. Your health shall be good, and will only get better post 21st. However, remember to exercise well and take a good care of your vital organs. On the love front, things may not be as rosy, though. The dull, stiff vibes in your relationship may be a far cry from the early glow, your bond once enjoyed. Sigh! Try you best to get things back on the track. On the business partnerships front, on the other hand, you will have a plethora of opportunities for joint ventures. Best Days of the month: 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 23, 24. Gemini “The Twins” “The Magician” May 23 - June 21 Planets indicate an enriched and a lively love and social life for you. Wow! You and your parter would understand and support each other well, making your bond stronger and happier. You may also learn to appreciate the diversity of thought, which will further improve your relationships. On the personal front, your health will improve and so shall your mental frame and the sense of stability. If you have been recommended a surgery, this is a decent time to go for it, but do take a second opinion. Career-wise, it is now a time to take new initiatives, and work to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Financially too, you will be on a better footing; you shall repay all your debts. This month, you may strive to understand the cycle of birth, death and life after death and thus may seek solitude, at times. Best Days of the month: 8, 9, 16, 17, 25, 26. Cancer “The Crab” “The Caterer” June 22 - July 22 Forward movement of planets indicate a hectic schedule this month. A plenty of stuck projects move ahead, and you may even start some new ones. You will be more focussed on work and career, rather than home, feels Ganesha. Take care of your health after 21st. Good news is that your love stars are shining brightly, and so are the ones lighting up your social life. Singles are likely to get romantically involved with a co-worker or a superior. The sexual vibes shall be as strong as a reverberating electric current. Marriage, if that is the stage of your life, is likely. You may also expect an expansion in your social circle. Your financial situation will be good, but refrain from overspending. If you fail to plan well, you may face a financial trouble, later this month. However, come 21st, and things shall get more stable. Best Days of the month: 1, 2, 10, 11, 18, 19, 30, 31. Leo “The Lion” “The Boss” July 23 - August 22 Your period of yearly personal pleasure peak that had started last month lasts till the 21st of this month. Hence, you will enjoy life in a grand style, and indulge in parties and socialising. However, Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

family issues, love life and health may have caused your much stress, since the last couple of weeks. Thankfully, this trend ends this month, ensures Ganesha. The planetary positions indicate that you would focus more on the people around you, and shall realise the difficult task of ensuring other people's happiness, so that your own interests are taken care of. Financially, you will get better and money would start pouring in. Your health will improve. Those of you seeking new jobs can expect a breakthrough. Your love life too will get better, but avoid conflicts with your partner. You should also be careful while driving this month. Best Days of the month: 3, 4, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31. Virgo “The Virgin” “The Accountant” August 23 - Sept 22 Due to the forward movement of planets, your love life looks set to get better. You will enjoy clarity in your relationship, and will gain pleasure from your partner. The support you receive from your partner and your near and dear ones shall help you sail through a time of turmoil. This will help you realise that other people play an important role in shaping your life. On the career front, areas like sales, marketing, advertising and media activities may catch your attention. In fact, they shall hold the centre stage, says Ganesha! Those of you having your own business should employ advertising to make your product or service popular. Investors can make money in sectors such as property, restaurants, and industries that deal with home décor etc. Besides all these, a psychological evolution is on the cards for you, which will help you deal with the world more maturely. Best Days of the month: 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 23, 24. Libra “The Scales”“The Councellor”Sept 23 - October 22 Your financial position may get strengthened this month, as your earnings shall now be consistent. You will stay focused this month, and will achieve all your set goals, promises Ganesha. Around this time, however, you will spend considerably on your appearance and looks. Avoid going overboard, though. Your family members, especially the elderly, will be supportive of your actions. And, so shall be your friends, whose financial and emotional support will be forthcoming. You should be careful about your communications as any misinterpretation may cost dear to you. If you are planning to undergo a surgery this month, you should postpone it to a later date, and seek a second opinion about it. Your health may need special attention after 21st. Spend more time with family and loved ones; you may have been neglecting them since a couple of weeks. Best Days of the month: 8, 9, 16, 17, 25, 26. Scorpio “The Hydra” “The Psycho Analyst” Oct 23 - Nov 21 Your family needs your attention and time, reminds Ganesha. And, your career situation would be dependent on the way you see things. If you feel that you have already achieved enough, you will unabashedly enjoy the fruits of your success. However, if you feel that you still have a long way to go career-wise, you may continue to work harder, rather waiting for the fruits. Nonetheless, your earnings will increase substantially. Still, remain cautious in money matters. You will receive financial support from your bosses, spouse or love partner and friends. Your love life will be harmonious; even singles may find love or desired company. Now, ensure that you spend quality time with your loved ones. You may also spend a great deal on your appearance. These are good times for business ventures and partnerships, but be cautious and wary of unreliable deals. Best Days of the month: 1, 2, 10, 11, 18, 19, 30, 31. Sagittarius “The Archer” “The Teacher” Nov 22 - Dec 22 Your healing powers are at their peak now, and you will recover quickly from any injuries or illnesses, you have been suffering from. Planetary positions also indicate the yearly pleasure peak for you. You will spend a lot of time in parties, festivities and socialising, says Ganesha. You will also feel powerful this month, www.indiantimes.com.au

not needing others in any case. You may also remain engrossed in fulfilling personal desires or grooming yourself. Travel for pleasure is definitely on the cards. Your charm shall help you attract members of the opposite sex, and chances are that one of them may soon become a possible love interest. Your love life will be harmonious, and your partner will cherish your understanding nature. Your finances and career domains also look strong this month. Those seeking new opportunities shall get them in plenty. Best Days of the month: 3, 4, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31. Capricorn “The Goat” “The Mayor” Dec 23 - January 30 With power and independence divinely driven towards you this month, you can hope to achieve all what you had aimed for, promises Ganesha. Your dynamic personality will impress your bosses, and they shall be all charmed. However, in your urge to scale the pinnacle of success, you are likely to ruffle many a feather. Remain cautious. Don't be dominating; rather be considerate towards others. Planets also indicate your inclination towards spirituality; you shall experience inner calm and clarity now. Some of you may also find solace in charity work, and the spiritual healing will be advantageous. As you look at the changing times in the form of coming new year, use this period as an opportunity for introspection, and to assess your goals and strategies. Good times beckon you on the social and domestic front. Best Days of the month: 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 23, 24. Aquarius “The Water Bearer” “The Innovator” Jan 21 - Feb 19 You shall have a greater say in matters of family, friendships and work, and this will bring you a never-felt-before sense of independence. The energies of the universe are with you this month, and you look set to achieve everything you desire. Great going! Keep your modesty intact, though, warns Ganesha. Careerwise, you will do well this month, and you can hope to reap rich rewards. Your health also is set to improve. In the domain of love, singles have chances of meeting someone special in group activities. Your friends shall aid you in this process. Singles may also achieve success in love, if they try to express their love in any unconventional way. Whatever be the case, your love will have a spiritual dimension to it. You may even seek the guidance and sanction of the divine forces in the matter of heart. Best Days of the month: 8, 9, 16, 17, 25, 26. Pisces “The Fish” “The Social Worker” Feb 20 - March 20 Career-wise, things may slow down this month, and you may feel get frustrated, owing to the slow pace and unyielding results. Don't lose hope, says Ganesha. True that you may face delays in all the matters this month, yet sometimes, whatever happens, happens for the best. Things may be difficult in the realm of love too. Your thoughts and actions may be misrepresented, causing you trouble even over trivial issues. Ensure that your love partner remains relaxed, and does not get affected by any unwanted stress. Remain careful in your communication, and that bit extends even to your communication equipment. Health too may require care month. Your liver, spine and knees may be the vulnerable spots. Take care! And, garner support from your loved ones or friends. They may help you even on the career front. Best Days of the month: 1, 2, 10, 11, 18, 19, 30, 31.

www.ganeshaspeaks.com Disclaimer: This is only a guide and is not directed towards any particular individual and the writer shall not be responsible for anything to do with the articles content.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 — 37

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WHAT’S ON!

