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Indian Times

Brisbane

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times

As God is One, we respect all Religions

Print Post Approved PP:424022 1724

Volume 11, Number 3 Saturday, December 14, 2013

Telephone: (07) 3356 0102 Fax:(07) 3352 7693 E-mail admin@indiantimes.com.au

The “Mahatma” of this era Nelson Mandela passes away....the world mourns

• Full report page 6.

From the Publisher

THE world is mourning the passing away of Neslon Mandela, a true icon of this century.

Every so often the worlds sees a person like him, we were privileged that he lived in these times, times which will go down in History. It’s a great loss to humanity and mankind but death is a harsh reality of life, which so ever is born, will one day die, with this profound wisdom the wise do not weep.

Now on a personal note; November 15th, North Shore Hospital Auckland, 1pm sharp my mum while gazing affectionately at me left this world. Her eyes said so much to me while she remained silent, I bidded her farewell while holding her hand, and her last breath coincided with the last word of the “Shanti Paath”. Before her departure she had managed to have all of her five children by her side. Her funeral was held 17 November at Morrison Garden in Henderson, a very simple but intimate service followed by tea coffee and snacks to celebrate her life. She had lived a full life for almost 82 years, having spent time with her great grand children.

I must mention the tremendous contributions of my Younger brother Sunil Chandra and his family, My Mum and Dad both lived with them since 1995, a perfect example of upholding traditional family values.

Having said that let’s move on to the community sector. First of all the GOPIO regional convention in Sydney, despite the challenges the convention was very successful, with His Excellency Biren Nanda, High Commissioner for India in Australia inaugurating the convention and Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Hon Valayar Ravi attending the dinner function. As part of the convention a highly successful GOPIO Oceania region meeting was conducted at Novotel Parramatta. This was the first meeting of its kind with the esteemed presence of so many life members and chapter presidents. Lively deliberations on the chapter’s compliance and other issues were discussed.

Unfortunately I could not attend the Regional PBD, even though I was registered, I had to leave for Auckland upon receiving the news about my Mum. The PBD I am told went well, numbers were less than expected due to various factors.

GOPIO Queensland organised the post PBD dinner reception for Union Minister Vaylar Ravi, again I had to miss this function as well, though I was involved with the planning. GOPIO Queensland Chapter, FICQ, and Munish Gupta of GOPIO International were instrumental in organising this successful dinner reception.

I must mention White Ribbon Day, as a Queensland organising committee member I was amazed at the work done by White Ribbon Australia, the facts and numbers are staggering of the violence. The Queensland committee held an awareness day at King George Square. We were there from 6 in the morning with volunteers setting up the 52 silhouettes which represented the fifty weeks we have in a year, and according to the stats, one women per week is killed in Australia as a result of domestic violence... this has to stop.

As the President of Queensland Multicultural Council I am so proud of my committee who organised fund raising for Philippines disaster. I was present for the first few hours, but Dr Bui, Janeth Deen and Dr Nava were there till late. The total amount collected in a mammoth effort is close to $35,000. QMC is determining the right project in Philippines to donate the money to.

Finally the NEMBC conference, a very successful conference, I was honoured to be a panellist in the “We speak your language” session with fellow experts in media and Multicultural affairs.

It is the festive season and it is also the silly season as they say, please remain safe during the holidays, remember if you drink don’t get behind the wheel, this Christmas lets keep our roads safe and take extra precautions. Let the true spirit of Christmas, beyond the commercial paraphernalia prevail. Have a very safe Christmas and a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Until next month and next year, Happy reading!

Umesh Chandra

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Inside • Letters to the Editor.......................2 • Migration Matters...........................4 • Local News.................................5-19 • Who, What, Where, When...20 & 22 • Health & Well Being................28-29 • Real Estate................................30-31 • Business Directory.......................32-33 • Classifieds..........................................33 • What’s On.................................34-35 • Bollywood & Entertainment...36-37 • Sport..........................................38-39

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 2013

Indian Times Brisbane

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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.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 — 3

Recent news about Australian Migration Regulations IT Graduate Skills Assessment application process changes THE following changes will come into effect on 15 Jan 2014: * The ACS Temporary Graduate – 485 skills assessment will clearly state that it is specifically for the purpose of applying for a subclass 485 visa application. Applicants with an Australian study component that are applying for a subclass 485 visa will be assessed on the Australian qualification only, based on the completion of the relevant Australian Bachelor degree or higher.

No work experience is required for the 485 assessment. * Applicants with an Australian study component that wish to apply for permanent residency will require either 1 year of relevant work experience or completion of an ACS Professional Year Program to receive a suitable skills assessment which can be used for general migration purposes. * The ACS Post Australian Study Skills Assessment is intended to support graduates in applying for permanent residency under the General Skilled Migration or Employer Nomination Scheme after completing an Australian study component. * The Australian study component is taken into consideration because of the value of studying in Australia and the exposure to Australian culture and language, which in turn places applicants in a better position to be employed in their nominated occupation. * The work experience or professional year program is assessed for suitability of the full skills assessment and the applicant is considered skilled from the completion date of the relevant Australian degree. The Post Australian Study Skills Assessment can be used for migration purposes in general.

It is recommended for students completing their IT studies to consider applying before 15 January 2014.

Applying for Permanent Residency If you are applying for permanent residency (such as ENS or GSM), you will need: * One year of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation, OR; * To complete an ACS Professional Year Program.

This will allow you to get full skills assessment that can be used for general migration purposes.

If you already hold a skills assessment for

a 485 visa which was not based on work experience, you would need to obtain new full skills assessment if you wish to apply for permanent residence.

VETASSESS Skills Assessment and Employer Sponsorship If you held a 485 visa based on a VETASSESS skills assessment and are looking to apply for ENS or RSMS visas, the skills assessment you obtained on your 485 will not be accepted for your ENS or RSMS application. To apply for ENS and RSMS, you would need a full Skills assessment that would require you to have at least 1 year of full time work experience in your nominated occupation.

The Skills Assessment for a 485 visa requires your qualifications to be highly relevant to your nominated occupation, but it does not require work experience in your field. You would need to apply for a Post485 Full Skills Assessment that will assess the work experience you gained on your 485 visa. This change came into effect on 28th October 2013.

If you lodged your ENS or RSMS application before 28th October 2013, you will not be affected by this change.

Labour Market Testing (LMT) for Subclass 457 nominations – from 23 November 2013 LMT must be undertaken by standard business sponsors prior to lodging a nomination.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection have implemented Labour Market testing for Subclass 457 visas from 23 November 2013. The LMT requirement does not apply to nominations lodged by parties to a labour agreement.

Standard business sponsors must provide information with their nomination about: * Their attempts to recruit Australian workers;

* How they have determined on the basis of these attempts that there is not a suitable qualified and experienced Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible visa holder available to fill the position.

An eligible temporary visa holder is a person who, at the time of the nomination is the holder of: * A Subclass 417 (Working Holiday Maker) visa or a Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa who is employed in the agricultural sector by the nominating employer (or an associated entity of that business) and the temporary visa does not prohibit the person from performing that employment.

Exemptions International trade obligations: LMT is not needed where it would conflict with Australia’s international trade obligations, in any of the following circumstances: * The worker is a citizen of Chile or Thailand, or is a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand; * The worker is a current employee of an associated entity of the nominator’s business that is located in an Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) country (Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam), Chile or New Zealand; * The worker is a current employee of an associated entity of the nominator’s business that is located in a country that is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) where the nominated occupation is an Executive or Senior Manager.

Occupation-based exemptions Instead of providing a list of exempt occupations, DIPB has provided a list of occupations which require LMT which is available on their website.

Continued page 6

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Recent news about Australian Migration Regulations Continued from page 4 Major disaster An exemption can be granted in writing by the Minister if a major disaster has occurred in Australia and someone needs to be nominated to assist with relief or recovery.

Evidence of LMT must be provided with the nomination. A completed Domestic recruitment summary table must be attached to the nomination.

Redundancies or retrenchments If an Australian citizen or permanent resident has been retrenched or made redundant in your business, or an associated entity of your business, within the four months prior to lodging your nomination, the sponsor must also provide information about those redundancies or retrenchments. The sponsor must have undertaken labour market testing after those redundancies or retrenchments, and must provide information and evidence of that labour market testing with the nomination this requirement only relates to the same or similar occupations to the nominated occupation and does not apply to voluntary redundancies LMT in the subclass 457 visa programme frequently asked questions The Department has compiled a list of FAQs regarding LMT. Information includes the following: * Accredited sponsors are not exempt from LMT; * You have to have conducted LMT for the nominated position at any time within the preceding 12 months prior to lodging the nomination. There is no specific time requirement for conducting LMT; * Use of social media to advertise a vacant position(s) is acceptable. As with all other forms of advertising or recruitment efforts, you will need to provide information about the process you undertook and the results the advertising pro-

duced; * Paid advertising will not be considered more favourably than free advertising for the purpose of evidencing labour market testing; * You do not have to provide details of the recruitment process such as records of interview or copies of job applications received; * Advertising on your company’s own website is an acceptable form of labour market testing; * If you use an external recruitment agency, you are required to provide information about the recruitment efforts undertaken on your behalf and the outcome of those activities; * It is not an immigration requirement to maintain records of labour market testing.

Western Australia Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) Update The WA Department of Training and Workforce Development have advised the status of changes to the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List which are as follows: * Available = occupation is available for nomination * Restricted = occupation is under review and invitations will not be issued pending the outcome of the review * Closed = occupation is closed for invitations The following occupations on the Western Australian skilled migration occupation list 2013-14 are now restricted: ANZSCO 233211 Civil Engineer ANZSCO 233512 Mechanical engineer ANZSCO 233513 Production or Plant Engineer 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)

6 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

The “Mahatma” of this era Nelson Mandela passes away.... the world mourns From page 1 SOUTH Africans have gathered in Johannesburg and Soweto to mourn their former leader, Nelson Mandela, who died, aged 95.

Crowds have been paying tribute, dancing and singing in front of Mr Mandela’s former home in Soweto.

He is to be accorded a state funeral on Sunday 15 December, President Jacob Zuma announced.

Mr Mandela spent 27 years in jail before becoming South Africa’s first black president in 1994.

His administration replaced the racist whiteminority regime that had enforced segregation of black and white people in a policy known as apartheid.

Mr Mandela went on to become one of the world’s most respected statesmen.

At a news conference on Friday 6 December, Mr Zuma outlined a week of events to mourn the former president.

The funeral will be held in the village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape, where Mr Mandela grew up. South African Airways has announced that it will provide extra flights to Qunu for mourners.

Hundreds have attended an interfaith remembrance service outside Cape Town’s City Hall. The Johannesburg stock exchange suspended operations for five minutes on Friday as a mark of respect.

“We sincerely thank all South Africans for the dignified manner in which they have respected and responded to the monumental loss of this international icon,” Mr Zuma said.

Speaking in Cape Town, Mr Mandela’s longtime ally, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, described him as an “incredible gift” to South Africa. “He taught us extraordinarily practical lessons about forgiveness, compas-

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sion and reconciliation.

Ipswich City Council flew the Australian nation flag at half mast on 10th December as a mark of respect.

Brisbane’s Story Bridge was lit up in the six colours of the South African flag to honour the late Nelson Mandela.

The 500 LED lights on the bridge was be lit in green, red, white, yellow, blue and black to coincide with the memorial service to be held for Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg.

1918 Born in the Eastern Cape 1943 Joins ANC 1956 Charged with high treason, but charges dropped after a four-year trial 1962 Jailed for five years for incitement and leaving country without a passport 1964 Charged with sabotage, sentenced to life 1990 Freed from prison 1993 Wins Nobel Peace Prize 1994-99 Serves as president 2004 Retires from public life 2010 Last major public appearance at football World Cup in Johannesburg

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 — 7

Ved Prachaar - Dr Satish Prakash

By Jitendra Deo APSQ President ARYA Pratinidhi Sabha Qld Inc organised a three day Ved Prachaar in Brisbane from 8 to 10 November. The Prachaarak was Dr Satish Prakash who was on trip to Oceania from New York. Dr Satish Prakash is founding Acharya of Maharishi Dayanand Gurukul - a cultural and education centre in Jamaica, Queens, New York. He currently teaches Sanskrit language and Literature to High School and University students, and travels to many parts of Arya / Hindu world lecturing on Ved and allied subjects. He has written and published translations and commentaries on several works of Hindi and Sanskrit Literature.

The three day programme started at Dr Sukhvir Singh’s residence and concluded on Sunday 10th at Finnish Hall in Mt

Gravatt East. The attendance was pretty good on all days. The Prachaar was in Hindi and English languages which enabled greater community to participate as language at times become the barrier. The Prachaar was well understood and accepted by children and people of the wider community given that English language was used.

The topic of discussion on the first day was on Peace & Harmony and how it can be achieved. Dr Satish Ji explained-when we are confused about God, we become confused about everything Self, Worship, World Possessions, Relationships and Path to follow. The second day was - The Experience of Pain, how do we overcome it? The third day was on - Rishi Dayanand’s vision on family after dealing with God in Chapter 1, Rishi Dayanand focuses on Family in Chapter 2. Dr Satish Ji used lap-

top and data projector to explain matter in detail and it was quite visual. The Bhajan complimented his Prachaar, and some of the Brisbane’s best musicians back up the Bhajans. The musicians were Dr Vijay Prahalad, Mr Dheeraj Shrestha, and Mr Vijendra Ray. The dinner was served at the conclusion of the programme each evening.

The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland

is grateful to many people for their outstanding support during the VED Prachaar and hopes that all the people who attended this years Ved Prachaar would have been in some way enlightened by the teachings of the VEDAS and understood the message from the themes chosen and be able to make a change in their life for their progress and well-being.

The Federation of the Pacific Islands Communities (FPIC)

By Emma Soloai Like any ‘story worth telling’ there is always a beginning….

ONCE upon a time….there came to the attention of Pacific Islander communities, through the Logan and Ipswich Western Corridor, a ‘need’ to unite their communities and enhance their existing skillset, through a collaborative and consultative movement.

It was proposed to hold a Talanoa Pasifika Conference in 2012 and herein, commenced the visualisation of a Federation for the Pacific peoples. Creating unity within the Pacific Island Nation through forming a group of Pacifica professionals and a ‘way forward’ to be heard and seen, with an injection of influence to government initiatives, and addressing Pacifica issues.

Finally, in the Talanoa Pasifika Conference of 2013 the Federation is formed and manned accordingly. Each of the Pacifica professionals were nominated in the conference arena and it was by no coincidence they were delegates from Samoa, Tonga, Tokelau, Fiji, NZ Maori, Solomon Islands, Niue and Papua New Guinea. The Advisory Consultants are a Tongan and an Indo-Fijian, both prominent members in their own community and renowned glob-

• The steering committee formed by the conference to form the federation.

ally in their own fields.

Why a Federation? It was obvious at both conferences; an overarching body was needed to oversee the needs of the Pacific Islanders. Each of the smaller community groups, organisations and associations need to ‘unite’ and feed ‘upwards’ in an attempt to develop a strengthening of the Pacific Island Nation collectively and collaboratively, as opposed to working in individual ‘silos’ with only intermit-

tent outcomes.

With the newly formed Federation, their duties will include the creation of a Constitution contextualising a vision for its Pacifica people. The steps that will be taken in developing opportunities of ‘influence’ in education, training and community development throughout Queensland.

Interestingly enough, the cliché “United we stand, divided we fall” in its natural form, actually does affect your work ethos. Pacific Islanders also referred to as Pacifica peoples, resonate ‘unity’ in their work ethos as our upbringing is based firstly on God and secondly, on communal living.

Through this Federation, made up of the Pacific Islanders, we have an opportunity to be heard….we actually have put ‘sound to that voice’ and we intend on being heard – near and far, as the conch shell has been sounded, in announcement of ‘our arrival’; of our purpose as an Pacific Island Nation and our ‘way forward’ to stand in unity for the betterment of our Pacifica people and our right to be heard.

Our ‘happily ever after’ is coming….it has commenced with the arrival of the Pacifica peoples to the shores of Australia. As the encircling ocean brought our forefathers, we have brought on our ‘waka’ (canoe) what we need to share with our fellow Australians….unity of people through tolerance of human flaws and acceptance of difference.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 — 9

Queensland Multicultural Council raise funds for Philippines disaster QUEENSLAND Multicultural Council lent a helping hand to raise funds for Philippines tycoon Haiyan, one of the strongest typhoons to ever hit land, tore through central Philippines nearly a month ago, reducing most of what was in its path to rubble. It killed at least 5,796 people with 1,779 others still missing, and displaced nearly 4 million.

But rebuilding of public infrastructure, livelihoods and the delivery of social safety net programmes for the poor and the most vulnerable should power growth in 2015, with GDP expected to reach 7.1 per cent, higher than an earlier forecast of 6.8 per cent.

Dr Coung Bui was the driving force behind the fundraising. The fundraising was organized at Inala Plaza on Saturday 23 November 2013 The fundraiser included lively entertainment from the Vietnamese community.

During the opening few hours five thousand dollars was collected and by mid way around eleven thousand was collected and by the lunch time the total raised was a whopping $23,500. Umesh Chandra president of Queensland Multicultural Council was overwhelmed by the community support; he thanked the committee for organizing such a successful fundraiser. Umesh had been travelling back and forward between Auckland and Brisbane dealing with a family tragedy.

Janeth Deen secretary of Queensland Multicultural Council had also put in a

lot of effort and Dr K K Nava also assisted on the day. Vietnamese community helped by providing volunteers from their language school. Volunteers provided other services such as sound system, collecting funds via collection boxes, setting up and tear down, recording the donations, cultural items etc.

The collected funds will be sent via the Philippines Chamber of Commerce, whose members also assisted on the day. Queensland Multicultural Council was incorporated in 2007 and has been actively assisting the multicultural communities in times of disaster and in observing their national festivals etc.

The fundraising was mainly by the Vietnamese community, who have a special liking for Philippines, they remember the days when everyone was fleeing Vietnam, Philippines opened up its arms and welcome them, even though they did not have much themselves, they were very well treated and looked after. So at a time like this they felt compassionate and showed their generosity in the fundraising.

10 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

Remox opens branch in Queen Street TRADING in Queen Street is not any more a dream for Remox, it is the time dreams come true and a moment of pride for Management and staff of Remox.

Elders of the community graced this inauguration on the 1 December 2013 amid hundreds of wellwishers and customers.

Remox started trading and providing services that include Send and Receive MoneyGram, International Swift Transfers throughout the world and Purchase/Sale of International Currencies.

Remittances Money Exchange Pty Ltd is working continuously improving products and customer experiences, Remox recently added a new improved bank credit product for Philippines, this adds to the already existing Indian Service. Bangladesh is our next priority adds Ramanathan Karuppiah, the Managing Director of Remox.

