Bit Dec 14 issue by Australian Indian Times

Indian Times

Brisbane

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times

As God is One, we respect all Religions

Print Post Approved PP:424022 1724

Volume 12, Number 3 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Telephone: (07) 3865 6533 Fax: (07) 3865 5864 E-mail prod@indiantimes.com.au

Final farewell to Phillip Hughes

â&#x20AC;˘ Article page 46.

PHILLIP HUGHES 1988-2014

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Inside

EDITOR:

• Health & Well Being................32-35 • Astrology...........................................36 • Real Estate................................37-39 • Business Directory.......................40-41 • Classifieds..........................................42 • What’s On................................42-43 • Bollywood & Entertainment...44-45 • Sport..........................................46-47

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

2 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

BIT office will be closed over the Christmas period and will re-open on 5 January. Email prod@indiantimes.com.au

Indian Times

Trudi Tarres

• Local News.................................5-23 • Who, What, Where, When...26 & 28

ADVERT BOOKING 5 January 2015 Editorial / Photo Submissions 6 January 2015

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orderly manner everyone would have had the chance of meeting him. High Commissioner his Excellency Biren Nanda was quite disturbed by this unruly behaviour Then came the historic address By Modi Ji in the All Phones area, twenty thousand plus people cheering their Prime Minister. The atmosphere was electric, it was like being at a rock concert with Modi ji as the “Rock Star”, his speech received applaud after applaud, the organisers had a tough task but they really did a wonderful job of handling the mega function. The biggest and single complaint had been the invites and the handling of the invitees, large and small organisations received similar quotas for attendees. Over for a newly formed association the task was handled quite professionally. The organising body was “Indian Australian Community Foundation” under the leadership of president, Prof Nihal Agar. I am pleased that Cultural Diversity Queensland has increased funding for Indian Festivals throughout Queensland. They have placed a special focus on regional areas and are keen to see the regional areas being developed culturally. Last year I was pleased to work with the department in mentoring Adani Cultural fest committee in Townsville, and what a great success the inaugural event was. The attendance exceeded the expectation three fold. Queensland Indian community is grateful to Minister Glen Elmes for recognising the important role that the Indian community plays in promoting cultural diversity through sports and festivals. GOPIO Qld’s India Day Fair has been recognised as an iconic festival both by Brisbane City Council and Cultural Diversity Queensland. For those you who may be interested the annual PBD in India will be held in Gujarat from 7th till 9th January and Vibrant Gujarat will be held from 11th till 13th January 2015. GOPIO International is planning a conference and meeting either on 6th or 10th of January. I must pen off now, please read the related full articles on the topics I touched on. I would once again like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year and please remain safe and take extra care on the roads, remember the designated driver is not one who had the least to drink but one who has had nothing to drink, Happy and safe holidays. Until next Month Happy reading Umesh Chandra

BIT JANUARY 2015 DEADLINES

Brisbane

Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh & Usha Chandra

• Letters to the Editor.......................2 • Migration Matters...........................4

WE have all heard the saying that, don’t worry soon it will be Christmas, and guess what? It is Christmas, just seems to come around very quickly every year. The festive season poses many challenges like the shopping, gifts for ever one, holiday planning, guests coming over, getting fit for the beach, keeping safe on the roads and many more, but it is supposed to be a fun time, how much fun do we really have? Enjoyment is a really personal matter and depends on the individual; no one can make you happy, as happiness comes from within. Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. November has been a very eventful month with the G20 and Indian Prime Ministers visit. Finding ourselves living virtually next to American President Obama was thrilling and challenging, we saw all the security barriers going up, we witnessed the police sealing off the tops of all man hole covers around our neighbourhood, they had security seal over all of the man hole covers and police regularly took stock of these. We had to allow extra travelling time, getting in and out of our building we had to pass through security. I got locked out of the building on Sunday, I drove out to go to the radio station but could not get back in as Mr President was due to leave, so I had to drive back to the radio station park my car there and catch a ferry back to our building. I was on the Gandhi statue committee and what a great achievement for Queensland Indian community, getting Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji to unveil the statue. I have received several complaints about the handling of the invites, I can understand everyone’s frustration but many things were out of the committees control and we were guided by the tough security requirement and protocol norms. At the reception in city hall Narendra Modi Ji spoke very well and he won the hearts of all present, he was very bold to come in the crowd to hopefully meet everyone, but what did we do, we all stormed on him and he had to be escorted out by his security guards who had to form a human ring around him. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a VIP reception in Sydney, this was organised by Indian High Commission, we all had to pass through security to get to the grand ballroom, the hospitality was great and networking was great but Modi Jis meeting with the invited guests was total disarray. People shoved and pushed, my good friend Harry Walia lost his turban in the tussle; it was a battle with everyone armed with their mobile phones taking selfies. It was quite unfortunate for many who travelled from interstate to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, if the meet was organised in an

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Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager. Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times. Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply/approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers responsibility. While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned. All correspondence should be addressed to: Brisbane Indian Times, PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018. PH: (07) 3865 6533 Fax: 3865 5864 prod@indiantimes.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 — 3

Migration Updates.... Alternative English Language tests for visa applicants FROM 23 November 2014, the department will accept English language test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) and the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) across the Temporary Graduate, Skilled, Former Resident, and Work and Holiday visa programmes. Scores from the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test will also be accepted from a test taken on or after 1 January 2015 (to coincide with the launch of Cambridge English Language Assessment's new reporting system). These tests are alternatives to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Occupational English Test (OET), and have been accepted in the Student visa programme since 2011. Student visa applicants can continue to provide scores from the IELTS, OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) tests. Applicants for the following visa subclasses can provide scores from a TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic test from 23 November 2014, or from a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test taken on or after 1 January 2015: • Distinguished Talent (Australian support) (subclass 124) • Business Talent (subclass 132) • Former Resident (subclass 151) • Business Owner (provisional) (subclass 160)* • Senior Executive (provisional) (subclass 161)* • Investor (provisional) (subclass 162)* • State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (provisional) (subclass 163)* • State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (provisional) (subclass 164)* • State/Territory Sponsored Investor (provisional) (subclass 165)* • Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

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186) • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) • Business Innovation & Investment (provisional) (subclass 188) • Skilled – Independent (subclass 189) • Skilled – Nominated (subclass 190) • Work and Holiday (temporary) (subclass 462) • Skilled – Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) • Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) • Skilled – Regional (provisional) (subclass 489) • Distinguished Talent (subclass 858) • Skilled – Regional (subclass 887) • Business Innovation & Investment (permanent) (subclass 888) • Business Owner (Residence) (subclass 890) • Investor (Residence) (subclass 891) • State/Territory Sponsored Business owner (Residence) (subclass 892) • State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Residence) (subclass 893) *Closed to new applications, but family members can apply. No. The government has yet to release its response to the findings of an independent review of the subclass 457 visa programme. Yes. EOIs lodged through SkillSelect can provide scores from TOEFL iBT and Pearson from 23 November 2014, and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) scores from a test taken on or after 1 January 2015. This article is intended to provide general information on migration issues and does not constitute migration advice, and no responsibility is accepted by Ajit K Shahi or Naam Migration Australia for the accuracy of material appearing in Brisbane Indian Times. Ajit K Shahi MARN: 1174452

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Give your 4 year old the best start in life. Enrol them in kindy today! Early learning is a building block to a better future. Find your nearest Queensland Government-approved kindergarten program – where they can learn, while making friends. Kindy Support offers low or no cost kindy. Find out if you’re eligible.

Call 1800 4 KINDY (1800 454 639) or visit www.qld.gov.au/kindy For more information in a language other than English, call 1800 4 KINDY and ask for an interpreter.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 — 5

“QPS hosts 81 Superintendents from India” FOR a week in October, the Queensland Police hosted 81 Superintendents from India as part of their 6 week Mid-Career Training Programme (MCTP). The MCTP qualifies them to be promoted to Deputy Inspector-General. They spent 4 weeks at the National Police Academy (NPA) in Hyderabad, India followed by a week with the QPS with their final week being hosted by New South Wales Police and the Australian Federal Police in Sydney and Canberra. The programme is a partnership between Charles Sturt University (CSU), the NPA and the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. This partnership also includes Australian Policing Jurisdictions who assist with hosting the Superintendents and providing a Visiting Fellow during the four weeks in Hyderabad. Chief Superintendent Brian Codd, Ethical Standards Command was the inaugural QPS visiting fellow. This was a wonderful opportunity for the QPS for mutual learning, building networks with senior Indian Police and showcasing our Service. The 81 Superintendents were from all over India and had a wide variety of experience and job functions. Many were in charge of Districts/Divisions with at least 7,000 police and populations of more than 4 million. Some of the police were heavily involved in policing insurgencies and counter-terrorist work. Education and Training, Queensland Police Service Academy coordinated the ‘Contemporary Leadership in Policing Queensland’ study tour. The week involved a number of presentations, site visits and demonstrations across a range of policing and other public safety functions. They visited the Water Police and Port of Brisbane; the Queensland Police Academy; The Gabba cricket ground; Toowoomba Police; The Queensland Fire & Rescue Service (QFES) Academy; and QPS Police Headquarters. Presentations and demonstrations included

maritime search and rescue operations; customs and border protection; Education and Training; Use of Force and firearm and operational skills; Incident Command; Special Emergency Response Team; Major and sporting event policing; regional and rural policing; disaster management; community policing; criminal gangs; traffic management and enforcement; bushfires and working with the QFES; G20 planning and operations; Police Communications; Forensic Intelligence; Cyber Crime; Child Safety and on-line investigations; and Evidence Based Policing. The QPS study tour was officially opened by Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski who spoke about contemporary policing issues and recent police and government changes. One of the highlights of the week was the presentation and tour of the famous Gabba Cricket ground followed by the formal dinner hosted by Commissioner Ian Stewart. Commissioner Stewart said that night, “This is a great opportunity for mutual learning and collaboration. Whilst it is acknowledged that our two countries and police organisations are quite different in some aspects, there are several commonali-

6 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

ties which serve as a foundation for building closer cooperation”. The Honorary Consul General of India, Brisbane, Mrs Archana Singh was a special guest. Guest speaker for this function was legendary former Australian wicketkeeper, cricket commentator and businessman, Ian Healy. The passion for and the knowledge of cricket in India was clearly evident that night. One of the Indian Superintendents

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even corrected Ian Healy on a particular statistic. The Commissioner also attended the close at Police Headquarters. Many members of the local Brisbane Indian Community also attended the closing of the tour. This was a great opportunity to engage with such a significant community group. A number of Police Liaison Officers were also present. The six week programme concluded in Canberra the following week. Senior members of many Australian police jurisdictions attended. Chancellor Lawrie Willitt, Charles Sturt University and the Indian High Commissioner, Mr Biren Nanda were other official guests. Dr Nikhill Gupta, Deputy Director of NPA, in his closing address, and on behalf of the Indian Police Service expressed his deep gratitude to the QPS for their excellent study tour. He made particular mention of Commissioner Stewart personally being involved in the tour. He said, “The QPS visit was a wonderful experience. They were so welcoming and we particularly enjoyed learning about community engagement, procedural justice, use of force; evidence based policing; and police use of technology”. Other jurisdictions also commented on how the QPS had set the bar high with hosting the first study tour and passed on a number of positive comments about the QPS. This was the first of six programmes with two to be delivered each year until 2017. The QPS will alternate with Victoria Police in hosting the Superintendents for a week. Inspector Jason Saunders, Manager, Professional Development Unit, QPS Academy said, “It was a challenging task with so many Police to host. It was made so much easier through the commitment and support shown by so many areas of the QPS and other partner agencies. It was a tremendous effort that showcased the QPS and Queensland in such a professional light. These sort of programmes is what contemporary global policing is about. They offer so much for both organisations”.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 7

Sri Lanka announce preliminary 30 man squad

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Angelo Mathews-led squad includes nine players from 2011 World Cup and some new faces SRI Lanka, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup finalists, has named its preliminary 30member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Captained by Angelo Mathews, the squad has a blend of youth and experience with nine players returning from the 2011 event. They include fast bowlers Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara, and Ajantha Mendis, the spinner, who, with experience of Australian and New Zealand conditions, are expected to spearhead Sri Lankaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bowling attack. The selectors have chosen plenty of pace options keeping the conditions in mind. Farveez Maharoof and Nuwan Pradeep, who last played a One-Day International for Sri Lanka in 2012, were also included in the squad. The selectors have also included plenty of new faces including Lakshan Sandakan, the Chinaman bowler, and Tharindu Kaushal, the offspinner, who are yet to make their international debut.

Squad 1). Angelo Mathews (Captain) 2). T M Dilshan 3). Lahiru Thirimanna 4). Kumar Sangakkara 5). Mahela Jayawardene 6). Kusal Janith 7). Upul Tharanga 8). Dimuth Karunarathna 9). Dinesh Chandimal

10). Ashan Priyanjana 11). Kithuruwan Vithanage 12). Niroshan Dickwella 13). Rangana Herath 14). Dilruwan Perera 15). Seekkuge Prasanna 16). Ajantha Mendis 17). Sachithra Senanayaka 18). P H D Kaushal 19). Jeevan Mendis 20). Ramith Rambukwella 21). Suranga Lakmal 22). Nuwan Kulasekara 23). Lasith Malinga 24). Dhammika Prasad 25). Shaminda Eranga 26). Thisara Perera 27). F. Maharoof 28). Nuwan Pradeep 29). Lahiru Gamage 30). Lakshan Sandakan www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-world-cup

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 9

APSQ- Multipurpose Hall Project fundraising Musical Evening - a great success! Courtesy Jitendra Deo, President APSQ ARYA PRATINIDHI SABHA of Qld presented Musical evening on November 29 at Finnish Hall Mt Gravatt East. It was a memorable evening with well known artists performing to excellence. There was a good turn out of audience, and the evening was for the fundraising. The evening started with the welcome by the President Mr Jitendra Deo, who welcomed all the artists and audience. He emphasised the importance of our Culture perseverance through music and language, and was grateful that the artists present were of brilliance, and their willingness towards such a cause is noteworthy. The artists have been in field of music for a long time and even though they come from all works of life, their common interest is music, which is one of the most important parts in our lives. The entertainment and satisfaction we get from music is peaceful, and lyrics teach us lots on things in our lives. The artists who performed were Mr Joseph Abhay Nand Vocalist and Tabla, Dr Vijay Prahalad - Vocalist and Tabla, Mr Mohit Lal - Vocalist, Mrs Usha- Vocalist, Mr Nilesh

Kumar - Tabla, Mr Harry Mani- Vocalist, Mr C Hanuman Vocalist and Mr Vijendra Ray - Guitar. Sabha is grateful to these wonderful people for providing their services to us free of charge. The audience enjoyed the programme to their hearts content. The Bhajans and Gazals and old hits were favourites and recorded lot of response. Such an evening is really fantastic as it gives us an opportunity to go back in our yesteryears and remember the songs of our times, and they are

still in such a demand. Danik Havan was performed, and dinner was served. The official programme included appreciation Certificate for Mr Ramesh Singh of Bank of Queensland, Mr Pravinesh Singh of CAD Accounting, Mr Rajesh Gopal of Gopal Lawyers and Mr Deepak Kumar of Santoshi Developments. These wonderful people provided much needed assistance in purchase of our new property at 198 Learoyd Road Willawong called Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre. The highlight of official part was award of Arya Ratna to our long serving Purohita’s Mrs Usha Rai, and Mrs Ramkali Singh. Arya Ratna is the most prestigious award in any Arya Samaj organisation. The members of Sabha had put in lot of effort to organise the evening in terms of preparing the hall, donating food items and preparing dinner. The President of the Sabha Mr Jitendra Deo on behalf of the members is thankful to the artists and the general public for coming and supporting this fundraising event. The Sabha is very thankful to Shri Ramesh Singh of Bank of Queensland for kindly sponsoring the event.

The official opening of the Bosnaik Islamic Centre of Qld and its brief history “The old order changeth yielding place to new and God fulfils Himself in many ways..............” Alfred Lord Tennyson Compiled by Haji Shahban Ali IT all started on 25 November, 2005, with the foundation laying ceremony of the Bosnaik Islamic Centre at 2674 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains. The climax of this foundation laying was observed on 8 November, 2014 amidst a gathering of over 2,000 people mostly Bosnians and other Muslims from different parts of the world. With much vigour and enthusiasm, the official opening of this multi-faceted centre took place after a lapse of nine long years and at a cost of over $5 million. Among the many distinguished guests, Imams, Members of Parliament, Ministers, Ambassadors and dignitaries present was the “Reisul-Ulema” Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community, Bosnia and Herzegovina,who did the official opening and the inauguration of the centre. The Imam of the Bosnaik Islamic Centre, Haji Sifat Omerovic in his opening remarks said, Quote “As the oldest indigenous European Muslim community, we brought with us values of tolerance, ethic of hard work, spirit of togetherness and mutual cooperation, respect for others, as well as our deeply rooted religious values and convictions that inform our culture. We have proven once again that even a small community such as ours, with deep memory of injustice, displacement and persecution, and limited resources can still achieve great things, with the help of God when it is sin-

cerely dedicated to a common and admirable cause.” Further he added,’’ This modern and functional facility will represent the hub for teaching authentic Islam, and a place of learning, community spiritual advancement and religious growth and development. It will also become a new reference point for all those who want to learn about Islam from among our brothers and sisters of Christian, Jewish, Sikhs, Buddhist, Hindus and other faiths. We are therefore proud to add this new pearl to the necklace of our numerous other religious places of worship that decorate this beautiful road and our entire city. It is important to note that our Islamic Centre, apart from disseminating knowledge of Islam, will always try to bridge divides between people caused by ignorance and fear of other creeds, and will strive to advocate and expand much needed interfaith dialogue to strengthen community harmony and coexistence among various faiths and creeds which make our cosmopolitan city one of the most vibrant and tolerant places in the world.” The wait was worthwhile as this structure stands as a landmark on the Southside of Brisbane with its 30 metre high majestic minaret, where thousands of people pass by each day. Located between the two busiest roads, Logan road and the South East Freeway it stands as a monument of the Islamic and particularly the Bosnian community. Islamic Society of Eight Mile Plains was first established as the Islamic Society of Rochdale by a small group of Bosnian Muslim migrants in 1986. In its early days the society comprised of only 50 families of

10 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

humble means but great vision. Soon after setting up the organization, in 1987 they purchased a large block of land where the present day structure stands. In 1992, to meet the growing need of the Bosnian migrants, the society purchased a non-permanent structure and placed it on the land which acted as a mosque, a meeting place for other Islamic societies and the formative years of the Islamic College of Brisbane. It took a few years for all relevant documentation to be finalized before the construction of the new centre could begin. In 2005 the society obtained permission to construct a Mosque and adjacent facilities. The foundation stone was thus laid on 25 November, 2005. Since then the organization invested over $5 million in construction costs. This would have been much higher had it not been for generous donations of cash, building materials and voluntary work by its members. The society has grown more than tenfold since its inception and now has 550 members which translates to almost 2,000 individuals, considering that membership is paid by the family unit. The Muslim communities of Brisbane who originate from

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many countries organize their functions here and use this mosque as a place of worship. This Islamic centre has been designed with a future vision in mind and consists of various facilities to cater for a modern, well organized and demanding Muslim community. Presently it consists of a major Mosque with wudhu, toilet and separate praying areas for men and women, a library, a large conference room with an Imams office, and a restaurant with modern kitchen facilities. It also has a specially designed youth activities venue on the ground floor with sporting facilities to cater for the growing needs of our youth. A visit to the mosque will reveal its immaculate and precision design, Islamic artistic interior with large doors, a very high void ceiling with beautiful lighting and the whole complex has fully ducted air-conditioning. This Mosque is a credit to all those who spent years in its planning, their generous donations, both in cash and kind, their unstinted support and untiring effort to bring it to fruition. May Almighty Allah reward them and give them a place in Jannah.

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BAPFF receives praise, adds to cultural diversity

Another successful concert by Lalitha Kalalaya School of Bharatanatyam By Sriram Padmalakshmi • Indian film Two Paise for Sunshine, Four Anna’s for Rain.

LALITHA Kalalaya School of Bharatanatyam successfully organized a second event in less than a month with the support of friends on 22 November 2014 at Helensvale Auditorium in Gold Coast. We were really touched by the presence of wonderful audience who maintained silence and enjoyed every bit of our hard work. Thanks for all your great support. Needless to say that our little kids are highly motivated by your appreciation and will come back with more refined and graceful performances next year. On behalf of our school we take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy Christmas and new year. For enrolments and enquiries, please visit our website www.lalithakalalaya.com

12 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

AN exciting new addition to the cultural events calendar, the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival (BAPFF) is the city’s newest celebration of film. At venues across the city, BAPFF presented its inaugural program, screening extraordinary films from a region that covers a third of the globe. The festival held from 29 November to Sunday 14 December featured more than 80 films in 33 languages (Subtitled in English) across a range of venues throughout the city and a series of free outdoor screenings. From thoughtful Indian fun at the gala Australian premiere screening of Two Paise for Sunshine, Four Anna’s for Rain; to an Australian-first, the cross-platform screening performance of 1930’s Korean silent film, Crossroads of Youth – along with live narration - BAPFF will took audiences on a journey of discovery and a celebration of diversity. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said with

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Brisbane enjoying global recognition as a result of the G20 World Leaders Summit, BAPFF was a perfect opportunity to highlight cinematic excellence from a region that covers one-third of the earth. “We are key players in the Asia Pacific and that includes 70 countries spreading from Australia and New Zealand, to China, Korea and Japan, through to the Middle East and Russia,” Cr Quirk said. “To be able to highlight the best of the region’s films provides opportunities not only for entertainment and cultural understanding but engagement and knowledge sharing. Brisbane is the perfect host for that because of our rich multicultural diversity. “BAPFF is set to become a must-attend event on the Brisbane calendar because it brings incredible works of cinematic art to an audience that may not otherwise have an opportunity to see them.”