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Associations / Places of Worship... AUM - Arya Pratinidhai Sabha of Qld Inc. Tune to Radio Brisvaani on Sundays 7-7.30am for Vedic Sandesh Program. Read about Vedas in this paper. Contact: Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 or log on www.aryasamajqueensland.com for further information. Brahma Kumaris Australia, Mermaid Waters Offers Free meditation courses, Free positive awareness courses and Free afternoon retreats. Contact 5575 2126 or email goldcoast@au.bkwsu.org BRISBANE BELIEVERS FELLOWSHIP “Expect Great things from the Lord and Attempt Great things for the Lord”. Address: Zillmere Community Hall, 54 Handsford Rd, Zillmere. Worship time: Every Sunday at 9.30 AM. Activities: Holy Communion (First Sunday of the Month), Sunday school, Fasting Prayer, Youth Meeting, Bible Study and Ladies Meeting. Contact:Pastor John Thomas & Mary Thomas Sanju P. (Secretary) Phone: 0402 551 220 / 0402 907 776 or 0422 815 782 Email: maryhoney59@hotmail.com Brisbane Christian Assembly, Herston, QLD. Expect a miracle from God, Come and pray for any need in your life, with us in Herston (near RCH Hospital) every Saturday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. We are praying and God has been doing miracles in many people’s life. Contact Pastor Prakash Jacob 07 3162 5207 or 0413 347 562. Brisbane Christian AssemblyAddress: 5/15 Aberleigh Road, Herston QLD 4006 Pastor: Prakash Jacob Events: Prayer, Fellowship, Worship, Adult Bible Study, Kids Bible Study, Love in Action, and much more.. Saturday Schedules: 6:00pm-7:00pm: Kids Bible Study, 7:00pm-09:00pm: Intercessory Prayer Sunday Schedules: 10:00am-01:00pm: Worship in Truth & Spirit, Bible Study, Prayer, etc. Email: prakashjacob@yahoo.com Ph: 07-31625207, 0413347562 Brisbane Malayalee Association Brisbane Malayalee Association (BMA) represents the Malayalee community in and around the city of Brisbane to preserve and maintain the Kerala culture and heritage. BMA is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious cultural organisation that has a constitution and by-laws. BMA provides a forum for the Malayalees residing in Brisbane and neighbouring areas to meet and exchange views and to foster their friendship, goodwill, moral, social, educational, literary, artistic and cultural heritage. For more information contact Secretary Rajni Nair on 0431 299 376 or President Gigie George on 0432 510 045 brisbane.malayaleeassociation@gmail.com www.brisbanemalayalee.org Brisbane Multinational Church NEW ADDRESS - 757 Gympie Road Lawnton. Church service time if from 9.30am to 11.30am. Special times of prayer for the sick. We will be praying for people with all kinds of sicknesses, needs, spiritual problems etc. This will be followed by free lunch, service time 9.30am -12 noon.For more information please contact Pastor Joseph Dass on 0424 180 240 or Assistant Pastor Shrish Chand on 0450 612 304. Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) 2679 Logan Rd, Eight Mile Plains. www.brisbanesikhtemple.org.au Brisbane Sikh Temple is open 7days a week, free food (langar is served daily) Sunday Service is from 9am to 1pm. Weekdays evening service is from 6pm to 7pm including meditation. Mr Baljit Singh Secretary of Brisbane Sikh Temple (for all bookings enquiries) Ph: 0412 057 554, Email: secretary@brisbanesikhtemple.org.au Gianni Kuldeep Singh Priest of Brisbane Sikh Temple (for all religious functions) Ph: 0422 705 936 Email: priest@brisbanesikhtemple.org.au Brisbane Tamil School – Holland Park State School, Bapume Road, Holland Park. For more information on the School please contact President B. Saravanan – saranb@bigpond.com or visit www.brisbanetamilschool.org Burnie Brae, a Senior Citizen’s Centre in Chermside, are pleased to advise the start of a special social programme for Indian Senior Citizens. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. It is an opportunity to socialise, participate in a variety of activities and enjoy some delicious vegetarian meals. Transport maybe provided to and from the Day Social Club if you live near the Centre. If you have any queries please contact Sandra or Naomi on 07 36242141 Chinmaya Mission Australia – Family programs every Sunday morning at Holland Park State High School from 10am-11.45am. Balahivar classes for children and teenagers and gita classes for adults are conducted under the guidance of spiritual teacher, Bramachari Gopal Chaitanya. Please visit www.chinmaya.com.au or email brisbane.info@chinmaya.com.au Eben-Ezer Pentecostal Church, Brisbane – Sunday School, Prayer & Fasting, Youth meeting & worship (Malayalam) Contact: Pastor Mathew Tharian 07 3165 7617, 0431 413 482 or Eng. Victor George 07 3359 8946, 0413 069 477. Fiji Senior Citizens’ Satsang Association of Qld Inc