Remox has recently signed an agreement with a popular technology provider to strengthen its integrated products, customer experience and compliance information.

This will enable Remox to provide excellent customer service at a single platform with least risk on administration of AML CTF obligations.

White Ribbon Volunteer Day THURSDAY 21 November, White ribbon volunteer day was held at King George Square from 7am- 4pm.

White Ribbon is the world’s largest male-led movement to end men’s violence against women.

White Ribbon Australia is a non-profit organisation and Australia’s only national, maleled primary prevention campaign to end men’s violence against women.

Through primary prevention initiatives and an annual campaign, White Ribbon Australia seeks to change the attitudes and behaviours that lead to and perpetuate men’s violence against women, by engaging boys and men to lead social change.

In particular, Australia’s unique Ambassadors’ Program supports thousands of men to be the faces and leaders of the campaign, by living the White Ribbon Oath: never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

White Ribbon volunteer day saw volunteers assist in selling ribbons and wristbands.

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White Ribbon had some exciting activities planned in Brisbane and they needed help in selling white ribbons and wristbands to help raise awareness about violence against women, and fundraise for the continued work of our prevention programs.

Volunteers brought along a friends, colleagues and Partners and made it a fun day for an important cause.

Fifty-two black silhouettes were placed in King George Square, each represent one week of the year, as the stats show that one women is killed every week as result of domestic violence and this has to stop.

Queensland organising committee included Chiu Hing-Chan and Umesh Chandra.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 — 11

Extraordinary year of achievement for the Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) THE Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association had an extraordinary year with many achievements under its belt.

Recap of what they have achieved this year seems very interesting. Following intense activities related to the proper formation and registration of the Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) in the latter half of last year; GCHCA devoted most of this year to disseminating information about the vision and objects of the association.

The founder membership roll closed on 13th September 2013 (as per the constitution, after one year from incorporation). The founder membership drive was successful and encouraging with 46 members joining the association as founder members. This was a big achievement for the association and laid a solid foundation. GCHCA has members from all over Australia, including Victoria and NSW. As the Gold Coast is “Australia’s playground”, people from all over Australia connected with Gold Coast and the GCHCA and felt the urgent need for a Hindu Education and Cultural precinct. They responded in kind to our call to join the association. Apart from Founder Membership and Life membership, many joined as supporters of GCHCA by participating in the “Thousand families for Murugan”.

GCHCA has been fortunate in that the GCHCA Building donation account has received the DGR status from the ATO and hence all donations ($2 or more) into this account are tax deductible. Most of the donors already benefited with income tax deductions. The achievements included the following: 1. Received valuable input and feedback from general

6. Successfully negotiated with the Gold Coast City Council and received the land in prime location close to Griffith University.

Many prominent leaders from the wider community attended the Navaratri event. The Executive Director of Multicultural Affairs QLD, Mr. Wayne Briscoe, represented the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. We had in attendance the Federal Member for Macpherson, Ms. Karen Andrews, State Member for Burleigh, Mr. Michael Hart, State Member for Gaven, Dr. Alex Douglas, Gold Coast City Councillors: Cr Lex Bell, Cr Bob La Castra, Cr Tracey Gilmore, and Cr Paul Taylor, distinguished guests and representatives from The Multicultural Communities Council of Gold Coast (e.g. Mr. Nao Hirano), Brahma Kumaris Australia and the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra (Dr. Patricia Geale). Dr. Brian Adam represented the Griffith University’s Multi-Faith Centre and Prof. E. Selvanathan represented TaCWA. Further details and information (including progress update on the DA, drawings of the proposed Hindu Education and Cultural Precinct etc.) and about our ongoing activities can be found from GCHCA website http://goldcoasthindu.org or by emailing us at gchcan@gmail.com or through phone +61 7 5571 5808.

We also have an active Facebook page: (www.facebook.com/goldcoasthindu.culturalassociation) We sincerely thank Brisbane Indian Times supporters and well-wishers for their commitment and wish you all the best for this festive season.

Dr. M. Anandakumarasamy Vice President, GCHCA

• Special General Meeting (Jan 2013)

public through a Special General Meeting in Jan 2013 where GCHCA explained their objectives and mission.

2. Successfully conducted the 1st AGM after formation on 22nd September 2013, where many members participated and endorsed the concept plan for the precinct and commended the transparent accounting practices.

3. Held the first major public event, Navaratri Celebrations, which was well received and attended by wider community, local, state and federal representatives (Oct 12th 2013) (http://tinyurl.com/ohz5jxy).

3. Successfully organised a Youth Event, which brought many youth in the community for the very first time (http://tinyurl.com/paqx9vf).

4. Conducted regular bhajan sessions every month – 3rd Friday of the month.

5. Preparation of the DA application to be finalised by the end of December 2013. Town Planner and Architects hired to complete the task.

80th birthday celebrations rs Rajpatti Lal, wife of Late Mr Sundar Lal of M Melbourne celebrated her 80 birthday with family and friends on 9 November 2013 in

sent at the celebrations. Mrs Lal with her late husband migrated to Australia in 1988, Mr Sundar Lal passed away in 2007.

Gowanbrae, Victoria.

The milestone birthday was attended by over one hundred and fifty people. The Lal family originally hails from Navau Ba Fiji, majority of them now reside in Melbourne.

This prominent family has six sisters and four brothers, eight of the siblings with their families were pre-

The birthday celebration was organised by their youngest son Sanjeev Llal and daughter in law Ravina Lal, key note speeches were by the eldest son, Chandra Shekhar Lal, Mr S. R. Narayan a very close family friend and a respected gentlemen and Pundit Abhay Anand Awasthi.

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12 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 13

Bala Utsav – an evening of enthrallment

Bala Ramasundaram: finalist Inclusive Champions Award

Courtesy BSK BALA Samskar Kendra (Queensland) proudly presented “Bala Utsav” on 9 November 2013.

The grand event marked their first annual day concert, combined with the celebration of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary. The function was held at Sunnybank State School Auditorium, Sunnybank from 6pm to 9pm.

The highlights of the evening included dance and drama showcasing Hindu culture and values. The participants were children aged 5-14 years and their parents.

The chief guest for the function was Swami Atmeshananda, Vice President of Vendanta Centre of Sydney, Brisbane Chapter. The guest of honour was Prof Sarva Daman Singh, former Honorary Consul for India for Queensland in Brisbane, Smt Akila Ramarathinam, General Secretary of Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia Inc (VHP Australia) and Smt Saraswathi Sashi, also from VHP Australia, who flew from Sydney in spite of their busy schedules to bless the event.

The gala event commenced with the lighting of the holy lamp, or the “Kuthuvillaku” as known in South India, which has been a long standing tradition of Hindusim. The young students of Bala Samskar Kendra (BSK), who had enthusiastically attended the winter session of the BSK classes, had blossomed during this spring season. They came out with scintillating acts; first-

ly with “Shloka” recital, reciting 30 sanskrit shlokas followed by “Karna Drama”, an extract from Hindu epic Mahabharata, showcasing the character of Karana. The senior performers (BSK parents) also had an opportunity to showcase their talent. They came out with a short drama which portrayed the entire life of Swami Vivekananda and his journey through spiritualism.

The audience was mesmerized by all the performances, this was evident from their chuckles and applause which reverberated in the hall. The “Kummi Dance”, staged by kids under age of 5 years and the Bhangra Dance at the end were like icing on the cake for the audience.

The chief guest addressed the gathering and was in all praise for BSK’s efforts. Mrs Akila Ramarathinam, explained the journey of VHP in Australia and importance of such organizations to mould Hindu youth in the western society. It was a dream come true event for BSK families. BSK families were overwhelmed by the public response and say the journey has just begun and expect more parents to come forward and participate in this sacred mission.

Hats off to the children and parents of Bala Samskar Kendera Brisbane for upholding the legacy of Hinduism and cultivating the zeal among Hindu youth in Brisbane to abide by values and culture. May their journey to enlighten the community continue!

14 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

• Bala and his proud parents Mr Ramasundaram and Mrs Rajalakshmi with the Governor.

Courtesy Ramanathan Karuppiah BALA Ramasundaram a person of Indian Origin and a Tamil in particular was honoured by Her Excellency Ms. Penelope Wensley AC, the Governor of Queensland, who is also the patron of Spinal Injuries Association on 14th November 2013.

Mr Bala was a finalist for Inclusive Champions Awards across the state. He

has been instrumental in bringing the basic right to use public transport and rail network in particular by provision of disability ramps in stations. While Advocating for change, Bala also ensured that the people with the disabilities had a voice, by seeking their input on policy and procedural decisions that affect them.

He was also instrumental in the establishment of Queensland Rail’s Disability Discrimination Act Reference Group.

Muslim Charitable Foundation news...

Courtesy Janeth Deen DURING the month, MCF were called to assist thirty needy families.

The people involved needed help to pay electricity bills, rent, funeral costs, medical bills, white goods for newly arrived immigrants and the list goes on.

These people found comfort in the help given by those who donated funds to MCF. MCF helped them in their struggle to survive in such difficult circumstances.

MCF is playing an important role in the Queensland community and needs all the

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support it can get to carry on this vital work. Many people have been retrenched from Government jobs and also in the Mining Industry and Corporate world. It is becoming difficult to find employment with so many people out of work. The economy is still in a downturn and more jobs will disappear.

Please donate to: General A/C Bank of Qld BSB 124155 A/C 20897392 Zakaat A/C Bank of Qld BSB 124155 A/C 20897312 Interest A/C Bank of Qld BSB 124155 A/C20897385

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8th Annual Australian Muslim Achievement Awards THE 8th Annual Australian Muslim Achievements Awards were held by Mission of Hope in Sydney on 1st December 2013.

The editor in chief of the Australian Muslim Times, Rehana Bibi was awarded the Media Award.

Janeth Deen (pictured), one of the Trustees of the Muslim Charitable Foundation and president of the Queensland Muslim Welfare Association Inc was awarded Volunteer of the Year. These were the only two awards given to Queenslanders.

Role Model of the Year went to Saara Sabbagh, Victoria, Youth of the Year went to Akram Azimi, W.A Woman of the Year went to Tasneem Chopra, Vic Man of the Year went to Oguz Hakan Taskun, NSW Lifetime Achievement Award went to Maha Krayem Abdo (OAM), NSW Community Organisation of the Year went to Crescent Institute, NSW People’s Chocie Award went to Sonny Bill Williams, NSW.

Brisbane Indian Times January 2014 Booking Deadline 3 January 2014 Email: admin@indiantimes.com.au or call 07 3356 0102

Preparing for ‘Girmit Night’ 2014

By Sarat Maharaj IT seems time is flying by faster and faster these days. It was only in May this year when we organised another fundraising event to assist high school students with their school fees. We did manage to meet our budgetary target for 2013. This year International Congress for Fiji Inc (ICFI) dispersed $113,840.00 to help 2,234 needy students in forms 5, 6, 7, form 7 vocational, and diploma level in FNU (Fiji National University).

ICFI is grateful to each and everyone who have supported this program for the past eleven years. We thank all those donors, sponsors, and musicians who contribute so much towards raising the much needed funds.

Next year, ICFI is planning to hold the ever popular “Girmit Night” on Saturday 17 or 24 May, subject to confirmation of venue.

On behalf of International Congress for Fiji Inc (ICFI), I take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and pleasant festive season.

Local Brissie Indian playing in the business big league competing in the final for International Entrepreneur X-Factor!

PREETESH Morar has made the finals for the International Entrepreneur X-Factor with his new business ‘My Legado’.

His story is inspirational going from door to door sales man to now running his own successful Online Marketing business. ‘My Legado’ (my legacy in Spanish), is focused on teaching professional athletes how to build their legacy.

Sick of seeing athletes gain more coverage for their ‘off the field’ antics than their game, Preetesh, or Pretsel as he is better known, is inspired to change the face of professional sport for all parties involved, the athletes, the businesses/sponsors and the fans.

Pretsel has now found a way to combine his two passions of business and sport.

Preetesh stresses, “So many professional sports stars do not understand how to market themselves, and make the most of the exposure they gain, and are often left with nothing at the end of their career, I could not think of a better legacy to leave behind than a generation of sports stars who know how to add value to their fans and sponsors and step up the responsibility of being a role model,” ‘With the voting for the Entrepreneur Business X—-Factor now open, Pretsel, like any athlete, is both nervous and excited about the opportunity to share his message internationally.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 — 15

Car Park celebrated by HMA

Courtesy HMA & Ashok Prasad, Project Manager

Sri Ekadasha Rudra Japam – Shri Shiv Mandir Courtesy Akila Ramarathinam

BY Parameshwara’s grace and Kanchi Acharyal’s anugraham, Vedic and Cultural Centre of Australia (VCCA) organized Sri Ekadasha Rukra Japam at Shri Shiv Mandir, Minto (NSW) on Karthigai Deepam Day on November 17, 2013.

Sydney Shiva devotees have been fortunate to witness such an event for 5 years in a row at the temple premises. On this occasion, 40 Rithviks participated and chanted Sri Rudram and Chamaka Anuvaakaas.

More than 200 devotees witnessed the chanting event which was followed by Sri Rudra Homam and Abhishekam for Lord Shiva.

With the blessings of His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal of Kanchipuram and kind permission from the Shiv Mandir Management Committee, VCCA organized this event under the able guidance of the temple priests, Shri Venkatrama Sastry, Shri Lal Bahadur Mishra, Shri Chetan Bhai Patel and freelance priest Shri Ramachandra Athreyar.

For the past 18 months, VCCA, an initia-

tive of Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia, has been conducting Vedic chanting classes, Sanskrit, Sri Vishnu and Sri Lalitha Sahasranaama Lakshaarchana events promoting peace and harmony of Sydney community members. With the support of community members, VCCA is aiming to establish a centre on its own and continue with more such events on a regular basis.

VCCA would like to acknowledge the support given by the Shiv Mandir Management Committee, who have made this event a regular annual calendar event. On behalf of the Mandir Management Committee, Shri Jagdish Chawla proposed a vote of thanks to all attendees. Shri Ramachandra Athreyar thanked the attendees for their continued support of this annual event. On behalf of VCCA, Shri Ramarathinam expressed his words of appreciation to the Mandir Management Committee, Shri Kanchi Mutt, Rithviks and devotees who participated at the event. Sri Kanchi Kamakshi photos and temple prasadam were distributed to all the Rithviks and sponsors.

THE Hindu Mandir Association’s Car Park facility at (our Property) Shree Laxminarayan Mandir, Burbank; is one of the major capital expenditure projects being undertaken by HMA after previously completing the Utility Building, the main Temple Complex, the Priest Residence, the dining hall, the main entry driveway and gate, the toilet and washroom facility, to name a few.. What a proud achievement.

Prayers & Celebrations by Laxminarayan Mandir’s Patron, Management Committee, Life Members, Members and Devotees; for yet another hurdle crossed.

Yes, HMA has successfully, against all odds fulfilled another dream and met the deadline for its Car Park Project complete with 85 car parking slots, a central foot path equipped with 8 antique lights and 8 pole light assemblies around the parking area.

This has been made possible purely from donations received from life members, devotees and business owners together with various fund raising functions. Thanks to all those who have contributed unconditionally and all executive committees since the

Om Namasivaaya

inception of HMA. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Project Manager, Ashok Prasad and the current President, Sandeep Mohan for assisting Ashok Prasad, during his absence.

Hon Ian Walker, Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, and MP for Mansfield, attended and took part in the Hawan and concrete laying ceremony and prayers.

Umesh Chandra, the owner and publisher of Brisbane Indian Times and Jatish Puran, owner and director of Radio Brisvaani, were also invited, and both took part in the ceremony. They are also Life Members of the Association.

The Management Committee wishes to thank everyone who has donated generously towards this worthy cause. There is still a shortfall of about $15,000 and donations are most welcome.

Upon completion of The Car Park project our next major challenge will be Community Hall estimated to cost approximately $1.2m and needs to be completed by mid December 2016.With the God’s Blessing on Hindu Community, anything related to preservation of our religion, culture, heritage, etc. is possible.

New resident Priest at Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir Courtesy HMA t Harihar Shastri Ji is the newly appointP ed Resident Priest of Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Burbank, Brisbane. Prior to coming to Brisbane Pundit Ji was the head priest of Gaori Shankar Mandir, N D Pritampura, Delhi. Being the co-founder of this Mandir, he played an important role from its inception to the completion and his expertise was utilised for the establishment of 12 (twelve) other Temples in India. His passion in the spiritual field has made him most sought after and we are pleased to have Pundit Ji as our Resident Priest.

Pundi Ji has made a significant contribution to Sanatan Dharma by providing training to approximately 500 students who are now providing their services as prominent Priests to many Temples within India. He very strongly believes that all Hindus should follow their Dharma and disregard negativity that comes as obstacles and hurdles. At the end of the day it is a person’s Karma that makes him what he is through his deeds.

His philosophy is “Dharma ko dharan karte huye satya ko apnaye” (follow your religion through truthful means).

Pundit Ji is a scholar of Sanskrit and has excellent knowledge of rituals & ceremonies and is very versed with mantras and incorporates these into life practices. There are 16 (sixteen) sanskars that Hindus observe and Pundit Ji is able to perform all of these sanskars very ably. He is also an expert in astrology and well respected amongst the astrologers. The weekly sermons narrated by Pundit Ji at Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir are not stories but how to live as a virtuous, noble and a religious per16 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

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son – the way of life one should adopt.

Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir is very fortunate to have the likes of Pt Harihar Shastri Ji to serve this Temple. Pundit Ji is very much for furthering the objectives and the scientific approach of Hinduism and has lots of plans in mind for the people of Brisbane. There are plans to teach Hindi, Sanskrit, proper recital of Mantras, the correct procedures and processes for rituals and teaching of our sanskars (sacraments).

He is looking forward to meeting people of Brisbane and to serve them with humility, politeness, sincerity, loyalty and patience.

Pundit Ji is known for being dedicated to his service and having the right approach to everything. This will be an opportune time to meet pundit ji and seek his blessings.

Everyone is welcomed. www.laxminarayan.com.au/ Ph: 07 3216 8848 / Temple Location: 46 Daymar Street, Burbank, Qld 4156 Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 17

Viewpoint....

Well it is very important, it is the only way we learn from those Australians that have had different experiences and a different way of life, which has been the success of Australia over the generations; different cultures coming together uniting as one.

Councillor Milton Dick, leader of opposition BCC

“ Australia today has become a truly multicultural nation, how important is it for communities to understand and celebrate other cultures?”

Climate change, and the understanding of multicultural Australia are the two most important things facing our Country at this time and I think we are actually better at multicultrism than we are at climate change.

Australians can learn from the migrant community who have come to Australia, who have integrated into our community, embraced our culture, while keeping theirs, they are the best role models.