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 13

White Ribbon Queensland aims to eliminate Taboo As part of the event, country music singer Tanya Self performed Listening In, her song about domestic violence through the eyes of a child. “I hope that the presence in there helps women get help, it helps them to take steps to change their circumstances, I hope that it motivates everybody else around us to stand together and say ‘let’s make sure this doesn’t happen anymore’,” she said. Communities Minister Tracy Davis announced the state government would provide an additional $100,000 to DVConnect to extend domestic violence support and counselling through its Womensline phone service. DVConnect is a national domestic violence hotline that helps thousands of women discuss their options in violent circumstances and helps them to find safe accommodation. “The additional funds will be used to help DVConnect respond to the increasing number of calls, so that women reaching out for help are kept safe and provided with assistance and support,” Ms Davis said. White Ribbon Queensland Committee comprises of; Deputy Police Commissioner Brett Pointing, Umesh Chandra, Troy Houghton, Chiu-Hing Chan, John Rosewarne, Liam Dooley, Jenny Swaddling, Sharon Orapeleng, Hon. John Mickel MP and Dean Gould To donate and stand up against domestic violence, visit www.whiteribbon.org.au.

BRISBANE, 25 November is white Ribbon day, and to mark this day The Queensland committee of White Ribbon installed two displays, one at Queen Street Mall and one at Virgin Domestic terminal. Volunteers signed up in large numbers to assist with the installation and manning of these stalls. each

men die “Fifty two wo estic abuse” year from dom

Fifty-two silhouettes, representing the women who die each year from domestic abuse, were installed in the Queen Street Mall for White Ribbon Day. It is Australia’s largest male-led campaign dedicated to making a woman’s safety a man’s safety as well. It’s the second year the display had been erected in the mall, with the silhouettes which are symbolic of the women who die each year from domestic violence, according to White Ribbon Queensland branch chair Chiu-Hing Chan. Eliminating the taboo was essential to raising awareness and reducing domestic violence, Mr Chan said. “Traditionally, domestic violence has been a tabooed subject where people say ‘ah, it’s a tabooed issue, we don’t really want to talk about it and interfere with people’s private lives’, but it’s not,” he said. “It’s a major issue and it should be a publicly talked about issue and publicly addressed.” White Ribbon Australia volunteer Jade Mackie was a victim of domestic violence at a young age and said the issue affected everyone. “Domestic violence isn’t a thing that discriminates, it’s about control and it can happen to anyone,” she said. Mr Chan said White Ribbon Australia

• White Ribbon Queensland committee members, Umesh Chandra (bottom left) and ChiuHing Chan (centre bottom row) with the morning shift volunteers at Queen Street Mall installation. • Right: Volunteer Reena Augustine (left) and Mariah Ann Kehl (right) pictured with Umesh Chandra manning the White Ribbon stall in Queen Street Mall.

works in a number of different areas to prevent domestic violence, including a website in multiple languages to target multicultural sectors, as well as workplace and school programs. School programs in New South Wales, ACT and Victoria aim to “encourage cultural change within the up-and-coming generation”. It is hoped the program can be replicated in Queensland schools.

International students at risk of visa cancellation UNIVERSITIES have received the following information from Immigration in regard to students changing their programs from a SVP program to a non-SVP program. As foreshadowed during the most recent EVCC meeting, the department is commencing an education campaign to raise awareness amongst the international student community about visa conditions and the possible impacts of course changes, particularly in circumstances where the student was granted a visa under streamlined visa processing (SVP) arrangements. Background As you all are aware SVP was introduced in March 2012 for international students enrolled in certain higher degree courses. Under SVP students are treated as lower immigration risk regardless of their country of citizenship. SVP eligible students are assessed for a visa outside of the Assessment Level (AL) Framework and are not subject to the evidentiary requirements of Schedule 5A of the Migration Regulations.

Visa condition 8516 requires that ‘The holder must continue to be a person who would satisfy the primary or secondary criteria, as the case requires, for the grant of the visa’. In practice, this means that students who were granted a visa under SVP must continue to maintain enrolment in an SVP eligible course and provider. The department has been actively monitoring the issue of ‘course hopping’ and while, based on our analysis, this does not appear to be a significant issue we are keen to ensure that it is proactively addressed. In particular, we are keen to address any misconception that may exist amongst international students that it is acceptable student behaviour to change or downgrade courses from a SVP eligible to a non-SVP eligible provider soon after arrival in Australia. Many International Indian students would be affected by this; as usual their Indian agents had misled them into believing that changing courses would be OK. Students are advised to seek immediate information regarding their status. AECC Global

GCSA Gurdwara donations appeal Chamkaur Singh Gill President, Gold Coast Sikh Association THE Sikh community of the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, has been holding regular services in rented premises since June 2005. As we approach our 10th anniversary, and with our Sangat expanding at a rapid rate, we realise that we will soon need our own property on which to build a Gurudwara. We have put in a bid for a 98-acre plot of land in Tallebudgera, with the blessings of Waheguru, hope to purchase it. The property is in a tranquil and secluded area comprising rain-forest and open land with 4 structures which need renovation. It has immense potential to not only build a new Gurudwara but also a school and a camp for our children to get a deeper understanding of Sikhism. Subject to Gold Coast City Council’s approval, we also hope to build lodgings for retired Sikhs. The vendor’s asking price is AUD 1.2 million. A rough estimate of the total cost (purchase price plus building and associated expenses) is probably in the region of AUD 14 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

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5 million. We therefore humbly appeal to the charitable nature of our beloved brothers and sisters to help us develop a place of meditation, education and worship that will benefit all Sikhs and those who subscribe to the values of the Sikh faith. Our slogan in relation to this project is ‘1K from 5K’. If 5000 Sikhs were to donate at least AUD1000 (tax deductible) each, we would easily reach our target of AUD 5 million. We Sikhs have an admirable history of coming to the aid of those in need and Gold Coast Sikhs would benefit enormously if Australian Sikhs were to lend us a helping hand. We pray that you will find it in your hearts to assist us in this spiritual venture. Please help us build a dream that will be a lasting legacy for our children and generations to come. Our bank details are: Gold Coast Sikh Association Building Fund Suncorp Bank / BSB: 484 799 Account No: 503336190 Email goldcoastsikhassociation@gmail.com Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 15

Dentist puts smiles into Nhulunbuy

Shri Maharudram at Shri Shiv Mandir Courtesy Akila Ramarathinam BY Parameshwara’s grace and Kanchi Acharyal’s Anugraham, Shri Maharudra Utsavam was organized at Shri Shiva Mandir premises from 30 October to 2 November. This was the 3rd Shri Maharudra Utsavam being held at the temple premises. During the last 3 years, the event has been jointly organized by Vedic and Cultural Centre of Australia (VCCA), an initiative of VHP Australia and Shiva Mandir Management. On this occasion, Shri Rudram from Shri Krishna Yajurveda Samhita was chanted 1331 times by Rithviks in the span of 4 days. On the 3rd and 4th day, more than 45 Rithviks participated in chanting, Rudra Homam and Abhishekam. More than 800 devotees witnessed the chanting event on the 4 days. The organizing committee consisted of Shri Dorai Rajan, Shri Ramarathinam, Shri Venkatrama Sastry and Shri Lal Bahadur Mishra. The committee was supported by Shri Ramachandra Athreyar and the temple

priest Pandit Chetan Sharma. Kanchi Mutt Silver pendant coins and temple prasadam were distributed to all the Rithviks and sponsors. Smt Geetha (Melbourne) and her team took care of catering arrangements on all the 4 days and provided delicious lunch and evening prasadam for all the visitors and Rithviks. During the 3 evening programs Shri Nirmaleswara Gurukkal delivered lecture on Siva Puranam. Smt Hemalatha Ganesan and Shri Krishna Ramarathinam presented vocal concerts one evening. Smt Lakshmi Narendra presented a Veena Concert on an evening. Shri Rudra Trisathi Archana, Sri Vishnu Sahasranaama and Shri Rudra Krama Archana were also performed. Sydney Shiva devotees have been witnessing Shri Ekadasha Rudra Japam and Shri Maharudram in alternate years since 2009 at the temple premises. We pray and hope this trend will continue for years to come with the support of Sydney devotees. Om Namassivaaya

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• Tropical splendour … Dr Jijesh Nhalila Valappil on location in Nhulunbuy.

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THE dentistry is different at Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land, where one of Australia’s most remote dentists plies his trade. For starters, members of the 3,000 strong communities are happy to see a dentist unlike many of their counterparts in urban jungles like Sydney and Melbourne. Dr Jijesh Nhalila Valappil thinks it has something to do with the tropical lifestyle. “It’s certainly a lot easier when your patients are relaxed,” he says. “They’re a lot easier to treat.” The fact that Nhulunbuy was without private dental services for six months before Dr Nhalila Valappil’s arrival from Brisbane may also explain the warm welcome. He is one of the first dentists to be funded under the new Dental Relocation and Infrastructure Support Scheme (DRISS) which encourages private dentists to consider a career in in rural and remote Australia. Dr Nhalila Valappil is in Nhulunbuy each week working two to three days treating mine workers, teachers, hospital staff and people employed in local Indigenous communities. “The tropical environment is beautiful here,” he says. “Everyone knows each other and you feel very connected to the community.”

Since establishing the ‘Gentle Dentist Gove’ practice, Dr Nhalila Valappil has also generated extra employment for two dental nurses who had previously only been working part-time at the local supermarket. The nurses, Kayla Honnery and Renee McConnell, are well-known in the community and now take the occasional dental appointment from people they see in the street or at the checkout. DRISS is an Australian Government initiative managed by Rural Health Workforce Australia. It provides grants up to $370,000 for relocation and infrastructure to individual private dentists moving to rural areas. In the first year of DRISS, grants have been awarded to 68 dentists to make the move to rural and remote Australia. The DRISS steering committee includes representatives from the Department of Health, the National Rural Health Alliance, the Australian Dental Association, the Australasian Council of Dental Schools, and Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health. The next funding round is open from 23 February 2015 to 27 March 2015. For further details, go to www.rhwa.org.au/DRISS

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 17

The G20 is keeping the focus on tax transparency By Mitch Thompson The communiqué issued by the G20 following its recent Brisbane meeting maintains the momentum on tackling international tax avoidance and evasion After the close of its recent leaders’ summit in Brisbane, Australia, the G20 released a communiqué covering its plans to strengthen the global economy and support robust international institutions. Specific areas of concern and related action items were detailed in the nearly two dozen paragraphs of the communiqué, and some interesting points were raised (and reiterated) in paragraph 13 regarding international tax. The G20 restated its interest in and commitment to the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan that is being developed by the OECD at the behest of the G20. As a reminder, the BEPS Action plan aims to curb international tax avoidance and evasion activities through 15 separate actions in specific areas. Those actions include increased tax information sharing between countries, greater transparency regarding the tax practices of multinational enterprises and the tax incentives offered by tax authorities, and the unique impacts of intangibles and the digital economy, just to name a few. The OECD will continue work on the BEPS Action Plan through at least 2015 and has released its first deliverables to the G20 in connection with the Action Plan just this past September. So, the G20’s expression of continued support for – and keen interest in – the completion of the BEPS work is timely indeed, if not unexpected. The stated aim of the BEPS Action Plan is to better align taxable profits with the locations in which the associated economic activities are performed and where value is created. The unstated implication is that too much profit is currently located where value is not created and/or where relevant economic activity does not take place. This sounds right, of course, but the devil, as usual, is in the details. For example, deciding how much economic return is appropriate for capital investment – say, for the intellectual property developed or held in a patent or knowledge box – compared with the right amount of profit that should be associated with manufacturing activities or headcount can be a vexing bit of analysis. One only needs to look at the rise of the technology or brand-based companies relative to more traditional manufacturing enterprises to realise that the concept of ‘value creation’ continues to evolve. Should it really be surprising that taxable profits have been attracted more and more to locations where such technology and intellectual property is owned? The communiqué also reported on recent achievements and continuing activities on tax information sharing and transparency among the tax authorities. There has been a years’ long series of efforts to address the

impact of bank secrecy and incomplete or inefficient information sharing on global tax compliance, but this area of international tax policy got a ‘shot in the arm’ in the past few years from the US’s efforts to implement FATCA. That set of unilateral actions to increase US tax compliance by means of increased foreign bank account and asset reporting by non-US financial institutions was, at first, viewed by many the global tax/financial community as a burdensome overreach. Lately, however, it is increasingly viewed as a very good idea. US FATCA has either spawned or accelerated the development and implementation of similar regimes by both individual countries (such as the UK) and by international collectives such as the OECD’s Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) and Common Reporting Standards (CRS) efforts, both of which are gaining great momentum among international tax policy makers. In the past such information sharing relied primarily on a network of bilater-

al tax treaties and tax information sharing agreements. The emerging trend is toward multi-lateral, self-executing information sharing, which promises to be more comprehensive and more efficient. The increased drum beat surrounding information sharing is evidenced by how swiftly over 50 countries recently agreed to be ‘early adopters’ of this new sweeping and wide-ranging tax information sharing system. A final interesting aspect of the communiqué is its expressed interest in outreach to and coordination with developing countries. Perhaps not surprisingly, most international tax planning – and the efforts to address perceived international tax abuses – has really been viewed as the province of the developed world. There is increasing awareness of the impact that international tax planning and practices on developing economies. A special UN subcommittee on BEPS requested comments this year from the

finance and tax authorities of developing nations and the results are interesting. In addition to a general sense that aggressive international tax planning can have extractive consequences for the tax revenues of the developing world, many of the UN comments also reflected concerns that such countries lack the resources to fully participate and effectively implement BEPS Action Plan measures. It was therefore noteworthy that the communiqué expressed strong desire to involve developing countries in the G20’s international tax policy efforts and to support those countries’ implementation activities. In summary, the G20’s communiqué expressed continued support for the efforts of the OECD on BEPS and other international tax initiatives and signalled the continuing focus these policies and implementing actions will have among the world’s leading economic powers. Mitch Thompson is a partner in tax strategy & benefits at Squire Patton Boggs.

Brisbane to accelerate economic growth after G20 LORD Mayor Graham Quirk is determined to ensure Brisbane capitalises on the economic outcomes of the G20 Summit and has tasked economic development board Brisbane Marketing with charting an ambitious growth plan for the city. He also extended an offer to the yet-to-benamed 2015 host city in Turkey and the China 2016 G20 host city, to consult with Brisbane about our lessons as G20 host city. Cr Quirk said Brisbane would set an international example and aggressively embrace the spirit of the G20 Brisbane Action Plan. “We will harness the lessons of hosting the G20 Summit and the Brisbane Global Cafe to position Brisbane as the quintessential new world city that is the envy of the globe,” he said. “To that end I have asked the council and our economic development board Brisbane Marketing to develop the next wave economic agenda for our city. “This will include embracing the G20 outcomes around the creation of a global infrastructure hub, using the unprecedented program of precinct and infrastructure development in Brisbane to demand the attention of international investors.” Cr Quirk said Brisbane Marketing would embark on a new wave of activity to boost the city’s performance including: * Positioning Brisbane as a global infrastructure hub to attract international investment * leveraging the success of hosting the G20 to drive more conventions and high-yield

18 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

business visitation to Brisbane * targeting the Asia Pacific, specifically China, as a tourism market * building a global network of new world cities to drive growth and job opportunities * harnessing the spotlight President Obama put on the quality of our educational institutions to increase the lucrative international student market * increasing activity to attract major events to the city. “I want Brisbane to be renowned as a rising star in the Asia Pacific, a leader in ideas and innovation that stretches the boundaries, as exemplified by our staging of the Brisbane Global Cafe – a first for a G20 that embraced the world culturally, socially and economically,” Cr Quirk said. “As a direct result of the Brisbane Global Cafe, many of the global business and academic leaders have been invited to join Team Brisbane assisting Brisbane Marketing with important links and introductions to key networks across the world. “This includes ongoing liaison with Brookings, JP Morgan Chase, Jones Lang LaSalle and a number of leading academic institutions on future initiatives including the Asia Pacific Cities Summit. “Over the past few years I have often referred to Brisbane as an emerging global city; the past week has seen Brisbane graduate as a global city which I plan to make the envy of the globe. “For Brisbane, the G20 marks a watershed

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in our city’s history, a defining moment when we stand up and proudly take our place among the emerging cities of the world. “We have much still to be done but this week marks our ‘global graduation’, allowing us to take our place as a new world city. “As such I will be extending an invitation to the 2015 G20 host city, which will be in Turkey, and the China 2016 G20 host city, to discuss what we learned this year as a host city. “I would also encourage them to pick up the newly-formed legacy of the global cafe thought-leadership event. “Our time has well and truly arrived and we are honoured that the ambitious plan to drive economic growth across the world over the next four years will bear our moniker: the Brisbane Action Plan.” Cr Quirk said Brisbane was already making a significant contribution to shaping the Asia Pacific cultural and economic landscape hosting many cultural and business events that define the city as a serious player in the Asia Pacific region. “Brisbane already epitomises the new world cities that will set the tone for lifestyle, technology, business transformation, social inclusiveness over the course of this century. “By mobilising our best minds, our most creative thinkers, our most courageous investors and our new army of international advocates, Team Brisbane will be ready to embrace a bold, new future.” Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

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46 46 3 AIR IINDIA NDIA CALL 1800 247 Or log on to www.airindia.in for more details. Melbourne: (03) 8391 3319/ 3320 / 3321 Sydney: (02) 9283 3370 / 4016 / 4017 / 4020 Email to Mel.reservation@Airindia.in Or Syd.reservation@Airindia.in *For travel from February 16 to May 31. Conditions apply. Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

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Valuing Diversity Grants 2015 announced CULTURAL Diversity Queensland has announced the biggest ever funding arrangement for Indian Festivals in Queensland. Previously the Government used to hold a one day multicultural festival in Roma Street Parklands, now the department has passed that on the communities to hold their own festivals. The focus is also on the regional areas and established and competent associations like GOPIO have entered in to mentoring arrangements. The important role that Queensland’s Indian community plays in the future of the state has been emphasised by significant funding provided to Indian cultural events in the latest round of Queensland Government funding under the Valuing Diversity program. Funding for specific Indian events is: * $10,000 to the Brisbane Super kings Cricket Club and Access Community Services for the Multicultural Cricket Tournament Festival 2015; * $20,000 to Federation of Indian Communities in Queensland for Diwali 2015 festivities; * $20,000 to GOPIO Queensland for India Day Fair 2015; * $10,000 to Malayali Association of Townsville for Adani India Fest Townsville 2015; and * $10,000 to Indian Association of Central

• GOPIO QLD India Day Fair 2014

Queensland for Diwali - The ‘Festival of Lights’ celebration in Central Queensland. Queensland Minister responsible for Multicultural Affairs, Glen Elmes, said the Valuing Diversity grants promote positive multicultural relationships through funding community events which promote community cohesion and education about the different

Remittances Lifeline to Developing Countries in Jeopardy INCREASING global concerns about cross-border money transfers, and the subsequent risk of liability for breaching regulations, has led several banks in Australia to close any accounts held with them by money transfer operators (MTOs). Without a bank account, many MTOs will be out of business, and if the money transfer industry is restricted, there stand to be a lot of losers – not only the MTO owners and employees in Australia, but more importantly the world’s poor. In 2014 it is estimated that officially recorded remittances of $435 billion will be sent to developing countries – in fact, remittances sent home by migrants to developing countries are equivalent to more than three times the size of official development assistance. (source: The World Bank) From Australia alone, 157 countries receive remittances. Remittances reduce poverty and improves the health and education levels of children in the developing world. The prospect of having capital to start a business or buy a home is increased, and they provide aid in times of emergency such as a natural disaster. When Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in 2013 killing 6,300 people and displacing 4.1 million more, there was an 8.5% increase in remittances. Several money transfer companies also agreed to temporarily waive their fees so every cent would count. (source: The World Bank) Jonathan Capal of Developing Markets Associates, a Sydney-based consultancy that manages remittance comparison websites on behalf of the Australian and New Zealand governments as well as the World Bank’s global remittance prices database – http://remittanceprices.worldbank.org - has released data that shows the impact these bank account closures could have on the average person receiving remittances. As Jonathan explained: “In October 2014, average money transfer costs (the fee and exchange rage cost) for sending $200 from Australia to India for remittances sent by MTO was 5.06%. At the same time the average bank cost was 13% - about 2 and a half times the cost charged by an MTO. So if someone sends $200 with a MTO to India, the friend or family member collecting the money could receive around the equivalent of $190, but only $174 if they were to receive it via a bank (and probably less because of the receiving bank charges). Assuming someone sends once a month

during the year, that’s a difference of $192 per annum. Should many of these MTO services no longer be available, the lure of informal unregulated low-cost remittance services may prove very tempting for millions of migrants who are used to paying less than 10% of the send amount for their regular money transfer to their home country. A migrant who is paying $5 to send $200 to India is unlikely to be comfortable with switching to a remittance option with a fee of $30 or more. The flow of money is unlikely to stop entirely because people depend too much on this money. But remitters will send via other, unregulated ways, which are potentially risky and this money will leave Australia unreported. And then the financial authorities will have less information and control over the flow of money from Australia, who it is sent to, and what it is being used for.