40 - BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

1 Kensington Place, Wishart 4122. Monthly meetings will be held on th last Sunday of the month at 2pm. All members are invited to attend. For further information contact President Surendra Prasad OAM 3849 5435, Secretary Raymond Saran 3290 0653 or Treasurer Surya Narayan 3208 5823 Forest Lake AOG Church Hindi Service - Second Sunday of every month commencing @ 4.30pm. Cnr of Alpine Place & Forest Lake Boulevard Road. Contact Sudesh on 0401 519 541. Hindi Speaking Christian Fellowship Meets at 2.30 p.m. last Sunday of each month at Merthyr Uniting Church, 52 Merthyr Rd, New Farm All welcome. Contact Irene 3715 8659. Hindu Mandir Association of Queensland Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir NEW ADDRESS - 46 Daymar Street, Burbank Qld Every Sunday 4pm to 6pm - Bhajan/Kirtan, Pravachan by Pt Tripathi Ji, Arati and Dinner is provided. Every 1st Sunday of month from 2-4pm - Program by Brisbane Bhajan Group. All welcome. Website: www.laxminarayan.com.au For further information contact: Resident Priest 07 3216 8848, Rakesh Sharma 0411 289 202 Hindu Society of Queensland Inc. Gayatri Mandir (178 Lyndhurst Rd, Boondall). Gayatri Mandir opens every Sunday from 8am to 11am. Mandir opens with Punditji. Weekly Programs & Mandir Openings: • Every Tuesday from 7pm - Ramayan & Bhajan recitals • Every 2nd & 4th Friday from 7.00pm – Ramayan & Bhajan Recitals. • Open Every Sunday from 9.00am – 12.00pm For further information contact President Prakash Shandil 0408 879 414 Hindustani Language School conducts lessons in Hindustani language and Indian Culture every Saturday from 2pm to 4pm, at both its major centres at Calamvale Community Intermediate College, 11 Hamish Street, Calamvale and Boondall State School, Roscommon Rd, Boondall. Hindi is our mother tongue. Students of all ages wishing to learn: * Hindi Language *Indian Culture * Dance & Drama * Music * Leadership and Personal Development Contact: Secretary Jay Haripersad on 3243 7062 - Vice President Mul Chand on Mobile 0418 461 960 - or President Sarat Maharaj on 3263 2093 or Mobile 0407 111 709 Indian Church Service News Every Sunday 9.30am - 11.00am. Southern Springs Community Church 59 Marshall Road, Rocklea. Meet with Indian Christians for prayer, praise & worship. Fellowship & refreshments after the service. contact Ps. Sivanus Naidu (Senior Pastor) 3274 2542 or 0417 197 747 Indian Senior Citizen Association Committee meetings are held 3rd Sunday of every alternate month from 2pm to 4pm. For further information contact: President: Mr Bir Sahai 3344 4715, Secretary: Mr Tirat Achal 0407 620 663, Treasurer: Mr Hari Prasad 3209 5174 International Multicultural Christian Fellowship Elevate Church (AOG Church) Vision - Each One Reach One Worship & Word every Sunday at 9.30am to 11.30am followed by free sausage sizzle - everyone welcome. Home prayer meeting every Wednesday at 7.00pm to 8pm. Fasting and prayer Thursday from 7.00pm to 8.00pm for special needs. Youth group - every Friday 6.30pm to 8.30pm at 3, Montserrat Pl, Forest Lake Kids church - special kids church every Sunday Music and food - once a month at the Forest lake stage 5pm onwards.Womens group - every thursday 11.00am pls contact Ps. Mavis on 0418745179 Revelation 3:20 (NIV)Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Church Address - Elevate Church, Grand Avenue Primary School, Forest Lake 4078, Corner of Grand Avenue and Centennial Way, Contact Pastor Raj Singh with any questions about church on: Mobile 0407177117 or Email rajmavisforjesus@yahoo.com.au www.elevatechurch.org.au Islamic Society of Queensland hosts Zikre Mustapha programme Program starts from Maghrib to Isha Prayers. 2nd Saturday of the month at Rochedale Mosque 2664 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains. Dinner provided to all after Isha Namaz. For enquiries contact Imam Ali on 0407 156 527, Asif Ali Khan on 0411 516 007 or Shamim Khan on 0403 541 012. Kannada Sangha Qld Inc Promoting Kannada culture, Kannada activities and community based events and functions For more information contact: President Dr Balaji Hiremagalur 0421 583 273 Secretary Navin Kumar 0413 164 401, email: kannadasanghaqld@gmail.com www.chandana-brisbane.org. 52 Parkway Crescent Murrumba Downs Qld 4503. Lotus Ashram - Free yoga lessons every Friday at Sunnybank Primary School, Glendower Street, from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Donations are welcome. For details, email ambashram@gmail.com Lourde Matha Malayalee Community Every month Malayalam Mass (Qrbana) in Brisbane. An opportunity to meet with other malyalees for Mass, prayer and spiritual renewal. For more information about up coming events.

Contact Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy 4697 3177 youth coordinator. Siju Mathew 0432 192 558. Malayalee Association of Qld – For a detailed list of upcoming events, contact the President C K Oonnikrishnan Nair on 0416 927 100 or email ckuknair_maq@hotmail.com, Dr Cyril Fernandez - Vice President on 0404 433 044 or email cgfernz@hotmail.com. E: maq@brisbanemalayalee.org or visit www.brisbanemalayalee.org. Public Zikre Mustapha programme Program starts from Maghrib to Isha Prayers. Last Saturday of the month at Logan Mosque - 260 3rd Avenue, Kingston. Dinner provided free to all after Isha Namaz. For enquiries contact the chairman Mr Nawab Khan on 3209 4627 Queensland Telugu Association President – Dr Prakash Nallamilli; Treasurer – Mr Manoj Vemula; Secretary – Mr Sai Gollapudi; Executive Committee Members – Mr Srikanth Chalasani, Mr Sudershan Kanthakadi. For a list of upcoming events and membership information, please contact: Secretary, Mr Sai Gollapudi on 0409 907 934 or email saigollapudi@yahoo.com Sant Mat (Sant Baljit Singh) Sant Mat is a practical path based on meditation on the inner Light and Sound, ethical values, service to others and love for all creation. Its goal is to enable the soul to return and merge into its source; the purpose of human life described by mystics of all traditions. Focus and sincerity are essential, as is the help of the living spiritual Master. Sant Baljit Singh, the living spiritual Master, teaches the meditation on the inner Light and Sound to anyone who is searching for a deeper meaning in life. We have representatives ready to talk to you. No charge at any stage. For further information contact 1800 462 193 or visit www.santmat.net.au Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple)

and Hindu Education Centre 4915 – 4923 Mt Lindsay H’way South Maclean. Temple Opening Hours: 7:30am – 11:00am and 5:00pm – 8:30pm. Pooja times – Weekdays 9:00am and 7:30pm. Weekends 9:00am and 6:00pm. Contact President Vimal “Vic” Ratnam 0411 594 394, Temple Priest 07 5547 7302 St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Brisbane Malayalam Holy Qurbono, Sunday School and other spiritual activities. Holy Qurbono celebrated by Rev. Fr. Jigi Varghese at 2pm on the third Saturday of every month at St Mary’s & Joseph’s Coptic Orthodox Church, 2 Hamish Street Calamvale Qld 4116. For more information about upcoming events and activities please contact: Dr. Joy Pynadath 0431 631 397, Joy Mathew 0403 114 470, Roby John 0401 900 494 TOUCH Group of families Program includes Bollywood dance, Sri Lankan dance, Saomoa cultural dance, fashion show, musical program. Anyone who would like to join can contact touch.families@gmail.com or call Sripathy & family 0432 768 607, Vijekumar & family 3823 4628, Saravanan & family 3823 5037, Shanker & family 3711 3912, Sri Jayendrakumr 3272 5781 What’s on is your Council guide to what is happening in Brisbane. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au> Women of Light is a multicultural group of women whose passion and desire is to reach out to women who are looking from friends, are hurting, need help in any area. Women of Light meet every Monday at Thursdays 11am for a time of fellowship, sharing and encouragement. Join the ladies for a free lunch every Monday. For more information contact Mavis on 0418 745 179 or 07 3879 9735.

Community Events...