Councillor Helen Abrahams

It is very important for everyone to understand other cultures; this brings about better understanding about other people, other cultures, other traditions, religion and way of living.

It brings about a lot of good understanding and patience.

We should participate in others all diverse community celebrations.

Bir Sahai Indian Senior citizens

Well the most important thing in life is to appreciate your neighbours and what they go through, coming from Fiji, we have been fortunate enough to grow in a multicultural society, whereby we like to celebrate all cultures and all festivals, and Christmas by all means is one of the bigger festivals which we will celebrate like our Holi and Diwali.

Anukar Mishra

I think it is very important since we are in the multicultural society we understand each other we can help each other and if we can know their languages and their cultures and their festivals we can mix together well, so I think it is very important that we mix together with all the people, different races for we are all one, we are all Australians Kushla Sahai

Meeting Point.... Cuong Trong Bui IN this month’s meeting point we have the pleasure of introducing to you an exemplary gentleman, and true community worker DR. CUONG TRONG BUI, who in his own words unfolds, his story.

Dr Bui told us that; after arriving in Australia as one of the first refugees in May 1975, I felt that I have a special duty and responsibility for the Vietnamese people and a particular interest in the welfare of the Indo-Chinese refugees. I devoted a lot of time to work for the Boat People SOS until all refugee camps in South-East Asia were closed in 1996.

This involved a range of support and advocacy assistance from 1975 until 1996. In the 1990s screening refugees to recommend either their entry to Australia or their forced repatriation raised very difficult issues and took painstaking work.

This experience prompted my vision of an integrated approach to establishing a strong Vietnamese community in Australia.

In essence my philosophy contemplated a total approach to delivering physical and mental health and social outcomes within an appropriate cultural context for Vietnamese people living in Queensland. The approach has been diverse and delivered at varying levels.

In order to promote the interests, living standards and general wellbeing of Vietnamese people settling in Queensland particularly, I saw the value and opportunity in seeking to create a partnership between the Carrara Medical Centre (CMC), the Vietnamese Australian Health Professionals Association in Queensland, and the Queensland Chapter of the Vietnamese Community in Australia (VCA-Qld).

While this partnership over more than 30 years has no formal recognition, I believe the objectives I had in mind have been largely attained through my roles as the (CMC) Director, as member and office-holder of the VCAQ, and as a member of the Vietnamese Australian Health Professionals in Queensland. I have applied my leadership experience, time, professional skills, and knowledge to these organizations with a view to enhancing the health, wellbeing and cultural integrity of the Vietnamese community in Queensland.

Outcomes1-Health and Wellbeing: Under my leadership the CMC has worked with the Vietnamese community to improve the living standards and health outcomes for Vietnamese people living in Queensland. In collaboration with the Indo-Chinese Refugee Association (ICRA) led by Father Jeff Foale, and later, with Mutual Assistance for Indo-Chinese (MAI) founded by Sister Lurline English, I was able to widen the scope of this support.

Let me give you an Example: During the late1970s and early 1980s, unaccompanied minors from Vietnam were cared for under a joint initiative between the Commonwealth and State governments and the VCA-Qld. Funding was provided for housing and staff to supervise and care for the welfare of these children and they were linked in with the local Vietnamese community. Today the four flats of the centre are used for emergency accommodation for people (not only Vietnamese) in need. The VCAQ was responsible for rates and maintenance of these properties.

A system has been established to Support new arrivals in Queensland so that they are able to access all the health and community services they need. Such access often requires knowledge of the complexities involved. The VCA-Qld role is assisting with the process of familiarization.

Regular Health seminars have been set up mainly for Vietnamese participants but are open to other ethnic groups on health issues such as vaccination, diabetes, breast cancer, IVP, addictions (gambling, drugs), nutri18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

tion, mental health, women’s and men’s health. Active participation through questioning is involved in these seminars; written questions are put to the speakers in circumstances where people are not confident to raise their queries. These seminars provide members of the Vietnamese community with the information to make choices about the management of their own health. These initiatives facilitate access to health and services as participants become familiar with the health professionals who have empathy with them as a community.

An improvement in the social determinants of health for the Vietnamese community has been the positive longterm outcome of the partnership described. This has been both from an economic and social environment perspective.

Cultural Benefits: The partnership has worked to establish a number of annual Vietnamese cultural activities including the Lunar New Year Festival, the Multicultural Children’s Festival, the Ancestor Commemoration Ceremony, as well as a ceremony to commemorate the end of the Vietnam War on 30th April. Vietnamese Saturday Schools have been established for thirty years in three suburbs in Brisbane, operating for three hours weekly. At these centres children aged between six to 16 years are taught to read, write and speak in Vietnamese. To help other ethnic groups, in 2007, we founded the Queensland Multicultural Council. Our aim has been to improve the understanding of cultures of different ethnic groups, to promote the joy and the excitement of the celebrations of each group and to draw attention to and share the concerns, the stress and the fears of these communities. More recently, I have been assisted by a journalist to assist with the necessary liaison role.

Wider Benefits; under my leadership, the partnership has been mutually beneficial to the CMC and the VCA-Qld. The business and the community aspects of the two bodies have been successfully linked. The Directors of the CMC www.indiantimes.com.au

Australia is a beautiful country and it is a multicultural country, we have people of all different cultures and we all get together enjoy the festivals and getting together. People are so beautiful, we expect to be living together in harmony and it is very important that people from all different countries, cultures and religions understand each other to make our living a very happy one in a beautiful country like Australia.

Regina Prasad

are Vietnamese people who immigrated to Australia in 1975.

Their experiences during this period and their dedication to promoting the interests of refugees from Vietnam, whilst aiming to establish a new life in Australia, are fundamental to the benefits that each partner has derived from the partnership. The VCA-Qld has gained recognition as the peak body for liaison with government and other organisations on issues related to the Vietnamese community in Queensland. This status provides the organisation with the authority to advocate for policy and systems change to improve the lives of people in the Vietnamese community.

It not only has the recognition from government and nongovernment organisations but is also acknowledged by the Vietnamese people in Queensland as the body that maintains cultural heritage for the future and delivers other social benefits. Both organisations have benefited from the leadership, skills, knowledge and time that I have been able to provide. My release from clinical duties at the CMC has given these Vietnamese organisations the opportunity to create the status they have today. Benefits to the CMC relate to cultural and health issues as well as business. I and my family have benefitted from the cultural initiatives that have been established to retain the Vietnamese traditions, ceremonial and education in the Queensland community.

This has helped us retain our sense of community and of identity as Vietnamese people, thus enriching our intrinsic commitment and contribution to the life of both the Vietnamese and the Australian communities. From a business perspective the partnership has resulted in an enhanced profile for the CMC and the work that this business undertakes in both Inala and Mt. Gravatt. The benefits of focusing on the Health and wellbeing of the mental (sense of community and identity) and physical (specific health and access information) aspects of the community have an impact on all other aspects of an individual personal life.

The retention of the Vietnamese language by children born and raised in Australia is a benefit to the broader community by ensuring that they are able to retain their sense of identity and an understanding of where they have come from. The main contribution made by CMC has been to release me to participate in key positions within the VCAQld and the Vietnamese Australian Health Professionals in Queensland. This is a significant contribution to the partnership, as the time taken away from the CMC has, at times, been a challenge to the running of the practice. The work undertaken by me has been wide, varied and the representative positions have required negotiation and extensive liaison with government and non-government organisations, involving high-level written and communication skills. My activities have been spread across advocacy, policy development, sponsorship and fundraising, and program planning and implementation. The contribution made by the VCA-Qld and the Vietnamese Australian Health Professionals in Queensland has been to provide a framework for activities on behalf of the Vietnamese community.

Most of the contributions noted above take place within this context and include skill sharing, training and mentoring.

DR. CUONG TRONG BUI, is the founder president of Queensland Multicultural Council, and a true leader of the Vietnamese community, he holds numerous honorary positions with the community, he is well known for his kind, humble and tireless contribution to the community.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 19

Who, What, Where, When

• Panel of Experts in media and Multicultural affairs at NEMBC conference held at Queensland Multicultural Centre.

• Shyam Verma and Sansaar Sharma supporting AAP in Brisbane, Shelia Dikshit, 75, lost to AAP founder-leader Arvind Kejriwal in the prestigious New Delhi constituency. Kejriwal, who had claimed that he would defeat the three-time chief minister, won by 22,000 votes. AAP stands for Aam Admi Party.

• Members of Senior Citizens Assoc of Qld donated clothes, funds and other essential items towards the victims of devastated Typhoon in the Philippines and we thank our communities for their kind donation towards this most needed support. Photo courtesy of Surendra Prasad.

• Tegjeet Singh Bains stood third in Division 1 of “The coalition public speaking competition program” organised at Narangba Valley State High School on 22 November. He is pictured with his Grandma, Dad, Principal (Mr Blaxham) , Deputy Principal (Mrs Bauer) and Mum (Devinder Bains).

• (From left) St Joseph’s Primary School principal Martin Lewis, student leader Charlie Vince, Ipswich City Councillor Cheryl Bromage, student leader Hayley Else and the school’s deputy principal Gerry Gimpel at the historical marker which was recently installed to mark the original site of St Joseph’s Primary School at North Ipswich.

• Gursharan Singh Romana (Sunny) recently became an Australian Citizenship at a ceremony held at Tenterfield, NSW. He is pictured withShire Council Mayor Peter Petty.

• On 30th November, 2013 Mr Lekh Ram Sukh had the privilege to attend and perform the Raamaayan recital on behalf of Sunny Bank Raamaayan Mandali. Mr & Mrs Bach Raj of Belmont Brisbane, Queensland celebrated their 67 Wedding Anniversary with their Mandali members, friends and close relatives. They were married in Labasa, Fiji in 1946. After the programme there • Happy birthday to my dear husband, John, and thank was Bhajan, Kirtan by various groups including some prominent you for 20 wonderful years of marriage on 27th • Remox Remittances and Money Exchange recently opened their new branch singers of Brisbane. Wishing the them all the best and a very prosperous long life. Photo from Lekh Ram Sukh.

November. Love always Sashi. at Centro Toombul - Kiosk 10.

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 21

Who, What, Where, When

• Vishnu Maya Mandir “Tulsi Vivah” celebration on Sunday 17th November 2013.

• The India Australia Society of Queensland Inc.’s Annual Dinner this year was a combination of Fundraiser for the Philippines Cyclone Victims and a Celebration of 50th Wedding Anniversary for Mohsin and Sandra Loufty, a pair of long serving members of the Association. Approximately 80 members and guests attended this event on 1st December 2013 at Curry Storey Restaurant, Chapel Hill. The net saving of this dinner was approximately 550/- this amount was matched by Remittances and Money Exchange Pty Ltd (REMOX). The total proceed of 1100/will be donated to one or two families in need of restructuring their life, from the destructive natural disaster that hit the Philippines recently.

• The Vietnamese community marked the anniversary of the “Vietnamese Boat people memorial” on Sunday 8th December. The statue was unveiled on 2nd December 2012. Multicultural community leaders and local politicians attended as invited guest of honour.

• Members of Indian Senior Citizens Association having fun at their 2013 Xmas function. Photo courtesy Bir Sahai.

• Umesh Chandra, President of Queensland Multicultural Council announces QMC’s collection of $35,000 to the Philippines disaster relief at a fundraiser event organised by Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Inc.

• Community Service (LIBERIA) Incorporated was formally launched by George Gyude Wisner on 30th November, he also inducted the new executive committee.

• Manhar Udhas - Pioneer of Gujarati Gazals performed LIVE at Mac Gregor State School on friday 29th November 2013 in Brisbane.. It was a full house with about 400 to 500 Gujaratis/Indians in the hall who enjoyed this event very much. Photo courtesy of Kaushal Shah.

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 23

• L-R: Harmohan Singh Walia, Lucky Singh, Hon. Philip Ruddock MP, Hon. Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP NZ, K.N. Gupta, Suman Kapoor & Munish Gupta.

GOPIO Regional Convention & GOPIO International Women’s Conference Conference ended with a gala dinner A SUCCESSFUL GOPIO Regional addressed by Honorable Vayalar Ravi, Convention 2013 along with GOPIO India’s Minister for Overseas Indian International Women’s Conference and Affairs (MOIA), and was attended by T K Gala Dinner was held all day on 9th Manoj Kumar, Joint Secretary, MOIA, and November 2013 at Sapphire Function other dignitaries. Minister Ravi emphaCentre, Blacktown in Sydney, Australia, sized that he had carefully picked the with attendance by more than 100 digniOceania region for the Regional PBD taries, international and local attendees.

2013 due to the growing number and sucIndian High Commissioner to Australia, cessful assimilation of migrants in HE Ambassador Biren Nanda, inauguratAustralia and New Zealand, and the hised the convention in the morning and toric ties with the People of Indian Origin Hon. Vayalar Ravi, Indian Minister for (PIOs) settled in Fiji. Minister Ravi noted Overseas Indian Affairs, graced the occawith delight that GOPIO International sion and delivered his speech at the banhosted an international conference to coinquette dinner. cide with the Regional PBD 2013 in • L-R: Shobha Ingleshwar, Guest, Suman Kapoor, Manju Mittal, Minister Judith Collins, Lucky Singh, Other dignitaries attending were Hon. Sydney, and highlighted the role played by Kamini Singh, Dr. Neeraja Arun, Neeru Singh, Amrit Versha, Rekha Rajwanshi, Bella Thompson, Aman Judith Collins, Minister for Ethnic Singh GOPIO International in helping his Affairs New Zealand, Hon. Philip Ministry reach out to the Diaspora globalRuddock MP, former Australian Federal Batta, Media Coordinator for the crimes and ensuring education as an instru- ly.

Immigration Minister, Hon. Jeff Lee MP Convention and former President of the ment to bringing women at par with men Minister Ravi invited GOPIO International from Parramatta (Sydney), Hon. Anthony Sydney Chapter. was emphasized. delegates to attend the annual Pravasi Shorten MP from Brisbane, Hon. Kanwaljit The third session of the convention was The second session was chaired by Mrs. Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) to be held in New Singh Bakshi MP New Zealand and many chaired by Mr. Umesh Chandra, Lucky Singh, Co-Chair GOPIO Women’s Delhi January 7-9, 2014, with a special community leaders.

International Coordinator Oceania and Council based in Sydney, Australia. The Youth Day on January 7, 2014, during the The first session of GOPIO Convention Convenor of the Convention. The topic of topic of this session was ‘Confronting and conference. He encouraged youth participastarted with the lighting of lamp by HE this session was ‘Indian Diaspora in Overcoming Violence Against Women & tion in Diaspora organization and made a Ambassador Biren Nanda and other promi- Oceania Region: Challenges and Children’. The speakers in this session were special mention that GOPIO had a growing nent persons. Mr Nanda praised the work Opportunities’. The speakers on the this Lucky Singh (Australia), Aman Singh youthful participation. done by GOPIO since its inception in 1989. topic were Dr. Satish Rai (Australia), Dr. (Australia) Co-Chair, GOPIO Youth Conference Convener and International Mr. Umesh Chandra, International Sanjeev Kumar Sharma (India) Professor Council, Dr. Neeraja Arun ( India) Co- Coordinator-Oceania, Umesh Chandra, Coordinator-Oceania, Convener of the and Head, Department of Political Science, Chair GOPIO Academic Council & thanked the Hon Minister for gracing the Convention, welcomed the guests and Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Prof. Principal, Bhavan’s Arts and Commerce occasion and participants for a successful thanked attendees especially dignitaries and Balkar Singh Kang, Co-Chair GOPIO College, Rekha Rajvanshi (Sydney), Amrit all-day GOPIO conference. He particularly international attendees on picking Oceania Academic Council (Australia), Mr. Len Versha (Australia). Dr. Arun said education thanked GOPIO International stalwarts for this International Conference. Mr Kenna, Researcher and writer on Early was key to ensuring women received due Amrinder Bajwa and Rohitas Batta from Munish Gupta, Chairman PIO TV, Indians Arrivals in Australia. The session respect and equality in India.

Australia, and Alkesh Sharma, GOPIO Executive Council Member and was also moderated by Mr. Umesh Chandra The third session was chaired by Mrs. National Coordinator from New Zealand, International Coordinator-Africa, GOPIO for questions and answers.

Suman Kapoor and the topic was ‘Equitable for their presence and participation throughInternational, spoke of the history of GOPIO International Women’s Conference Treatment of Women in Business and out the conference. Munish Gupta summed GOPIO International since inception in dominated the post lunch session. The first Profession’. The speakers in this session up the success of the conference especially 1989, its growing outreach and the evolving session in the Women’s Conference deliber- were Hon Minister Judith Collins (New with the attendance of potential new memmission going forward with the emphasis ated on the subject of ‘Women of the Indian Zealand) Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Ms bers, including youth. on involvement of the youth. The event MC Diaspora – Challenges, Empowerment & Bella Thompson (New Zealand) GOPIO International Oceania region was Mrs Lucky Singh, Co-Chairperson of Opportunities’.

Community Radio Presenter, Miss Shruti thanked Gupta for visiting Australia as an the Women’s Council of GOPIO The Objective and Goals of the conference: Arya (Australia) and Dr. Mortaza Shams of International Representative on behalf of International. Mr. K N Gupta, Director- To provide an opportunity for women of New Zealand.

GOPIO and for facilitating attendance by Government Liaison, India, spoke about the Indian origin to network and share a comShruti as a youth female member made an MOIA Ministers and officials, and for extensive work done by GOPIO especially mon bond; To provide a platform to discuss important mention that she was against Kotak Mahindra Bank’s sponsorship of the the India Chapter in the engagement of the common issues facing women of Indian ori- reservation for women as a realistic means event.

GOPIO chapters and members with the gin living abroad; Establish national, to achieve true parity and equality for The evening ended with interactions Government of India and several state gov- regional and international links and develop women in the new world order. Dr. Shams between the organizers and attendees, as ernments. a sense of solidarity. spoke on the topic ‘Indian Muslim Women well as conference convener Umesh The second session of the Convention was Mrs. Suman Kapoor from New Zealand and the Question of Integration’ and said Chandra and Kotak Executive Vice chaired by Mr. Harmohan Singh Walia, and Chairperson GOPIO Women’s Council India was the finest example of guarantee- President Deepak Sharma answering Chairperson of the International Committee also conceived and chaired the Special ing respect, dignity, opportunity and rights queries on India economy and special NRI on Bylaws, Policies and Procedures, Conference. The Chief Guest was New to Muslim women in the country. deposit schemes being offered by the GOPIO International, and Co-Convenor of Zealand Minister for Ethnic Affairs & The GOPIO International Oceania Government of India. the Convention. The topic of this session Justice, Hon. Judith Collins. She comwas ‘Indian Migration & Contribution in mended the Indian Diaspora for the Oceania Region’. The session was attended multicultural effort in New Zealand and by around 50 delegates. Mr. Walia gave sta- the countries they live in. The Indian tistics of Indian migration to Oceania region community is the fastest growing ethnic in general and Australia in specific. In minority in both New Zealand and 2011-12 Indians became the largest source Australia. The Minister said GOPIO of permanent migration to Australia and International had made its presence felt formed 15.7% of the total migration pro- through several chapters in New gram in 2011-12.