Indian Coast Guard Ship Sankalp docks in Darwin

ethnic and cultural groups which make up our great society. “The Newman Government is pleased to support local multicultural events because they provide an opportunity to showcase different cultures, and for the wider population to be exposed to cultural experiences outside their everyday existence,” Mr Elmes said.

A full list of funded events across the state is available at on the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs website at www.datsima.qld.gov.au

DJJS organises Bhatki Prachar at Gayatri Mandir Boondall

MEMBERS of Brisbane branch of Diva Jyothi Jagran Sansthan (DJJS) organised a bhakti prabachan at Gayatri Mandir In Boondall on Tuesday 2 December. All members of DJJS are disciples of his holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji. The divine prabachan was delivered by Sushri Sadhvi Bhavana Bharti ji and Sushri Sadhvi Parma Bharti ji. Music accompaniment was by the members of Brisbane Branch. The regular Tuesday night group gave up their spot for the visiting scholars.

FOR the very first time in a naval exercise to improve bilateral relations between India and Australia, ICGS SANKALP has come to Australian shores. Darwin had the pleasure of having Sankalp dock at Fort Hill Wharf. “Indian High Commissioner Mr Nanda, Commanding Officer DIG MV Pathak and his

20 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

“Queensland’s Indian community is one of the longer established cultural groups, and makes a significant social and economic contribution to the state. “While the funded events specifically showcase Indian culture, the state’s Indian community is also an important part of many other multicultural festivals and events around the state where many different cultures are on show. “A culturally diverse community is one that is socially vibrant, because it’s open to a rich diversity of ideas, skills, traditions and customs. “As a result of our long history of migration and nation building, Queensland is filled with a richness and diversity of cultures. “The state has a strong record in supporting, understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, and the positive contributions of migrants. “Funding for events under the Valuing Diversity program brings together Queenslanders from different cultural backgrounds to celebrate our diverse origins and all that we have in common.”

The Tuesday prayer group meets every week without fail and have been doing that for over twenty years. Even with a short notice a large number of people attended the Prabachan. Dinner on the night was sponsored by Viral and Nishita Shah. The next prabachan by Sushri Sadhvi Bhavana Bharti ji and Sushri Sadhvi Parma Bharti ji will be delivered on 23 December, dinner will be provided on the night, everyone is welcome to attend.

crew are to be congratulated on a great reception they organized in Port of Darwin” said Jaya Srinivas (pictured), a community worker and people of Australia ambassador. The ship built in Goa was commissioned in May 2008.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 21

Muslim Charitable Foundation Donations 100% Tax Deductible Courtesy Janeth Deen BRISBANE’S own Muslim Charitable Foundation would like to announce that your donations are now 100% tax deductible! If you feel you are paying too much to the tax man and want an excellent way to reduce your income tax. Donating to MCF is a great way to claim a tax deduction. The work in Brisbane to help those in our community goes on. The trend shows that the amount of cases we are providing aid to here in Brisbane is increasing. Comparative figures at the same time last year show a two fold increase. The monthly case report shows that the causes for becoming eligible for help from MCF are not singular, a wide and differing range of issues impacts on members of our community which causes some to require assistance. Some of these causes are:

Budding star releases single “Sajna Ve” avinder Sunny a new rising Punjabi D singer from Brisbane launched his first single “Sajna Ve”. Originally from Nawashehar a beautiful town in Punjab, Davinder is a gifted singer with a divine voice. He is no stranger when it comes to music scene, he has performed with many local groups including Diva Jyothi Jagran Sansthan and “Brisbane Babas Band” - Brisbane’s most performed Bollywood and Bhangra Band. He has assisted Baldev Singh Nijjar with his CD alum “Punjab” In November the young singer launched his single “Sajna Ve”, a romantic song and

music video. The lyrics of “Sanja Ve” were penned by Sukhvinder heron, the music composition is by Jatinder Jeetu and music video production by Sandeep Sharma. The music video featuring a beauty hill landscape has gone viral on the web, with the number of hits ever increasing; it is a pleasing result for the often very shy Devinder Sunny. You can catch up with Davinder Sunny and view his latest single track romantic song “Sajna Ve” on YouTube, Facebook, iTunes, Twitter and Instagram. You can also follow up him on his website i.e. www.davindersunny.com.

FIMO receives $75,000 Grant from Office of Multicultural Affairs & Citizenship (OMAC) FEDERATION of Indian Origin Multifaith Organizations (FIMO) is a peak umbrella organization that facilitates and fosters the interaction and harmony between all Indian Victorians, regardless of religion, language or regional heritage. Indian Victorians include all Victorians of Indian origin. Mr Vasan Srinivasan said that FIMO was formed in December, 2013 with a core aim to bring Indian Origin multi-faith organizations and spiritual groups together for unity and one voice. Greater interaction and the inclusion of all members of the Indian origin Australian community in cultural events will lead to a more vibrant community and have a positive impact on mental health, general wellbeing and the community’s standard of living. FIMO is made up of a number of constituent member organizations (CMOs) and is lead by Mr Param Jaswal (President), a well known & respected community leader from Sikh community. Mr Param Jaswal and his committee worked along with Mr Vasan Srinivasan to strengthen FIMO amongst multicultural Victorian communities to take it to the next stage. This was instrumental in establishing the funding arrangement with Victorian Government for $75,000 to FIMO. Now, equipped with this funding; FIMO is in process of appointing Program Director and can address the current religious harmony and awareness needs of Victoria’s Indian community is vital to demonstrating that Victoria has a mature, multicultural and religiously aware understanding of the

diversity within Victoria’s Indian community. FIMO will act on behalf of all religious and cultural organizations including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists with Indian background established in Victoria FIMO will facilitate events and activities that promote harmony and interaction between Indian Australians of various faiths. FIMO will be liaising with government and non-government organizations on behalf of all the member organisations. FIMO will be liaising with other similar organisations such as Islamic Council, Rabbi Groups, and various Christian faith groups on behalf of its members to improve synergy and harmony across the entire Australian Community. Mr Param Jaswal, FIMO President & Mr Vasan Srinivasan, Chair CIAA sincerely thank the Office of Multicultural Affairs & Citizenship (OMAC) and Victorian Government for believing in the objectives of FIMO and considering this grant. FIMO & Indian community would like to thank Hon. Dr Denis Nepthine, Premier of Victoria, Hon. Matthew Guy, Minister for Multicultural Affairs & Citizenship, Planning. In Particular, FIMO & Indian community would like to thanks Mr Hakan Akyol, Director of OMAC for his unparallel support to the Indian Community over the years.

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• Single parenting pressures becoming too much • Fleeing domestic abuse • Illness or injury to parent with dependents The assistance you provide via MCF ranges from the giving of food vouchers, paying some utility bills, replacing a fridge or even working with other local organisations to provide safe shelter/accommodation etc. Please understand that most of those who have received assistance from MCF are reluctant to ask or reach out. Without knowing their plight you may have seen them at the Mosque for Jumma or prayers or picking up their kids from school. This is the reason; MCF always has and always will continue to place most of your donations and resources within our community. Check out our website for transparent disclosure on our financials and distributions. Haroon Deen www.mcfaustralia.org

Visitor information centre goes on show at the Regent BRISBANE’S iconic heritage-listed picture palace, The Regent, re-opens its doors to the public as it becomes the new home of the Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the relocation of the visitor information centre a short distance from its freestanding structure in the Queen Street Mall to The Regent would breathe new life into the building. “Dating back 85 years, The Regent is a much-loved historic icon of Brisbane, being characteristic of a classic 1920s picture palace which at the time marked the development of Queen Street as a cultural precinct,” Cr Quirk said. “It even has some mysteries including a bullet hole in the ceiling which has been the source of many stories over the years. “Our visitor information centre plays a vital role growing leisure tourism in Brisbane, providing around 1800 people per day with events and entertainment information, itinerary planning, brochures and maps, public transport advice, general tourist advice and tour and accommodation bookings on behalf of our operators. “The move to The Regent has provided the centre with more space, the opportunity to install new technology, extended areas for travel bookings and improved tourist information facilities.” The information centre will operate concurrently in both The Regent and its freestanding mall premises during the busy holiday season, until the mall structure is demolished in the quieter February/March 2015 period, increasing space for pedestrians and improving the layout of the mall for visitors. The new information centre was designed and fitted out by The Regent building owners ISPT, one of Australia’s leading property fund managers, at no cost to the city. ISPT Development Services General Manager Chris McCluskey said ISPT was delighted to be hosting the centre in The Regent. “It is a prime opportunity to reactivate the building’s ornate Grand Foyer into a wonderful space for residents and visitors, with public areas and seating designed to fully engage with its significant heritage qualities.” Cr Quirk said the information centre’s relocation to The Regent would be complemented by new resources designed to help raise the profile of and direct visitors to Brisbane’s tourism attractions and experiences. “Brisbane Marketing has just launched its

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latest Brisbane Visitor Guide, which is the definitive go-to publication covering tourism attractions, events, food and drink, fashion and shopping arts and culture as well as sport and recreation,” he said. “The new-and-improved visitor guide highlights our diverse city precincts and focuses on the wonderful attractions and experiences in our surrounding local government areas. “The 50-page visitor guide will also be distributed to visitor information centres regionally and further afield and will be updated every six months. “Additionally, Brisbane Marketing has produced a new Brisbane map, providing visitors with an easy-to-read guide to get around the city, including information about our varied precincts, must-see experiences and attractions and public transport.” Cr Quirk said Brisbane Marketing was also improving its services to the tourism industry by launching a new online Industry Toolbox to keep operators up to date with its activities. “The Industry Toolbox offers tourism operators a one-stop-shop of Brisbane Marketing’s campaigns, event calendars, images, itineraries and a host of useful destination content for operators to pass on to visitors,” he said. “These initiatives follow the launch of the revamped Visit Brisbane website at visitbrisbane.com.au earlier this year. “The comprehensive and interactive site for visitors and locals alike allows residents to sign up and register their own special events and helps travellers experience the region like a local. “VisitBrisbane attracted more than 214,000 unique visitors and 806,000 page views last month and is fully adaptable to mobile phones, tablets and PCs.” For more information on the Industry Toolbox, go to visitbrisbane.com.au/Information/ Industry-Toolbox Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 23

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never be stumped for things to do

24 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

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uckland really is a great place to play during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. In fact, with a perfect match of city style and natural beauty, you could say Auckland is the ultimate all-rounder. And with so many diﬀerent experiences just a stone’s throw away from the four matches at Eden Park, you can do it all. Here’s just a taste of what you’ll ﬁnd when you’re here to play during the tournament.

The heart of the action (City Sights) Auckland is like one great big continuous day-nighter. Grab a bite to eat as the morning breaks, then browse the boutiques for local and international designer labels. Take in the city and surrounding harbours from above on a scenic ﬂight. Catch live theatre, music and comedy as the sun goes down, then check out the city’s stunning nightlife for some after hours fun. Just make sure that when you visit Auckland for the ICC CWC 2015, you really go to town. And that’s drinks (Food and Wine) Auckland’s dining scene has hit full swing. And the best part is no matter where you are, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Sip on ﬁne wines from one of Auckland’s three booming wine regions. Savour artisan foods at one of the many farmers’ markets. And discover culinary delights on a walking food tour along the inner city streets. Plus, with superb waterfront eateries at Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, and eclectic bars and bistros at the Britomart or Federal Street precincts, you’ll never be stumped for options.

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The Hauraki Gulf always delivers (Hauraki Gulf) In Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf the world’s best natural and nautical wonders come out. Take Waiheke Island for instance. Its 30 boutique wineries are second to none, so be sure to treat yourself to a guided wine tour. Get back to nature on the inner ring of the harbour at Tiritiri Matangi Island’s open wildlife sanctuary. Climb or catch the 4WD road train to the top of Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s youngest and largest volcano, for incredible panoramic views. And just a short ﬂight away, on the boundary of the Hauraki Gulf, is Great Barrier Island, an unspoilt paradise of golden beaches, clear waters and vast forests. No matter where you go, the Hauraki Gulf never fails to deliver. Edge-of-your-seat action (Adventure) Like the ﬁnal few overs of a nail-biting match, Auckland’s huge range of thrill-seeking activities are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Open your innings at the Sky Tower. Capture Auckland’s stunning panoramic vistas from the towering 192m high observation deck, SkyWalk around the outside on a narrow platform, or leave nothing behind with a heart-stopping SkyJump. See the sights from the back of a Harley-Davidson. Canyon down waterfalls and gorges deep in a rainforest. Buckle up for a high-speed jet boat ride. And go ziplining high above the native bush on Waiheke Island. Whether you head north, south, east or west, Auckland’s non-stop action is sure to be a big hit.

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An outfield like no other (Nature and Wildlife) Auckland’s outdoors is like a giant stadium. Stretch your legs along walking tracks in pristine native rainforest, just 40 minutes from the city centre. See beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking views – without the crowds. Check out the huge cliff-top gannet colonies at Murawai Beach, or embark on a whale and dolphin spotting safari in the magnificent Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Auckland’s a city without boundaries. So make sure you see and experience it all. A stroke of genius (Arts and Culture) With the ICC CWC 2015 coming to town, Auckland will be treated to a blistering array of batting, bowling and fielding skills. Masters with no less impressive skills will also be on display thanks to Auckland’s thriving art scene. Wander through the award-winning Auckland Art Gallery. Nestled into a beautiful inner city park, the gallery has more than 15,000 classic and contemporary artworks on rotation. See one of the daily cultural performances at Auckland Museum for a glimpse into Māori traditions. Dive into Auckland’s marine heritage at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. And for something different, visit one of the sculpture trails, and once you’ve finished soak up the sun while enjoying a superb glass of wine. With such an impressive line-up, it’s easy to see why Auckland’s such a great place to play. So secure your place at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 today before it’s too late at aucklandnz.com/cwc2015 Auckland. A great place to play.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 — 25

Who, What, Where, When

• Above & right: Daniel Opacic son of Danny Opacic and Catharine Curley wed Anita Ko in a civil marriage ceremony on 8 December in Brisbane. Family and friends celebrated the happy occasion with the newly weds. They will honeymoon in Taiwan. BIT editor Trudi Tarres wishes the happy couple all the best for a loving and happy future. Photo’s courtesy Tiffany Allen.

• Guests at Michaels Oriental restaurant and function centre, Eight Miles Plain for Queensland Multicultural Councils annual dinner on 21st November 2014.

• From left: Umesh Chandra, Wayne Ko, Janeth Deen, Dr C T Bui, Robert Cavallucci MP, and President Anthony Lin. Queensland Multicultural Council presented Life membership to founder members Umesh Chandra, Wayne Ko and Dr C T Bui at their annual function.

• Convenors of various programming groups at the final meeting for 2014 at Radio 4EB.

• Peter Rohweder, station manager 4EB and Shyam Das – • Wolfgang Kreuzer, of the Germ group, convenor of Indian programming group draw the winner holds the cake to mark Radio 4EB’s of radiothon 2014 at Radio 4EB. thirty fifth birthday.

• Maximum participation across ALL age groups in the Annual Chinmaya Mission Cricket Match braving 40+ degree temperatures ensured that the missions motto of ‘Maximum Happiness for Maximum People for Maximum Time’ is fulfilled with the blessings of Brahamchri Gopal Chaitanya” Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533 26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 www.indiantimes.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 27

Who, What, Where, When

• Mohan and Vivek Gopalakrishnan (sons of Girish and Shikha Gopalakrishnan) celebrated their 4th and 1st birthdays respectively at the Rotunda in New Farm Park on Saturday 29th November with Nana and Nani (Umesh and Usha Chandra), family and friends. Parth Raval and Ashutosh Saroch of Brisbane Babas Band together with Rachael Leigh of Sari Bollywood group entertained the guests in the beautiful park setting.

• From left: Umesh Chandra, Nidhi Raina, Ashutosh Raina, Viral Shah and Shyam Das at Gayatri Mandir Boondall during the pracahban by DJJS, Viral and Nishita Shah were the food sponsors for the night. Full report on page 20.

• Tegjeet Singh Bains of year 5 stood 3rd for his Speech at “The Coalition Public Speaking Competition Program” in Division 1. It was hosted at Narangba Valley State School on 12th Nov 2014. The speech competition was amongst the Primary Schools of Pine Rivers Region. Each speaker was allowed to speak for 2-3 minutes.

• Fiji College of Agriculture re-union held on 1 November at Bay Leaf Restaurant, Albion. Standing L-R: Samaru Dass. Vinod Nath. Daniel Kumar. Pranil Vishwa. Hari Chand. Hari K. Mudliar. Walter Alexandra. Connor Harm Num. Virendra Pratap. Sitting L-R: Harish Kumar. Satya Prasad. Narayan Reddy.

• Wynnum Womens Club Members Annual Christmas Dinner at Satay Ria, Malaysian, Chinese Restaurant, Cannon Hill.

• Socialising at The Mantra Room - follow on facebook.

• The band at the Mantra Room - 236 Montague Road, West End.

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 29

When the failed military mutiny changed Fiji’s fate Thakur Ranjit Singh THURSDAY 2 November fourteen years ago in 2000 started as an uneventful day, a normal clear day in Suva, nothing untoward. I was at Vatuwaqa cemetery at around 1pm to attend a friend’s funeral from Carpenter Shipping. I had planned to travel to Ba later that afternoon to attend the funeral my cousin, Jai Karan Singh (Prem) who has suddenly passed away the previous morning. As we were completing viewing, after 1pm, we heard what sounded like cracking of gunfire. It was echoing from Nabua Military barracks which is some 2-3km away from Vatuwaqa cemetery. We immediately sensed something was wrong, and news filtered through that something unpleasant was happening at RFMF Barracks. After the funeral, I quickly rushed home in Raiwai, and shot –off to Ba via Queens Road with my family to attend the funeral. Later we heard in the news that there was mayhem at Nabua Barracks where attempts were made to assassinate Commodore Frank Bainimarama. He was able to escape with help of some soldiers through cassava fields. This was the second mutiny at a military camp. On 7 July 2000, rebel soldiers supporting George Speight overran the Sukunaivalu Barracks in Labasa, the largest town on the northern island of Vanua Levu. Besides seizing the barracks, these soldiers harassed ordinary citizens of Labasa, kidnapping bus commuters, ransacking homes, and seizing crops, and bullying, assaulting and harassing mostly Indo Fijians. The police was powerless and humiliated, and yours truly made satire of the police force to a badhia baila castrated bullock. I coined the caption of a cartoon which read, where one farmer in Labasa is telling another farmer, pointing to a bull: “My castrated bullock has more balls than the police force.” The police was really impotent under the then Commissioner Isikia Savua, who was having a jaunt in Vanuatu when anarchy was taking place in Labasa. [Read full four part account of Savua Enquiry at FIJI PUNDIT (www.fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz) then, the military took charge and purged the rebels. [One of the leaders is now respectively sitting as MP speaking about Fijian affairs in SODELPA Party in the current Fiji Parliament.] Reports later emerged that the situation at Nabua Barracks on this fateful day was bloody and unheard of where Fijians were prepared to shoot their fellow soldiers in cold blood, while the human and milk of human kindness in some rebels stopped them from killing in cold blood. Fijian army officers were executed in cold blood by the rebel soldiers from Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW, which was equivalent to elite force of SAS) during this rebel uprising, with one soldier shot at point blank range while he was asleep. Reports in local newspapers gave graphic details of how

renegade Special Forces soldiers killed three loyal officers during the failed military mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva on this fateful day of 2 November, 2000. One was shot while seated at his computer. His blood was cleaned from the keyboard, according to the Fiji Sun. One rebel from the Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) Unit refused to execute two officers at the height of the gun battle. Major Niko Bukarau, who escaped execution, told Fiji’s Daily Post: “I should be in the mortuary if everything went as planned.” While the CRW rebels had taken over the Nabua Barracks, it was perhaps their bad luck, as little did they realize that the most powerful and feared unit of RFMF, the Third Infantry Regiment was at Sigatoka Sand dunes, undertaking military exercises. As I passed Sigatoka on my way to Ba, I passed these soldiers waiting just below Matanipusi Hills, some 100km away from Suva, in Dee Cee Buses, as if readying themselves to pounce on the enemy. Somehow, I had a hunch that Fiji still had hopes. And the powerful Third Regiment was headed by a Bainimarama loyalist and career soldier, Colonel Viliame Seruvakula, who joined the Army in the early 1980s. He opposed the 2000 coup. And he stood out as Fiji’s saviour on that fateful day. They gallantly marched into Nabua camp, mounted a brief offensive, and led the all-powerful Third Regiment in a counter-offensive to retake the barracks from the rebels and maintain normalcy and security. They succeeded. Following the mutiny, Seruvakula made some controversial statements in the media. He alleged that he had been offered F$250,000 to support George Speight’s attempted coup in May, and that former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (who led two coups in 1987) had incited the mutiny and attempted to overthrow the military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama. It later emerged that this mutiny was led by Captain Shane Stevens. It left some casualties and fatalities, and we can say there was some collateral damage. A total of 42 soldiers from the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit were subsequently convicted of involvement in the mutiny. Bainimarama also accused Rabuka of having “politicized” the Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) The name of Lieutenant Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini has also been mentioned as the person who wanted to depose Bainimarama. Stevens later testified that Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, the Qaranivalu, a senior chief of Naitasiri Province and a Senator and former Cabinet Minister, had visited the barracks during the mutiny to offer moral and practical support, which included supplying the mutineers with cellphones. Later, Takiveikata was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the mutiny. That was a flashback to events 14 years ago - same length as Ram Banwas-exile of Lord Ram to forests, but it brought happiness and celebration of Diwali on his return after 14

Hindus seek Diwali holiday in all Australian universities HINDUS are asking all universities of Australia to declare Diwali, most popular Hindu holy day, as a university-wide holiday. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed (pictured), in a statement in Nevada today, pointed out that it would be a step in the right direction in view of presence of a substantial number of Hindu students at Australian universities, as it was important to meet the religious and spiritual needs of these students. Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that universities should make efforts to accommodate the religious requirements of Hindu students and employees and show respect to their faith by not conducting regular business and scheduling classes on Diwali. We did not want our students to be put at an unnecessary disadvantage for missing tests/examinations/papers, assignments, class work, etc., by taking a day-off to observe Diwali. If universities had declared other religious holidays, why not Diwali, Rajan Zed asked. Holidays of all major religions should be honoured and no one should be penalized for practicing their religion, Zed added Zed urged all Australian universities, both public and private, to seriously look into declaring Diwali as a holiday, recognizing the intersection of spirituality and education. Zed noted that awareness about other religions thus created by such holidays like Diwali would make all students well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow.