For more information contact Chirag Shah on 0406 070 036 or email shriganesh.au@gmail.com

Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) Brisbane (South Maclean) - to view all upcoming events please visit www.sriselvavinayakar.org Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir - Gita Jayanti Celebration - Sunday 23 December – from 4pm to 6pm. For more information please contact Rakesh Sharma 0411 289 202 / Mr Subhash Chand 0413 022 033 / Mr Pt. Suresh Chandra 0417 600 851 Sikh Youth Australia - 15th Annual Summer Camp - 9-13 January 2013 – At Sydney Academy of Sport, Wakehurst parkway, Narrabeen. 3013 Summer camp theme Nirbhau, Nirvair - Fearlessness, without Enmity. Gain a deeper understanding of what these principles mean in our daily lives. For more information or to enrol contact Sukhvinder Singh 0414 573 060 / Gurpreet Singh 0416 045 309 or visit www.sikhyouthaustralia.com Amrit Varsha in Brisbane - 18 to 20 January 2013 – Enlightening talks by Revered Master Anandmurti Gurumaa. At Macgregor State School Hall, 370 Macgregor, Brisbane 4109. FREE admission. For more information contact Arun Raniga 0403 301 337 or visit www.gurumaa.com

Markets... Every Sunday – Brisbane Community Market – The Brisbane Community Market is an initiative of Acacia Ridge and District Community Centre. This ‘Profit for Purpose’ project is a response to the defunding of programs that were providing education, training and employment pathways for members of the local community. The success of the market will enable the centre to continue to offer valuable programs to the community. The market will be on every Sunday from 7.30am-1pm at Moorooka State School, Beaudesert Road Moorooka. Food, fruit and veg, gifts, activities for gifts plus more great stalls. Stalls are still available, please phone 0401 027 402 for more information.

Public Lectures / Seminars

Festivals & Fetes...

Happiness Simplified – 22, 25 & 26 December 2012 - Timeless solutions for rising above the mundane madness and achieving fulfilment. The 3 Day seminar is by renowned internationally acclaimed speaker: H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami at the University of Queensland (St Lucia Campus, Brisbane)

Kite Flying Festival – 13 January - at Stretton State College, Cnr Illaweena Street & Gowan Street from 8am to 5pm on the oval grounds. FREE Entry. Food, kites & string available to purchase on site. Brought to you by Shree Ganesh Indian Grocery & Spice Shop. 1/896 Boundary Rd, Coopers Plains Qld 4108.

Free parking available. Daily seminars Schedule – 10am – 12pm – Seminar / 12pm – 1.30pm – Sumptuous lunch (provided) / 1.30pm – 3.30pm – Seminar. Cost: All incl. for 3 days $50 per adult and $20 for children under 12. For all bookings and enquiries contact 0413 169 488 or email bcs_australia@hotmail.com

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Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 41

Bollywood & Entertainment No opportunity for writers Prabhudheva a friend, in showbiz industry: companion on 'ABCD...' Akashaditya Lama sets: Salman Yusuff Khan MUMBAI, Dec 9 (IANS) Debutant director Akashaditya Lama, who has worked as a writer in television as well as films, says writers don't get an opportunity to showcase their talent. "There are a lot of places where I used to go, I used to be handed a DVD and be told to write according to that. So I used to wonder what I am supposed to do as a writer. Also I feel that our ideas are very westernised," Lama told IANS. "We have such a rich literature, why don't we take inspiration from that. We copy Hollywood film stories. You can use techniques and all from films, but not stories. So I feel that writers don't get opportunities," he added. As a writer, Lama has worked in television for shows like "Kkusum", "Kumkum", "Chehra" and "Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Aangan Hoga". He has been a part of many ad films too. He is now set to make his Bollywood debut as a director with the film "Cigarette Ki Tarah", which releases Dec 14. It features Prashant Naryanan, Yuvika Chaudhary, Madhurima Tuli and debutant actor Bhoop Yaduvanshi. Lama calls his transition from small to big screen tough, as it took time for people to recognise him. "It took a long time for me to make people believe that I am a writer. When they started seeing my name, they recognized me. People used to tell me that you have written for TV and not films. The same thing happened with direction as well. They kept asking me if I have directed before... but how

will I if I don't get a chance," he said. Lama always harboured a dream of becoming a director, but knew that struggle was evident. "I always wanted to be a director, but in TV I was working as a writer. I wanted to direct only movies. I knew that no one becomes a director in one day. It is a process. I knew I will have to do a lot of things. You need financial stability and a hold on many other things," he said. Asked how will he deal with the competition in the feature film sector, Lama said: "When a player takes part in a race, he doesn't have a strategy to win. He just runs fast. He focuses on himself." "Filmmaking is artistic. You have to concentrate on what the audience wants to watch. I always look at my product from the observer's point of view," he added.

Balki or Boney? Sridevi unsure for next film By Subhash K. Jha MUMBAI, Dec 9 (IANS) After the phenomenal success of "English Vinglish", both Boney Kapoor and R. Balki are keen to do another film with Sridevi, but the veteran actress is still unsure about her next step. While Balki plans to cast the actress in a sequel to "English Vinglish", Sridevi's husband Boney plans to produce another film that would do justice to his wife's tremendous screen presence. "She is not against doing another film right away. But she wants her next film to be as special. She is waiting for both to come up with a script that would take her beyond 'English Vinglish'. Both Boney and Balki are welcome to come up with the required

script. Sridevi is game," said a source, The plans of casting Sridevi opposite Big B in a film by Balki have also been put on hold. A source close to Sridevi and her producerhusband Boney said: "The intention is to take her 'comeback advantage' to another level. 'English Vinglish' should and must not be a one-off success for Sridevi." Speaking right after the film's success, Sridevi said: "Right now I am in a daze. I've never in my life given so many interviews. I've attended more media events and been seen on more television shows in the past few weeks than my entire life. What I'd like is to take a break, spend time with my husband and daughters. I've only been seeing them sporadically.

NEW DELHI, Dec 9 (IANS) Choreographerturned-actor Salman Yusuff Khan, who is making his silver screen debut with Remo D'Souza's "ABCD AnyBody Can Dance", says working with Prabhudheva was a dream come true. "Working with Prabhudheva has been a dream-come-true kind of experience for me. He has a peculiar charm. He was there as a friend, companion, teacher and supported all of us on the sets. He has been wonderful," Salman told IANS. Salman says he has grown up watching Prabhudheva and every moment that he shared with him during the making of the film has been special. "Every moment with him on the sets was special. I used to nag him for everything. I have grown up trying his 'Muqabla' song step, but never got it right. So when I asked him he taught me the technique to do it and did not let me sit till the time I got it right," he said. Produced by UTV Spotboy, "ABCD AnyBody Can Dance" is said to be India's first 3D dance film. Apart from Prabhudheva and Salman, the film also features Kay Kay Menon, Ganesh Acharya, Dharmesh and Mayuresh. It will hit theatres

Feb 8 next year. The 27-year-old became popular after winning season one of the dance reality show "Dance India Dance" in 2009. He featured in the title track of the film "Wanted" and participated as a choreographer in "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4" and "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5". The feeling of being an actor and that his debut film is about to release is yet to sink in, says Salman. "I wanted it so badly that now when I have it I can't digest it. The feeling will sink in only when I will watch first show of the film in a theatre and see people's reaction. That is when I will believe that my dream has come true," he said. "ABCD..." gave him a chance to explore the actor inside him, feels Salman. "This film gave me the chance to showcase my talent as an actor. Everyone has seen me dancing and not seen me acting. In the beginning, it was a little difficult but not something that I could not achieve. It has been a learning experience for me. I know I can do better but I am satisfied with what I have done," he said. Post "ABCD...", Salman will be seen in Vivek Agnihotri's "Freedom".