Zealand.

The other speakers who spoke on the topic Mrs. Kapoor in her welcome address were Hon. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP said exhorted Diaspora women on takNew Zealand, Mr Munish Gupta, GOPIO ing up issues of concern to the growing International Coordinator Africa, Dr. Vinod migrant communities with regards to Daniel (Australia) and Prof. Prasad not just the role of women, but focus Yarlagadda, Co-Chair of GOPIO Science & especially on the youth. India’s chal- • L-R: Prof. Balkar Singh Kang, K.N. Gupta, Amarinder Bajwa, Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda, Munish Gupta, Technology Council. Questions and lenges of fighting female feticide, pro- Dr. Vinod Daniel, Ambassador Biren Nanda, Pradeep Kapoor, Suman Kapoor, Harmohan Singh Walia, Answers were moderated by Mr. Rohitas tecting young women against heinous Guest, Rohitas Batta, Umesh Chandra, Rakesh Malhotra, Alkesh Sharma, Kapil Arora.

24 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

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Sydney played perfect host to the first ever Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Australia MINISTER of Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr Vayalar Ravi and Premier of NSW, Mr. Barry O’Farrell inaugurated the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2013 (Overseas Indian Day) at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on 1012 November, 2013.

The three day event started on a highly successful note celebrating the achievements of the Australian Indian Diaspora.

The Indian and Australian bilateral relationship was a key component within the conference agenda.

Mr Ravi said the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an initiative to recognise the 450,000 people of Indian origin in Australia and those in New Zealand and Fiji. India wishes to harness the growing power of its Diaspora, their contribution to homeland India and the progressing relationship between the two countries, fostered by strong trade and investment links.

Minister Ravi assured overseas Indians that the government of India would continue to look out for and serve the interests of the growing Indian Diaspora that is more than 25 million around the world. Mr. Ravi said “I am very enthused with the participation and I hope to take back a lot of shared experiences that will help enhance the engagement with overseas Indians” He Mr Biren Nanda, the Indian High Commissioner for Australia said participation in the event was from all states and territories of Australia and from neighbouring countries including New Zealand and Fiji, attracting about 500 delegates from the Asia Pacific region.

“It was great to see participation from Australians and Indians living in Australia, all of whom are interested in plugging into India’s growing relationship with Australia” he said.

In his inaugural address, the NSW Premier, Mr. Barry O’Farrell said “Indian community is now the fastest growing ethnic community in the state and the country, and Indian languages are becoming the biggest non-English languages

spoken in the country. Hindi and Punjabi are even taught in schools and colleges.”

The NSW Premier and other Australian Federal Ministers, Senators and MPs commended the immense contribution of the Indian-Australian community. Mr. Scott Morrison MP, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection was representing the Prime Minister of Australia and reinforced the same in his speech.

Australia India Business Council (AIBC) and Overseas Indian Facilitation Center (OIFC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on this important occasion. Ms Sujata Sudarshan, CEO of OIFC said “The memorandum will help OIFC and AIBC to work closely on bilateral initiatives and people to people networks between Australia and India, thereby facilitating stronger ties between the two countries.”

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and AIBC also organised a B2B meet during the conference.

The event initiated several important discussions during bilateral business sessions. The sessions were moderated by key business and community leaders on different aspects of India’s relationship with Australia and countries in the region including resources, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, skills and education, languages, youth, women in business and culture, among others.

Prominent dignitaries gracing the occasion include Mr Barry O’Farrell, Premier NSW; Mr Jay Weatherill, Premier South Australia; Mr Andrew Robb AO MP, Minister for Trade and

GOPIO Queensland hosts dinner for Minister Vayalar Ravi

• Photo by Reena Naiker.

GOPIO Queensland hosted a dinner reception for Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Hon Vayalar Ravi. The minister was in Australia for the regional PBD which was held in Sydney. While in Sydney the minister also attend the GOPIO Internationals Regional convention.

The Brisbane visit was arranged via GOPIO International, the driving forces behind the event were Munish Gupta, GOPIO International coordination South Africa and Prof Prasad Yarlagadda, co-chair GOPIO International Science and Technology. The dinner reception was held at QUT’s impressive Room 360 which boasts a panoramic view of Brisbane River and city.

The main objective of this dinner was to connect Indian Diaspora to mainland India Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

and exploring the possible business and trade collaborations. Hon. K C Joseph, and state minister for Kerala were also present from India. Both the Ministers returned home very happy with our hospitality and warm welcome.

GOPIO hosted this function in association with FICQ, MAQ and other Indian Organisations. Minister Vayalar Ravi is the second Minister of overseas Indian Affairs to visit Brisbane; Jagdish Tytler also visited Brisbane right after his appointment.

GOPIO International has a long standing association with Ministry of overseas Indian Affairs and GOPIO members enjoy a fifty percent discount at the annual PBD. The next PBD will be in Delhi on January 2014.

Investment; Ms Lisa Singh, Senator for Tasmania; Mr. Mahendra Pal Chaudhry, former Prime Minister of Fiji; Mr Trevor Rowe, Executive Chairman of Rothschild Australia; Former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh; Mr Phillip Bullock, Chair, Skills Australia, The Hon. Mr. K.S. Bakshi, MP, New Zealand, Hon Jeff Seeney MP, Deputy Premier of Queensland; Mr. Shankar Vanavarayar, Co-Chair of CII Family Business Sub Committee, Southern Region & Leader of the CII Business Delegation, Mr. T.K. Manoj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Ms. Rani George, Secretary, NORKA Department, Government of Kerala, H.E. Mr. Suresh Shetty, Minister of Protocol and Health, Government of Maharashtra, H.E. Mr. K.C. Joseph, Minister of Rural Development, Planning, Culture and NORKA, Government of Kerala.

Also participating were other prominent academicians, businessmen, media personnel and government officials from Australia and India.

The cultural performances during the conference hit the right chord with the audience, as famous artists were flown down to Sydney for this special occasion- Pandit Shivkumar Sharma performed on his Santoor, and Hindustani vocalist Meeta Pandit, sang to an enthralled audience. Shiamak Davar Dance group and Kamahl’s performance of The Gettysburg Address were also quite popular with the audience.

OICC - Minister public meeting

THE ministers' public meeting was conducted in November 2013. We would like to reveal our great thanks to our respected chef guests Shri. Vayalar Ravi (Central Cabinet Minister), Shri K C Joseph (Kerala Minister), Mr. Manoj Kumar (Indian High Commissioner Canberra) and Mrs Archana Singh (Indian Consular Brisbane).

Definitely, we would like to delineate our gratitude to the public who were the most significant part of the meeting.

Once again we thanks you all for your active participation in the meeting which made sure the program was a great success. THANK YOU ALL!!!!!

Thanks &Regards On behalf of OICC Queensland - Joby Chandrankunnel (President OICC Queensland) SPECIAL THANKS: Tonio Thomas, Sibin, Bhowmic and Varghese Vadakkan

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 — 25

A New India…

DEAR Brisbane Indian Times (BIT) readers, We welcome you to a new and exciting journey through the Inspired Indians column, you may ask, “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 while finding purpose driven days on this Earth.

Do you have a vision or a dream for a new India?

Like many of you, I have a dream for our beloved country India. A dream of seeing justice and righteousness that will flow like a river. This river of life will have power to wash away the evil of this world. A dream to see the New India a nation free of crime, corruption and freedom from every evil powers.

In my recent trip to India I had an opportunity to witness a glimpse of a new India. The private taxi that I was traveling in was suddenly stopped by a traffic police officer when the driver took a wrong turn. In a confusing traffic system that few try to follow, there was a trap set to catch innocent drivers.

The police demanded that the driver had broken the traffic rule by going on the wrong side of the road.

The driver said to police ‘I am new to this city and can’t see the road barriers which are hidden due to poor lighting.’

The police were determined to get the best out this situation. The officer then demanded for the all of the vehicles registration documents.

Later the officer said, you might have to pay a fine of up to 25,000 Rupees for incorrect documentation. The driver was in a deep dilemma and did not know what to do. I was listening to both conversations and realised that

this was going to be long debate with the driver and the police officer. There was some expectation from the officer that the driver would offer him some money to get out of the situation.

I stepped out of the vehicle, greeted the officer and told him that he and his department was doing a good job by maintaining the law, order and serving the community with the best manner as possible. At the same time I said to the officer, ‘A new India’ needs honest and dedicated people like you, I do not believe in bribery and free hand outs.

In Australia, if we break the law, we pay a fine promptly as the law requires. Some times we get a warning for minor offences. Here today this driver has made a minor error, you can either show grace and warn him or take down the vehicle number and send the penalty notice. Then I said “Officer you now have an opportunity to exercise the justice and right rule in this situation. And please know this, there are people I know who are praying for India to rise and shine for the values and high moral standards. Mahatma Gandhi dreamed for this nation to be free of bribe and corruption, so we can dream together for a new India and take the right actions today. Now, think for a moment, evil will only increase when good people ignore justice and truth”.

After listening to these words, there was a change in the heart of the police officer, he said “Sir, please proceed there is no fine the driver has to pay now”. I was delighted to see the amazing change of heart with the officer. I praised the Lord and thanked God changing the heart of the police officer.

Friends, do you know what a new India needs? The prophet Amos wrote this around 750 BC, “Let justice run down like waters and righteousness like a mighty ever-flowing streams”.

(Amos 5:24). Only by the ‘Grace of God’ this is possible. You have a significant part to play in building a new India.

Please write your thoughts navig8grace@gmail.com

ARYA PRATINIDHI SABHA OF QLD INC

What is spiritual growth?

MANY spiritual concepts, spiritual growth is a misnomer. In reality, the spirit does not grow or shrink: it is always the way it is. What is spirit anyway? It is that which knows that it exists.

Other names for spirit are life force, soul, awareness or beingness.

As religious people, we are involved with a certain amount of traditional, ceremonial, and dogmatic behaviour. We do it automatically, because when we were children, we were simply told to behave and even think in a prescribed way. But, do we really experience spiritual growth – to understand this, we have to know what constitutes spiritual growth.

Perhaps, all traditions are important stepping stones but spiritual growth occurs when the spirit grows and the ego shrinks. Any spiritual growth happens only in direct relationship to a shrinking ego: without a shrinking ego, there is no spiritual growth.

Example of spiritual growth versus a growing ego: If we do a good deed selflessly without the slightest consideration of the rewards or fruits, as a result, we grow spiritually. If we do that good deed and feel proud or even simply good, we strengthen the ego. Tricky but logical, is it not? If the fruits of action do not affect the person, he is free from action.

Why are we interested in spiritual matters? Why do we bother to look for God? The answer if we are honest is that we are trying to survive, to save our soul and if possible, even our skin. to: There are always those who insist they have all the answers

Jitendra Deo President

and there are also those who laugh at these statements without investing as much as a second thought. Maybe the answer is closer than we think and already known by the only person we know we can trust – our self.

If we ignore the non essential and look for the essential, the real meaning, then all religious scripture and all religions do agree more than disagree. All religions have followers who seem to be more concerned with external matters but there are always a few who go deeper; they are called mystics, saints, self-realized and so on.

When we study their writings they all agree in the most important points: there is God, that God can be found at the centre of our being and we can unite with God to become One. Essentially all scriptures agree in essence, but only when we bother to look deeper for the real meaning.

Is there are spiritual comfort for the aged, terminally ill or anyone facing death?

We may draw strength from our belief systems. All religions including natural belief systems agree that life goes on and agree on existence of God. We may draw strength from science. According to science we cannot really say that we are able to destroy something or anything so completely that it fades into non- existence. We can only change the objects shape and condition. Even if

we burn something and “destroy” its ashes, the object continues as energy and the awareness as awareness. The reason that awareness continues is that it did not develop out of dead matter or lifeless energy. Those materialistic scientists who laughed and promised proof that awareness is nothing but a by product of biological processes failed to do so. Other scientists are now confirming the wisdom of ancient sages and saints.

We may draw strength from personal experiences of others.

There are more than a few people who have had out-of-body experiences and returned from clinically dead to tell us about it.

We may draw strength from real witnesses: Sages, Rishis, self realized persons and advanced yogis.

We may draw strength from our spiritual exercises and personal experience.

Try to become one with your object of devotion, concentrate fully on God, or simply love your inner self to a point that only pure awareness continues to exist and that leads to the inner bliss and beingness. Fear is the result of our identification with body and mind. Both will eventually cease to exist and are not needed for or well being.

God Bless you all.

Adapted from APSA website article by Dr Raghwa Sharma Please contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 33454716 for information on activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland or log on: www.aryasamajqueensland.com

Delightful gentle giants at Anantara’s golden resort

By Rama Gaind

resort’s eco-tourism program.

The vivid wilderness landscape they call AS far as the eye could see from the outdoor home is a harmonious backdrop as you swimming pool of the Anantara Golden watch the babies of the herd playing and Triangle Resort and Spa in Chiangrai, the true witness the antics of river bath time. It’s a brilliance of the stunning, lush, green, grassy special delight observing the more playful plains of Thailand’s most northerly province amongst these pachyderms. was hidden by the flimsy, glittering mist.

The time is right to make friends as we A haze cloaked the gigantic plateau, as it learn to drive our very own elephant and twisted through the mountains, waterfalls, trek through the forest passage. rivers, forests, jungles and coiled around Early morning rituals canyons and clifftops that comprised this At first, the elephants appear reluctant to trekking paradise. go for an early morning dip, but accompaOn arrival indoors at the three-storey high nied by their mahouts they are soon at ease reception area, a cup of warm ginger-honey splashing and immersing themselves in the tea enables relaxation, lounging in one of the Ruak River – being cleansed of dirt. Once huge muslin-draped swings taking in the Thai this ritual is complete, it is with a little and Myanmar jungle canopy, the Mekong valtrepidation that I’m introduced to 41-yearley and the vaporous green hills of Laos at the old Bua Jan (an elephant with personality) forefront. and his considerate handler Cha, 22.

The tip where Thailand meets Laos and Initial introductions also include Sophie Myanmar forms part of the Golden Triangle.

Bergin, an Australian who came as a volThe kingdom’s most infamous destination - • From the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa in Chiangrai, a misty dawn shrouds the dis- unteer and “loved the place so much” that the point where the three borders meet, the lit- tant views of the Thailand and Myanmar jungle canopy, the Mekong valley and the vaporous green she ended up “creating a job for herself as tle village of Sop Ruak – which is more hills of Laos at the forefront. Picture: Rama Gaind marketing coordinator”. famously known as the Golden Triangle. The Sophie was right about the first several opium trade that once lent this area its infamy has long minutes being scary for the uninitiated. Then it’s off to gone, but there’s no denying there remains a certain work: starting with how to mount your elephant – up the alluring aura. side or leap-frog over its bowed head. Once seated With views over three countries, air laden with the scent behind the elephant’s ears, the mahout teaches the of lemongrass and the sound of birdsong wafting through important basic movement commands (pai–go, the open windows, Anantara (derived from the Sanskrit baen–turn and the all-important, how–stop) in order to word meaning “without end”). Resort is undoubtedly a drive an elephant. We then get used to walking up and hidden treasure, located close to the historic town of down the camp, acclimatising ourselves to the roll-andChiang Saen. sway of our gentle giants.

Test-driving the gentle giants We learn about a mahout’s lifestyle, of the daily care of Anantara’s hilltop Chiangrai an elephant, their feeding requirements and their river Seeing the sights and sampling the resort’s unrivalled • These elephants, accompanied by •resort offers unforgettable advenmahouts, are at ease splashhospitality has to wait. First, nature beckoned as we set their bathing habits … you can have a go, but staying on their ing and immersing themselves in tures with indulgent all-inclusive out for an early morning driving test – on the back of an the Ruak River. benefits, featuring gourmet dining back and not getting wet is almost impossible! elephant! Here there’s no need to worry about rear lights Picture: Rama Gaind You’ll come away with many unforgettable memories and enriching daily activities. or windshield wipers and you won’t get much in the of glorious temples and architectural landmarks, sumptrunk except water. tuous food and an extraordinary (almost surreal) encounter Lampang (situated about 600km north of Bangkok).

The training course with a mahout (elephant ‘driver’) Anantara’s 160 acres of bamboo forest, nature trails and of the elephant kind! takes place at the resort’s on-site Elephant Camp, which river banks provide an ideal habitat for the 32 elephants, was set up in conjunction with Thailand’s National rescued from the streets of Bangkok and other major cities Rama Gaind travelled as a guest of the Tourism Authority Elephant Institute and its Elephant Conservation Centre in or from trekking camps in Thailand to participate in the of Thailand and Absolutely Fantastic Holidays.

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

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How Islam deals with sadness and worry: The human condition

By Imam Muhammad Aslam ALL praise is due to Allah Ta’aala, the Cherisher and the sustainer of the world and peace and blessings be upon the final messenger prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alaihi Wassalam.

Verily, in the remembrance of God the hearts find rest. (Quran 13:28) The average human being in the developed world battles sadness and worry on a daily basis. While the majority of the world’s population confront extreme poverty, famine, conflict and despair those of us privileged to lead relatively easy lives must tackle fear, stress, and anxiety. Why are those of us blessed with riches beyond compare immersed in loneliness and desperation? We are living in a time of confusion, we try as we might, yet gathering material possessions can do nothing to mend broken hearts, and shattered souls.

Now, more than at any other time in human kind’s history, stress, anxiety, and psychological problems are taking a tremendous toll on the human condition. Religious beliefs should afford a sense of comfort however; it seems that 21st century man has lost the ability to connect to God. Pondering the meaning of life no longer overcomes a feeling of abandonment. This desire to acquire material possessions, which in some way validates our reason for being, has become the balm that soothes our troubled souls. Why is this so?

We have the best of everything readily available, yet the reality is we have nothing. Nothing that comforts the soul. Beautiful furnishings do not hold our hand in the darkest night. The latest entertainment centre does not wipe our tears or soothe our furrowed brow. Those of us living with pain and grief, or afflicted with hardship feel abandoned. We feel rudderless on an open sea. Huge waves threaten to engulf us at any given moment.

Our desires and debts stand at the apex and loom over us, like great avenging angels, and we search for comfort in addictions and self-destructive behaviour.

How do we step away from the precipice? In Islam, the answer is remarkably simple. We turn back to our Creator. God knows what is best for His creation. He has complete knowledge of the human psyche. He knows of the pain, the despair, and the sadness. God is whom we are reaching for in the darkness. When we put God back on our agenda, the pain will subside.