Rajan Zed further says that Hinduism is rich in festivals and religious festivals are very dear and sacred to Hindus. Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Besides Hindus, Sikhs and Janis and some Buddhists also celebrate Diwali, which falls on November 11 in 2015. Hinduism is oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

30 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

years. Similar analogy can be drawn to Fiji where happiness and democracy returned to Fiji after overwhelming support for Bainimarama. Can you for a moment imagine what Fiji would be like now, 14 years on, had the devils, supported by some chiefs, succeeded in assassinating Bainimarama on that fateful day? What would have been the fate of Indo-Fijians? Another Girmit or slavery, or massacre, something like Syria? What would have the so-called leaders, masquerading as Chiefs done to Fiji, after they had looted NBF and other institutions of Fiji under Rabuka regime? Can you appreciate and perhaps now understand Bainimarama for taking the actions he took? How would you feel if your own people, in military, who were there to protect the leader, had become your killers? How about Chiefs, who are there to be our mentors and respectable advisors, abuse their position for greed of power? The events that unfolded subsequent to this attempt on his life is reflected in the tough stance Bainimarama took. He warned Qarase to inculcate better governance, bereft of nationalism and racism, which Qarase ignored at his peril. He purged military and removed all the thorns and opposition, and strengthened it with loyal officers who believed in multiracialism, good governance and loyalty. The thieves…oops, I mean Chiefs, some of them abused their positions and power, and politicized the august body of GCC for personal and political gains. The biggest disappointment was Naitasiri’s powerful and respected Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, who was implicated and sentenced. As a result the sham of Great Council of Chiefs had to go. With the election of Fiji’s First government as the now democratically elected government of Fiji and recognition by Australia, New Zealand and USA to be followed by the whole world, Fiji has come a long way since that fateful day on 2 November, 2000. Yes, this is the significant and historic day 14 years ago when Fiji’s current Prime Minister, Commodore Bainimarama played hide and seek with death in a cassava patch in Nabua. And like Diwali which heralds victory of life over death, life won on that crucial day, which we now realize made him into an ironman for the rascals and a friend of the weak. Thank God for the 2 November, 2000, which gave back a stronger Bainimarama and a new pleasant history to Fiji. We are so thankful to the failed mutiny on this fateful day when victory, light and life respectively defeated loss, darkness and death. Indeed, second of November should be declared local Diwali for Fiji – every year. [E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz] [About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a media commentator and a blogger at KIWI and FIJI PUNDIT, a former publisher of Daily Post in Fiji and is a media and communications scholar, based in Auckland.]

Senator The Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells: Young Muslims contribte to harmony THE Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, used a Sydney conference on 17 November to recognise the contribution of Australian Muslims. Organised by the Lebanese Muslim Association, the Sydney Muslim Conference brought young people together and highlighted how Islam plays a positive role in a harmonious society. It included speakers, workshops and panel discussions. Representing the Prime Minister, The Hon Tony Abbott MP and the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Senator Fierravanti-Wells said the conference was further proof of the diversity we enjoy in Australia. “I was particularly impressed that of the hundreds in attendance there were so many young people.” “Our way of life has been enriched by the diversity and social cohesion we enjoy and the Muslim Australian communities have contributed to this.” According to the 2011 census, there are 476,000 Australians who call Australia home, including 179,000 who were born here. “Muslim Australians contribute greatly to the fabric of our country as doctors, lawyers, artists, athletes, tradespeople, comedians, business people and parents. They are everyday Australians who have

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helped enrich what has become one of the most cohesive and prosperous societies in the world,” said Senator Fierravanti-Wells. The conference follows a recent report showing strong support for diversity. “The Scanlon Foundation’s Mapping Social Cohesion Report found that 85 per cent of Australians agreed multiculturalism has been good for the nation,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said. “The Government supports a successful multicultural society. We earmarked more than $545 million in the Budget for initiatives for multicultural communities over the next four years. “This conference engaged, challenged and grew a shared vision for cohesive Australian Muslim communities,” said Senator Fierravanti-Wells. Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

Mawlid un-Nabi – The birth of the universal prophet Prepared by: Imam M.Aslam

ALL praise be to Allah Subhanau Wata’ala and peace be upon his beloved prophet, the prophet of mercy, the intercessor of the ummah prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalllam. The month of Rabi al-Awwal is approaching soon. The most significant day in the history of mankind is the 12th of Rabi alAwwal. In which our beloved prophet sallallahu alahi wasallam was born. The significance of the day is associated with the dignity of the man who was born on this day. The man born on this day was the answer to Abraham’s supplication. And he was the glad tidings that Jesus Christ gave to his people. His birth had been foretold in previous divine Books. The Jews recognized him as well as one recognizes one’s child. They would even pray against their enemies through him. In short, he is a great blessing for the whole of humanity. The 12th of Rabi al-Awwal is especially important to the Muslims, because on this day the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was born. This day takes them back to the memory of the one who led humanity from darkness to light and who is described by Allah as “a mercy to all the worlds”. The Muslims in East and West celebrate the Prophet’s birth on the 12th of Rabi alAwwal through zikre Rasool. Such an occasion is meant to remind people of how the Prophet lived his life. Allah Almighty directs us to follow in the footsteps of His Beloved Messenger: “Verily, in the Messenger of Allah, you have a good example for him who looks to Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much.” (alQur’an, 33: 21) Nowadays, celebration of such a religious occasion is extremely important, especially for youth. Forgetful of such sacred events and their significance, they have indulged in other pleasures. When their hearts become abodes for the love of the Prophet, the best of the creation, they will emulate his practice who was an embodiment of love, sympathy and peace. So the commemoration of the Prophet’s birthday should be cherished and maintained. Such celebrations will instil in them the values, ethics and moral code practised by the Prophet. This occasion serves a great purpose in that it brings the people closer to the teachings of Islam and to the Prophet’s way of life. It causes them to remember that the Prophet was a blessing for the whole universe, so they should also behave with others like him. His lesson of forbearance will motivate them to forgive even the bitter enemies. On this occasion the Muslim parents should tell the stories of the Prophet to their children – stories that shed light on different aspects of his life: his birth, childhood, youth and adult life. This practice will kindle the flame of love in their hearts. And this message will serve as a beacon of light for the future generations, so that they will live together in peace, fraternity and solidarity. His care for all of humanity sets the best example for humanity. In recent times, a very commendable practice has begun. Mawlids are being organized in place of secular celebrations: they are organized to mark a child’s birthday, move into a new house, marriages and similar events. Today’s violence-stricken, dark world can only be illuminated through the light of his teachings which show us how much tolerant he was towards others. Mawlid celebrations aim at the promotion of the culture of love and fraternity, peace and harmony, justice and equality, restoration of human rights and denouncement of terrorism. Also, they give the message of human dignity, forgiveness and accommodation. The Muslims congratulate one another on this day and salute and salawat upon the Beloved Messenger of Allah. The legal and religious status of celebrating the birth of Holy Prophet (Peace & Blessings be upon him) in light of the Qur’an and Sunnah: And Indeed everyone rejoices except for Shaytan and his counterparts. Translation: Iblis cried loudly four times, first when Allah declared him as cursed, second when he was thrown out, Third When Prophet (salallaho alaihi Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

wasalam) was born and fourth when Surah al-Fatiha was revealed [Ibn Kathir in Al Bidayah wan-Nihayah, Volume No. 2, Page No. 166] Note: The above is a small introduction, the Qati’i (absolute) and clear proofs start from below which is a must read In shaa’Allah. Muslims rejoice on birth of Prophet (Peace & Blessings be upon him) because Allah has told us to rejoice on His”Bounties and Mercies” This following text shall be based on a) Qur’an and its sciences b) Hadith literature c) Sayings of eminent scholars and fuqaha d) Counter refutation of claims made against Mawlid. a) Understanding through Al-Qur’an wal Furqan and Its sciences Proof No.1 Qur’an states: Translation: Say: “In the bounty of God. And in His Mercy, in that “LET THEM REJOICE” : that is better than the (wealth) they hoard (Surah Yunus, 10:58) Some might think in their wildest of imaginations that birth and arrival of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) is not a mercy, some even falsely limit the Mercies of Allah by saying that mercy mentioned here does not refer to Prophet Muhammad (salallaho alaihi wasalam) thus we should not rejoice, so in reply to such people the best answer is found in Tafsir of Qur’an through Qur’an itself. Qur’an states at another place: Translation: We have not sent you but as a “Mercy to the worlds” (Surah alAnbiya, 21:107) Hence without any shadow of doubt arrival of Prophet (Peace & Blessings be upon him) is a mercy not only upon us but all worlds and creations of Allah azza Wajjal, thus we should rejoice as ordered in Qur’an (10:58) Imam Ibn al-Jawzi (rah) explains 10:58 in his Tafsir: Translation: ad-Dhahak narrated from Ibn Abbas (ra) that Bounty mentioned in this verse means Knowledge (i.e of Qur’an and Tawhid) whereas Mercy means Muhammad (Salallaho alaihi wasalam) [Ibn Jawzi Z’ad al Maseer fi Ilm at Tafsir, (4/40)] Imam Abu Hayyan al Andalusi (Rahimuhullah) also says: Translation: Bounty refers to Knowledge whereas Mercy refers to Muhammad (salallaho alaihi wasalam) [Tafsir Al-Bahr al Muheet, (5/171)] Imam Jalal uddin Suyuti (RA) Abu Sheikh (rah) narrated from Ibn Abbas (RA) That Bounty of Allah means Knowledge, whereas Mercy means Muhammad (Salallaho alaihi wasalam) Allah Ta’ala said: We have sent thee not but as Mercy to Worlds (Al Anbiya: 107) [As-Suyuti in Dur al Manthur (4/330)] Allama Aloosi (rah) explains that even Fadhl (i.e. bounty) refers to Prophet Muhammad (salallaho alaihi wassalam) Narrated by Al Khatib (rah) and Ibn Asakir (rah) that Bounty refers to An-Nabi (Alaih Salatu Wassalam) [Al-Alusi in Ruh al Ma’ani (11/141)] Proof No. 2 Qur’an states That is the bounty of Allah; which He giveth unto whom He will. Allah is of Infinite Bounty (62:4) Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (Radhi Allah) explains “Allah is of infinite bounty” as: (Allah is of infinite bounty) by bestowing Islam and prophet hood upon Muhammad (pbuh); and it is also said this means: by bestowing Islam upon the believers; and it is also said this means: by sending the Messenger and Scripture to His created beings. [Tanwir al Miqbas Min Tafsir Ibn Abbas] Proof No. 3 Qur’an states regarding Yahya (a.s): Translation: So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)! [Surah al-Maryum, (19:15)] So the days when Anbiya are born are days of “Tranquility” in sight of Allah. Proof No. 4 Qur’an states: We sent Moses with Our signs (and the command). “Bring out thy people from the

depths of darkness into light, and teach them to remember the “Days of Allah (‫)ِهَّللا ِماَّيَأِب‬.” Verily in this there are Signs for such as are firmly patient and constant,- grateful and appreciative. (14:5) What are the Ayyam of Allah? Imam alBayhaqi narrates in his Shu’ab al Iman that Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: The Days of Allah are his “Blessings and Signs” [Tafsir Ruh ul Ma’ani under 14:5] Istadlal from Ahadith Proof No.1 Book 006, Number 2606 (Sahih Muslim) Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me. This Hadith is also reported in by Imam alBahayqi in his “Sunnan ul Kubra” (Vol. 4, pg. 300 Hadith no 8182, 8259), in the “Sunan” of Imam Nisai and the “Musnad” of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal. It is clear from this Hadith that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) was very happy about the day of his birth and so fasted out of gratitude. Fasting is a form of worship, so one can celebrate this day by any form of ibada. One can fast or hold gatherings or provide food to the poor, all being acts of worship. Proof No.2 Volume 7, Book 62, Number 38: (Sahih Bukhari) Narrated ‘Ursa; Thuwaiba was the freed slave girl of Abu Lahb whom he had manumitted, and then she suckled the Prophet. When Abu Lahb died, one of his relatives saw him in a dream in a very bad state and asked him, “What have you encountered?” Abu Lahb said, “I have not found any rest since I left you, except that I have been given water to drink in this (the space between his thumb and other fingers) and that is because of my manumitting Thuwaiba.” Abu Lahab freed Thuwaiba on joy at birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), even the worst of Kufaar and greatest of enemies is given relaxation in his Adhaab due to freeing Thawaiba by pointing with his finger, so Imagine the situation of a momin who rejoices on Mawlid, detailed explanation of this hadith shall be given in the last section of Verdicts from classical scholars. Proof No.3 Volume 2, Page No. 147, Hadith No. 1130 (Sahih Muslim, Dar ul Kutab al ILmiyyah) Ibn Abbas “Allah be pleased with him” reported: The Prophet “Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him” came to Madina and saw the Jews fasting on the tenth day of Muharram. They were asked about that. They replied: “This is the day, on which Allah made Moses and the children of Israel emerge victorious over Pharoah. So, we fast on it “OUT OF GLORIFICATION TO IT”. The Prophet “Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him” said: “We have more claim over Moses than you.” So, he ordered Muslims to fast on it If Jews glorify their days to venerate Musa (a.s) then we Muslims have more right to venerate and rejoice on day when Prophet (saw) was born, this is an accepted analogy as Ulama have derived this specific ruling from the hadith, which shall be mentioned in the last section with detail. Proof No.4 Volume 1, Page No. 241, Hadith No. 448 (Sunnan an Nasai’i) Hadrat Anas bin Malik (RA) narrates that Prophet (Peace be upon him) while mentioning his journey of Miraaj explains: Jibreel (a.s) asked me to get off from Buraak at Bethlehem and told me to say the prayer there, after which he said: Do you know where you have prayed (O Messenger of Allah)? You prayed at Bethlehem where Isa (a.s)”was born”. Imam al-Bayhaqi (rah) narrated this hadith with a different route too from another Sahabi called “Shaddad bin Aws (RA). After narrating it he said: ‫حيحص دانسإ اذه‬ Translation: This Sanad is “SAHIH” [alBayhaqi in Dalayl un Nubuwah (2/355356)] So the Mawlid and the places where Prophets (A.S) are born are amongst Sha’ir (sings to be venerated) of Allah.

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Conclusion Rabi-ul-Awal: The Most Authentic Date of Milad Some people claim that the exact date of birth of the Prophet (‫هلآو هيلع هللا ىلص‬ ‫ )ملسو‬is not known and hence there is little room for the celebration of Eid-e-Milad-unNabi (‫ )ملسو هلآو هيلع هللا ىلص‬on 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal. 12 Rabi-ul-Awal is not only accepted as Milad Day from the classical and ancient scholars, it is also confirmed by the governments of the whole Islamic world. The holidays of almost 2 dozen Islamic countries. Opinion of Renowned Historians about the Authentic Date of Milad 1. Imam Ibn Ishaq (85-151 H): Messenger of Allah (‫ )ملسو هلآو هيلع هللا ىلص‬was born on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. (Ibn al Jawzi in Al-Wafa, Page 87) 2. Imam Ibn Hisham (213 H): Messenger of Allah (‫ )ملسو هلآو هيلع هللا ىلص‬was born on Monday 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ulFeel. (Ibn Hisham in As-Sirat-unNabawiya, Vol. 1, Page 158) 3. Imam Ibn Jareer at-Tabari (224-310 H): Messenger of Allah (‫هلآو هيلع هللا ىلص‬ ‫ )ملسو‬was born on Monday 12th Rabi-ulAwal in Aam-ul-Feel. (Tarikh-ul-Umamwal-Muluk, Vol. 2, Page 125) 4. Allama Abu-ul-Hasan Ali Bin Muhammad Al-Mawardi (370-480 H): Messenger of Allah (‫هلآو هيلع هللا ىلص‬ ‫ )ملسو‬was born on Monday 12th Rabi-ulAwal. (Ailam-un-Nabuwa, Page 192) 5. Imam Al-Hafiz Abu-ul-Fatah AlUndalasi (671-734 H): Our leader and our Prophet Muhammad (‫هلآو هيلع هللا ىلص‬ ‫)ملسو‬, the Messenger of Allah, was born on Monday 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. (Aayun-al-Asr, Vol.1, Page 33) 6. Allama Ibn Khaldun (732-808 H): Messenger of Allah (‫هلآو هيلع هللا ىلص‬ ‫ )ملسو‬was born on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. It was the 40th year of Emperor Kasra Noshairwan. (Ibn Khaldun in At-Tarikh Vol. 2, Page 394) 7. Muhammad As-Sadiq Ibrahim Arjoon: From various turaq (chains) it has been established as true that the Prophet (‫ىلص‬ ‫ )ملسو هلآو هيلع هللا‬was born on Monday 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel in the reign of Kasara Noshairwan. (Muhammad Rasool Ullah, Vol. 1, Page 102) 8. Sheikh Abdul-Haq Muhadath Dehlvi (950-1052 H):Know it well, that overwhelming majority of the experts of sayar and tarikh (i.e. biographers and historians) hold the opinion that An-Hazrat (i.e. the prophet ‫ )ملسو هلآو هيلع هللا ىلص‬was born in Aam-ul-Feel … It is well known that the month was of Rabi-ul-Awal and its date was 12. Various scholars have shown their agreement with this (date). (Madarijun-Nabuwa, Vol. 2, Page 14) 9. Nawab Muhammad Sadiq Hasan Khan Bohapalvi: The birth (of the Prophet ‫ىلص‬ ‫ )ملسو هلآو هيلع هللا‬happened in Mecca at the time of Fajar on Monday 12th Rabi-ulAwal in Aam-ul-Feel. Majority of scholars holds this opinion. Ibn Jawzi has narrated a consensus (of scholars) on it. (AshShumama-tul-Anbariya Fi Mowlid Khairal-Bariya, Page 7) You can see that the historians / scholars from the first / second century of Hijri, as well as the scholars of later times, had been authenticating it. The list also includes the well known leader of Salafis, i.e. Nawab Sadiq Hasan Bohapalvi. This Date is Officially Recognized by Islamic World Milad-un-Nabi (‫)ملسو هلآو هيلع هللا ىلص‬ is celebrated throughout the Islamic world, with the exception of a few countries. Islamic society of Algester will host the Mawlid un-Nabi program on the 18th January, Sunday at Islamic College of Brisbane, Karawatha. It will begin around 2:30pm. All are welcome.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 — 31

Health Beauty Wellbeing Unwanted hair growth Smoking trends down butt not out can be embarrassing THE normal amount of body hair for women can vary. Most of the time, a woman only has fine hair, or peach fuzz, above the lip, chin, chest, abdomen or back. However, if you have coarse, dark hairs in these areas the condition is called Hirsutism or hormonal hair growth. For most women the exact cause cannot be identified; however, it may be hereditary as it tends to run in families, and many women who have it find it bothersome and embarrassing. A known cause of Hirsutism is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other hormone conditions that cause unwanted hair growth. Whilst you may not be able to eliminate PCOS or other hormone conditions, these can be treated medically and a consultation with Dr. Philip Manfield is recommended. In addition, the Hirsutism condition can be treated by the medical laser at Rosalie Cosmetic Medicine clinic at Auchenflower. The clinic’s medical laser targets the dark hair colour (melanin) in the hairs. The machine they use is a Cutera NdYag Laser, which is widely recognised as the best method of permanently reducing the thick

• Terri Cross and Dr. Philip Manfield.

dark hair growth in dark skin types. And because of its operating wavelength, machine can effectively treat dark skin types as well as lighter skin types. If you would like confidential and personal advice on your hair condition, call Terri Cross at the Rosalie Cosmetic Medicine clinic where your initial consultation is free. Terri is a former Registered Nurse who now specialises in medical laser techniques (Tel 3369 5433 or email: terri@rosaliemc.com.au).