Manoj Tiwari to start film on Sher Shah Suri in 2013 PATNA, Dec 7 (IANS) Bhojpuri superstar Manoj Tiwari is set to begin shooting for his dream project - a Hindi film on the life of emperor Sher Shah Suri, next year. "Script of the film on the life of Sher Shah Suri is ready. Now we will start its shooting in early 2013," Manoj said. He says he will play the lead role of Sher Shah Suri in the film. "I am happy to play Sher Shah Suri, a real hero, in the historical film and will help to generate awareness about a ruler, who contributed in the development of the country," added Manoj. The actor-singer told IANS this will be the first Hindi film on Sher Shah Suri. "Till date, several films were made on Mughal rulers including Akbar and Shahjahan in Bollywood, but none on Sher Shah Suri," he said, refusing to disclose the names of other actors playing important roles in the film. Manoj, who visited Sher Shah Suri's 16th century tomb in Bihar's Rohtas district Thursday, is sad at the dismal state of the

monument. "It is sad that proper development of Sher Shah Suri's tomb in Bihar's Sasaram town, district headquarters of Rohtas, was not taken so far," he said, after visiting the tomb of Sher Shah Suri. "After I visited the tomb, I realised that it was a national heritage, but not promoted to attract tourists," he added. Like Sher Shah Suri, Manoj too hails from Rohtas district. A famous army general, Sher Shah Suri wrested the throne of India from the second Mughal emperor Humayun and ruled for five years (1540-1545) till his death. He was also a notable administrator who built resting and watering spots and joined existing roads to establish the Grand Trunk Road, which is now named after him. His historical tomb was declared a national heritage site under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been given the responsibility for its preservation and protection.

'Paani' to be shot in Singapore By Subhash K. Jha MUMBAI, Dec 7 (IANS) Acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur will shoot his ambitious project "Paani" in Singapore. The film is a tale of star-crossed lovers from incompatible social strata where the girl would be an upper-class elite of Caucasian pedigree, while the boy would be 42 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

tanned bare-bodied desi ruffian with the manners of a street urchin and the lingo of a fish seller. Kapur is busy doing recce for locations in Singapore. "'Paani' is a cross-cultural rich-poor 'Romeo and Juliet' love story set in futuristic Mumbai, when water will be the biggest asset and the most expensive commodity in the world. www.indiantimes.com.au

"Wealth would be determined by how much of the city's water supply is controlled by the powers-that-be. In the film, Mumbai would be divided into the Upper City and Lower City. The rich girl would be from the Upper City and the poor boy who sneaks into the forbidden elitist area, would be from the Lower City" Kapur, one hears from

reliable sources, has decided to cast a fresh Caucasian girl and a new Indian boy as the two main leads. "It is the only way Shekhar's love story will work. The boy and the girl have to be young innocent and reckless. Both Shekhar and Aditya Chopra are firm believers in the power of fresh actors. "Adi in fact has been

building a bank of new talent at Yash Raj Films for the past three years. Shekhar too has worked with newcomers in the past to great advantage. So they are both on the same page on this issue," said the source. Questioned about the cast, Kapur said: "I can't talk about it. The 'Paani' casting is under an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) right now." Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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Bollywood & Entertainment I consider Shahid my Indian Ocean combines friend: Pankaj Kapoor music with a cause MUMBAI, Dec 8 (IANS) Shahid Kapoor is more of a friend than a son, says veteran actor Pankaj Kapoor, who admits he often takes advice from him. "I consider Shahid as my friend and there is lot of times I take advice from him, I take suggestions from him because I think you need to be addressed with the latest that is happening," Pankaj told IANS. "He is a youngster and a very talented boy and a very solid balanced head. So there are lot of time when he comes up with very good suggestions and I am proud of that fact," he added. Pankaj said he shared a similar relationship with his own father too. "I had my father as my friend and I feel that my children, actually all the three of them, are friends with me. Obviously, Shahid being the oldest - there is a certain maturity in terms of understanding each other which naturally exists." Pankaj is now gearing up for the release of his new film, Vishal Bhardwaj's "Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola". The actor says he shares

a comfort level with the director. "If you get a good script along with a good director, with whom you share a comfort level then that becomes an added advantage. This is what happened with me it was great working with him. There is a level of trust that exists," he added. "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" features Imran Khan, Anushka Sharma, Arya Babbar and Shabana Azmi and is slated for Jan 11 release.

Never forget your past, says Big B MUMBAI, Dec 7 (IANS) He hails from the small town of Allahabad, but has made it big like no other. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, known worldwide for his acting prowess, believes it always helps to stay close to one's roots. The 70-year-old feels it is important that everyone remembers the beginning of their career as it helps them to face tough times. "Many beginnings of our lives are easily forgotten when there has been extreme progress ... in our condition. I believe being in honest touch with your start up days, it's circumstances and conditions keeps one grounded with reality," Big B wrote on his blog.

Amitabh has given the film industry blockbusters like "Deewaar", "Don", "Sholay", "Coolie", "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." and "Black". However, the actor says he went through a lot of struggle during his over four decadeold Bollywood career. He feels the lessons learnt from bad experiences always help in life. "The humble days of yore, of hardships and how they were overcome, tests and trials, embarrassing rejections â&#x20AC;Ś all go to play an important role in the days to come or the present times. It is good to remember every now and then where we began from," he added.

Akshay to lose weight for 'Thuppakki' remake By Subhash K. Jha MUMBAI, Dec 7 (IANS) Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, with his lean look and super fit physique, would need to lose more weight for his role as an army captain in A.R. Murugadoss's remake of his Tamil hit "Thuppakki". Akshay has been asked to lose seven kgs. The movie's shooting begins Dec 20, since the Christmas week is considered lucky by Murugadoss. "He released his 'Ghajini' in December. Since then, Murugadoss has been excessively attached to the Christmas season. He was keen on staring the Hindi 'Thuppakki' in the Christmas week, and Akshay was happy to oblige. The only problem is, he has two weeks to lose at least five kgs, and some more later to play an army captain at least 12 years junior to Akshay's biological age," said a source close to Murugadoss. Akshay will also sport an army officer's hairdo and look. "The soldier-hero is never really shown in the army. The drama happens while he's on leave. But we want Akshay to look like a young army jawaan, fit enough to take on the villains. Not only that. We actually want

him to look like a real soldier," said Murugadoss. "He will be getting a crewcut hair-styling done. We don't want Akshay to look unconvincing as the soldier in any detail," he added. The demand to lose weight seems strange for a leading man, who is as lean as Akshay. But Murugadoss explains: "Akshay is one of the fittest heroes in India. But to play the soldier, we want him to be slightly fitter. His shoulders should become more streamlined and his frame should be slimmer. Akshay has the physique for the role. He just needs to lose a little more weight and become slightly sharper around the edges." For the Tamil film, actor Vijay had actually gone for commando training to play the soldier. "But Akshay is already into martial arts. So all he needs to do is just polish up his act. He has the know-how and the physical fitness," says the director. Incidentally for "Ghajini", Aamir Khan had to bulk up and add muscle to his physique to play the self-trained fighter. In "Thuppakki", Akshay goes the other way to get leaner and meaner.