“Verily, in the remembrance of God the hearts find rest.” (Quran 13:28) Islam is not a religion filled with empty rituals and hypercritical rules and regulations, although it can seem so if we forget just what our real purpose in life is. We were created to worship God, nothing more and nothing less. However, God, in His infinite mercy and wisdom did not abandon us to this world filled with trials and tribulations. He armed us with weapons. These weapons are more powerful than the arsenals of the great 21st century armies. God gave us the Quran, and the authentic traditions of His Prophet Muhammad.

The Quran is a book of guidance and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad explain that guidance. The religion of Islam is all about making and keeping a connection with God. This is how Islam deals with sadness and worry. When the wave is about to come crashing down or the world begins to spin out of control God is the one stable factor. The biggest mistake a believer can make is to separate the religious and material aspects of his or her life.

“God has promised those who believe (in the Oneness of God) and do deeds of righteousness, that for them there is forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).” (Quran 5:9) When we accept with full submission, that we are no more than slaves of God, put on this earth, to be tried, tested and tempted, life suddenly takes on a completely new meaning. We recognize that God is the one constant in our lives and we recognize that His promise is true. When we are overwhelmed by worry and sadness, relief comes from turning to God. If we live our lives according to His guidance, we gain the means and the ability to overcome any despair. Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alahi wasallam declared that all the affairs of a believer are good.

Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer! They are all for his benefit. If he is granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him.

Islam has the answer to all the problems that afflict humankind. Islam reminds us that this life is but a transient pause on the way to life everlasting.

The life of this world is but a fleeting moment, sometimes overflowing with moments of great joy and happiness but at other times filled with sadness, sorrow, and despair. This is the nature of life, and this is the human condition.

Now we will examine guidance from the Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alahi wasallam in an endeavour to discover just how Islam suggests that we deal with sadness and worry. There are three key points that will allow the believer to free himself from the shackles of 21st century life. They are patience, gratitude, and trust in God. In the Arabic language, sabr, shukr and tawwakul.

“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient ones.” (Quran 2:155) “Therefore, remember Me (God) and I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.” (Quran 2:152) “If God helps you, none can overcome you; and if

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He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in God (Alone) let believers put their trust.” (Quran 3:160) Sadness and worry are part of the human condition. Life is a series of moments. At the two extremes are joyful moments that make our hearts sing with gladness and dark moments that plunge us into sadness and worry. In between is real life; the highs, the lows, the mundane and boring, the sweetness, and light. It is in these times that the believer must try to establish a connection to God. The believer must forge a bond that is unbreakable. When the joy of life fills our hearts and minds we must not forget that it is a blessing from God and equally when we are faced with sadness and worry we must realize that this too is from God as a test, even though at first glance we may not see the blessing.

God is the Most Wise and the Most Just.

Whatever condition we find ourselves in, and no matter what we are forced to confront, it is imperative that we open our eyes to the fact that God knows what is good for us. Though we shy away from facing our fears and worries, it may be that we hate a thing that is good for us and desire something that can only lead to ruin and damnation. “...and it may be that you dislike a thing that is good for you and that you like a thing that is bad for you. God knows but you do not know.” (Quran 2:216) The life of this world was designed by our Creator to maximize our chances of living a blissful life in the Hereafter. When we face trials, they help us grow and mature into human beings who are able to function effortlessly in this transient world.

God has not abandoned us in face of the temptations and trials we face in this world, He has equipped us with potent weapons. Three of the most important are patience, gratefulness, and trust. The great Islamic scholars of Islam said that our happiness in this life and our salvation in the Hereafter depend on patience.

“Verily! I have rewarded them this Day for their patience; they are indeed the ones that are successful.” (Quran 23:111) “...to be firm or patient in pain or suffering, and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic.

Such are the people of truth, the God fearing.”

(Quran 2:177) The Arabic word for patience is sabr and it comes from a root word meaning to stop, detain, or refrain. Ibnul Qayyim explained that having patience meant having the ability to stop ourselves from despairing, to refrain from complaining, and to control ourselves in times of sadness and worry.

Whenever we are beset by sadness and worry our first reaction should always be turning to God. By recognizing His Greatness and Omnipotence, we begin to understand that God alone can ease our troubled souls. God Himself advised us to call on Him. “And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names.” (Quran 7:180) Prophet Muhammad sallallhu alahi wasallam encouraged us to call on God by all of His most beautiful names. In his own supplications, he is known to have said, “Oh God, I ask you by every name that You have named yourself, or that You have revealed in Your book, or that You have taught any of Your creation, or that You have kept hidden in the unseen knowledge with Yourself.”

In times of sorrow and stress, contemplating the names of God can bring great relief. It can also help us focus on being calm and patient. It is important to understand that although the believer is encouraged not to thrash about in grief and anguish or to complain about the stresses and problems, he is allowed to turn to God and supplicate to Him and to ask Him for relief.

Human beings are frail. Our tears fall, our hearts break and the pain is sometimes almost unbearable. Even the prophets, whose connection to God was unbreakable, felt their hearts constrict in fear or pain. They too turned their faces to God and begged for relief. However, their complaints were surrounded with pure patience and pure acceptance of whatever fate God had decreed.

When Prophet Jacob despaired of ever seeing his sons Joseph or Benjamin he turned to God, and the Quran tells us that he beseeched God for relief.

Prophet Jacob knew that there was no point in raging against the world, he knew that God loves and protects those who are patient.

“He said: ‘I only complain of my grief and sorrow to God, and I know from God that which you know not.’” (Quran 12:86) Quran also tells us that Prophet yaqoob alahissalam turned to God begging of His mercy.

He was impoverished, stricken with disease, and he lost his family, friends, and livelihood yet he bore all this with patience and forbearance and he turned to God. “And (remember) Jacob, when he cried to his Lord, ‘Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.’

So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us (God).” (Quran 21: 83-84) Patience means accepting what is beyond our control. In times of stress and anxiety, being able to surrender to the will of God is a relief beyond measure. This does not mean that we sit back and let life pass by. No! It means that we strive to please God in all aspects of our life, in our work and play, in our family life and in our personal endeavours.

Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said, “Whoever tries to be patient then God will help him to be patient”.

It becomes easy for us to exercise patience when we realize that it is impossible to count all the blessings God has bestowed upon us. The air we breathe, the sunshine on our faces, the wind through our hair, the rain on the parched earth and the glorious Quran, God’s words to us are all among the innumerable blessings of God upon us.

Remembering God and contemplating His greatness is the key to patience, and patience is a key to Paradise everlasting, God’s greatest blessing for the fragile creatures called humankind.

As fragile human beings, we are often swamped by fears and anxiety. At times sadness and worry threaten to take over our lives. These emotions can become so consuming that we forget our primary purpose in life, which is to worship God. When pleasing God is at the centre of all our thoughts, actions and deeds, then sadness and worry can have no place in our lives.

We discussed about dealing with sadness and worry by striving to be patient. We also talked about counting the blessings God has bestowed upon us as a way of encouraging patience. Another way of overcoming sadness and worry is by being grateful to God for His countless blessings. God explains in the Quran, that true worshippers are those who are grateful and give thanks.

“Therefore, remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.” (Quran 2:152) There are many ways to express gratitude. The first and foremost way is to worship God in the manner that He has prescribed. The Five Pillars of Islam were ordained upon us by God and they guide us to worship Him easily. When we fulfil our obligations towards God, just how truly blessed we are becomes obvious.

When we bear witness that, there is no god worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is His final messenger we are being grateful for being blessed with Islam. When a believer prostrates before God in quiet, joyful prayer, we are expressing gratitude. During the fast of Ramadan, we become thankful for food and water by realizing that God provides our sustenance. If a believer is able to make the pilgrimage to the House of God in Mecca, it is indeed a cause for thankfulness. The Hajj journey can be long, difficult, and expensive.

The believer also expresses gratitude by giving charity. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, advised his followers to give charity everyday to express gratitude to God for every single joint or faculty in his body. Imam Ibn Rajab, a noted Islamic scholar of the 7th Islamic century said, “Human beings are obligated to give thanks to God every single day for His blessings on them by performing acts of virtue and charity on a daily basis” If we remember God by reading the Quran and contemplating its meanings, we gain a greater understanding of the life of this world and the hereafter. Consequently, we begin to understand the transient nature of this life and the fact that even the trials and tribulations are blessings from God. God’s wisdom and justice is inherent in even the direst situations.

How often have we heard people with debilitating diseases or terrible disabilities thank God for their conditions, or speak about pain and suffering bringing blessings and goodness into their lives? How often have we listened to others speak about horrific experiences and ordeals, yet continue to thank God? In times of sadness and worry, when we are feeling alone and distressed, God is our only protector. When sadness and worry become unbearable, when there is nothing left but, stress, fear, anxiety, and misery, we instinctively turn to God. We know His words are true, we know His promise is true! “..if you are grateful, I will add more favors unto you.” (Quran 14:7) God knows the wisdom behind why good things happen to bad people, or why bad things happen to good people. In general, whatever causes us to turn to God is good and we should be grateful for it. In times of crisis, people are drawn closer to God, whereas in times of comfort we often forget from where the comfort originated. God is the Provider and He is the Most Generous. God wants to reward us with life everlasting and if pain and suffering can guarantee Paradise, then trials and tribulations are a blessing. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said, “If God wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials.”

Prophet Muhammad also said, “No misfortune or disease befalls a Muslim, no worry or grief or harm or distress – not even a thorn that pricks him – but God will expiate for some of his sins because of that.” We are imperfect human beings. We can read these words, we can even understand the sentiment behind them, but acknowledging the wisdom behind every situation and being grateful for our trials is very difficult. It is much easier to fall into sadness and worry. However, God, the Most Merciful, gives us clear guidelines and promises two things, if we worship Him and follow His guidance we will be rewarded with Paradise and that with hardship comes ease.

“So verily, with hardship, there is ease.” (Quran 94:5) God reminds us that with hardship comes ease.

Hardship is never absolute; it is always accompanied by ease. For that, we should be grateful. For that, we need to express our gratitude.

We must accept the trials, triumphs, and tribulations that are part of being alive. Each one of them,

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from the highest highs to the lowest lows is a blessing from God. A blessing designed uniquely for each individual person. When we are overcome by sadness or worry we must turn to God, strive to be patient and grateful and put our trust in God. For God is the most trustworthy. By trusting Him, we can overcome any moment of anxiety and conquer any sadness or worry that tries to creep into our lives.

As we move into the new century, those of us privileged to live above the poverty line are faced with a unique set of challenges. We have food enough to eat, shelter from the elements and most of us can even afford life’s little luxuries. Physically we have all that we need, but spiritually and emotionally, we are bereft. Our minds are filled with sadness and worry. Stress and anxiety mount. As we gather possessions, we wonder why we are not happy. As we embark on yet another holiday we feel alone and desperate.

A life that is far removed from God is a sad life indeed. No matter how much money we accumulate, or how grand our house is, if God is not the centre of our lives then happiness will elude us forever. True happiness can only be found when we at least attempt to fulfil our purpose in life. Human beings exist to worship God. God wants us to be happy, in this life and in the Hereafter and He has given us the key to real happiness. It is not a secret or a mystery. It is not an enigma or a puzzle, it is Islam.

“And I (God) created not the jinn and humankind except that they should worship Me.” (Quran 51:56) The religion of Islam explains clearly our purpose in life and gives us guidelines to follow to make our search for happiness easier. The Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, are our guide books for a life completely devoid of sadness and worry. This however does not mean that we will not be tried and tested because God states very clearly in Quran that He will test us.

Our lives will be filled with situations that require us to reach out for God and depend upon Him. God promises us that He will reward those who are patient, He asks us to be grateful to Him, and He tells us that He loves those who put their trust in Him. “...put your trust in God, certainly, God loves those who put their trust in Him.” (Quran 3:159) “The believers are only those who, when God is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Quran) are recited unto them, they increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord Alone.” (Quran 8:2) Life is filled with triumphs and tribulations.

Sometimes it is a roller coaster ride. One day our faith is high and sweet, the next it has plummeted and we feel sad and worried. The way to even out our journey is to trust that God knows what is best for us. Even when seemingly bad things happen, there is a purpose and wisdom behind them. Sometimes the purpose is known only to God, sometimes it is obvious.

Consequently, when we realise that there is no power or strength except from God, we can begin to relax. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, once reminded one of his young companions that God was all-powerful and nothing happens without His permission.

“Young man, uphold the commands of God, and He will protect you in this life and in the next.

Uphold the commands of God and He will help you. When you ask for anything, ask it from God, and if you seek help, seek help from God. Know that if people were to unite to do you some benefit, they could benefit you only what God has recorded for you, and if they were to unite to do you some harm, they could harm you only with what God has recorded for you. The pens are withdrawn and the pages are dry.”

[1] When we are mindful of the fact that God has control over all things and that He ultimately wants us to live forever in Paradise, we can begin to leave our sadness and worry behind. God loves us, and wants what is best for us. God has given us clear guidance and He is the Most Merciful, and the Most Forgiving. If things do not go according to our plan, if we do not see the benefits of the challenges we face in life it can become very difficult not to despair and fall prey to stress and anxiety. At this point, we must learn to trust God. “If God helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in God (Alone) let believers put their trust.” (Quran 3:160) “Say: “He is my Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but He! In Him is my trust, and to Him will be my return with repentance.” (Quran 13:30) “And we shall certainly bear with patience all the hurt..., and in God (Alone) let those who trust, put their trust.” (Quran 14:12) As believers, our trust in God must be constant, in all situations, good, bad, easy, or difficult.

Whatever happens in this world happens by the permission of God. He provides sustenance and He is able to withdraw it. He is the master of life and death. God determines whether we are rich or poor and whether we are healthy or ill. We thank God for granting us the ability to strive and to go out and acquire that which is good for us. Whatever our circumstances may be we need to thank and praise God for them. If need be we must bear our difficulties with patience and above all we must love and trust God. When life becomes dark and difficult we must love God more; when we are overcome by sadness and worry we must trust God more.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 — 27

Health Beauty Wellbeing E.N.D HIV – What does it mean to me?

The best gift...

DEAR reader, it is with great joy is the beginning of wisdom. That we bring you the word of God. means we are to have a reverenAs we come to this Christmas tial honour and respect for Him season once again we are just as the wise men did. We are reminded of that great event over wise when we set everything else 2000 years ago when God came in life aside to seek Him. We are to this earth in the form of a Pastor Joseph Dass wise when we worship Him and baby. And an angel declared that give Him everything that we are. there is born this day a saviour, who is We are wise when we take time to honour Christ the Lord. He was named Jesus and Him. that to His kingdom there will be no end.

So let us take some time to thank God for Again Zacharias prophesied “Blessed is the the greatest gift of all to us mankind, His Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and Son Jesus who was born in a manger, redeemed His people.” preached simple truths with power and After the birth of Jesus, Matthew chapter 2 authority, healed the sick, set the captives tells us that wise men came from the east to free, loved and forgave everyone including bow before Him and worship Him. They sinners, outcasts and enemies, raised the went to great lengths just to get a glimpse dead, died for us and rose again on the third of the Child and travelled a long distance day. And He declared “Because I live you for many months, following the star. When will live also.” they saw Him they were exceedingly glad We at the Brisbane Multinational Church with great joy. They fell down and wor- wish to extend our best wishes and blessshipped Him. ings to everyone.

Scripture tells us that the fear of the Lord God bless you all, Ps Joseph Dass

Effects and implications of greeting WORLD over there are a variety of salutations practiced which may be based on culture, race, geography and so on, but the objective of salutation is always to greet someone. The purpose of a greeting could be to draw or show attention, to express relationship or love or to acknowledge someone. With so many ways and types of greeting, how could one know what effects could a greeting have spiritually? Or what could be the spiritual implications of greeting?

Ahead of trying to answer these questions we would like to throw some light on what we and our surroundings are made-up of. At a spiritual level, the universe or all creation consists of three unseen subtle basic components (Trigunas). These are namely Sattva, Raja and Tama. Sattva stands for spiritual purity/knowledge, Raja for action/passion and Tama for spiritual ignorance/inertia. Salutations and greetings can also spiritually be aligned to Trigunas as sattvik, rajasik or tamasik, respectively for Sattva, Raja and Tama predominance.

With the preceding points in mind, we can now shift focus to the spiritual appropriateness of a greeting: - Greetings that create more Raja-Tama vibrations are deemed harmful and those that create fewer such vibrations are sattvik or spiritually pure.

- When a greeting is performed with sattvik thoughts such as genuine love, affection and goodwill towards the other person there is increase in spiritual positivity.

- When there is a need to make physical contact like a handshake, a kiss or a hug, there is a very high probability of subtle energies flowing from one person to another. In that case, if a person affected by negative energies or if a possessed person makes a physical contact during a greeting, there could be a flow of subtle negative energy (black energy) from greeting person

to the greeted one.

Effects of greeting by specific types of people: A ‘possessed person’ who has his consciousness controlled by negative energies ends-up transmitting black energy when he comes into contact with an ‘affected person’ who is lesser impacted by negative energies. On the other hand, a ‘positive person’ who does regular spiritual practice and who is not affected by negative energies, extends a healing effect when he makes contact with a ‘possessed person’. A ‘Saint’ who is highly spiritually evolved, bestows even higher healing effect when he touches another person, regardless of what type he is.

Greeting types: Now let us look at different types of greetings like (a) Namaste or Namaskar (b) Bow (c) Handshake (d) Hug (e) Kiss.

‘Namaste’ is the greeting practiced in the Indian sub-continent. During Namaste we pay obeisance to the inner soul of another person and while doing so we avoid physical contact. This is a low risk, highly beneficial way of greeting, spiritually. Bowing comes next in terms of spiritual benefits and lesser risks. The other three types of greetings have no spiritual benefits at all but the risks range from medium to high in the order of handshake, hug and kiss.

To find out more on the pros and cons of these greetings we urge you to visit our article on ‘How to Greet’. We have also published subtle drawings generated by spiritually evolved people through advanced sixth sense called extra-sensory perception on various greeting types and their spiritual implications. These pictures will depict the subtle energy flow happening during the greetings and provide a deeper view of the concepts expressed in this article.

Compiled by: Mrs Shweta Clarke Email: shweta.memories@gmail.com

3 Questions Courtesy Jossy Thomman There are only 3 Questions.

What is Life? What is Death? What is Truth?

These questions put aside in a nice little box to open at the old age.

At the end the box accompanies the person to the grave.

It is never to be opened. We think we have the luxury of this thing called ‘time’.

We don’t understand how little time we have, until we run out of it.

When we start running out of it we consider what happens?

Nothing new happens. Just look at what we have been doing to ourselves, to our life. What have we gained? What meaning have we attained?