QUEENSLAND’S smoking trends are on the decline with teenagers and young men leading the way, giving hope that fewer young people are taking up the habit. Releasing the fifth biennial The Health of Queenslanders Report today, Queensland Health Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said it was pleasing to see fewer people smoking and rates for teenagers and young men falling faster than other age groups. “In 2014, 14 per cent of adults reported smoking daily, and this is a 26 per cent reduction in the past decade. “Teenagers and young men, aged 18 to 29, are leading the way and it gives me hope that this will result in fewer young people taking up the smoking habit in the future,” Dr Young said. “However, tragically smoking accounted for one in seven deaths in Queensland, with 3,700 Queenslanders dying annually from tobacco related conditions. “We may be smoking less and breathing easier but it is alarming that one in four cancer deaths were due to smoking and half of long-term smokers will die from smoking related causes,” she said. Despite the decline in some smoking trends, too many Queenslanders continued to smoke. “It’s estimated that there are still about

500,000 adult smokers in Queensland and that’s 500,000 too many. “We’ve had great wins with those wanting to quit, the ‘contemplators’ and those who just needed a nudge, but the real challenge will lie in getting those really committed smokers to quit once and for all - not just for themselves and their families, but for the community’s benefit as well,” she said. One of Queensland Health’s stop smoking campaigns (If you smoke your future’s not pretty), was particularly targeted at young women by highlighting the impact smoking has on physical appearances. “Market research has showed that hard-hitting messages weren't getting through to young women and also showed physical appearance was the main driver for young women to contemplate giving up smoking,” Dr Young said. “Smokers are not only putting their health at risk, they are also ageing themselves with every puff without realising the cause of those extra wrinkles is right at their fingertips.” The campaign’s website includes information on quitting smoking, common triggers and how to overcome setbacks. A QuitTracker app also helps to monitor progress with a smoking diary. For more information visit campaign website www.ifyousmoke.initiatives.qld.gov.au

Put the bite on junk food QUEENSLANDERS are making poor diet decisions and consuming too much junk food, according to the Chief Health Officer’s The Health of Queenslanders Report 2014. Queensland Health’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said dietary factors were the leading risk of disease burden in Australia. “All Queenslanders need to reduce the amount of junk food, cakes, pastries, biscuits, confectionery, sugary drinks and alcohol they are consuming.” “These foods are no longer ‘treat’ or ‘occasional’ foods as they have been in the past, but have found their way into the everyday diet, such as the lunchboxes and snacks of

children and adults in Queensland. “On average at least one third of daily energy intake is from these discretionary foods that are energy-dense with no nutritional value, and this applies to the whole Queensland population – from children as young as two years of age through to people in their 70s and older,” Dr Young said. The Health of Queenslanders Report 2014 also found about one quarter of all deaths were directly or indirectly associated with dietary risks. “Overwhelmingly the evidence points to Queenslanders eating too much of the wrong food and moving too little. And Queenslanders have a much distorted view of their weight, particularly as big, bigger

and huge is now our norm,” she said. “We are witnessing an increase in physical activity but there is still too much sedentary behaviour. Only 60 per cent of Queensland adults and 41 per cent of children are achieving the recommended physical activity levels. “We need to look at ways to be more active. One in eight adults usually sits for seven or more hours each day and one in three children spend two or more hours of recreational screen time every day,” she said. “Take the stairs rather than the lift, and consider taking public transport or walk or cycle to work instead of taking the car. “There are simple and small changes we

can make to improve our overall health.” Dr Young said that was the message of the Queensland Government’s Healthier. Happier. campaign. The campaign encourages Queenslanders to ask questions about their lifestyle in a fun and interactive way, and use the Health & Fitness Age calculator to discover easy steps to a healthier life. Visit Healthier, Happier campaign website (www.healthier.qld.gov.au) for more information on good nutrition and ways to be more active. Healthy recipes and tips for healthier shopping and cooking techniques are also available. Health and fitness age calculator and video files can also be found on this campaign site.

Haldi (Turmeric) benefits Action without attachment Courtesy Jossy Thomman

Nimisha Modi Hetvi Hair & Beauty - 04 123 500 13

TURMERIC or Haldi is one of India’s most widely used spices. Not only it is used to add colour and taste to our food but it’s also a natural remedy for various diseases and skin ailments. It is also a part of Indian rituals. One of the most important ceremonies of Indian weddings is the haldi ceremony where a paste made of turmeric is applied to the bride and the groom’s body and face to make their skin glowing for the wedding. Even if the pregnant woman drink a glass of milk everyday with one teaspoon of turmeric powder, coming baby’s skin is fairer. (Don’t quote me for this :-)). Here are some benefits of turmeric that you can use to help with common beauty problems and get flawless looking skin. 1. Ageing: Turmeric is an excellent exfoliating agent and can help you defeat the signs of ageing. Take besan (gram flour) and turmeric powder in equal proportions and prepare a paste by adding water. You may alternatively prepare this paste in raw milk or even yoghurt. Apply it evenly on your body and leave it till it dries off. Wash it off with lukewarm water and scrub your face gently in circular motion. 2. Wrinkles: You can use turmeric in combination with other ingredients to manage your wrinkle woes. Add raw milk and tomato juice to rice powder and turmeric

powder. Apply the paste and let it stay until it dries. The lactic acid present in milk will help peel off the dead skin cells. 3. Acne: Not only does turmeric take care of scars and inflammation but also reduces oil secretion by sebaceous glands. To prepare a turmeric scrub, add a few drops of water and lemon juice to turmeric powder. Apply the paste on the acne and leave it for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub it off your face with plain water. You can also use turmeric and sandalwood mixture as an acne face pack and wash it off in approximately 10 minutes. For acne scars, dab a mixture of turmeric and plain water and leave it on the marks for 15 minutes. To control oil secretion, prepare a paste of sandalwood powder and ground turmeric with orange juice. Leave the paste on your face for 10 minutes and then wash it with lukewarm water. 4. Stretch marks: A mixture of besan (gram flour) and turmeric in yoghurt/raw milk/water can help lighten stretch marks. 5. Burns: In case you accidently burn your skin, you can turn to turmeric for quick relief owing to its antiseptic properties. Prepare a mixture of turmeric and aloe Vera gel. Apply it on the burn and notice how it heals the wound in no time. 6. Cracked heels: Apply a mixture of coconut oil/castor oil and turmeric powder on cracked heels preferably 15 minutes before you head to take a bath. It will help heal cracks. These were some of the many benefits of turmeric that can give you flawless skin, the natural way. Thanks for reading, keep in touch. Have a nice holiday seasons. Nimisha

32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

ELIMINATING the domination of dependency which is the beginning of exploitation. Eliminating the lust for power creates imbalances. This state of attachment is the source of all imbalances. Know that all forms are transitory. All relationships are man-made one cannot run away from the daily challenges. Discharge our responsibility through commitments. But learn to live without attachments. How does one free from enmity hatred and bitterness? How to be aware of those attachments? When the demands and attachments of the mind come up look at them, beware

of them. That very understanding creates the strength and vitality to release their momentum. If you try to wish away or cover them up or supress, deny their very existence then you will get bogged down. When one is conscious and aware of them that very understanding releases the suffering of attachments. Continues thinking of anything and everything leads to attachments. One may turn away and go to mountain and live in a cave. But our mind goes on thinking. There will be the same quantity of attachments. It is thought that creates attachments not the presence of objects.

Be one in a million... not million in a million Courtesy Jossy Thomman WHAT is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? When we communicate it shouldn’t be a superficial talks or knowledge. Knowledge and talks are simply mechanical repetition. Wisdom is action out of understanding it will be always listening. As thoughts arise the very understanding is ending of it. It is the clarity and insights dispel the noises. Mind doesn’t chatter anymore. This understanding is instant immediate and accurate. No time. No cause. Therefore, no further bondage of karma (action). Are we on the same track? Why can’t we be honest? Why can’t we say, we don’t know what truth is? (Truth is always

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come out from not knowing). Which is our own making? Talking about how good I am? And how knowledgeable I am? Will not help to move away from sufferings? Down the track we took a wrong turn ended up in a prison cell full of poisonous snakes. Today our relationship stinks of inner fragmentation and dependency of the dead gods. Wasting life worshipping the lifeless and the ignorance of darkness of the organised religion and belief. Wake up my friends and shake off all weakness or cowardice that has come up in our heart. We have to go deeper! Be one in a Million. Not million in a million. Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 - 33

Health Beauty Wellbeing ARYA PRATINIDHI SABHA OF QLD INC

Divine Language

prefix or suffix which together yield the form as WHILE some scholars well as the irregular accept the knowledge meaning assigned to a Jitendra Deo contained in the Vedas to given word. Usage also President have been divinely does not deviate from this revealed, yet they hold the main principle, but it is view that the language in which they were still probable that it restricts a word to one transmitted to posterity was that of the of its many significations. In that case a Rishis. particular word used in a passage will have The fact remains that language and to be translated according to the resolution thoughts are inter-dependent, for there can then credible so that the particular restricted be no thought without language and can be sense may be clearly expressed. Is it believno language without thought. Language is able that the Vedic language, which is so the vehicle of thought. Even when we think perfect and is the mother of all the language without speaking, we think in words and of the world, is the result of any human sentences generally in the mother-tongue. effort? It is the Divine language? The most In fact we think in names. Words are the regular language known, especially remarkfortress (stronghold) of thought. Thinking able as containing the roots of the various and speaking can be distinguished as inter- languages of the world. The large number nal and external. Unless thought be accom- of languages, which are said to have their panied at each point of its evolution by a origin-or bear close affinity—to Sanskrit, is corresponding evolution in language, its truly astonishing and is another proof of the further development will be arrested. latter’s high ancient times. At one time Language and intellect cannot be separated. Sanskrit was the one language, spoken all Concluding that even the language, in over the world. which the Vedas were revealed, was also Our Lord has provided us with a Divine divinely revealed. Without language it is speech as a vehicle to communicate and impossible to conceive philosophical, even, receive ideas. While this speech is man’s human consciousness. Similarly, every special privilege. But it is a very poor vehiword and its meaning are also inseparable. cle which has its own limitations. In a set Thus when the words cow and horse were language of limited vocabulary we have to transmitted by God, they were accompanied express our thoughts of gross and abstract by the pictures of cow and horse. Many realms. Sugar is sweet in a bio-chemical impartial philologists and linguists now sense, voice is sweet or music is sweet in unequivocally admit that Sanskrit is the another sense, one’s face is sweet in anothmother (neither aunt, nor sister) of all the er way; and our relations are sweet in some important languages of the world (For elab- other connotations. Each and every sweetoration, see author’s original Habitat of the ness has its own spectrum. But our vocabuAryans). It (Vedic language) comprises of lary is poor, so that at times we fail to philosophy compared with which the express our ideas or sentiments just as we lessons of Pythagoras are but of yesterday would like to. (in point of time as well as in point of spec(Continued in next issue) ulation). Please contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or The Vedic language is known for the deriv- Hari Chand 33454716 for information on ative interpretation of words. Even in mod- activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of ern (classical) Sanskrit a word is invariably Queensland or log on: explained as being made up of a root and a www.aryasamajqueensland.com Continued from last issue

Tips for a healthy, happy festive season By Dr Jeannette Young

CHRISTMAS is a wonderful time of year. It’s a time for families and friends to gather together, to eat, to drink and to be merry. However, when it comes to Christmas parties and end of year celebrations, it can be really easy to over-indulge and ruin all of the good work that you’ve put in to lose weight and live a healthier and happier lifestyle. Just maintaining your weight over the festive season is hard enough, but if you’ve been trying to lose some weight, this time of year can be a speed bump of Christmas lunch-sized proportions. So, to help you survive the festive season, we recently launched a new phase of our Healthier. Happier. campaign which focusses on how to get through the Christmas period without putting on those unwanted and unhealthy extra kilos. The light-hearted campaign outlines 10 ‘festive feasting survival tips’ which show it is possible to maintain healthy habits and still enjoy yourself at the various parties and gatherings you might attend. The tips are presented in the style of an ‘airline safety’ demonstration and use a little bit of humour to get across a very serious message about obesity and chronic disease. In the recent The Health of Queenslanders 2014 report, I outlined that we, as a state, stand at a cross-roads of choosing change or potentially losing the battle with obesity,

• Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Yound and chef Dominique Rizzo.

which is this century’s greatest health challenge. We already have the dubious honour of being the ‘heaviest’ state in Australia, and as it stands, around 2.5 million Queenslanders are currently overweight or obese. We need to change this statistic and we need to change it now. What better time is there to give yourself the gift of good health than at Christmas? So, please join us and take your seat on board the Healthier. Happier. flight to a feel-good festive season and make sure the only surprises you find are under the Christmas tree and not on the scales. Go to healthier.qld.gov.au/festive to see our festive season tips or to find some healthy and delicious recipes for your Christmas lunch.

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

It’s Christmas again

DEAR reader, it is with great joy we Scripture tells us not to bring you the word of God. After worry about tomorrow. Jesus was born, the bible tells us in Each day is a gift from Matthew chapter 2, that wise men God so instead of worrycame from the east to bow before ing, we are to be thanking Him and worship Him. They travGod for His daily provielled far to get a glimpse of the sion. child, following the star. When they Pastor Joseph Dass Again the scriptures tell saw Him, they fell down and worus that God has a plan and shiped Him. They also presented gold, a purpose for our lives. He can cause you frankincense and myrrh as gifts. to arrive at your destiny by overriding even Further, we read that Joseph and Mary had the natural laws. God caused a star to shine to flee with baby Jesus to Egypt and live brighter than the rest and move and come there, until the death of king Herod. to a standstill to where Jesus was born. In the Christmas story we learn that these And that’s where the wise men found wise men who were unknown to Joseph Jesus. They reached their destiny through and Mary, yet were used by God to bless divine intervention. Friend, our God is the them. God can bless us in many different God of impossibilities. Scripture tells us ways and through different people, even He can make a way where there is no other strangers. We can limit God by becoming way. He can cause water to flow in the selective as to who should bless us, pro- desert, provide a road in the middle of the mote us and provide for us. But when we sea and cause light to shine forth in the trust Him as our source, then we leave all darkness. options open to be blessed. Have a very safe, blessed and happy Before they left for Bethlehem, God took Christmas from everyone at Brisbane care of their stay in Egypt. They had gold, Multinational Church. frankincense and myrrh given to them. God bless you, Pastor Joseph Dass

Summer is here! Make sure you stay cool and avoid heat-related illness SUMMER is officially here and the advice from health experts is to make sure you stay cool and hydrated by drinking plenty of water, staying indoors and wearing sun-protection if you go out. Mount Isa Hospital emergency department senior medical officer Dr Ulrich Orda said that with temperatures already high, and likely to get higher, it was timely to remind people to drink plenty of water when having fun in the sun. Dr Orda said dehydration was a loss of water and salts from the body. He said most of the human body was made of water, so when the temperature rose and the body tried to cool itself by sweating, dehydration could be a real concern, especially for children and older people. “Some older people, for instance, are on diuretic medications (medications designed to increase urine output) and need to be very conscious of the fact they need a greater intake of fluids to compensate for the effects of the diuretics,’’ he said. Dr Orda said summer always saw an increase in the number of people brought to hospitals suffering dehydration. “We need water to maintain enough blood and other fluids to function properly, and to maintain our blood pressure. Along with fluids, the body also needs electrolytes, which are salts found in the blood, other fluids and cells,” he said. “In severe cases, dehydration can result in shock, which affects blood flow in the body, and can even result in death. “If you suspect someone is suffering from heat-related illness, it is important for them to attempt to cool their body temperature straight away, by drinking cool drinks, moving to a cool area, using fans or taking a cold shower. “If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, then seek medical assistance immediately and only give the person water if they are fully conscious to minimise any risk of choking. “By recognising the signs of dehydration and taking measures to prevent it, you can enjoy a sizzling and safe summer.” Signs of dehydration: • thirst • dry, flushed skin • dry mouth and mucus membranes • smaller volumes of dark urine • difficulty passing urine

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• sunken eyes • irritability • irrational behaviour. Tips for coping during prolonged heat: • Keep hydrated by drinking water regularly during the day. This generally means drinking two to three litres of water a day, depending on heat, humidity and your physical activity. • If your doctor normally restricts your fluid intake, check how much to drink during hot weather. Drinking too much water can also be dangerous, so monitor the colour of your urine. It is recommended that your water consumption should ensure that your urine is light yellow. • Avoid drinks with high levels of sugar, caffeine and alcohol and very cold drinks. • Eat smaller cool meals, such as salads. Do not take additional salt tablets unless prescribed by a doctor. • Keep yourself cool. Use wet towels or scarves, put your feet in cool water or take cool (not cold) showers. Stay indoors in cool or air-conditioned facilities-either at home or at local shopping centres, libraries and cinemas. • Close curtains and blinds, and open windows (if there is a cool breeze blowing) to reduce heat entering your home. • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you can't avoid outdoor activities don’t go out in the hottest part of the day, stay in the shade, drink plenty of water and wear a hat and light coloured, loose fitting clothing. Ensure infants and children do too. • Do not leave children, adults or animals in parked vehicles, even for a short period of time. • Keep in touch with sick or frail friends, neighbours and relatives to ensure that they are coping with the heat wave conditions. Go to the Queensland Health website for more information about staying healthy in the heat. (health.qld.gov.au) Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

Health Beauty Wellbeing

Relax with a massage in the comfort of your own home Pregnancy, Induction, Post Natal, Baby Massage Pregnancy Massage During pregnancy a woman’s body undergoes many changes; some may be stressful and uncomfortable. How a woman handles stress can have a profound effect on her health and the health of her baby. Stress and anxiety leads to an increase in stress compounds that can have negative effects during pregnancy and labour. Jen McFarland uses her skills as a midwife, massage therapist and prenatal yoga teacher to support mums in their homes across Brisbane both before and after the birth of their babies. Jen has worked as a midwife for more than 20 years and is passionate about holistic care for both mothers and their babies. The Benefits of Massage Massage has a powerful ability to sedate and restore the nervous system. This occurs through stimulating specific receptors of the deeper soft tissues that send information to the nervous system on muscle tension and blood pressure. Massage helps to soothe and relax nervous tension. This in turn helps the mother sleep more easily and more deeply. Most mid- • Yolande and Jen McFarland doing a massage. wives agree that a relaxed mother will have a happier, healthier pregnancy and (possi- blood and lymph drainage. Specific masbly) an easier childbirth experience. A study sage techniques can also reduce swelling. By aiding circulation, massage eases the by The Touch Research Institute showed a decrease in anxiety, stress hormones, and load on the mother’s heart and helps to obstetrical complications in women who keep her blood pressure in check. Massage helps carry away the lactic acid received massages regularly during their and other cellular waste products that build pregnancies. Massage helps the mother’s body eliminate up and therefore reduces muscle fatigue. Massage increases local and general blood waste products (through the lymphatic and circulatory systems), helps combat fatigue circulation, which brings oxygen and nutriand to feel more energetic by increasing ents to the cells of both the mother and

NOW that you have some basic understanding of Vaastu Science (from the last article), lets us start with talking about Entries to the House and the block of land. Each direction North, East, South and West are divided in 9 equal sections or parts. So this will give is 9 X4 = 36 possible entries as per Vaastu. Name each possible entry as N1- N9; E1-E9; S1-S9; W1-W9 as per the diagram. Out of these possible 36 entries some are suitable for peaceful, successful and healthy living while me are harmful other are neutral. I will group these together and give you a brief of which entries are suitable and which are not. These apply to both your house as well your land. E1, E2, N1, N2: These entries are not suitable entries, however if you have these that are fine, as these entries are neutral, they neither give you any advantage nor any disadvantage. E3, E4, E5, E6, E7: These entries are good for peace progress and prosperity, however E3, E4, E5 are the best entries for fame, wealth and popularity. You will be known for your work and will be very well respected among friends, family, work and society. E8, E9, S1, S2, and S3: If you have entrance in this part and have been living here with your family for more than 7 years, atleast 1 member of your family will be suffering from ill health and receiving Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

baby. This means greater vitality and less fatigue for both the mothers and better nourishment for her baby. Massage provides relief from muscle cramps, spasms, tightness, tension, “knots” and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs. It can also help to alleviate headaches, backaches and sciatic pain. Massage can also increase muscular flexibility, which is very helpful during the last trimester and during the birth itself and reduces stress on the weight-bearing joints. Massage can be used during the birth to make it easier and more comfortable for the mother. It can also improve the outcome of labour and ease the labour pain Induction Massage An Induction massage is offered once mums have reached their due date. Modern, gentle and proven techniques are used to help prepare you and your baby for birth and possibly avoid a medical induction. Post natal massage A post natal massage will help you relax and relieve the achiness within your muscles which will in turn help increase your milk supply. It will also help your body reabsorb some of the excess fluid gained while being pregnant’. After the birth, massage can be used to help the mother regain her strength more quickly and it can also ease postpartum stress. Massage can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal change. It can also provide support for the new mother from the physical and emotional strains of mothering

A post natal massage is offered from day 1 post vaginal birth, and seven days after a cesarean birth. Baby Massage The practice of infant massage opens you and your baby up to the power of touch with great benefits for both you and your baby. Reduces crying time Various research studies on infant massage have shown that there is a significant reduction in overall crying time with infants and toddlers who receive massage. Improves sleep and regulates sleep patterns Massage increases serotonin levels and regulates melatonin secretion rhythms which helps regulate sleep patterns. Improves wind, colic, reflux and constipation Massage stimulates elimination of waste from the body, can relieve abdominal wind within minutes and speeds a natural process of the nervous system which can assist with reflux. Enhances co-ordination Studies have shown that infant massage improves left/right brain communication which has been suggested to improve intelligence. This powerful bonding experience will leave your baby feeling cared for, protected and nurtured and the bond between you and your baby will just keep strengthening over time. Baby massage is offered from day 1 post birth. Visit www.massageformums.com.au for more information.