44 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

NEW DELHI, Dec 9 IANS) It was a treat for fans of rock band Indian Ocean, who not only experienced a soulful performance but also became part of a concert which spread the message of volunteering for the betterment of society. The live concert was at the Volunter Mela organized by non-governmental organisation VSO India, which aims at motivating volunteers to work in different sectors in the country. The band is known for it's popular song "Bandeh". The more one volunteers, the better one becomes, said Indian Ocean bass guitarist Rahul Ram, who volunteered to perform at the event. This itself was a rarity as concerts such as this are generally ticketted.

"I have been volunteering for things all my life and I think it's a great thing to do, to get people to volunteer, not just because you are doing good but because you are doing good for yourself," Ram told IANS. "The more you learn about other people, others' lives, you become a better person. It helps you in your life, it helps you cope a lot . I think it's a great thing to encourage people to volunteer," he added. "We are not raising any money through this concert because the whole idea is to put volunteering in the space where we want young people to come, and music is the best way to attract youth," Ratna Viswanathan, executive director, VSO India told IANS.

After 'Talaash', bubbly Bebo readies for rom-com By Uma Ramasubramanian MUMBAI, Dec 8 (IANS) After a "sensitive" role in "Talaash", Kareena Kapoor says she is ready to give the audience a taste of the real "Bebo" and is looking forward to a light romantic comedy in which she can play her usual effervescent self. "I want to experiment with various genres and not just do monotonous roles. 'Taalash' was one of my most sensitive performances, but now my next will be a rom-com. I want to give a nice flavour of Bebo to the audience post'Talaash'," Kareena, who is nicknamed Bebo, told IANS in an interview. The 32-year-old, who wed actor Saif Ali Khan in October, is ready to get back to full on work in the new year. She will begin work on a Karan Johar production opposite Imran Khan in January. "I love being part of Dharma Productions' projects. There is some young and new talent coming from this production. My film 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu' was directed by Shakun Batra, who is just 25. "I am looking forward to do this new film (to be directed by Punit Malhotra of 'I Hate Luv Storys' fame)," said Kareena, who describes the film as a "super fun yet poignant" love story.

The first schedule of the movie will start in Bangalore. Kareena is especially happy about doing such a film because she doesn't have a suspense drama like "Talaash" on her mind right now. "I don't think I will take a suspense drama for a while. It was a brave decision to make a film like 'Talaash'," she said. Kareena says she is thankful to the audience that accepted this genre. "When we were making the film, my only concern was the audience should accept this genre and we have won the battle. My year began with 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu', in which I played a very modern girl, and the year ended with a very sensitive performance in 'Talaash'." She only wants to continue doing "good projects and show different shades" of herself through movies. "Numbers don't really matter to me, what matters is good performance," said the actress, who also features in the peppy and saucy item number "Fevicol se" in the movie "Dabangg 2". The song has won her rave reviews, and director-producer Arbaaz Khan says Kareena has done a "superb job in it".

'Bhopal: A Prayer...' my biggest project: Rajpal Yadav MUMBAI, Dec 8 (IANS) After "Ata Pata Lapata", actor Rajpal Yadav is now looking forward to the release of his first international project "Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain". "There is a film 'Prayer for Rain' which is my international debut of 2013. This is the biggest project of my life," the 41-year-old said in an interview. "Actors, who have been nominees for Oscar have worked in the film. Martin Sheen, Mischa Barton and Kal Penn all have done a good job in supporting role in the film and luckily, I have got the opportunity to play the lead role in that film," he added. "Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain" is based on the

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1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy that took almost 10,000 lives. It is being directed by Ravi Kumar and has been co-written by Ravi and David Brooks. The film also features Tannishtha Chatterjee and Satish Kaushik. Rajpal will soon be seen in "Four Two Ka One" and says the film promises to be wholesome entertainment. "Audience will get a good laugh ride and entertainment and in some parts, they will also get to see a bit seriousness in my character. But overall it is an entertainment film," Rajpal said. Directed by Anwar Khan, "Four Two Ka One" also stars Jimmy Sheirgill and Sushant Singh. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Bollywood & Entertainment 'Sivaji 3D': Rajinism just got bigger

Suresh Gopi enjoying new found popularity

Tamil Movie Review By Haricharan Pudipeddi Film: 'Sivaji 3D' Director: S. Shankar Cast: Rajinikanth, Shriya Saran, Suman and Vivekh Rating: ***1/2 WATCHING superstar Rajinikanth sizzle on screen despite how cliched it appears, as some may call it, is an experience worth a million smiles and the thumping of as many hearts. Now, watching him recreate the magic in 3D, closer to handsreach, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Released five years after its original release in 2007, "Sivaji 3D", with shorter running time, cut down by half an hour, is highly entertaining and three times visually enthralling. Rajinikanth plays a US-returned software systems architect in the film, named Sivaji, with the sole purpose to give something back to the society. He aspires to build a non-charitable trust through which he wants to set up schools and hospitals for the underprivileged. However, he's faced with illegitimate and corrupt government officials demanding bribe at every juncture. To add to the woes, he earns the wrath of a local, well-reputed businessman Adiseshan, played by Suman, who becomes his biggest obstacle. The rest of the story is about one man's fight against corruption to create an equitable society in true 'Rajini' style. The impeccable conversion from 2D to 3D is truly amazing and at par with Hollywood standards. All those who've always cribbed about the poorly executed Indian 3D films should not miss "Sivaji 3D" at any cost. Had it not been for the successful collaboration between AVM productions, Prasad EFX and Real Image, this visual wonder wouldn't have been possible. The opening song "Balleilakka", featuring Nayanthara, is a treat to watch and so are

scenes involving Shriya, who appears prettier than she was originally. It doesn't matter if you're a Rajini fan or not, you're sure to leave the theatre with sore throat from screaming. Tharani's sets come alive in 3D, while K.V. Anand's cinematography, originally done using 4k scan, a very high video format resolution, has certainly helped the film look superior in the converted version. And to top it all, you have moments of Rajinism that you can guiltlessly celebrate with everybody. Be it his trademark walk or the dialogues that he mouths with ease and style or even scenes where he pounds baddies to pulp with one punch may appear cliched, yet entertaining. And all this happens just few inches away from your eyes and probably with a wave of the hand; you might probably touch the superstar. Finally, to watch the film in Dolby Atmos, an object-based audio platform, will truly give the audiences a life-like, sensory experience. With "Sivaji 3D", the Tamil film industry is sure to garner a lot of attention from the rest of the world. But the biggest question that needs answering is will "Sivaji 3D" pave the way to the re-conversion of many successful films into 3D? If yes, how many will succeed in the process?