What significance have we experienced?

Unless we have asked more of these questions, we are not going to change.

Everybody is talking and no one is listening.

Why are we all superficial and casual?

Why can’t we stay still and observe what is going on in our minds.

Can we listen to an ordinary person without agreeing or disagreeing?

Can we watch and observe the constant movement of though without any interference?

Investigate; Explore; Experiment; Verify and truth will uncover all.

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

WORLD AIDS Day falls on 1 December each year and this year’s theme for Queensland is “E.N.D HIV”.

HIV has been a serious health issue around the world, including Australia. Currently there are 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Australia has a low HIV infection rate, but there were still around 25,708 people living with diagnosed HIV infection at the end of 2012. Last year, Australia experienced an approximate 10% increase of newly diagnosed HIV infections, which raised the alarm for the policy makers, health workers, researchers and ordinary Australians.

So how can we reduce HIV infections and ultimately end HIV? One of the most cost effective ways is through prevention, by increasing awareness and knowledge of HIV in public.

One big mistake for many is that we always think HIV is other people’s problem. In fact, HIV can infect everyone - man and women, young and old, poor and rich, gay and straight, migrants and Australians.

Sadly, some migrants can be either infected in their home country or can be infected in Australia, and they don’t know they are infected until it is very late. Late diagnosis of HIV is a major problem for migrants living in Australia.

It doesn’t matter where you go or live, the key for prevention is to practice safe sex and avoid blood because HIV can be transmitted through sex (oral, virginal and anal sex) and blood contact such as contaminated needles, syringes, unsterile medical and dental equipment as well as unsterile tattooing and body piercing tools.

There are lots of myths around how HIV is transmitted. These create fear, stigma and discrimination against people living with

HIV. For example, some people think food can transmit HIV therefore they don’t want to share food with HIV positive people. In fact, food doesn’t transmit HIV. HIV is an infection and AIDS is the late stage of the HIV infection. Due to an improvement of HIV treatments, nowdays fewer people develop AIDS. People with HIV on treatment can still live a healthy and long life. They also have a much lower chance of transmitting HIV to others. The research shows that if a positive person is on treatment with an undetectable viral load, the risk of HIV transmission to the person’s sexual partner can be reduced by 96%.

Although HIV treatment can greatly reduce transmission, it is still very important to prevent the infection in the first place because having an infection will have a negative impact on your life. Prevention is always better than cure. Using condoms to prevent sexually transmitted HIV is a simple and very effective way to protect ourselves and others.

If you think you are at risk or have been exposed to HIV, take responsibility by having a free and confidential HIV test at local Sexual Health Clinics and Family Planning Queensland. You can also see your GP. Many people who have been infected with HIV for a long time don’t show any symptoms. The only way to find out if you have a HIV infection is through a HIV test, so please take action by having a HIV test if you have any doubt at all.

If you need further information please go to • www.eccq.com.au/health • www.qwada.org.au • www.endhiv.qld.gov.au You can also contact us via email health@eccq.com.au.

Getting to Zero

Pictured above is AIDS support group with Peter on left.

IN OCTOBER our correspondent Pete Lane Rai visited two very different Indian Christian ministries that are serving with those living with HIV /AIDS. Even though most of the workers are Christians, there is no attempt to convert or proselytize clients.

One is a clinic with over 300 regular clients and 30 new HIV contacts attending each month. Most of the infections come via male – female sexual contact.

The clinic was alive with activity when Pete visited: there was a group counseling session, others received medication or had their weight and blood pressure checked, while those attending for the first time were being interviewed by staff. Pete knew the staff from his previous visits and they told him of many challenges they faced, which included a dropping away of financial donations, lack of support from Churches and of illiterate clients who could not read instructions of how and when to take their medication.

The other ministry was home based, where a married Christian couple, Ravi and Ran and their two sons, whom Pete has known for several years, are looking after three boys who have had one or both parents die of AIDS. Ravi and Rani support the boys from their own meager income.

Each month there is a support group meeting for the remaining parents, their boys, other family members and friends, to which Pete and his wife Dot were also invited.

The meeting was in Telugu so Pete and Dot

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only planned to say “hello” to the group and leave. But when they arrived, Ravi, who spoke good English, asked Pete if he could give a Bible talk. Pete obliged and for 15 minutes spoke from Psalm 18 which reveals the Lord God being a strong and high tower of protection for the needy.

Certainly those in India with HIV/AIDS need the care of a loving God. The challenge of HIV/AIDS is not confined to India, as perhaps many of us know those living with HIV or who have died of AIDS. Sunday 1st Dec was World AIDS Day and a moving commemorative service was held at St John’s Anglican Cathedral in Brisbane for those with HIV, or have died of AIDS. This drew around 100 people including our correspondent Pete Lane Rai. The theme was “Getting to Zero” and this referred to the goal of having zero new cases of HIV in Qld where, since 2012, there has been a 12% increase rate of new HIV infections. This is worrying. In commemoration to those who have died of AIDS, a white candle symbolizing love, a purple candle symbolizing remembrance, a blue candle symbolizing compassion and a red candle symbolizing hope, were lit.

Many community groups who have done a wonderful job helping those with HIV/AIDS were rightfully honored. Let us all take up the challenge in 2014 of “getting to zero”.

Pete Lane Rai Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Health Beauty Wellbeing Skin care straight from your garden

WHoA! Women’s Health of Australia request your participation in study

When these organs HEY GIRLS, as Summer are working and is approaching fast there healthy, wastes will are many garden remebe processed the dies right in your garden Nimisha Modi aged 18 to 23 as way they were Courtesy Kristen Smith that can be used to make the youngest of meant to be— yourself look more beau- Hetvi Hair & Beauty - 04 123 500 13 !"#$%&'()*+&, esearchers behind the original parthrough eliminatiful. an Australian longiticipants – through the skin.

1. Rose Petals / Gulab: tion—and not )-./01/2,3456, recruited in 1996 Chamomile is also a wonderful external tudinal study that has Most of us are probably – are now in their familiar with how often addition to your ! skincare regime, especially examined the health of than 40,000 thirties. roses are used in person- if your skin is sensitive, mature, or irritated more ! the elements. Apply cool women, are calling on “We are proud to al care products as rose and chapped by water, rose scented chamomile tea as a toner to the skin. Search young women from the Indian communi- say that many of our original participants lotions and, of course, out a chamomile hydrosol and spritz this on ty to help them improve access to vital continue to provide valuable information that has assisted government and other the skin heal from sun health services. perfume. Indeed, rose the skin. For helping Researchers behind an Australian longitudinal study that has examined the petals are a wonderful tonic for the skin. A or windburn, try adding a few drops of The Women’s Health of Australia (WHoA!) agencies to tailor health services to better study has embarked on a on campaign meet the needs oilof to more an ounce of jojohealth than 40,000 women, are calling young towomen from theof Australian women. cooled infusion (tea) of rose petals can be chamomile essential recruit 10,000 women aged 18 to 23 years “Continuing that legacy, particularly in the sparingly as needed.

This used as an eye or mouthwash, due to the ba oil. ApplyIndian community to help them improve access to vital health services. antiseptic characteristics of the rose. Add in herb’s ability to ease inflammation as well and is strongly encouraging those from the face of new and emerging conditions, is important for the future health of our nation. the anti-inflammatory qualities and you’ve as its ability to soothe the senses will calm Indian community to take part.

WHoA! spokesperson Associate Professor “Things The Women’s Health of Australia (WHoA!) study has embarked on ahave changed since 1996, young the body and the mind. got a wonderful toner for skin troubled by Deb Loxton said it was important women women today face challenges which are difTo cleanse combination skin), try brewing rashes, irritation, or acne. Just spritz it on campaign to recruit 10,000 women aged 18 to 23 years and is strongly chamomile tea. Blend this from all cultural backgrounds were well ferent to those of the teens of the nineties the skin after cleansing. For acne-prone a strong cup of encouraging those from the Indianincommunity to take part. and we need to take account of that so that represented the study. skin, mix a toner of one part rose infusion with one half cup of ground, whole grain “There could be differences in access to their future needs may be met.” oatmeal powder and one tablespoon of raw and one part aloe juice. Use this after health services and the health issues facing Women of all backgrounds aged 18 to 23 honey (honey WHoA! is a demulcent, which meansAssociate spokesperson Professor Loxton said ityears was important cleansing in the morning and evening. women dependent upon Deb their backgrounds,” who are interested in participating, are it pulls moisture to the skin; it also fights Rose is also a wonderful tonic for mature women from all cultural backgrounds were well represented in the study.

Associate Professor Loxton said. invited to register at whoalegs.com.au. and aging skin, due to its vitamin C content acne and protects against damaging rays “These differences need to be captured in The survey takes only 20 minutes, your from the sun and regenerates skin, protectand ability to rehydrate and soothe the skin. ensure the health needs of all answers will help ensure Australian radicals).

Place small orderintoaccess You can add a few drops of rose essential ing against free “There could be adifferences to are health servicesmet and women’s the health issues Australian women appropriately health policies and practices amount of this in your palms and massage oil to the moisturizers you already use, or facing women dependent upon their backgrounds,” Associate Professor into the future.” among the best in the world. blend an ounce of jojoba oil with 8 drops of into skin. Rinse with warm water. Store the The Women’s Health of Australia study has Those who take part will be eligible to win rest in the fridge–without preservatives, this Loxton said. rose essential oil. Smooth this on your face been running for 17 years. It is funded by one of 2000 pairs of leggings designed at night, or anytime the skin feels tight and cleanser won’t last long on the shelf. If the Federal Government Department of exclusively for WHoA! participants by parts of your skin feel tight after washing, dry.

“These differences need Health to be and captured order toaged ensure health includes in participants up to the Black Milk needs Clothing.of To cleanse dry skin, try the following: find try a little almond or jojoba oil massaged 92 years of age.

South Australian residents who register will into dry areas. all Australian women are appropriately met into the future.” rosewater or brew some rose petal tea (1tsp Finally, you can also apply chamomile Associate Professor Loxton said the current instead go into the draw to win one of 99 of herb per 6oz of water). Combine two externally as a paste to help heal burns, skin recruitment drive specifically targets women Visa gift cards valued at $50. tablespoons of rosewater or rose tea with The Women’s Health of Australia study has been running for 17 years. It is two tablespoons of raw honey and 1/2 cup ulcers, eczema. To use, grind dried flowers funded the add Federal and by pestle, some Government Department of Health and includes of almond oil. Massage a small amount into with a mortar of whole grain aged oatmealup until skin. Rinse well and pat dry. This cleanser water and a bitparticipants to 92 years of age. can be stored in your medicine cabinet, no you’ve reached a desirable consistency. need for refrigeration. If your skin still feels Keep the paste moist by covering the area Associate Professor Loxton said the current recruitment drive specifically towel. Allow the affectdry after cleansing, massage in a little more with a warm, damp ed area to rest for fifteen minutes or so, almond oil. targets women aged 18 to 23 as the youngest of the original participants – cool water until the paste is The antiseptic nature of rose also makes it then bathe in recruited QUEENSLANDERS are being encouraged activity habits to determine their personal in 1996 – are now in their thirties. a wonderful treatment for wounds, bruises, dissolved. Repeat as often as necessary— to get involved in the State’s new campaign health and fitness age. rashes, and incisions. To use, take a clean until comfort is achieved and the area has to tackle rising rates of obesity.

The campaign is just one part of the overall “We are proud to say thatThe many of our original participants to provide washcloth, dip into the warm or chilled tea healed.

Healthier.

Happier. campaign has made continue strategy to combat overweight and obesity Start using these natural skincare from (1tbs per cup of water, steeped 10 minutes), great impact so far, with more valuable information that ahas assisted government andthan other agencies to depending on the nature of the injury, and plants. However your body ridding itself of 115,000 visits to the campaign website in in this state; an issue which requires urgent action. natural toxins.

When you start using this tailor health services to better meet the needs of Australian women. place on the wound. For sore muscles, try just over three weeks, resulting in nearly Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young rubbing the area with a rose-infused oil. Try you might get some break-out but Allow a 70,000 people finding out their ‘health and the skin to adjust and it will describes obesity as the biggest public two parts oil to one part herb. Grind the dry few weeks for“Continuing that legacy, particularly in the face of new and emerging fitness’ age by evaluating their weight and health challenge of the century. petals and infuse them in the oil. Let this sit settle down. In the meantime, relish in the lifestyle habits. conditions, is important for the future health of our nation. idea that you are feeding your skin the food With obesity now the largest leading preat least two weeks in a dark spot, strain, and The campaign is attracting interstate and it needs. Go outside enjoy gardening. Feel use, warming the oil as you wish. ventable cause of premature death and disinternational attention, with more than the wind, sun and rain on your chemical2. Chamomile/babuna: in Queensland and a major contribu13,000 visits young from interstate residents “Things havefresh changed 1996, women todayand faceability challenges which free, toxin-released, beautiful, face. since The health of our liver is nearly 4,000 international visits from more tor to avoidable hospital admissions, it is reflected in the health of are different to those of the teens of the nineties and we need to to take time get account involved and do something to Wishing you all Merry Chritmas and Happy than one hundred countries. our skin. Chamomile is an combat this serious health and social issue. of that so that their future needs may be met.”

Health authorities have been encouraged by New Year. Be safe in sun and on road durherb you can use internally Find out your health and fitness age now at the number of people using the online tool ing this holiday. Nimisha of Hetvi Hair & to help tone the digestive http://healthier.qld.gov.au to assess their weight, nutrition and physical Beauty (0412 350 013) system, liver, and kidneys.

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Real Estate News

Seek clarity in the current echo chamber

Queensland unit sales climb

FIR ST

RE LE AS E

THE Queensland residential unit and townhouse market experienced a significant climb in sales over the September quarter, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).

The REIQ Queensland Market Monitor, released on Friday 6 December, found that the preliminary numbers of unit sales across the State grew by 14 per cent over the September quarter. The numbers of unit sales increased by 12 per cent compared to the same period last year.

REIQ CEO Anton Kardash said the growing numbers of unit and townhouse sales compared to the September quarter last year was particularly uplifting given the spike in demand during that period of time.

“During the September quarter last year, we experienced a significant jump in unit sales activity – up 40 per cent compared to the previous quarter - due to favourable stamp duty changes brought in by the State Government,” he said.

“To again record increased activity this year is a great sign that our unit market is heading in the right direction.

Although we are yet to experience significant price increases, no doubt that will happen over the next six to 12 months as the market strengthens even further.”

The majority of major regions across the State recorded steady quarterly median unit prices. However, there is always some volatility in quarterly median prices given the size of unit markets varies greatly across Queensland.

The top major region performer for median unit price growth over the September quarter was Cairns, which posted a 10 per cent increase to

$215,000.

“The Cairns unit market has struggled more than most over recent years so this result helps to partly address any price reductions it has experienced of late,” Mr Kardash said.

“The Brisbane market remained steady at $400,000 over the quarter but posted a 13 per cent increase in preliminary unit sales. It also saw a huge jump in the numbers of million-plus sales which is another signal that confidence has returned to the market.”

Across the State, the numbers of million-plus sales jumped 21 per cent over the quarter and increased 65 per cent over the year. In Brisbane, sales of million-plus units grew by 41 per cent over the quarter and 108 per cent over the year. This also can partly be attributed to the high number of new off-the-plan developments that are now being completed across our capital city.

While the median unit price on the Gold Coast reduced by 2.9 per cent over the quarter to $335,000, the numbers of preliminary unit sales increased 13 per cent over the quarter and 30 per cent over the year. There was also a jump in sales below $250,000 – up 28 per cent compared to the previous quarter which has contributed to the reduction in the quarterly median price.

On the Sunshine Coast, the median unit and townhouse price decreased 2.3 per cent to $320,000 but again the numbers of sales were up some 9 per cent over the quarter and 10 per cent over the year.

The region also experienced strengthening demand for units below $250,000 and units priced above $500,000.

It’s a fairly exciting time in property. After years of inactivity, many markets are beginning to roar back to life.

Developers are busy again, investors have come out of hiding and there’s an air of optimism. And nearly everyone has something to say about it.

BY SHANNON MOLLOY DEPENDING on who you listen to, Australian property is either extremely overvalued or just about right. Current price growth momentum in Sydney and Melbourne could be either unsustainable or simply making up for lost ground.

The economy is strong. Or weak. Or not doing a whole lot of anything. The mining boom is dead, it’s fine or it’s not doing a whole lot of anything.

Unemployment is tipped to rise, fall or not do a whole lot of… you get the picture.

As a result, the medium to long-term outlook for property investors is rosy, uncertain or comparable to the horrors witnessed at a booze-fueled teenage house party hosted by Miley Cyrus.

In short, commentary about housing and property investment has a tendency in to be about as clear as mud. Who do you believe?

The irony is, when things are pretty grim everyone tends to agree that they’re grim. When they’re looking good, there’s no consensus whatsoever.

Regardless of whether you’re

an investment newbie or a seasoned property mogul with an expansive portfolio, the echo chamber of property commentary can be confusing and overwhelming.

Some of them are good, a few are very good, but many are just loud.

They talk the economy, housing broadly and intricately, trends and data, industry happenings and what’s on the cards for the short to mediumterm. Some are bullish, some are bearish, all of them are influential in their ability to either embolden or frighten their audience.

One may scream loudly about how hotspots are crap while another will just attack other property commentators.

Another may champion a view that prices can only go up, while a second passionately argues the exact opposite and a third presents an argument that only seems to contradict itself.

Seeking clarity for yourself can be difficult. The key is to avoid being drowned out by the noise, find your quiet happy place and put things into perspective.

Rather than rely too strongly on the views of columnists, bloggers and the like, make a list of the following people: • A respected economist.

• An independent property expert.

• A well-versed demographer.

• A statistician.

Those people and their views aren’t especially difficult to

round up. Once you’ve found them, you’ll be able to answer some of the following questions: 1. What is Australia’s economy likely to do in the next couple of years?

2. What elements of economic performance impact housing and how are they looking?

3. How’s the population in a region/city changing and what’s the outlook for it?

4. Based on current supply trends and pipeline projects, is demand for housing likely to be met (both locally and on a larger scale)?

5. How are demographics shifting? How is housing responding?

6. What has the market done and what, based on basic supply and demand fundamentals, is it likely to do?

7. How do current growth patterns compare to recent history? Where are they tracking in relation to previous peaks?

Then, just for fun, take a closer look at some of those commentators. Do a Google search and find out what they were saying five, six, seven or eight years ago. I can tell you that then, like now, they enjoyed seeing their names appear in news stories. Compare what they said then to what actually happened.

That might be all the perspective you need.

Shannon Molloy is the deputy editor of Australian Property Investor magazine, www.apimagazine.com.au

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WHATÊS ON!