loss of investments, possibly your only friend or family would have borrowed or invested with and they will not be able to repay or will not repay. There will be loss of relationships with friends, family and relatives and very high chance of divorce. If you have been living in this house for 7 years you can start to see fewer visits by friends and fewer invites too. These are very bad entries, they would be very tempting too, cheaper to buy or rent, this should be avoided. W3, W4, W5: Good entries and great for people working government jobs, promotes very ethical behavior and discipline. Will provide consistent income to satisfy every-

day needs. If you have water around these entries especially W5 it will enhance you income and provide opportunities to create wealth. W1, W2, N9, N8: Not suitable entries, creates confusion in decision-making. You will have irregular income and unable to have stability in life. N3, N4, N5, N6, and N7: Good entry points however N4 and N5 are the best for abundance of wealth and liquid cash flow and very regular flow. Great progress and businesses will flourish and excellent progress and will receive promotion in jobs. — KRISH THHAKER

regular treatment for disease like Diabetes or similar that requires regular control and ongoing medication and care. S4: Is the only entry on the South that is suitable for comfortable living. This will give you lots of work and immense amount of wealth and good fortune. The downside of this is that for the first 2.5 years you will have irregular income, as it takes some time for this to activate the energy. S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, W9, W8, W7: The worst entries that you could possibly have. These entries will give you varies issues, starting with Financial Losses, no progress, www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 - 35

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Unsolved mysteries of India By Dhaval Vyas Ahmedabad, India MYSTERY of unknown has always fascinated people. Search for truth has been mankind’s biggest motivator to move ahead. India is said to be a beautiful yet the most mysterious country. Many beautiful places in India either have a history or a twist of mystery behind them. Here is a compilation of a few most mysterious places in India worth visiting if you are around that region. The Village Of Twins The village of Kodinhi, Kerala, Southern India has something unexplained. Not a particularly hidden secret —it’s actually pretty hard to miss. The village’s claim to fame is the abnormal amount of twins born there. Kodinhi only has around 2,100 families, yet there are 260 sets of twins officially registered there. In fact, there could be many more—experts estimate there could be as many as 360 sets of twins in the area. It gets stranger. It is estimated that the number of twins born in the village is increasing every year, and no one really knows why. This is all the more remarkable because twins are especially rare in India—on average, five out of every 1,000 Indian births are twins. In Kodinhi, the number is 45 per 1,000 births. Experts have no idea what is causing this strange phenomenon. They assume there must be some unknown hereditary factor at work, or maybe it’s something they eat. Until they find out for sure, the Village of Twins remains one of the strangest curiosities of perhaps the most mysterious country in the world. The Taj Mahal Mystery Taj Mahal is the most famous—and possibly the most beautiful—building in the

world. Considered one of the modern wonders of the world, this ornate white marble building was created by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum to his deceased wife. Or was it? According to some theories, Taj Mahal was never the architectural embodiment of eternal love history remembers it as. Instead, some evidence suggests that the building is actually about 300 years older than its supposed builder. New Delhi professor Mr. Oak, the man behind this theory, claims that the building was originally not a mausoleuml. He suggests it is

Astrology Aries - March 21 - April 20 Ganesha foretells that your fortunes this month are going to swing like a pendulum. Elation and frustration will go hand in hand – but isn't such the case in our entire lives. So, relax, as Ganesha has full faith that you will be able to sail through with ease. There may be some confusing news, which may derail you a bit, but you shall be quick to regain your balance. There shall be times when you shall be in your elements, brimming with energy and positivity, so that nothing shall seem to be out of your reach. All the weekends look set to be pretty enjoyable. On the work front, things may be a little more hectic, but you shall excel and make a good reputation for yourself. It may even fetch you a lucrative job offer. Businessmen will be eager, but Ganesha advises them to go slow yet steady. If you take care of your employees well, they will give you their 100%. Things on the domestic front shall be tricky, though. If you don't control your temper or desist from using harsh words, your relationship could get worse, so be careful. Travel is likely to bear positive results. Taurus - April 21 - May 22 This month, you may feel that there may be a danger on every step of the way. But, if you stay alert and respond judiciously to situations instead of reacting impulsively, Ganesha says you shall be fine. Professionals and businessmen both are likely to face troubles on their work front, and even health may lay you low at times. A dearth of financial resources may also cause you great anxiety, especially in emergency situations. However, none of this need be a cause for alarm, if you just stay alert and pre-anticipate events from the way things are shaping up. However, at times, you may be unable to fathom the suddenly strange behaviour of some colleagues, which will be far from positive. Apart from your area of expertise, many other things may also demand your attention. Remember, at least as long as you have to continue in your present job, you will have to learn to accept things as they are. So relax! Businessmen will have to tactfully tackle stubborn employees. Ego problems with your spouse may occur, so deal with him/her wisely. Gemini - May 23 - Jun 21 For both businessmen and professionals, Ganesha predicts a very hectic month ahead. Many of your problems will be so tricky that you may have a tough time dealing with them. However, you shall have no alternative, but to give it your best shot. And, once you have done that, leave the rest to the Almighty and hope for the best. The planetary alignments suggest that it is going to be an eventful month. However, if things always don't go your way, don't get discouraged. Just put it down to experience, and you are bound to come out wiser. Businessmen will have to keep communication channels open to improve productivity. You may also have to travel a great deal to promote your business, but it may not yield immediate results. However, in the long run you

actually an ancient Hindu temple known as Tejo Mahalaya dedicated to the worship of the Lord Shiva. If true, this turns the entire history of TaJ Mahal on its head: Instead of building one of the world’s most precious constructions, Shah Jahan would merely have taken an existing temple, done some decorations, and dedicated it to his wife. While this may seem far-fetched to those of us who like Taj Mahal as it is, it’s worth remembering that Indian royalty have a history of capturing enemy temples and mansions and repurposing them into tombs

for their loved ones. What’s more, the memoirs of travelers in the area during the time of Taj Mahal’s supposed construction make no mention of its building and even note that the “Taj” already existed as an important, established building. Is Taj Mahal as the ultimate display of romance just a giant lie created by shoddy historians and propagandists? Until the Indian government agrees to open the sealed rooms within the building so they can be thoroughly investigated by experts, the mystery continues. The Immortals of The Himalayas In many mythologies, mountains are natural homes to divine and immortal beings. As such, it’s no surprise that the world’s highest mountain range, the Himalayas, is subject to whisperings of mysterious beings hidden away in the valleys of the mountains. One popular legend among the practitioners of various New Age soul-searching methods is Gyanganj. It is said to be an ancient Indian and Tibetan tale of a city-kingdom of mysterious immortal beings that are hiding from the world, but influencing it in various subtle ways when needed. It is said that Gyanganj is cunningly camouflaged or even existing in a completely different form of reality, which is why it has managed to avoid being discovered by modern mapping techniques and satellites. However, the immortal, enlightened sadhus & mahatmas that inhabit it are all too happy to let in a visitor every now and then, perhaps even sharing some of their wisdom with them. Many influential gurus and mystics have claimed the source of their knowledge of the arcane comes from visits to this mysterious mountains. Continued next issue...

www.ganeshaspeaks.com shall see that the big shots you may have met during your frequent trips, may help you in some way or the other. Things on the domestic front shall be largely hunky dory, feels Ganesha. Cancer - June 22 - July 22 There will be loads and loads of work this month, but if you go about it in an organised way, and with the help of a supportive team, you shall be able to accomplish it all. Don't expect immediate results, or you shall be bitterly disappointed. Keep giving your best, and sooner or later your contribution shall be recognised and rewarded. Besides, the discouraging days shall be mixed up with encouraging days, and things will eventually balance out. You shall use modern communication technology to the hilt to improve your efficiency. Businessmen may go in for modernisation of their offices, with the aim of streamlining work. Professionals are likely to get another job offer and may seriously consider taking it up. Relationships with colleagues shall be cordial. You are likely to take your responsibilities very seriously, both at office and at home, and the decisions you take shall be very judicious. As a troubleshooter, your social prestige will rise sharply. Leo - July 23 - August 22 You will keep your distance from gossiping this month as your workload will not permit it, says Ganesha. You shall be so engrossed in your work that you will thoroughly enjoy it and may not even notice how much you have accomplished in how little time. You shall achieve your goals for the month with lots of time to spare, such will be the intensity of your focus. Should someone try to divert your mind to other insignificant things, you could cut them off in a less than polite way. When it comes to meeting your targets, you shall not be in a mood to give even slight leeway, neither to yourself nor to your subordinates. On the personal front, you may end up spoiling your relationships with friends, colleagues and even your family members and spouse because of your rude behaviour. Ganesha advises you to sober down and try not to impose yourself on people, whether it is in your personal or professional life. Virgo - August 23 - October 22 This month your work shall be quite monotonous, but you will not get bored with it, foretells Ganesha. You shall be in high spirits and will try innovative ways of executing the same tasks to keep the excitement alive. However, at the back of your mind you shall be seriously thinking of finding yourself a job which will fascinate you more. But that may take time, and in the meanwhile you shall keep working harder to improve your performance. You are likely to set the bar so high that others may find it difficult to emulate you. As a matter of fact you shall perform to your optimum level in all spheres of life, with a thoroughly positive frame of mind. You shall also be very street-smart, and should certain circumstances call for it, you shall not shrink from taking drastic steps such

as event changing your whole life-style. All round, while this month may not be very positive for other Signs, it will prove to be favourable for you. Libra - September 23 - October 22 Stick to the tried and tested methods this month, advises Ganesha. Don't try to experiment too much, no matter how boring your work may seem to be. The time is not very favourable for implementing any change, even in your basic approach to work. However, you will have your fair share of exciting moments, during which you will thoroughly enjoy yourself. One factor which could make you feel depressed is the fact that though you have been putting your heart and soul into your work, the due rewards that you may have been expecting may not be anywhere in sight. But rest assured that there is no need to lose heart. The recognition and rewards will come in due course of time. Try to stay contented with what you have, and you will feel really positive. On the personal front, try to maintain a healthy equation with your life-partner, which you can do by avoiding unnecessary arguments and ego hassles.

Capricorn - December 23 - January 30 You shall be open-minded in your approach to work this month, feels Ganesha. It means that you shall be ready to learn new things, new technology, etc. in order to improve your performance. You shall definitely learn a lot, especially from the seniors employees of the company that you may frequently have to deal with. They can especially be helpful with their vast experience when you are stuck in a dilemma and may be finding it tough to resolve things. Ganesha advises you to make full use of the wisdom of the elderly colleagues in your office. You shall feel very energetic, but you would do well not to squander it on unnecessary pursuits or negatively. Use it judiciously and conserve it for the most important tasks. You may expect some very positive developments in your career this month. On the personal front, whether you are married or single, you shall enjoy some very romantic moments with your beloved.

Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 Ganesha foresees that this month your reserves of patience will keep growing. No matter how frustrating things may seem to be, you will have faith that eventually things will work out in your favour. Exaltation of Mars shall bestow you with the courage to fight against tough situations. This month you may have to stay in constant touch with distant relatives or friends. Matters under litigation need to be handled with care. Initially, your business and financial affairs may be in a mess. Don't make commitments that you are not 100 percent sure you shall be able to keep. Since the planets are casting a dark shadow on you, avoid taking any decisions that may have an adverse impact on your career. The personal sphere is likely to be crammed with all sorts of events. Lots of social get-togethers and functions are on the cards. Be careful on the health front, as you may still not have completely recovered from a recent traumatic event.

Aquarius - January 21 - February 19 The planetary alignments in your chart for the month indicate that this month you shall be very optimistic and feel that nothing is impossible for you to achieve, predicts Ganesha. You shall look at the brighter side of life and see many things that can make you and your dear ones happy. You shall also be in full control of your emotions. Instead of reacting impulsively to situations, you shall take your time to respond after considering all the pros and cons. This kind of equanimity shall be very helpful to you in tackling seniors at your workplace, and elders at home. Professionals are likely to be over-loaded with work this month, so you may have no choice but to do some really slick multi-tasking. Businessmen may be too engrossed in working out ways of making faster progress. On the home front, you should discuss your relationship with your spouse open-heartedly. Love life looks exciting, feels Ganesha, but don't go overboard.

Sagittarius - November 22 - December 22 Ganesha feels that this month you shall tend to be somewhat in a hurry to accomplish your goals, because you will want to stay a step ahead of the cut-throat competition. At the same time, you have to make sure that in your rush to get things done, you don't rub people the wrong way, or it may result in ego clashes and bitter disputes. Moreover, you are likely to rely too much on luck, which means that you don't have enough confidence in your own abilities. Ganesha advises you to be confident of yourself. Cultivate an amiable disposition, share your genuine feelings at least with well-wishers, and everything shall be fine. At times you may feel like changing your job and get one in which you can work at a relaxed pace. On the financial front, you may be in a mood to indulge in speculative transactions in a

Pisces - February 20 - March 20 Because of a distinct lack of self-confidence, Ganesha foretells that this month you shall constantly need the help of someone or the other. So, make sure that good friends are always around to lend a helping hand. You shall hardly be able to justify your varied talents, but rest assured that this is just a passing phase. You shall soon be in your elements again. There is a strong likelihood that your perceptions and outlook on life shall undergo a profound transformation. You shall become much more receptive than you ever were. You shall face no ego hassles in accepting and executing the ideas of others, even if they may be your juniors. You shall also cultivate the tact of dealing with people with a bloated ego. This month appears favourable for people with a creative inclination. Regarding money matters, you shall tend to spend lavishly. If you don't control this temptation you could land up in big trouble, so try to be frugal.

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

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

bid to earn a fast buck, but Ganesha advises you to avoid the temptation.

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Real Estate News

Small Business could Housing affordability improves benefit from Harper Review in time for Christmas

ENDING IAN L AW AL A TR

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WINNER 2014 TG A

HI, I’M CRAIG WALSH YOUR HOME LENDING EXPERT.

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National Snapshot of Housing Affordability NSW: The average loan size to first home buyers increased by 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. NSW remains the least affordable place to buy a home. VIC: Of all Australian first home buyers in the last quarter, 26.4% were from Victoria. Qld: Housing affordability in Queensland remained unchanged over the quarter despite improvements in all other states. SA: SA recorded the largest quarterly drop in the number of first home buyers nationally following the removal of the first home buyers grant for established homes. WA: During the quarter, first home buyers made up 20.7% of WA’s owner-occupier market – the largest proportion of across the country and 25.1% of all Australians first home buyers were from WA. Tas: The average loan size to first home buyers in Tasmania decreased over the quarter by 5.2% to $213,233. In comparison, in NSW, the average first home buyer loan is $327,767. NT: NT saw the largest jump in the number of loans over this last quarter and also this past year. ACT: ACT continues its long run as the most affordable state or territory in which to buy a home or rent.

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occupier market which is a significant decline when compared to the long-run average of 19.7%. “It is very disappointing to see the removal of first home buyer grants for established dwellings in many states and territories, especially when new research suggests that first home buyers are becoming more burdened with debt and increasingly using personal loans and credit cards to finance their deposit.” “REIA strongly supports this very important grant system for first home buyers and we will continue to advocate for the grant’s reintroduction across Australia for both new and established dwellings.”

experience of REIA and others is that big business trademark grabs not only have a major adverse impact on competition, particularly for small business but they are deliberately used to reduce competition which is something we strongly oppose.” “This is why our submission supports the Harper Review recommendation that an overarching review of intellectual property be undertaken by an independent body, such as the Productivity Commission and we believe the review should focus on competition issues arising from new technology developments.” “The ‘realestate.com.au’ case is not an isolated case and our concerns are also shared by others representing small business,” Ms Lynch concluded.

THE latest edition of the Adelaide Bank/ REIA Housing Affordability Report for the September Quarter 2014 has some good news for potential home buyers – and just in time for Christmas! This new report, released 3 December, shows an improvement right across Australia in housing affordability with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreasing by 0.5 percentage points to 30.4% during the September quarter. This year, so far, has also seen the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) leave the cash rate on hold at 2.5% – one of the longest periods of interest rate stability. Unsurprisingly, NSW remains the least affordable state for homebuyers with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments now 4.1 percentage points above the national average. REIA CEO Amanda Lynch said, “Although, in some states, potential buyers probably don’t feel that real estate is within their reach given the recent price surges in Melbourne and Sydney, nationally affordability is improving and we are seeing significant and welcomed first home buyer activity in WA.” “The moderating house price growth in WA has translated into good news for those wanting to enter the housing market with 20.7% of WA’s owner-occupied market now made up of first home buyers. Nationally, a quarter of all first home buyers who purchased in the September quarter were from WA.” “Unfortunately, SA recorded a significant drop in the number of first home buyers following the State Government’s decision to remove the First Home Buyer Grant for established dwellings,” Ms Lynch added. This decline in SA contributed to a nationally downward trend for first home buyers, who now make up only 12% of the owner-

THE Real Estate Institute of Australia has made a strong case in support of small business in lodging its submission to the Harper Competition Policy Review Draft Report. In its submission, which is publicly available, REIA highlights how intellectual property can be dominated by large corporations in a bid to stifle competition and uses the specific example of trademarks for website domain names. REIA CEO Amanda Lynch said, “The experience of REIA and others is that big business trademark grabs not only have a major adverse impact on competition, particularly for small business but they are deliberately used to reduce competition which is something we strongly oppose.” REIA CEO Amanda Lynch said, “The

As a lending expert in the South East Queensland area I understand that no two home buyers are the same. I can: Guide you through the home buying process. Answer all your home loan questions, from “How much will I need for a deposit?” to “What is Lenders' Mortgage Insurance?” Provide you with a conditional pre-approval*, so you can move quickly when you find the right home. Help you choose the right home loan for your financial situation and lifestyle. Arrange an appointment today. I can come to you at a time and place which is convenient for you.

Contact: Craig Walsh 0407 226324 Email: craig.walsh@cba.com.au

Things to know before you Can: *Provided the details initially agreed do not change, conditional pre-approval guarantees the amount you can borrow but not the interest rate. If you do not find a property and accept our formal loan offer within 90 days of the conditional pre-approval date, we will need to obtain from you updated financials and confirm that the loan still meets your needs and financial objectives. Applications are subject to credit approval. Full terms and conditions will be included in our loan offer. Fees and charges are payable. Interest rates are subject to change. As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances before acting on the advice. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Australian Credit Licence Number 234945. Mortgage Innovation Managers are Authorised Representatives of the Commonwealth Bank.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 — 37

Real Estate News Official rates remain on hold to close 2014 By Venessa Paech realestate.com.au

7 first home buyers mistakes By Venessa Paech realestate.com.au 1. Not managing emotions No matter how many people caution you to take the emotion out of the process, if you’re going to buy your first home, you’re going to have emotions. Lots of them. It’s naive to expect us to disconnect from a decision so personal. But you can keep your emotions under control, and you have to if you want to make sure you’re not taken advantage of and so you’re able to spot issues and risks before you buy. Try leaning on a friend or third party to help you stay objective and sound out your thought processes. And if you fall in love with a house on first sight (it happens), don’t ignore that little voice in your head reminding you to do your due diligence if you want to spend the rest of your life with it. Remember: this is a huge purchase. Read all the fine print, even if you’re dazzled by the packaging. 2. Stretching the budget too far When you’re doing the numbers on buying your first home, build in some buffer but have a clear idea of your actual, immovable limits. When you’re staring down other buyers at an auction and the adrenalin is pumping, it’s far too easy for even the most rational of us to shoot up the hand for an extra $5,000 we simply don’t have. Exercise financial discipline and don’t over-extend yourself. The perfect home won’t be consolation if you can’t afford to furnish it – or, worse still, can’t cover your

mortgage payments and living costs because you got carried away. 3. Not budgeting for hidden costs The price tag on the property is just the beginning. Before you’ve bought you’ll need to factor in the cost of building and pest inspections. Then there’s stamp duty and legal fees to cover conveyancing and title searches. There may be fees imposed by your mortgage broker, such as application, valuation and settlement fees. And then you’ll need to consider moving costs, insurance, council rates and the cost of ongoing maintenance – many things you didn’t have to worry about when you were renting. Make sure you’re aware of the costs you’ll be facing and budget for them so there are no nasty surprises and you have plenty of income to enjoy your new lifestyle. 4. Not getting your finance sorted If you’re ready to buy you’ll need to get pre-approved finances from a lender. That way you’re ready to pounce when you find your dream property. Failing to have your paperwork in order can mean you might miss out when you can least afford it. You’ll need documentation of your loan and be ready to pay the deposit immediately. While some vendors and agents do accept offers on their property subject to financing, an unconditional offer will always be preferable. 5. Getting impatient If you’ve been house hunting a while (and for most people it takes a while), you can get search fatigue. You’re tired of getting

SMSF, I can only see a continued climb in house prices.” Shane Oliver, AMP says though property THE Reserve Bank of Australia has left the remains strong, “growth remains subpar official cash rate on hold at 2.50% p.a. for and inflation benign. While home prices are December, marking a full calendar year likely to keep rising in 2015 the pace of with no change. increase will likely slow, particularly in RBA Governor, Glenn Stevens cited below Sydney and Melbourne.” trend growth with lower currency and highLJ Hooker’s Grant Harrod says house er house prices means no rate cut. prices are gradually cooling as the market Rates were tipped by the majority of econ- equalises, giving the RBA room to move in omists and experts to remain on hold. A the new year. survey of 37 financial experts from find“We expect house prices to rise due to er.com.au forecasts the likelihood of a cash ongoing demand and low rate shift next year (92% believe the interest rates, but prices s t r e p ex next move will be an of the ill rise will rise at a slower rate to t s o m w increase). was recorded over “Depite ash rate property what “Of the 37 experts, betting the c 2014,” he says. e v e i l e b 9% b” Despite its decline, the many raised several key e to clim xt year, 6 issues that influenced ne s will continu Australian Dollar was their predictions includ- price still regarded as well above most ing the need for stability, estimates of its fundamental value, particua slow economy, a weakening Australian larly given the further declines in key comDollar and no unexpected movements in the modity prices in recent months. past month,” explains finder spokesperson Alan Oster from NAB believes there will Michelle Hutchinson. be no change until the end of 2015. “It was also interesting to find some “While there are tentative signs of an experts in the survey discussing the reality improvement in household spending, they of a rate cut next year, with factors that do not yet signal a sustained change in could occur such as a falling housing mar- household and business conditions,” he ket and slower growth in China and other says. foreign economies. “In the absence of any major surprises, the Melissa Browne from A+TA said a period cash rate is unlikely to rise until late next of stability is still needed. year as monetary policy commences its “The Aussie Dollar is still high and other return journey to normality.” than the property market still potentially “The RBA will want to digest higher overheating in some areas, this isn’t enough Australian unemployment figures, and conto raise rates,” she says. sider what is going on globally,” says “With a growing demand for property by Angus Raine from Raine & Horne. everything ready, and getting pipped at the post at the last minute by somebody who came in with a higher offer. If you’re exhausted and frustrated, it becomes very tempting to buy the next property that comes along, whether it ticks all your boxes or not. It might not have to tick all of them, but it still should tick the most important ones, or you’ll be unhappy in the home and want to move on. Remind yourself what your top priorities in a home are – take a break from house hunting if you need to – then start again with renewed vigour. Plenty of buyers have jumped in because they were impatient and suffered from remorse when the right property came along a month later. 6. Getting a building inspection It’s one of those things than can not only save you money, but possibly save your life. Faulty wiring, shaky foundations, pest infestations … there are a range of things that might be wrong with a property that you

won’t catch with the naked eye. Always get a trained professional to give a property you’re considering buying the once-over. For only a few hundred dollars they can catch the stuff you won’t see – but that might cost you a fortune in renovations or repair if you charge ahead unaware. 7. Going it alone A good real estate agent. A lawyer, building inspector, mortgage broker. A trusted openfor-inspection buddy. Even if you’re buying on your own, you shouldn’t face the process alone. There are specialists whose job it is to cover those areas you didn’t even know you didn’t know. Surround yourself with a good team of people you trust and everything about the process will become easier. Best of all, you’ll have that network for your next property move – whether it’s buying an investment property, renting out of selling the home you’ve just purchased, or just undertaking renovations.