'Satyamev Jayate' has taken me closer to reality: Aamir NEW DELHI, Dec 9 (IANS) Superstar Aamir Khan says that his hugely popular television series "Satyamev Jayate" has taken him closer to the reality of life in India. "The show has brought me in touch with reality and taught me so much in the last two years that it can never be measured in money," he said on the "Aap ki Adalat" show. "As creative persons we entertain people, but we also feel we have to contribute to our society by bringing about improvement in the social fabric and inculcate better values," he said. "Two things are required to change India: one, all of us should change our attitude towards females, and two, we should not be self-centric and think about working in the larger interest." The actor admits he is an emotional person and often cried while working on the "Satyamev Jayate" show. "I wept several times while shooting for 'Satyamev Jayate' and the shooting had to be halted. It was terrible when common people narrated their woes. "Even when I go abroad, I feel homesick and start weeping," he said. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

The actor added that police had provided security to Mahvish, widow of Abdul Hakim, a resident of Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh who was apparently killed by his wife's family. The couple had appeared in an episode of "Satymev Jayate" and spoken against honour killings. Aamir said all five accused in the killing have been arrested and Mahvish, who is pregnant, was now getting police protection. A doctor and a nurse have been assigned to take care of the widow, and if required she may be given treatment in a Delhi hospital, he added.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Dec 9 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Suresh Gopi is filled with joy and confidence as he prepares to host the second season of his TV game show "Ningalkkum Aakaam Kodeeshwaran". "Ningalkkum Aakaam Kodeeshwaran" ("You Can Be A Crorepati Too") is the Malayalam version of UK's game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". The Hindi version is titled "Kaun Banega Crorepati" and is hosted by megastar Amitabh Bachchan. Gopi is delighted with the way his career is shaping up. "Didn't I tell you way back in 2010 that my best is yet to come, and see, it has started to work as my TV game show 'Ningelukum Akam Kodieshweran' is entering into the second round, starting next month and they have asked me for a third round as well," Gopi told IANS. The first season of the TV show took

Gopi's popularity to new heights. "The second round starts in Chennai and I am booked for eight months and as per the contract I will be unable to do any Malayalam films during that period. But I have been roped in to do two Tamil films and one Hindi film," said Gopi. The 53-year-old actor is leaving for Chennai Sunday to begin shooting for the first of his two Tamil films. Directed by Tamil director Shankar, the film is titled "I". "Honestly, when my astrological predictions was made in 2010, it said I will have a better year, every year from then on. I believed it but with not that much of confidence," he said. "And now see, it has started to work. Next year and 2014 will also be very good and my time will get better every year," said Gopi speaking with a lot of fire in his eyes.

For that touch of mysticism: Bollywood's enduring 786 connect By Radhika Bhirani NEW DELHI, Dec 6 (IANS) The number 786, revered in Islamic culture, has found prominence in Bollywood over and over again -- remember Amitabh Bachchan's 'Billa No.786' in "Coolie" and Shah Rukh Khan's 'Qaidi No.786' in "Veer-Zaara". It returns to the screen with Akshay Kumar's "Khiladi 786". The number is said to be the total value of the letters 'Bismillah al-Rahman alRahim' (in the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful), according to one Arabic system of numerology. In Bollywood, quick to pick on what strikes an emotive note with superstitious viewers, 786 has been used either as a connotation for a character's invincibility or to denote how a truly god-blessed soul overcomes tough times. In reality, however, the number is just a "ritualistic reference"; no more than that, says Firoz Bakht Ahmed, teacher and community worker. "There is no doubt this number, 786, remains a holy number in the subcontinent, but it started as a trend. And now it has common acceptance. "It is not some kind of force to reckon with. It just has a face value and has a ritualistic reference to it, just like there is an Om, a Trishul and a Swastika... it is no more than that," Ahmed, a grandnephew of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, told IANS. "It is just indicative of a belief. Like Sikhs say 'Wahe guru' to save themselves from evil, many people use 786 for the same reason. It doesn't mean it is god in itself and nothing can happen to you," he explained. But for Bollywood filmmakers, still enough to forge that emotional connect. In the 1975 film "Deewaar", Amitabh Bachchan's character Vijay Verma carried a '786' billa with him in his pocket all the time. In the 1983 film "Coolie", the magic carried through and the megastar's character Iqbal Khan sported 'billa no. 786' on his uniform. Obviously, the number's mystical powers were woven into the story. "786 - in 'Deewaar', the 786 billa in his coat pocket saved him when he was shot at... when it dropped out in the climax, he

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was shot and died. In the 'Coolie' climax, the 'chaadar' draped over his body though shot at, saved him," Big B had once shared with his fans on Twitter. In a transference from the reel to the real, many fans believed that it was 786 that saved Amitabh from his near-fatal accident on the sets of "Coolie". Thereafter, the number gained immense popularity in the country. Film historian SMM Ausaja notes: "The number gained popularity after its intelligent use in Yash Chopra's 'Deewaar', and subsequently it attained a cult status in the socio-cultural fads. In fact, eight years later in 1983, the number reemerged in 'Coolie' - a film which completed a mind-boggling 75-week run across major metros." "Amitabh sported this number on his badge. Even the logo of the film had this number in one 'O' of Coolie. We also saw a pacemaker with this number in Ketan Desai's 'Allah Rakha' (1986). Not just car number plates, even mobile phone numbers bearing these digits are charged a premium by the operators," he added. There are other examples too. Chiranjeevi sported the number in the Telugu film "Khaidi No.786", while Shah Rukh's character Veer Pratap Singh in "Veer-Zaara" also bore the prisoner number 786. The registration number of Ajay Devgn's car in the movie "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai" was MRH 786. The tradition continues with the upcoming "Khiladi 786", in which action star Akshay Kumar apparently has '786' etched on the destiny line of his palm. "It denotes that Akshay's character Bahattar Singh has 'Allah ki rahmat' (Allah's blessings) and how when he gets bruised, there is some upheaval all around. There is only an undertone of the number in the film, it has not been exaggerated," Rakesh Upadhyay, the film's creative producer, told IANS. Do filmmakers use it as a matter of superstition? "It is not a superstition, it's an auspicious number in the Islamic context; therefore when you have a Muslim character, associating this number with any scene or incident enhances its impact," said Ausaja.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 45

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QFFA QUEENSLAND FIJI FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

QFFA 2012 FLASHBACK.....

• Nadroga, Champions QBOG 2012.

• BA, champions QCUP 2012, runner up QFACT 2012.

• Labasa runner up QIDC 2012.

• Nadi, winners QFACT 2012 and QIDC 2012.

• Left & Above: QFFA 10 year celebration.

• Lautoka.

• Levuka. 46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

• Suva.

“Connecting the Community”

• Vatukoula, runner up QCUP 2012 and QBOG 2012.

• Mr Sadu Prasad presenting the IDC winners trophy. (Sadhu Prasad trophy) to Nadi Captain.

• Lautoka masters.

• Labasa masters.

• Nadroga masters.