Brisbane Bhakti Yoga Centre – Sripad BV Madhava Maharaj will be visiting Brisbane from 11th December – 17th December 2013 – At Laxmi Narayan Temple, 46 Dayamar Street, Burbank. For more information please contact: Sundar Gopal – 0403 933 746 (email – bhaktibrisbane2010@gmail.com), Prakash Raniga – 3715 7570, Rajesh Gopal – 3427 7533 (A/H) ------------------------------------------Elevate Church – Open invitation to free Christmas lunch – 25 December – Come and celebrate Christmas with us. Plenty of food, lollies and a free gift for everyone.

Location: Grande Ave School, Cnr of Grand Ave & Centennial Way, Forest Lake. 10am to 11am – free Christmas lunch 11.30am. To register call: 0418 745 179, email: rajmavisforjesus@yahoo.com.au, www.elevatechurch.org ------------------------------------------Sikh Youth Australia – Discourses on SIKHI and GURBANI with VEER BHUPINDER SINGH – In Brisbane Thurs 26 December – KualaLumpur / Auckland / Brisbane / Sydney / Melbourne / Adelaide.

For further information and full dates please visit: www.sikhyouthaustralia.com ------------------------------------------Global Pravasi Sangamam – 29 December – at Hotel Air Link Castle, Airport Junction, Athani, Nedumbassery. Central and State Ministers, prominent political and cultural leaders will address the conference, stage show with dinner. Organised by Angamaly – Nedumbassery Sangamam, Australia. For more information email pravasiglobalsummit@gmail.com ------------------------------------------Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy Community Food program Christmas party – 29 December – 7pm at Jagera Arts Hall, 121 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane. Meal available for $5. A fundraiser for BASE community Food program. The program was established in May this year and is now active in providing food parcels to families across Brisbane every week. Show your support by coming along, it’ll be a great night!

------------------------------------------Sriselva Vinayagar Kovil (Ganesha Temple) Brisbane (South Maclean) Special announcement for the New Year – 1 January 2014 – The Sangusthabanam (Conch laying ceremony) for constructing new altar to Sri Iyappan, Mahalaksmi Sri Durka, Saraswathi Devi and Venkateswarar (Balaji) will be held on 1 January 2014. This is very auspicious day with New Year Celebrations. Program starts from 7.30am.

Sponsor Valampuri Sangu (right handed Conch) for $101. These special Conches will be placed under the new altar for the new deities. For further information and full list of program please contact Temple Priest on 07 5547 7302 or Ratnam Wimalachandran (President of HASQ) on 3279 3696 or 0411 594 394 ------------------------------------------Sikh Youth Australia – 16th Annual Summer Camp – 7th – 12th January 2014 – Sydney Academy of Sport, Wakehurst Parkway, Narrabeen (45mins from Sydney CBD), for more information please visit: www.sikhyouthaustralia.com ------------------------------------------Islamic Society of Queensland Inc. in Association with Queensland Government (Cultural Diversity Queensland) – Commemoration of the Birth of Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) –Eid-EMilaadun Nabi (SAW) Night – Saturday 18th January 2014 – at the Islamic College of Brisbane, Multipurpose Hall, 45 Acacia Road, Karawatha QLD from 4:30pm – 8:30pm. Highlights of the programme will be educational and interesting events presented by Imams. Key lectures on seerath of the Holy Prophet (SAW) in Urdu and English.

Contact – Haji Imam Ali: 0407 156 527, Haji Mahabub: 0407197768.

------------------------------------------Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir – First Birthday celebrations – 19 January – Everyone is cordially invited to please come, celebrate and join on this journey. Program 4pm-6pm at 86 Scott Lane, North Maclean.

Food will be provided, Bhajans / Kirtans / Garba and Hawan. For more information or to sponsor Hawan / donate please contact Dhiru Desai 0406 213 153 / Joga Rao 0448 599 791 or visit www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au ------------------------------------------Brisbane Malayalee Association – Multicultural Taste of the World Festival – 22 March 2014 – at Keong Park, Stafford. The festival features a range of activities showcasing Queensland’s cultural

Brisbane Indian Times proudly serving the Multicultural Community since 2003 - proudly sponsors What’s On section for community organisations / non profit organisatons!

DEC 13 / JAN 14 diversity including: Music and dance performances, food, family fun and meeting friends, community and government information stalls. For more information contact Manoj George (President) 0411 488 219, Biju Thomas (Secretary) 0424 258 261 or email brisbane.malayaleeassociation@gmail.com ------------------------------------------Gayatri Pariwar (Brisbane, Australia) presents for the first time in Brisbane ASHWAMEDH GAYATRI MAHA YAGNA Prayer for World Peace and Harmony 18, 19 & 20 April 2014 - in the presence of Shraddeya Dr Pranav Pandya and Shraddeya Shailbala Pandya, Head AWGP. 8.45am to 7pm at Mt. Gravatt Showgrounds, 1644 Logan Road, Mt Gravatt. Program includes cultural items, exhibition, interactive thought provoking seminars, yoga and meditation, 201 Kund Yagna. To participate in the 201 Kund Yagna or for further information contact Tirat Achal 0407 620 663 / Ashok Kumar 0411 698 972 / Salik Ram Sharma 3271 5407 or email brisbaneaswamedh2014@gmail.com ------------------------------------------IJIMP CD Launch – 14 June 2014 – The concert supported by BEMAC will be held at Queensland Multicultural Centre (QMC) Auditorium, 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point from 7.30pm. IJIMP comprises Ravikesh Singh (table) and Carl Rathus (shakuhachi) playing Indian-Japanese fusion music. The CD launch will be supported by local world musicians. RSVP Carl Rathus – c_rathus@hotmail.com or 07 3379 7859 or Ravikesh Singh – ravikesh@southborderrecords.com.au or 0403 822 165 ------------------------------------------The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association - Gold Coast Bhajan - monthly Bhajans held every third Friday of the month starting at 7.15am at the Helensvale Community Centre - 31 Discovery Rd, Helensvale.

Activities include Bhajan recitals, short educational presentations and free vegetarian dinner. All are cordially invited to attend. For further information please contact Director/Religious Activities, Mr S Barataraj on 0417 588 839 or gchcan@gmail.com or visit www.goldcoasthindu.org ------------------------------------------Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) Brisbane (South Maclean) – For full list of upcoming events please visit www.sriselvavinayakar.org ------------------------------------------Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir - Every Sunday - 4 to 6pm Bhajans, Kirtans, Prawachan by Pt Tripathi Ji followed by Maha Prasadam. 86 Scott Lane, North Mclean. www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au ------------------------------------------Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club Inc Every Sunday – Currently we have a few more spots available. To join the club or for further information please contact Sathish 0433 922 733, Bala 0450 927 578 or Rajarajan 0431 433 889. Visit www.brisbanesuperkings.com or email sathish@brisbanesuperkings.com

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 ------------------------------------------Chinmaya Mission Australia – Family programs every Sunday morning at Holland Park State High School from 10am11.45am. 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 ------------------------------------------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 709Lotus 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 ------------------------------------------Thaai Tamil School – Tamil Classes – Conducted weekly at 2 locations – 1.

Sunnybank State High School, Cnr Boorman & Turton Streets, Sunnybank. Saturday 2.30pm-5.30pm. 2. Centenary State High School, 1 Moolanda Street, Jindalee. Sunday 2.30pm-5.30pm. Contact 0423 730 122, thaaitamilschool@gmail.com or visit www.thaaitamilschool.com

Seminars - Public Talks / Courses / Retreats........

Harmony Place - Would you like to have a FREE Well-Being Program for your Multicultural Group? - To enjoy life and cope with its many challenges we all need to take care of our physical, mental and social health. Our Well-Being program provides people from the multicultural community with information and practical strategies they can take away and apply in their daily lives, as well as information about how to access services and resources when help is needed. This is a community service program and if FREE for participants. For more information contact Beatriz Martinez, Well-Being team leader 07 3848 1600 or email beatriz@harmonyplace.org.au ------------------------------------------Jigsaw - Diploma of Counselling Courses Diploma of Counselling is VET FEE funded, no upfront costs are involved. Courses delivered at Iceworks Building, Cnr of Dowse St and Given Tce, Paddington, Freshwater Point Resort and 33 TE Peters Drive, Broadbeach.

For more information contact di@jcg.edu.au or visit www.jigsawconsultinggroup.edu.au ------------------------------------------Al-Mustapha Institute of Brisbane - Ilme-Deen Courses, part-time available. For more information visit www.almustaphainstitute.org -------------------------------------------

34 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

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||Aum Bhur Bhuvah Swaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat|| Gayatri Pariwar (Brisbane, Australia) presents for the first time in Brisbane

Ashwamedh Gayatri Maha Yagna prayer for world peace and harmony (under the aegis of Shantikunj, Haridwar)

in the presence of Shraddeya Dr. Pranav Pandya and Shraddeya Shailbala Pandya, Head AWGP Dates (Easter weekend 2014)

Time 8.45am to 7.00pm

Friday April 18, 2014 Saturday April 19, 2014 Sunday April 20, 2014

Venue Mt. Gravatt Showgrounds 1644 Logan Road, Mt. Gravatt

Program includes Cultural items Exhibition Interactive thought provoking seminars Yoga and meditation 201 Kund Yagna

To participate in the 201 Kund Yagna or for further information contact Tirat Achal 0407 620 663 Ashok Kumar 0411 698 972 Salik Ram Sharma 3271 5407 Daya Sharma 0414 468 730

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 — 35

Bollywood & Entertainment As Sanjay Dutt gets parole Great going for Delhi: to tend to ill wife, Maanyata Vishal Dadlani spotted partying

SANJAY Dutt was granted a 30-day parole on 6 December after he moved an application citing his wife's illness and requesting that he needs to be at home to tend to her.

However, Maanyata Dutt was spotted attending two different film events in Mumbai on Thursday 5 December. She was present at actor Shahid Kapoor's special screening of his latest movie R....

Rajkumar at a studio in Juhu. She later attended Krishika Lulla's birthday party.

Republican Party of India (RPI) activists on Saturday 7 December staged protests outside the Yerawada Jail in Maharashtra against the release of the actor. Sanjay is currently lodged in the jail for his role in • Sanjay Dutt with wife Maanyata (AFP photo) the 1993 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai. ed of possessing illegal firearms in the Sanjay had earlier been granted a 14-day 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case. medical furlough at the beginning of Divisional commissioner Prabhakar October, which was extended further by Deshmukh confirmed the development on another 14 days on health grounds. He was Friday. "The parole application was receffectively at his Mumbai home all of ommended by an ACP in the Mumbai October and returned to the prison on Police and the jail superintendent of October 30.

Yerawada prison. Considering these recYogesh Desai, the jail superintendent of ommendations, I have approved Dutt's Yerawada Jail, said Dutt had submitted an parole for 30 days. The reason for seeking application for the present parole along leave was his wife's illness," he said. with his request for a medical furlough in Reacting to this development, advocate October.

Abha Singh said: "Old Zaibunissa Kazi The 53-year-old actor was sent to jail in and Sanjay Dutt went to jail together. Yet, May to serve the remaining 42 months of she has not been granted parole, but he his five-year sentence after being convict- (Dutt) has been granted parole repeatedly."

THE elections seem to have jolted everyone including Bollywood out of their slumber, and prominent activists from the film fraternity have hailed the Delhi poll results.

“The figures show that young people came out to support a movement they believe in! They came out against corruption. They came out against caste politics.

Delhi has reminded every Indian that the common man is the ultimate source of power, and unless politicians work for us, they won’t have a job,” says singer-composer Vishal Dadlani, an active Aam Aadmi Party supporter, who performed to urge the youth to vote.

He further commented that it has been a commendable response for a party which contested for the first time, and the results

signify a more for-the-people, by-the-people approach. “The times are changing ... that’s what the Delhi voters have voted for,” says Dadlani.

The music director thinks this is certainly going to change the future of politics and nation as a whole.

“People have realised that power is in their hands, and where they see corruption, the people will take the power back,” he says. Others in tinsel town seem to agree.

“Congratulations to the Indian voter for their belief in change,” echoes actor-filmmaker Anupam Kher, while auteur Shekhar Kapur says, “The youth are restless for change. Not just in the government but in their future. On the new government’s shoulders rests the heavy responsibility of change.”

HT

All award shows are rigged: Ajay Devgn ACTOR Ajay Devgn telling them that I’d has mastered the craft be there till the last of acting in parallel moment. I never cinema on the one turned up, but I got hand, and rolling out three awards,” he Rs. 100-crore masala laughs. films on the other.

Devgn also admitted And, he has also that he is a quiet permastered the art of son who doesn’t like avoiding film award to socialise much, but functions. enjoys his drink at The actor indulged home. He confessed everyone with some that he curbed his frank talk at the HT drinking 10 years Leadership Summit, back when his daugh2013, in a rivetting ter Nysa was born. session moderated by • In conversation with Vir Sanghvi at the HT However, smoking is Vir Sanghvi, saying, leadership Summit, Ajay Devgn said he count- something that he “I feel all awards in ed Zakhm and Bhagat Singh among his best “quits every night” India are rigged. You performances. He took the credit for being the and has not been able mainstream actor to dabble in parallel know how the busi- first to give up completely. cinema. ness operates, it’s a “Once, I had quit for money making 40 days, after that I thing.” On being prodded to explain, he was in the ICU. So I don’t try quitting anysaid, “They have to sell the function to the more,” he said during an interaction after TV channel, promising that big stars will the session. turn up. So, whichever star says they’ll come and perform, gets the award. I On a lighter note, asked if his own indulhaven’t been to an award function in 15 gences were alcohol and smokes, his witty years. Even Aamir (Khan) doesn’t go. retort: “What else, cocaine? No. My genThey are such a farce.” eration prefers alcohol over anything else.

He also confessed that he fooled the Coke is the next generation thing.” organisers of an award show once. “I kept HT

Movie Review by Anupama Chopra: R... Rajkumar Deol vs Deol: Sunny, R... Rajkumar Direction: Prabhu Dheva Actors: Shahid Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha Rating:*1/2

THESE days, I'm increasingly getting the feeling that the local multiplex is also doubling up as a time machine. You step in and are straight away transported to the 1980s, otherwise known as the worst decade of Hindi cinema.

Two weeks ago, it was Singh Saab the Great. And now it's R… Rajkumar. Though this film is better than that one, because at least director Prabhu Dheva and leading man Shahid Kapoor bring hard work and a degree of conviction to this grossly dated masala mix.

R… Rajkumar is ostensibly Prabhu Dheva's first non-remake Hindi film but you've seen it all before: a dialogue-spouting hero — his signature line is: "Silent hoja warna main violent ho jaunga"; assorted buffoonish villains; and a heroine, Chanda, played by Sonakshi Sinha, who gets tossed around between all of them.

Honestly, I try not to judge Hindi movies by how well or badly the female characters

are treated, because then I pretty much can't enjoy anything. But R… Rajkumar is cheerfully, boisterously regressive.

Rajkumar stalks Chanda. When she slaps him, he uses the opportunity to kiss her hand. He surreptitiously enters her bedroom and sees her change. And incredibly, he calls her lollipop. None of this makes her angry — instead, she falls in love with him.

The villain, who is also besotted with her, says, "Tum hamare bageeche ka sabse sundar phool ho" and insists on marrying her, even giving a detailed description of how he will squeeze her on their wedding night.

The story is both abysmal and exhaustingly loud because when the hero isn't doing pyar, pyar, pyar, he's indulging in maar, maar, maar and men — defying every law of physics — are flying in all directions.

Some of the songs are catchy and there are about two-and-a-half genuinely funny moments in the film. Early in the courtship, when Chanda taunts Rajkumar about his lack of height, he retorts: "Tera wajan dekha hai. Main bhi toh adjust kar raha hoon." But that really isn't enough to make you adjust to this bludgeoning movie. HT

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

Abhay to battle out at BO

COME February 7, 2014, and audiences will witness a clash between Sunny and Abhay Deol at the box office. Both Abhay’s production, One By Two, and Sunny Deol-starrer, Dishkiyaoon, are slated to hit cinema halls on the same day.

A couple of days back, producer Shilpa Shetty tweeted: “Finally Tweetos…proud to announce my debut production with Eros #Dishkiyaoon on 7th of Feb. Let the Action Begin (sic).”

When we contacted Shilpa and asked her about the clash of dates, she sounded surprised but not worried. “Sunny didn’t tell me anything about this. I discussed the release date with him before deciding on it. Anyway, why should I be worried? I am very excited and confident about this action film,” she says.

Trade experts also feel that even though the films are set to release on the same day, they have completely different audiences. “If you see the genres the films belong to or the kind of fans Abhay and Sunny have, you will realise there can be

www.indiantimes.com.au

• Singh Saab The Great.

no clash of audiences. A person who likes a film like Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), for example, will never go for a film like Dev.D (2009),” says exhibitor-distributor Akshaye Rathi.

While One By Two is a rom-com which will also star Abhay’s girlfriend, Preeti Desai, Dishkiyaoon is a heavy-duty action film. “I believe that while Sunny’s film will rule the roost in single screens, Abhay will win the race in the multiplexes,” adds Rathi.

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Bollywood & Entertainment Expect unexpected from Kareena Kapoor in Saif’s ‘Happy Ending’

DHOOM 3

KAREENA Kapoor’s cameo for “Happy Ending” will leave viewers surprised, says the actress’ star husband Saif Ali Khan, who plays the lead role in the movie.

“Happy Ending’ is a romantic comedy film.

She (Kareena Kapoor) has done a scene in the film, which is against (her) type. It’s something you guys must not have expected, you all will be surprised,” Saif told reporters.

Directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, “Happy Ending” also features actress Ileana D’Cruz.

Of his role in the film, Saif said: “There is a lot of talking in ‘Happy Ending’. Even that’s too difficult! You need control over that… I think I prefer different kind of roles and I must say I love my role in ‘Happy Ending’.”

Aamir Khan reveals his love for tall women

HE may not be very tall himself, but Aamir Khan revealed that he enjoys working with actresses who tower over him.

In “Dhoom 3″, Aamir will be seen romancing tall and beautiful Katrina Kaif.

“I love tall women and her (Katrina’s) heels didn’t come in the way,” Aamir told reporters at an event to announce Yash Raj Films’ association with Mattel to create D:3inspired limited-edition “Barbie Collector Dolls” based on his and Katrina in “Dhoom 3″.

Katrina said heels are not something that

one randomly decides to wear. “If it’s required you do it or else you don’t,” she added.

In terms of actresses getting their due in Bollywood, Katrina feels things are changing for good.

“I do see the change … the change is happening. Actresses are getting their due credit. A lot of womencentric films are being made,” she said.

Some of the forthcoming such films are “Dedh Ishqiya”, “Gulaab Gang” and “Mary Kom”.