Cost of buying residential property *New LMI special” can save you thousands $$$

By Gagan Tandon 0425 158 280 FEES and duties, taxes and insurances – all the costs of moving can really start to add up. Here’s a little bit more information about each one to help you to work out what you might have to pay. Loan application fee: Sometimes called an establishment fee, you pay this to your lender for processing your loan. This fee varies from lender to lender, but usually shouldn’t exceed $750.

Valuation fee: Your lender will arrange a valuation of the property to assess its value - allow approximately $250 for this. Depending on your bank product, this fee may be picked up by your lender. Lenders' mortgage insurance (LMI): This one-off fee, paid by you, protects your lender if you fail to pay your loan and the property has to be sold, but the money raised does not cover the loan. Mortgage insurance is usually required if you are borrowing more than 80 per cent of the property value. It is calculated on a sliding scale, depending on the loan amount and ratio, and can be in thousands of dollars. Property Stamp Duty: This tax is payable to the Government on most property purchases. The amount varies from state to state, and also depends on the value of the property. First home buyers in Queensland are eligible for some concessions depending on the purchase price of the property.

38 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

Transfer Fee & Mortgage Registration Fee: This is a charge made by the Government to transfer the ownership and register your mortgage document. Transfer fee depends on the purchase price of the property. Conveyancing Fees for solicitors and conveyancers vary from State to State, and depend on the time and work that they have to carry out for your purchase. The fees should include checking the contract, carrying out searches, and generally making sure that the transaction goes smoothly. Allow 1000-1500 approx. Building Insurance: Building insurance is required on your purchased property and generally cost varies on level of cover and your location. Inspection reports Having your property inspected is an important element of the buying process. Costs will depend on the size and condition of the property, and ease

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of access to concealed areas. Allow 400600 approximately. Removalist: The cost of moving depends on many factors, including how much you need to move, the distance you are moving, and ease of access. Some removalists will give quotes over the phone, others will come to your house to assess how much you want to move. Get three or four estimates, and don’t forget to ask about insurance – usually a percentage of the value of your goods. Feel free to contact me, your Smartline Mortgage Broker to help you accurately assess all the costs of buying your property. We can help you reduce cost associated with buying your first home. I just saved my client $12,000 in LMI premium. *LMI special* is still going…. Contact me today to find out more. Contact Gagan on 0425 158 280 or email: gtandon@smartline.com.au Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

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Athāto Brahma Jigyāsā All religious and spiritual services including Pujā, Havan, Sanskārs, Satyanārāyan kathā, Rāmāyan Pāth, Discourse on Vedic texts, etc. are available for traditional and modern Hindu families. Contact Awadhesh Sharma, Āchārya, JP (Qual) on 07 3195 4576 or mobile 0403040452. Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam For all 16 Vedic Sanskaar Sanskrit prayers: Hawans, Weddings, Death rites; new homes, anniversaries, birthdays etc Pandit Dr G A Tularam 0403 819 327 or email a.tularam@griffith.edu.au

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Australian School of Meditation & Yoga - Cancer & Meditation (have no fear) 13 December – A talk and discussion by Caitanya Das sharing his 14 year Cancer experience. FREE event, includes a healthy Vego meal. Commencing at 5pm at The Australian School of Meditation & Yoga, 236 Montague Road, West End. For more information cal 07 3844 8441 or visit www.asmy.org.au

The Mantra Room – FREE Meditation & Delicious Pure Vegetarian Meal – Australian School of Meditation & Yoga warmly invite you to join us for a FREE evening of Krishna Bhajans and delicious vegetarian prasad at the Mantra Room 236 Montague Road, West End. Wednesdays 7pm / Fridays 6pm / Sundays 5pm. For more information phone 3844 8441 or email brisbane@asm.org.au

LISTINGS START FROM $11 P/M includes website listing! CONTACT prod@indiantimes.com.au

DEC 14 / JAN 15 Centre, 198 Learoyd Road, Willawong. ALL WELCOME. Tune into Radio Brisvaani on Sundays 7.7.30am for Vedic Sandesh Program and read articles about Vedas in HBW section. Contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 or visit www.aryasamajqueensland.com for further information.

Elevate Church - FREE CHRISTMAS LUNCH - 25 December – from 11.30am at Grand Avenue School, Cnr of Grand Ave and Centennial Way, Forest Lake. Christmas Day Service will start at 9.30am. RSVP by 22 Dec for lunch to 0418 745 179 or email info@elevatechurch.org.au

Brisbane Indian Times proudly serving the Multicultural Community since 2003 proudly sponsors this page for community organisations / non profit organisatons! To view full list of upcoming events visit www.indiantimes.com.au Anglican College, Corner of Junction Street & Krupp Rds, Cannon Hill (or alternative venue). * 11 November, Deepawali celebrations at home. * For further details contact Prakash Shandil on 0408 876 414 or Mrs Anita Singh at the Mandir.

Chinmaya Mission Australia - Geeta at a Glance with Swami Swaroopananda - 21 April to 25 April 2015 – Free public talks in English at Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre, Level 1, 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point Qld 4169. Each Night 7.30pm to 9pm - Free Special Bala Yagna for kids aged 5-12 years with Br. Gopalji on Bhagavad Geeta at same time. For more information contact Priya 0413 490 308 / Ullhas 0401 382 573 or email

Hindu Society of Qld Inc - Gayatri Mandir - Calendar of Events 2015 – at brisbane@chinmaya.net.au 178 Lyndhurst Street, Boondall. * 26 Weekly Events... January, 24th Anniversary Celebrations * 15 Feb to 17 Feb, Maha Shivraatri * 5 Nundah Yoga - FREE meditation classes Stumps Hotel & BSK Ipswich Harmony March, Holika Dahan * 21 March to 28 – Nundah Community Centre, 14 Station T20 Cricket Tournament – Postponed March, Ram Naomi Katha * 4 April, Street, Nundah. until 18 January 2015. For more details Hanuman Jayanti * 19 July * 24th Annual contact Sathish 0433 922 733, Jit 0422 Australian Pentecostal Assembly general meeting * 31 July, Guru Purnima * 636 742 or email sathish@brisbanesuperkBrisbane – Sunday Worship every Sunday 30 August to 6 Sept, Shri Krishna Janam ings.com 9am-11.30am at 84 The Community Place, Astami * 17 Sept, Ganesh Chaturthi * 14 84 Kedron Park Road, Wooloowin Qld with Oct to 22 Oct, Navraatri (Durga Naomi) Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Pastor Prakash Jacob. Cottage Meeting celebrations * 31 October, Annual public Inc – Vedic Yaj (Havan) –14 December – every Tuesday 7.30pm-9pm / Kids Bible Diwali celebrations 2015 at Canon Hill 2-4pm at Queensland Vedic Cultural www.indiantimes.com.au 42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

Study every Friday 7pm-7.45pm / Intercessory Prayer every Friday 7.45-9pm. Worship in Hindi, English, Malayalam and other Indian Languages. For more information Phone 07 3315 5597 / 0413 347 562 or email info@apabrisbane.com.au / www.apabrisbane.com.au Sai Baba Aarti Program – Every Thursday 7.30pm – Virginia State School, 1678 Sandgate Road, Virginia (next to Virginia Train Station) Dinner provided. Enquiries call 0405 392 793.

Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) Brisbane (South Maclean) – For full list of upcoming events please visit www.sriselvavinayakar.org

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 Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

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Bollywood & Entertainment Akshay Kumar's Baby: Intrigued by the name? Kumar agrees EVER since the first trailer of Akshay Kumar-starrer Baby was released, fans have been wondering what or who Baby is. The actor said that he, too, did not understand the relevance of naming an action thriller Baby. Kumar added that gradually understood the connection of the title with the story of Neeraj Pandey's Baby. The espionage thriller has been directed by Neeraj Pandey of A Wednesday and Special 26 fame. Akshay, 47, will be seen playing the role of an under-cover officer in the film. "I was very surprised when I first heard the script but slowly I got to know about the importance of the title Baby. It is a thriller with lots of action. The story has been

India’s first voter set for acting debut in Bollywood

PK releasing December 19 AFTER the phenomenal success of 3 Idiots, Vinod Chopra Films and Rajkumar Hirani Films this time in association with UTV Motion Pictures present the most awaited film of the year, PK. The films stars Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Boman Irani, Saurabh Shukla, Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjay Dutt and is due to release on December 19th, 2014. P. K. is a comedy of ideas about a stranger in the city, who asks questions that no one has asked before. They are innocent, childlike questions, but they bring about catastrophic answers. People who are set in their ways for generations, are forced to reappraise their world when they see it from PK's innocent eyes. In the process PK makes loyal friends and powerful foes. Mends broken lives and angers the establishment. P. K.'s childlike curiosity transforms into a spiritual odyssey for him and millions of others. The film is an ambitious and

inspired from real life incidents. I play a under-cover intelligence cop," Akshay told reporters during the trailer launch. Besides Akshay, Baby also stars Anupam Kher, Rana Daggubati, Danny Denzongpa and Taapsee Pannu among others. Akshay said he is very confident about the film and hopes that the audience will appreciate their effort. "People have liked Neeraj's film, so there is a lot of curiosity about 'Baby'. People are waiting for the film," the actor said. Produced by Bhushan Kumar Krishan Kumar, Shital Bhatia, Cape of Good Films and Crouching Tiger, Baby will hit theatres on January 23 next year. PTI

uniquely original exploration of complex philosophies. It is also a simple and humane tale of love, laughter and lettinggo. Finally, it is a moving saga about a friendship between strangers from worlds apart. Producer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Rajkumar Hirani Presented By: Vinod Chopra Films, Rajkumar Hirani Films and UTV Motion Pictures Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Boman Irani, Saurabh Shukla, Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjay Dutt Music: Shantanu Moitra and Ajay – Atul (Tharki Chokro) Teaser Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =82ZEDGPCkT8 Visit www.mindblowingfilms.com for more information

SHYAM Saran Negi is set to make his Bollywood debut at the age of 97. India’s first ever voter (he was the first one to cast his vote at India’s first General Election in 1951), Negi is a retired school teacher who lives in Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh. Apart from featuring in director Divya Khosla Kumar’s next, which also stars Pulkit Samrat, Yami Gautam and Urvashi Rautela, Negi is also lending the makers his house, which will be used as Pulkit’s character’s residence. "Divya had been on a recce for the past few months. When she came across Negiji’s house, she immediately decided that she wanted to shoot there," says an insider. The Yaariyan director came across a picture of the house online and went to Shimla and Kalpa, unaware of who the owner of the house was. The day of her visit coincided with the General Elections in the state, so media vans could be spotted in the vicinity. At the first meeting itself, Divya expressed

a desire to have the nonagenarian make an appearance in her movie, but he was hesitant. "He was too shy, plus, he felt that he wouldn’t be able to keep up with the long shooting hours. Now, Divya has decided to have him in a scene where a group of people from the neighbourhood visit the house," adds the insider. Divya confirms the story, saying, "I fell in love with the house the moment I saw the pictures. I have also asked Negiji to be part of a scene that won’t be too taxing." HT

Veteran actor Deven Verma dies of heart attack in Pune eteran Bollywood characV ter actor, director and producer Deven Verma died early Tuesday 2 December following a heart attack and kidney failure, family sources said. He was 78. He is survived by his wife Rupa Ganguly, the younger daughter of the late legendary actor Ashok Kumar. Verma breathed his last around 2 am at his home in Pune, the city of his birth from where he graduated in politics and sociology before joining the film industry. He is best remembered for roles in movies such as Angoor, Golmaal, Chori Mera Kaam, Andaz Apna Apna, Bemisal, Judaai, Dil To

Paagal Hai, and Kora Kagaz. Verma won three Filmfare awards in his career for his performances in films such as Chori Mera Kaam, Chor Ke Ghar Chor and Angoor. Apart from Hindi films, Deven Varma also acted in Marathi and Bhojpuri films. He started his acting career in 1961 with Dharamputra which went on tirelessly till 2003 film Calcutta Mail. He also tried his hands at producing films but success evaded him there. Besides producing five films, Deven Verma also directed four films, Nadaan, Bada Kabutar, Besharam and Daana Paani. PTI

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

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Bollywood & Entertainment After SRK, now world Aishwarya, Anushka latest join badwagon of tour for Salman Khan? to actresses working together FILM promotion is taken very seriously in Bollywood. Different publicity strategies are finalised to reach as many people as possible. In the recent past, Shah Rukh Khan, along with the members of the cast and crew of Happy New Year travelled to various countries to promote the film through dance performances. Now, there are rumours that Salman Khan is set to follow the same path for his next, directed by Sooraj Barjatya. A source close to Barjatya says, "Ever since the film's release date has been announced, there has been a constant flow of requests • Salman Khan dons a royal look on the sets of Prem Ratan Dhan from organisers asking the Payo. Koun…! (1994) and Hum Saath-Saath Hain film's team to come and perform." The source adds, "Sooraj and Salman's past (1999). The source also informs that Sooraj, along collaborations have been major hits, especially amongst the NRI population across the with his brother Rajat Barjatya, is working globe. This led them to consider doing a out the deals to perform in different cities in the US, UK, Canada and UAE. On condition world tour with the entire cast of the film." Apparently, the performances will include of anonymity, an official from the producactors dancing to the songs of the film, and tion house told us, "Yes, Barjatya has got also on hits from Salman's past films like offers, but nothing has been finalised till HT Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989), Hum Aapke Hai now."

IN the ’70s and ’80s, films starring multiple female actors were a common sight. Parveen Babi, Hema Malini, Neetu Singh, Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi and Rekha have all worked together in multiple combinations. The trend, which faded since, seems to be making a comeback now. The latest instance is of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anushka Sharma teaming up for Karan Johar’s just-announced film. Commenting on the trend, director Anees Bazmee says, "Every actor who works in a film always aims for its betterment. But when you have multiple heroes or heroines, a sense of insecurity might creep in. Then, it’s the job of the writer-director to make everything clear to actors right at the start." In a recent interview to HT Café, Deepika Padukone — who co-stars with Priyanka Chopra in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next — told us, "I don’t have a say in which actor Sanjay sir is going to cast… women don’t have issues with each other all the time. I have heard a lot of stories (about heroines not getting along), but I feel that the perception is changing." Exhibitor-distributor Akshaye Rathi feels that multiple names help a film’s prospects. "It adds to the brand power of a film. Especially for promotions, it can prove to be a trump card," he says.

Trade analyst Amod Mehra recalls the 70’s, which saw a lot of social dramasfamily capers, which required the casting of multiple actresses. He adds, "Now, makers are again interested in big films with sensible storylines and added star power." Sharing screen space Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anushka Sharma Baby: Tapsee Pannu, Madhurima Tuli Bajirao Mastani: Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra Action Jackson: Sonakshi Sinha, Manasvi Mamgai, Yami Gautam Badlapur: Huma Qureshi, Yami Gautam, Radhika Apte Dil Dhadakne Do: Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra Fan: Ileana D’Cruz, Vaani Kapoor (unconfirmed) HT

APSA announces the winners of two major prizes THE Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) announced on 4 December the winners of two major prizes for 2014 ahead of the 8th APSA ceremony on 11 December. APSA and the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) announced Australian producer Emile Sherman as the 2014 recipient of the FIAPF Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film in the Asia Pacific region. APSA and the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) supported by Griffith Film School, Griffith University announced Iranian writer/producer/director Reza Dormishian as the 2014 recipient of the APSA Academy NETPAC Development Prize for his second feature film Asabani Nistam! (I’m Not Angry). Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said today it was an honour to announce the recipients of these awards, representing filmmakers at two very different ends of the spectrum. “Australian producer Emile Sherman receives his award having enjoyed outstanding achievement for a career body of work, while Iranian Reza Dormishian is an emerging filmmaker deserving of support and investment in the development of his next story,” Cr Quirk said. The Lord Mayor will welcome Sherman and Dormishian to Brisbane next month to accept their awards and be inducted into the prestigious APSA Academy, a growing body of the region’s most influential names in film. This year, the eighth for APSA, 36 films from 21 Asia Pacific countries and areas are vying for the region’s highest accolade in film. Over 250 films were considered in competition from 42 countries. APSA, proudly presented by Treasury Casino and Hotel, is supported by Brisbane City Council and managed by economic development board Brisbane Marketing in a unique collaboration with Paris-based UNESCO and FIAPF. The awards recognise and promote cinematic excellence and Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

• Emile Sherman (Centre).

cultural diversity of the world’s fastestgrowing film region: comprising 70 countries and areas, 4.5 billion people, and responsible for half of the world’s film output. 2014 APSA FIAPF AWARD – EMILE SHERMAN The second Australian producer ever to win the Best Feature Film Academy Award (The King’s Speech), producer of the first Australian/Israeli co-production ($9.99) and a local producer with a truly international outlook, Emile Sherman is one of the most highly renowned and prolific producers working in the Australian film industry today. In only a short period of time, Sherman has created a diverse and acclaimed body of work that has had an enormous impact on the industry. FIAPF President Luis Alberto Scalella said: “Taking creative and financial risks has always been one of the core missions of the film producer. Australian producer Emile Sherman impressively demonstrates these characteristics. Having been strongly

involved in several international productions met by great critical acclaim and global audiences (The King’s Speech, Shame), Sherman is also deeply committed to producing films and television series with a strong connection with Pacific culture, including the recently acclaimed Top of the Lake. We are proud to celebrate Emile Sherman – and through him the entire Australian film community – at the 2014 APSA Ceremony where the FIAPF Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film in the Asia Pacific region will be presented to him.” Previous winners of the APSA FIAPF Award are: • 2007 Dr George Miller (Australia) • 2008 Yash Chopra (India) • 2009 Isao Matsuoka (Japan) • 2010 Christine Hakim (Indonesia) • 2011 Zhang Yimou (People’s Republic of China) • 2012 Ryuichi Sakamoto (Japan) • 2013 Lee Choon-yun (Republic of Korea) FIAPF is the only existing global trade

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organisation dedicated to the defence and promotion of the legal, economic and creative interests of film and audiovisual producers throughout the world. FIAPF members are 32 national producers’ organisations from 28 countries across the globe, from the Asia Pacific, Africa, North America, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. The combined creative output of the production companies in FIAPF’s member organisations represents the majority of all theatrical feature films made each year in the world, and a fast-growing proportion of all television programming. FIAPF has been a foundation partner of the Asia Pacific Screen Awards since its inaugural staging. 2014 APSA Academy NETPAC Development Prize – Reza Dormishian An award for emerging talent, the APSA Academy NETPAC Development Prize of USD$10,000, proudly supported by the Griffith Film School, Griffith University, is awarded to a first or second-time feature filmmaker in the narrative feature competition. The prize is awarded by the 2014 APSA NETPAC Jury, which in 2014 is Professor Hong-Joon Kim (Republic of Korea), Mohammad Atebbai (Islamic Republic of Iran) and Wang Qun (People’s Republic of China). The NETPAC Jury each year is comprised of select NETPAC members of the APSA International Nominations Council. The NETPAC Jury cited Reza Dormishian’s Asabani Nistam! (I’m Not Angry!) as “a stunning and heart-breaking love story, with convincing characters and settings, proving the talented filmmaker’s ability to control all aspects of his film, the image, performances and even editing for a maximum effect”. Asabani Nistam! (I’m Not Angry) is nominated for two APSAs, Reza Dormishian is nominated for Best Feature Film and Navid Mohammadzadeh is nominated for Best Performance by an Actor.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 — 45