• Ba masters. (Nadi, Levuka & Rewa master photo’s were unavailable) www.indiantimes.com.au

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Sports News

Flanders Cricket Team gathers momentum NOVEMBER was another great month for the mighty Ned Flanders Cricket Club. The month started Matt Young well as they wrapped up a tremendous outright victory against Goodna’s ‘4300 Flamingoes’. The star of the show with the bat was veteran Brendan Dillon who peeled off his first century of the summer with a fine 102. After the loss of early wickets, the Flanders consolidated through some fine determined batting from rejuvenated opener, Pete Simmons (23) and club stalwart, Benny Field (39). But then the Neddies found themselves in some strife at 8 for 149 chasing the Flamingoes first innings total of 158. It was then left to Dillon to almost single handedly engineer an outright win by plundering his team to a first innings lead of 80. He was stoically supported by Jayram Vasudevan, whose tenacity at number ten was matched by Adam Harris at number eleven. The two tail enders helped Dillon add 89 for the last two wickets. Broken and dispirited, the young Flamingoes team capitulated for just 41 in their second innings, with Harris and Vasudevan extending their outstanding contributions with seven wickets between them. The catching of debutant wicket keeper, Cam Prosser, was again outstanding and he completed the match with a haul of ten catches and a stumping. The innings victory shot the men in maroon caps to the top of the competition ladder. Rain cruelled play on the following Saturday before the Neddies took on St Paul’s Diehards. The Diehards must have

wished the rain had continued because the only thing that was raining was wickets. After being sent into bat, the competition new comers lost their first nine wickets for just nine runs. Flanders’ legends, Steve Derksen (6 for 15) and Benny Field (3 for 5) ran riot with the new ball, sending no less than seven batsmen back to the sheds with ducks. It was only a last wicket partnership of 22 that helped the hapless Diehards to a total of 31. Extras easily top scored with a sturdy contribution of 12. After the early loss of opener Pete Simmons, Leo Yin and Matt Young peeled off the run chase in just six overs. The whole match only lasted 21 overs and Diehards’ score of 31 marks the lowest score ever made against the Ned Flanders team over their 16 seasons of competition. An even more important statistic was achieved during the match by Andrew McMurtrie. The 200cm giant of the club ran onto the field for his 150th career match. Big ‘Chookie’ became just the third man to achieve this amazing feat of longevity and commitment and the whole team was thrilled to honor the occasion with an auspicious win. The big man’s sole contribution was tragically ironic. He was not required to bowl or bat and he fielded just one ball, dropping a sharp catch at second slip in the process. Never the less, it was his day. The following week, the Flanders took on the Rangers. A long history of tough matches exists between these two teams and this Two Day match is shaping up in a similar

• Jon Pearce and 150 game veteran Andrew "Chookie" McMurtrie complete their batting shift for the Ned Flanders XI fashion. Batting first, the Rangers worked very hard against an accurate and committed bowling attack. Yet again, champion Flanders all-rounder, Benny Field chimed in with a Herculean effort, taking 5 for 49. He was ably assisted by Jon Pearce, Mick Menagh, Steve Derksen and Brendan Dillon who each helped out with wickets. Gloveman Cam Prosser again claimed a bag of catches, grabbing four fine victims on this occasion. This match will continue soon and I look forward to reporting more Flanders success next month. As Christmas rolls around, the Ned

Flanders Cricket Club would like to thank the loyal and whole hearted support of our friends in the Indian community and wish all of our supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It is a real privilege to able to keep you all up to date with regards to the Flanders’ progress. Yet again 2012 has been a stellar year for the club, with trophies, titles and an international tour to USA, Mexico and Belize. As usual, though the real highlights have been off the field and the unique brand of mateship that exists in the club has certainly been the biggest highlight for me as skipper.

Kolkatans give thumbs up to Differences among IOA soccer over cricket harming sports: CFI chief KOLKATA, Dec 9 (IANS) Cricket may be India's passion, but soccer is still Kolkata's religion. While the final day's play in the IndiaEngland Test at the Eden Garden drew only around 3,000 people, a whopping one lakh-plus fans packed the East Bengal ground to watch an exciting clash between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. "Once again soccer has scored over cricket

in Kolkata. One may argue that the crowd at Eden was bound to be small as India were on the verge of defeat. But then, what about the previous four days when the crowd never crossed 30,000?" said an avid soccer fan, Kushal Chakraborty. However, the soccer fans also had to return disappointed as the match had to called off after violence broke out and Mohun Bagan refused to play in the second half.

Federer takes time off to meet Pele SAO PAULO, Dec 9 (IANS) Roger Federer took time off from his busy schedule as ambassador and participant of the Gilette Federer tennis exhibition tournament by visiting football legend Pele. "Today I had the great honour of meeting the legendary Pele," the Swiss world No.2 said on his Facebook page Saturday. "He was so nice and his energy is amazing." With Pele beside him, Federer posed for a photo while holding a 1960s-era all-blue Brazil shirt emblazoned with the Santos legend's signature, reports Xinhua. In the same image, Pele held a tennis shirt presented to him by the 17-time grand slam winner with a personal message written on the front. "I love playing tennis and today one of the greats of the game dropped by to say hello. Roger Federer, you are a champion on the court and in life," Pele wrote on his Twitter Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

By Sandip Sikdar GREATER NOIDA, Dec 9 (IANS) The differences within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) are only harming sports and sportspersons and a solution must be found at the earliest, feels Cycling Federation of India (CFI) president Parminder Singh Dhindsa. The IOA was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dec 4 due to "outside interference". Talking exclusively to IANS, Dhindsa said: "This is a very serious matter. The IOA needs to get the government, the IOC onboard and get rid of their apprehensions regarding the elections. We should avoid confrontation with the IOC and try to get back into the Olympic movement at the earliest. The suspension has actually happened because of the internal differences in relation to the elections. They should sort this out. Our first interest is the proliferation of sports and that our sportsmen get maximum exposure and perform at the highest level. These differences are harming sports."

Commenting further on the controversial issue, Dhindsa said that unless the Indian sports ministry, IOA and IOC don't work it out together and know what each of them specifically want, the issues will continue. "All these three bodies should sit and talk it out. We don't know what exactly the IOC wants. We just got a letter from them and we do not know how to go about it, what all should be done and what changes they want in the election process. We also need to know what is the demand of the Government of India in relation with the sports code," said Dhindsa here on the sidelines of the Tour de India which he flagged off. A CFI source told IANS on condition of anonymity that outgoing secretary general of the IOA Randhir Singh used his influence to get the IOA suspended as he withdrew from the presidential candidature. "Whatever we know as of now is that Randhir Singh used his influence in the IOC to get IOA suspended. People who run international sports don't bother about what is happening but they should realise that no one is above sports," said the source.

Commonwealth Bank One Day International

Australia v Sri Lanka Friday January 18 The Gabba

page. The exhibition tournament in Sao Paulo also involves Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Tommy Robredo, Tommy Haas and Thomaz Bellucci. Federer had earlier announced that one of his prime objectives of his first visit to Brazil was to meet the three time World Cup winner.

See the stars of Sri Lankan cricket Dilshan, Malinga and Sangakarra take on the Aussies in a one-dayer at the Gabba. Enjoy all the action from the Sri Lankan fan zone, with exclusive seating and plenty of colour and excitement.

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48 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2012

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