DHOOM 3 is the third instalment of the wildly successful Dhoom franchise. Abishek Bachchan (son of legendary Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan) reprises his role as police inspector Jai Dixit, this time going head-to-head with the charismatic Aamir Khan as the villain.

Uday Chopra also returns at the loveable sidekick Ali with Katrina Kaif joining proceedings to round out the incredible cast.

Dhoom 3 is reportedly the most expensive Indian film of all time, taking its production abroad to be shot entirely in Chicago.

The film will also hold the distinction of having the widest release of any Indian film, including screenings at IMAX cinemas.

Make sure you check out Dhoom 3 in cinemas. It will be a truly epic experience!

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUDjA1e8VFM Song: Dhoom Machale Dhoom http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPcIxwXcYIE Song: Malang http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srMFb6zpx2Y

Kolkata film fest ends; Bipasha, Sushmita, Rani feted

BOLLYWOOD beauties Bipasha Basu (pictured), Sushmita Sen and Rani Mukherjee were among renowned actresses felicitated Sunday 17 November at the 19th Kolkata International Film Festival which came to an end with a celebration of women power.

Veteran actress Mousumi Chatterjee and leading Bengali film heroine Koel Mullick completed the list of “pancha kanya” (five daughters) feted by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the star-studded closing ceremony of the eight-day festival.

Before a packed Science City auditorium audience, Banerjee presented the actresses — all of whom either reside or have their roots in the state — with shawls and mementoes, and acknowledging their contribution to the tinsel world.

All five were moved.

Rani had nice words for Banerjee.

“She has transformed Bengal. Since she became the chief minister, Bengal has changed for the better. The ride from the airport to the Science City was great.

Mamata Banerjee is an inspiration to a lot of women,” Rani said.

“Mamatadi, by inviting us and allowing us to be a part of this festival, did a great ending,” said Mousumi.

Sushmita was thrilled.

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state,” she said.

“I am so happy today.

After all, I am a daughter of Bengal. What a joy to be present here to receive this wonderful honour. It’s a blessing to belong to such a country and state,” said Sushmita.

Bipasha said: “We all have dreams and if we keep believing in our dreams, we will succeed.”

Banerjee, on her part, asked the Bollywood personalities not to snap their ties with Bengal.

“Don’t forget Bengal.

We have to restore the golden glory of the

She also invited to the dais parents of Rani and felicitated them.

Octogerian Bengali singer Dwijen Mukhopadhyay and yesteryears romantic hero Biswajit were also feted.

The chief minister said the festival, during which 189 films from 66 countries were screened, would turn competitive from next year.

The Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (Netpack) award was won by Bangladeshi director Mustafa Sarwar Farooqi’s feature film “Television”.

The closing function also saw the unveiling of the festival’s permanent logo created

by Tapan Barik.

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 — 37

Sports News Ned Flanders CC suffer rare defeat Final Draw reveals intriguing groups

Matt Young

SINCE February 2011, the proud Ned Flanders Cricket Club has boasted an amazing record. The team has not tasted the bitter taste of defeat during this incredible period of success, but all winning streaks eventually end, and sadly this is now the case for the Neddies.

In early November, the proud men in maroon took on the St Paul’s Terminators and easily dispatched the relative new boys quite comfortably. Led by the in- form pace man, Ben Field, the Flanders bowlers had a field day. Benny grabbed 4 for just 10 and he was very nobly assisted by Adam ‘Harry’ Harris who bagged a couple of poles. Jon Pearce chimed in with his usual steady spell of off spin, taking an important wicket and after some gentle nudging from my enthusiastic teammates, I decided to have a bowl myself and even claimed my first wicket for about four seasons. Stalwart Mick Menagh took a pair of important catches at point and soon the Neddies’ openers were heading out to start the modest run chase of just 105. After some early hiccoughs which saw the top order struggling feebly at 3 for 10, Brendan Dillon and Damian Cagney steadied the ship and took the team to safety. Dillon’s 67 not out was a welcome return to form after he had scored just 8 runs the previous week. In doing so, he claimed an auspicious honor by racking up his 5000th run for the club.

This stands as the club record by a fair margin. The following week, he also climbed to the peak of 150 career wickets.

Our next match saw us pitted against last season’s surprise packet, Wynnum Baptists. This match was a special one for the Neddies, as club icon Steve Derksen would be leaving the following day to head to Oxford with his lovely new bride, Anja. His one year sabbatical will see him leave a massive hole in the side but all of the boys were determined to see him out in glorious fashion. Wynnum had first use of the pitch and the Neddies team was inspired by some ferocious fast bowling from Benny Field and Harris. Field bowled just 4 overs but destroyed the batting line up to the tune of 5 for 6. Harris chipped in with 3 for 31 and the Baptist boys disintegrated for a trifling 38. Just 4.2 overs later the opening batsmen, Cagney and Ryan Hocking were back in the sheds and a 10 wicket shellacking was a special way to celebrate the stellar career of Stevie Derksen. The only tragedy was that Stevie didn’t get the chance to bat or bowl.

Redlands XI provided a tough challenge during last season’s all conquering undefeated season for the Flanders men. The match this summer proved to be an even sterner

• Little Andy Young runs a drink out to Flanders star Brendan Dillon.

task. The Redlands openers sprang out of the blocks and inflicted some serious carnage on the opening attack. The opening stand of 121 was a solid foundation for the Redlands lads and although some inspiration was gleaned from the brilliant fielding of Leo Yin, the Flanders were left with the tough task of chasing 243 for victory in 35 overs. Young left arm speed merchant, Jayram Vasudevan led the team off with the brilliant figures of 4 for 27 but all of the other bowlers suffered some savage punishment. The challenge seemed even more distant when a steady stream of wickets fell. Yin top scored with a superb 44 and young ‘keeper Cam Prosser (27) tried hard at the end of the innings but the Flanders boys pulled up 59 runs short of victory. From a personal point of view, I was a trifle disappointed as this match marked my own 200th game. Just as Sachin didn’t quite grab that elusive century in his 200th game, neither did I but at least India sent him out a winner.

One small consolation was that I had the honor of playing my own 200th match in the same week as ‘The Little Master’.

After the pain of defeat, the Neddies reset the compass for victory the following week and crushed St Paul’s Scorpions. Vasudevan, Pearce, Harris and Menagh all bowled superbly to restrict St Paul’s to just 103, before Darryl Stephenson peeled off his first half century for the team and the Flanders cruised home in a canter by 8 wickets.

So as late December approaches and the Grand Final date of 21st December looms large, the Flanders are topping the ladder and are well placed to claim their seventh straight State Shield trophy.

The Ned Flanders Cricket Club would like to wish Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our wonderful supporters in the Indian community. Let’s hope the New Year brings the Neddies another title and the Ashes back home.

BSK Inter Community T20 Cricket Tournament 2013

By Sathish Rajendran I WOULD like to thank everyone for making the “Inaugural BSK Inter Community T20 Cricket Tournament 2013” a great success. It was quite a rough journey, but we as a team made it through the very end, with flying colours.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer my gratitude and appreciation to the following people; All our generous sponsors, every player in BSK, all the teams who participated in the tournament, Wolston Park Centenary Cricket club, our community who involved themselves in this tournament,The Indian Community

leaders, the special guests, the volunteers, umpires, scorers and groundsmen, the commentary team, Media, Families and friends of BSK players for your ongoing support, Suppliers and IT team, MC team, Photographers, BSK committee members and all else who helped to organise such a huge tournament.

Due to staggering number of people involved, it is inevitable that I will have forgotten someone, and you have my apologies and thanks all the same.

We have also started the BSK Season 2013/2014 (visit http://www.brisabensuperkings.com/ or call me for more details), yes really!!!, we are all over

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

it) You can view photos from BSK 2013 Tournament at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ehq3w2 zm4iexrlw/KicgzgJbF0 Once again last but not the least big thanks to all the cricket lovers in Brisbane for making this a grand event, I hope we have entertained you.

Please give us your compliments and feedback via email if possible.

THANKS in advance.

Sathish Rajendran M- 0433 922 733 E - sathish@brisbanesuperkings.com W- www.brisbanesuperkings.com www.indiantimes.com.au

SPAIN, the Netherlands, Chile and Australia will make up the proverbial ‘group of death’ at the 20th FIFA World Cup™, while Uruguay, Italy, England and Costa Rica will comprise another intriguing pool.

Germany, Ghana, USA and Portugal will make up Group G, while hosts Brazil have Croatia Mexico and Cameroon for company in Group A, Colombia, Greece, Côte d'Ivoire and Japan, along with Switzerland, Ecuador, Honduras and France, appear to be in wide-open sections.

The Final Draw took place at the luxurious Costa do Sauípe in Salvador. It was conducted by FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke, assisted by Cafu, Fabio Cannavaro, Alcides Ghiggia, Fernando Hierro, Sir Geoff Hurst, Mario Kempes, Lothar Matthaus and Zinedine Zidane, who were representing the eight World Cup winners.

Brazil and Croatia will participate in the opening match at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo on 12 June 2014.

Germany, meanwhile, will become the first team to reach 100 World Cup matches when they face Portugal five days later.

The Final will unfold at the cathedral of Brazilian football, the iconic Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, on 13 July.

Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia Group C: Colombia, Greece, Côte d’Ivoire, Japan Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras Group F: Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea Republic

Contrasting draw for Asian sides Australia put a brave face on being plunged into a FIFA World Cup™ "group of death" Saturday as Asian rivals Japan, Korea Republic and Iran welcomed easier assignments in Brazil.

The Socceroos, the World Cup's lowest-ranked side at 59, insisted they could pull off some surprises after being drawn with holders Spain, Netherlands and Chile in Group B. Asian champions Japan drew Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire and Greece in Group C, while Korea Republic drew Russia, Belgium and Algeria in Group H. Iran are bracketed with Argentina, BosniaHerzegovina and Nigeria in Group F. Australia coach Ange Postecoglou admitted his team would be the underdogs in Group B, but hoped they would seize their chance to write some positive headlines next year.

"Everyone will be writing us off in this group, which is I think is logical," Postecoglou told Australian broadcaster SBS at the draw ceremony in Salvador de Bahia.

"But from our perspective we've some great opportunities to show the world we can play some good football against the best nations in the world.

"Our group looks the most difficult group but I hope it's the group that plays the best football and we'll play our part in that. We've got a chance to make some head-

lines when the World Cup comes around."

Japan boss Alberto Zaccheroni admitted he was glad to have avoided Europe's heavyweights in Group C. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the knock-out stages.

"We could have had a tougher draw, and we could have an easier one," Zaccheroni said, according to Kyodo news agency.

"We've got one of the strongest South American teams (Colombia) who are also one of the favourites for the tournament, and probably the best African side in the field (Côte d’Ivoire)."

"On the other hand, we didn't draw a big European team so maybe it balances out. But we're not underestimating Greece by any stretch of the imagination; they played really well against Romania recently."

Iran pleased, Korea challenged Iran's coach Carlos Queiroz was glad just to have reached the final draw after a tortuous qualifying campaign which went down to the wire.

"For us, qualification was hell, so being in this group now is like heaven," said the former Manchester United assistant.

Australia start their campaign against Chile on 13 June, Japan are in action the following day against Côte d’Ivoire and Iran play Nigeria on 16 June. Korea Republic get underway against Russia on 17 June.

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Sports News South Africa name unchanged squad for India Tests

I'm responsible for poor results, says David Moyes LONDON: David Moyes said Manchester United's players are hurting after consecutive Premier League defeats at Old Trafford but he was "responsible" for the club's poor start to the season.

United languish in ninth place in the Premier League following 1-0 losses to Everton and Newcastle United in the space of four days and have made their worst start to a domestic season for 12 years.

Despite having already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, Moyes will find himself under intense scrutiny when United host Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday needing a point to guarantee top spot in Group A. "The players are hurting because they are used to winning," the United manager told a news conference on Monday 9 December.

"When we don't win that hurts. The expectancy is to win all the games. They'll

respond in the right way.

"I take complete responsibility for the results.

"Fortunately they have been good in the Champions League but not so good in the Premier League and I will take responsibility for them as well.

"We've lacked a bit of good fortune which could have made all the difference."

United's 5-0 defeat of Bayer Leverkusen two weeks ago sealed their progress from Group A but Shakhtar can join them with a victory at Old Trafford.

Moyes has injury concerns over defenders Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Chris Smalling although Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa could be available after needing to have his stomach pumped because of illness after the defeat by Everton.

TOI

Whincup joins V8 greats with fifth title HE was told he'd end up "looking really ordinary" if he teamed up with Craig Lowndes at Triple Eight Racing eight years ago.

Now Jamie Whincup finds himself among V8 Supercars' all-time greats with a recordtying five championships.

"The number's massive, I must admit," the Holden star said after clinching the 2013 crown with a podium finish in the season's final race in Sydney on Sunday 8 December.

Whincup joins the late Ian Geoghegan, Dick Johnson and Mark Skaife as the only fivetime title winners in Australian touring car history.

He also becomes the first driver to win three championships in a row since Skaife did in 2002.

From the outside it seemed an easy task to complete for the 30-year-old, who held a 20-point lead over Lowndes heading into last event of the year.

He stamped his mark early by topping the

timesheets in practice, before securing pole position and winning his first race at the brutal Sydney Olympic Park circuit.

The victory extended his standings lead to 110 points and knocked out two of three championship rivals in the process.

Just over 131,000 people attended the Sydney 500 over the three days.

Source: Ninemsn

CAPE TOWN: South Africa have retained the same 15-man squad that saved the series with Pakistan in October for their two home Tests against India later this month.

The squad will again be led by captain Graeme Smith, with the backup wicketkeeper position going to Thami Tsolekile ahead of the 20-year-old Quinton de Kock, who hit consecutive centuries against India in the ongoing one-day international series.

South Africa lost the first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi but came back strongly to win the second match by an innings and 92 runs to square the series 1-1 in Dubai in October.

"We were very happy with the performance

of the Proteas in the second Test match at Dubai and we see no need to change something that is operating well," selection convener Andrew Hudson said in a statement on Monday 9 December.

The first Test against India will be played at The Wanderers in Johannesburg from Dec. 18-22 and the second at Kingsmead in Durban from Dec. 26-30.

Squad: Graeme Smith (captain), AB de Villiers (vice-captain), Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Imran Tahir, Jacques Kallis, Rory Kleinveldt, Morne Morkel, Alviro Petersen, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Thami Tsolekile.

Sahara cries foul as its bid is thrown out over technicality MUMBAI: The 12-year marriage between Sahara and the Indian cricket board has been on the rocks for over six months now; it finally ended on Monday 9 December, on an acrimonious note, after the BCCI rendered the troubled corporate ineligible to bid for the Indian cricket team's sponsorship rights.

Citing its ongoing dispute with Sahara, the potential litigation and past defaults in payment as the reasons, the BCCI refused to accept Sahara's bid. That meant Star India Pvt Ltd - the only other bidder in the fray won the rights to sponsor the Indian team without any competition.

Sahara is crying foul over the way the BCCI carried out the entire bidding process and accused it of favouring Star India Pvt Ltd. "They (BCCI) simply wanted to ridicule us and give it to Star. They have not only devalued the deal but have done it by cheating us. They themselves are saying we've never defaulted on any team sponsorship payment and there is no dispute, then how did they find us ineligible?" Sahara spokesperson Abhijit Sarkar said.

Sahara had bought the tender document from the BCCI for Rs 2 lakh on Saturday at around 2pm. Their representatives arrived in Chennai to bid for the rights.

After submitting their bid just before the 3 pm deadline, along with Star, BCCI officials requested the officials of both bidders to step out so that the technicality of the bids could be ascertained.

The board officials studied the technical bid first and when both parties were called inside, Sahara was told - in the presence of BCCI president N Srinivasan - that its bid was ineligible.

Sahara demanded to know why it was allowed to buy the tender document in the first place if the board had already decided to declare them ineligible.

To this, a BCCI official countered that just because somebody buys an admission form for a school he or she is not guaranteed admission. He said that thorough background checks are necessary.

The former team sponsor further argued that despite 'commercial' disputes following the termination of its IPL franchise, it had continue to pay the board as team sponsor (for one series), with Team India sporting its logo in the series against West Indies and even against South Africa in the ongoing series.

To this, a senior BCCI lawyer stated that just though Sahara had defaulted in making its IPL payments, the team sponsorship agreement would run its course till December 31 as all payments had been made.

Senior BCCI lawyer PS Raman also told TOI that the "tender document clearly states that if a party is a known defaulter or involved in litigations with the board, it will be ineligible".

!

CELEBRATING 10-YEARS OF FIJI SOCCER IN BRISBANE CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF THE GIRMITYAS CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

QFFA 2013

! ! !"#$%&$'"()*%'(%*+,,"$-% ! "#$%&$'"()*%'(%*+,,"$-% ! ./% ./%'*%0'/1%'22"(*"%34"#*5$"%/1#/%0"%'(6'/"%7+5%/+%+5$%!"#$"%&'())*#&+(,#-.$*-%%/+%8"%34#7")%9$+2%:; '*%0'/1%'22"(*"%34"#*5$"%/1#/%0"%'(6'/"%7+5%/+%+5$%!"#$"%&'())*#&+(,#-.$*-%%/+%8"%34#7")%9$+2%:;*/%%/+% /+% :</1%%&"8$5#$7%:=;>%'(%?$'*8#("-%@5*/$#4'#A% &"8$5#$7%:=;>%'(%?$'*8#("-%@5*/$#4'#A%

• BA winner of QCUP 2013.

• Fiji Football president (right) with QFFA president (left) during Pacific cup 2013.

The details are as follows: Event: Date: Prize Money: Referees: Number of Teams: Pools Preliminary Rounds Quarter Finals

Girmit Soccer Tournament 21st – 24th February 2013 $8000 pool money – Winner $6000.00AUD Football Brisbane Referees – qualified 11 3 POOLS - A & B –with 4 Teams & POOL C with 3 Teams 50-minute games 50 minutes. 2x5 minutes Extra Time. Penalty Shoot out will commence if no result after 50 Minutes of normal playtime Semi Final & Final 60 Minutes. 10x2 minutes Extra Time. Penalty Shoot out if no • Nadi Champions QFACT, QBOG, 2013 Time. resultQIDC after Extra • Pacfic Cup team 2013.

Venue Thursday 21st – Acacia Ridge Soccer Club – Mortimer Road, Acacia Ridge – FREE ENTRY Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th – Olympic Soccer Ground, Cansdale Street – Yeronga - $5.00 Adults Only – Children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•??$'*8#("A% Nadroga runners up QFACT. • Labasa QIDC finalist 2013.

• Suva runners up QBOG and QCUP. $'*8#("A% % Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102 www.indiantimes.com.au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

• Girmit 2013.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013 — 39

40 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2013

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Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102