Final farewell to Phillip Hughes, Clarke pays poignant tribute

AFPâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;- Macksville, December 03, 2014

ricketing greats bid an emotional C farewell to Phillip Hughes at a funeral service in his home town Wednesday, as

Australia stopped to remember the batsman whose death from a freak injury sent shockwaves through the sport. A lone cricket bat rested against the coffin at a packed service in his former high school hall in Macksville on the New South Wales coast in front of his heartbroken parents, family and friends and a shattered Australian Test team. "Taken from the game, his family and loved ones at the age of just 25, left a mark on our game that needs no embellishment," tearful captain Michael Clarke told the funeral. "I don't know about you but I keep looking for him." Hughes, who had played 26 Tests and was on the cusp of a recall, died from bleeding on the brain last Thursday after being hit on the base of the skull by a rising ball at the Sydney Cricket Ground during a domestic match. His tragic death stunned Australia, where cricket is considered the national game, and prompted a rescheduling of the upcoming India Test series, while fans around the world placed bats outside their front doors as a mark of respect. Clarke said he walked to the middle of the SCG on Thursday night: "Those same blades of grass beneath my feet where he and I and so many of his mates here today have built partnerships, taken chances and lived out the dreams we painted in our heads as boys. "I stood there at the wicket, I knelt down and touched the grass, I swear he was with me... Telling me we just needed to dig in and get through to tea," he added. 'We must play on' Clarke said the tributes offered from sports stars and fans across the globe had sustained him, from a little girl holding a candle in tribute, to masters of the game such as Sachin Tendulkar expressing sorrow. "This is what makes our game the greatest game in the world. We must dig in and get through to tea. And we must play on," he added. "So rest in peace my little brother. I will see

46 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

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you out in the middle." In Hughes' small hometown of Macksville, on Australia's east coast, tributes to the opening batsman hung in shop windows, while ribbons in the green and gold colours of the Australian Test team adorned telephone poles. Macksville itself, with a population of just 2,500, welcomed greats such as Shane Warne, Brian Lara, Glenn McGrath, Virat Kohli and Hughes' first Test skipper Ricky Ponting. Sean Abbott, the young man who bowled the fast ball which struck Hughes, also attended supported by his parents, as did Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Tony Abbott said there had been profound grief, in part because to "be felled by a hard but fair ball in the centre of the SCG at your most exuberant, it just doesn't seem right or natural". 'Spirit of cricket' Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said over the past week the nation and the sporting world had reeled in shock. "Yet even within that profound sense of loss the spirit of cricket has shone through the darkness," he told the gathering. Hughes' parents Greg and Virginia and siblings invited the whole town to the service at Macksville High School, where about 1,000 crammed into the hall and hundreds more watched on screens in overflow areas. The funeral was a huge event in Macksville, with shops closing and residents in mourning. Just outside town, one business created a huge tribute using three cherry pickers as cricket stumps and putting Hughes' Test number 408 across them. At Hughes's old primary school, St Patrick's, dozens of bats lined the front fence, many bearing messages remembering the hugely popular opener who was not out on 63 when he was struck. As a summer storm threatened after a hot day, hundreds walked along the street behind the hearse carrying Hughes's coffin, some nodding their heads, others applauding, out of respect for the cricketer. Hughes died after his vertebral artery split when hit by the ball, leading to massive bleeding in his brain. Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

Sports News

India announce preliminary 30 man World Cup squad DEFENDING Champions India have announced their preliminary 30 man World Cup Squad which will defend their title in the 2015 event in Australia and New Zealand. India's selectors plumped for youth and recent form while announcing a 30-man probables squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, which will begin from February 14 in Australia and New Zealand. The batting will be led by MS Dhoni, the captain, with Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu forming the primary support cast. The bowling is packed with seamers, with eight frontline pacers and Stuart Binny's all-round skills to call on, led by the pacy Varun Aaron and Umesh Yadav, with the experienced Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also there. India is the defending champion in the World Cup, but only Dhoni, Raina, R Ashwin and Kohli were part of the side that won at home, beating Sri Lanka in the final on April 2, 2011 in Mumbai. Dhoni, the Man of the Match in the final, and Kohli played all of India's matches with moderate success, while Raina and Ashwin figured more toward the latter stages, doing well in the opportunities they got. Preliminary Squad: MS Dhoni (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Robin Uthappa, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar

Cine stars Aamir, Deepika, Akshay add spice to IPTL NEW DELHI: Bollywood made its presence felt in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) on Monday 8 December with Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone and Askhay Kumar playing an exhibition match with greats of the game. The crowd at the Indoor Gandhi Stadium had come to watch Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic take on each other but they did not mind a splash of Bollywood before the start of the match between Indian Aces and UAE Royals. The fun time on court began with Aamir and Federer on one side of the court while

WINDERMERE: Tiger Woods flubbed chip shots and suffered glitches on short pitches that would rile a 20-handicapper, yet the 14-times major winner and colleagues rated his return to competition this a success. The 38-year-old Woods finished tied for last in the 18-player Hero World Challenge that benefits his foundation, but believes the back problems that sidelined him the past four months have been fixed as has his golf swing. New swing consultant Chris Como and Woods have studied videotape of the freewheeling swing of Woods's amateur days that generated so much power and have gotten him back to that, abandoning some of the technical adjustments he adopted along the way. "I think it looks better," said old friend Steve Stricker, who was paired with Woods in Sunday's final round at Isleworth. "I think he's going through it a little bit freer. "He looks a lot better going through the ball. He's taking a rip at it. He drove it pretty darn good today." Hank Haney, who coached Woods for six years before a shift to Sean Foley, who was dismissed when Woods shut down his season in August, also gave a thumbs up to the new swing action. "Am I crazy or is Tiger's swing 10x better than it's been the last few years? Despite his poor score," Haney said on Twitter. "I don't care what Tiger shot today, some of his swings were his best in five years. Got to get that chipping fixed though, not good." Woods, however, cannot expect a return to the winner's circle if he gives away shots as he did at Isleworth. CHUNKED CHIPS

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Grand Final delayed..postponed to 18 January 2015

Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, Manish Pandey, Wriddhiman Saha, Sanju Samson, R Ashwin, Parveez Rasool, Karn Sharma, Amit Mishra, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron, Dhawal Kulkarni, Stuart Binny, Mohit Sharma, Ashok Dinda, Kuldeep Yadav, M Vijay. www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-world-cup

Improved swing gives Woods optimism despite poor finish

He chunked chips with alarming regularity, sometimes moving them only a couple of feet. Other times he bladed the ball, sending it scurrying way beyond the cup. Woods judged that his woeful short game was simply part of the swing-change process and will soon be fixed. "It's a different motion. It's a different release pattern," the former world number one said of what he called his "old/new" swing. "Whether it's the putting stroke or your driver, they're just mini swings. So it has to be the same pattern. "All it is is practice. I just need to work." Stricker said he believed the problems can be fixed. "Obviously his short game, his chipping and putting, is not up to snuff with what he's expecting out of himself or an anybody else for that matter. "He's always been one that his long swing gets into his putting and his short game. It's what he does. So he's fighting some of those things in his chipping technique that he's trying to do in his big swing. But he'll be fine." The most important aspect to Woods was his physical condition. "To come out here and not play in any kind of pain is great progress," he said. That is a crucial component in any return to glory for the slimmed-down Woods, who throughout his dominating period was one of golf's hardest working players. "I hadn't been able to practice and dedicate myself as much as I used to just because my body just wasn't there," he said. "I had so many different times where I've had ball counts. I just couldn't hit beyond a certain amount of golf balls. "I've got my speed back now. Look how far I'm hitting it." TOI

laughing at the other end was Sania Mirza and world number one Novak Djokovic. Djokovic's coach Boris Becker too enjoyed the show. Aamir got the maximum time on court with the sport's biggies. Padukone, Akshay and Ritesh Deshmukh joined the party later, and not to forget the original little master Sunil Gavaskar, who was around all three days as the co-owner of Indian Aces. The other celebrities who turned up included Mohammad Azharuddin and Lara Dutta, actress wife of IPTL founder Mahesh Bhupathi. PTI

DUE to weather conditions the Ipswich Harmony T20 Semis, Grand Final, Kids one day, Kabbadi exhibition match and the presentation ceremony hae been postponed to 18 January 2015. Visit www.brisbanesuperkings.com or follow on facebook.

WE’VE PICKED OUR TEAM FOR THE SUMMER. News Talk 4BC is the place to listen to cricket this summer. When you’re covering all the big games including Tests, One Day Internationals, T20s and the Big Bash, you want the best team you can field. From seasoned test cricketers Ian Chappell, Dean Jones, Glenn McGrath, Damien Fleming, Greg Matthews and Carl Rackemann to veteran commentators Bruce Eva and Tim Lane, our team is perfectly balanced. News Talk 4BC and cricket, there’s a new game in town.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014 — 47

48 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2014

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Indian Times

Brisbane

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times

December 2014 Issue

Brisbane Indian Times special supplement to commemorate the visit of Indian Prime Minister Hon. Narendra Modi

From the Publisher FIRST of all I would like ceremony of Gandhi statue in congratulate Indian Prime Roma street Parklands, Minister Narendra Modi Ji followed by his address at on his first official visit to Brisbane city hall. The Brisbane after becoming highlight was his historical the Prime Minster. address at all phones arena in To all our readers, Umesh Chandra Olympic Park, Sydney. It welcome to the special truly was history in the supplement on the historic visit by Indian making. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Australia. This supplement is a tribute to his visit, we Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken had invited community leaders and the old saying of “Indian Time” what he did associations for their messages but very few in nine days no other Indian Prime Minister responded, which is a bit disappointing, I had been able to do , he attended meetings would have thought that the response would throughout the day and night. He managed have been greater. to fit everything within the tight schedule I hope you will enjoy reading the special and still deliver a very powerful speech. I supplement. witnessed him speak at the unveiling Umesh Chandra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia

am pleased to send this message to Iforthcoming the Brisbane Indian Times for their publication of a special

HOSTING the G20 Leaders Summit presented Brisbane and Queensland with an unprecedented opportunity to build on our global reputation as an exciting business and tourism destination. In order to maximise the benefits the Queensland Government hosted or participated in a series of key events, which included meeting the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, as well as attending Indian Community Receptions and an Indian Business Breakfast. Queensland and India already have a strong relationship and the G20 allowed us to build on that. As a result Indian Prime Minister Modi has

issued me with a personal invitation to attend the 7th Vibrant Gujarat Summit from 11th to 13th January 2015 in Gujarat, India. I have accepted this invitation and will lead a trade mission to participate in the Summit and visit other key cities. We will celebrate our business links and look to create new opportunities so that the Queensland and Indian economies can grow. As Queensland Premier I was incredibly proud of the success of the G20 Summit and I look forward to the benefits that it will continue to bring this State. Campbell Newman Premier of Queensland

supplement on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Australia. It has been 28 years since an Indian Prime Minister visited Australia. Prime Minister Modi’s visit is a vote of confidence in the friendship between Australia and India. It is also an investment in an even greater future together. Our two countries share growing trade and people-to-people links. Two-way trade between Australia and India is around $15 billion a year and India is our second largest source of international students with over 40,000 currently studying in Australia. Australians of Indian heritage have found

success in a country that rewards dedication, hard work and a willingness to serve the community. Since 1788, Australia has been an immigrant society. Successive waves of newcomers eager for a better life, including many from India, have enriched our culture and added a heroic dimension to our national story. As a nation, we have found unity in our diversity and respect in our differences. Together, we have built a modern nation on the idea that anyone can get ahead provided they are prepared to “have a go”. Today, there are almost half a million members of the Australian-Indian community. Modern Australia is unimaginable without them. Tony Abbott Prime Minister of Australia

Fijian PM thanks Indian counterpart for visit

Tourist Visa on Arrival in India for 43 countries including Australia Written By Yadu Singh

PURPOSE AND VALIDITY OF TVoA ENABLED BY ETA THE government of India has started a * Foreigners whose sole objective of visiting Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) enabled by India is recreation, sight- seeing, short Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), duration medical treatment, casual business which is a great news. It should remove the visit, casual visit to meet friends or relatives hassle which many experienced while etc. Not valid for any other obtaining a Visa for India. This facility purpose/activities. should increase the tourist’s numbers to * Entry into India within 30 days from the India. It was announced by India’s Home date of approval of ETA. Minister, Sri Rajnath Singh and Minister of * Valid for 30 days stay in India from the State, Tourism, Dr Mahesh Sharma in date of arrival in India. November. * Allowed to enter and depart from any of the PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has TVoA ENABLED BY ETA-EXPLAINED 9 Airports, viz Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, The purpose of Tourist Visa on Arrival Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai & expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Government and people of Fiji to the (TVOA) enabled by Electronic Travel Thiruvananthapuram. Authorisation (ETA) is to facilitate foreign * Cannot be availed more than twice in a Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi for his recent visit on November 19, 2014. travellers visiting India. This facility has calendar year. “I am convinced that our bilateral and been extended to Nationals of following multilateral discussions found many countries: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook WHO ALL ARE ELIGIBLE of co-operation and Islands, Djibouti, Federated States of * Foreigner of above countries who holds an opportunities Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Ordinary passport with minimum six months development between Fiji – India and the Pacific as our nations share fundamental Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, validity. Kingdom of Tongo, Laos, Luxembourg, * Foreigners travelling on Passport other than values of individual freedom, rule of law, diversity and electoral Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, ordinary passport such as Diplomatic, religious Niue, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Papua and Official, Special and Service passports are democracy,” PM Bainimarama said. “I look forward to working closely with New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of not eligible for TVOA service. Kiribati, Republic of Korea (i.e. South * Should not have a residence or occupation you and your government in these areas of co-operation and hope that these are Korea), Republic of Marshall Islands, in India. Republic of Nauru, Republic of Palau, * Travellers should have return ticket or comprehended soon,” he added. During the visit, the two head of states, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, onward journey ticket with sufficient money discussed on issues pertaining to climate Thailand, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, to spend during his/her stay. strengthening of resource Vietnam, Vanuatu. List of more countries * International Travellers having Pakistani change, eligible for TVoA may be notified by the Passport or Pakistani origin may please apply capabilities and the importance of developing small micro enterprises in Fiji. government from time to time. for regular visa at Indian Mission 2 - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tour 2015 www.indiantimes.com.au

Fiji and India signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) during the event, including the exchange of land for a new chancery building in New Delhi, diplomatic exchanges allowing Fiji’s diplomats to train at the Indian Government’s Foreign Service Institute and project finance for an electricity cogeneration plant funded through the Exim Bank of India. The Fijian PM thanked his Indian counterpart for convening the Forum for India – Pacific Islands Cooperation in Fiji and inviting the Pacific Leaders to Fiji. PM Bainimarama said the address given by Shri Modi to the Fijian parliament added dimension to democracy, economic development, innovation and prosperity to the Pacific region. Fiji and India share 135 years of historical relations with formal diplomatic relations established in 1970. Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

Australia-India research aims for cheaper fuels and chemicals from agricultural waste

• G20 Volunteers • “Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with G20 volunteer Sudha Sharma during the G20. Photo’s courtesy Awadhesh Sharma.

Mr Modi Miracle..? INDIAN PM Mr Modi’s recent visit to Australia has sparked fresh hopes for greater economic and social engagement between two nations. For those who can sense the times and season we are moving into as a migrant community, we can expect miracles to transform villages in India. Are you ready for the challenge? Are you ready to be part of a great miracle? The answer to these key questions depends how well you are willing to engage and give sacrificially to the less fortunate people of India. It is not only government priority to transform the nation but every citizen who has been blessed by the Almighty God. Especially people from Indian origin and subcontinents are enjoying a better life in Australia and in other prosperous countries. Paul Kelly, editor at large for The Weekend Australian made an important and an accurate statement in my opinion. Mr Kelly wrote “In Narendra Modi , the prime minister (Tony Abbott) has found a partner who will bring us new prosperity”. If engaging with India can bring new prosperity to Australia, we must step up and ready to bless India with generous hearts. There are number of small community organisations I am directly involved in community transformation in India. Joyful Children’s home based in Dharwad,helps to educate girls from ‘Devadasi’ community. This is a small step in rescuing young girls who would be dedicated to one of goddess to perform prostitution to local men. This is a miracle for those girls as a curse of many generations is broken through sacrificial service of dedicated people. There are many other organisations we are partnering to bring true miracles and freedom to India. Mr Modi’s, speech during Indian Independence Day revealed his intention to serve people as servant leadership plans. He said “Today I stand here not as your prime minister but as your prime servant”. In a Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

recent speech Mr. Modi commented “Many of us who have not had opportunity to fight for Indian independence, to be beaten, jailed. And there should be some pain in our hearts as we continually remember the great sacrifice price paid for our freedom.” We could not die or suffer the country’s independence, but we must strive hard to live for the country’s true values of love and sharing each other’s burdens. To live in love and harmony with caring for the less fortunate. Then only India can find true freedom and these small miracles will create a transformed nation. That is a remarkable shift in the language of Indian politics. This is what Mahatma Ghandi was speaking during his freedom fighting days. When we sincerely seek the spirit of servant hood heart to serve the under privileged people of our generation; we are on the right direction to transform our nation. We as a community must find common ground and come together to accept the challenge of today’s deep issues here in Australia and in India. We must step up our individual responsibility to love one another and give generously to the charities. Most of us have come to this nation with nothing and have been blessed by the great land of the Holy Spirit. Australia has special part to play in the transformation of India. You are willing and obedient, don’t wait for the government to tackle the small issues such as adapting village or town to build a toilets or training centres. One miracle hero is Moses who rescued people into freedom. Moses took up the challenge of leading the people with servant hood leadership. The Bible says, Moses was the most humble person, by trusting the word of God he lead millions of people to the promise land. The book of Exodus records the key verse, “Then the Lord told Moses, I have certainly seen the oppression of my people…I have heard their cry of distress…now go.. Just like our leaders and politicians, we have a call and a mandate from God Almighty to go and bring true freedom to people from injustice, bondage, and poverty. Go India, go Australia, multitude of miracles waiting to be released through your generous hearts and minds. And this is the true reason for Christmas; that Jesus came to earth set the captives free and bring freedom from sin and death. Merry Christmas to all BIT readers. Join us in the journey by emailing your ideas and thoughts to:navig8grace@gmail.com

QUT’s Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities (CTCB) and the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, are leading a multi-million dollar research project to reduce the costs of producing bio oils and chemicals from agricultural waste, minimise investment risks and encourage diversification in farming. Associate Professor Ian O'Hara, Professor William Doherty and Dr Phil Hobson from CTCB and Professor Arvind Lali from ICT gave a presentation on the project to Prime Minister of the Republic of India Mr Narendra Modi who is in Brisbane for the G20 Leaders' Summit. Professor Doherty said as well as making the production of renewable fuels more economically viable, the research aimed to extract chemicals to replace conventional oil-derived compounds used in paints, adhesives, fire retardants and plastics for a range of applications including vehicle body parts and building materials. “The agricultural waste we are using which cannot be used as food or fodder is being sourced from three main crops that are common in Australia and India – sugar cane bagasse, forest residues left over from logging and rice straw,” Professor Doherty said. “Working with eight other research partners, including the Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, the project is funded by the Australian and Indian Governments and has major implications for the production of bio-based energy and renewable chemicals. “Up to 30 per cent of the cost of producing bio oils and other renewable fuels is in the collection, transport and storage of biomass (agricultural waste) prior to processing. We are currently developing tools that enable us to reduce the cost of delivering biomass. “Our primary aim is to establish biomass as an economically and environmentally sustainable alternative energy source and reduce the risk barriers for companies

investing in advanced manufacturing in Australia and India. “This will significantly increase the viability of farming and rural communities by encouraging diversification associated with the production of major crops common to both the Australian and Indian agricultural sectors. “Our hybrid biorefinery concept brings together both thermochemical and biochemical conversion processes and technologies developed by participating parties to maximise carbon conversion efficiency and end product value.” Professor Doherty said the team was now set to take the process from the laboratory to the pilot stage at the biocommodity plants in Queensland, WA and India. The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund 2013-2016 project partners are: • Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane; • University of Western Australia, Perth; • Curtin University, Perth; •New South Wales Department of Primary Industries • Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai; •CSIRNational Institute of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram; • International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi; • The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi; and • R & D Centre, Indian Oil Corporation, Faridabad

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us”. - Albert Schweitzer

Prime Minister Honourable Narendra Modi has rekindled and lighted the flame of hope within millions of people, both at home and overseas, with hope for a better future. For that we are deeply grateful and honoured by his visit to Brisbane. We wish Prime Minister Modi every success on his journey of making India a truly a great nation on earth. With our humble salutations:

Australian Tamil Congress A Unified Voice for All Tamils www.australiantamilcongress.com

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tour 2014 - 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils Gandhi Statue in Brisbane NOVEMBER 16th, Brisbane witnessed a historic moment and a proud achievement for Queensland Indian community, the unveiling of Gandhi Statue in Roma street parklands by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Months of hard work had finally come to fruition. A lot of hard work had gone behind the scenes to make this happen by Gandhi Statue committee under the chairmanship of Jim Varghese. The idea of a Gandhi statue is nothing new, it had been around for a while, in October 2013 after inaugurating GOPIO Canberra chapter in front of Gandhi statue in Glebe Park, Umesh Chandra put forward a proposal to Local and State Governments requesting a site for a statue. This was clearly announced at India Day Fair 2014 in Roma Street parklands. Both the levels of government were open to the idea and the matter was forwarded to Councillor Matthew Burke who is in charge of Parks, some undesirable sites were offered by local government, which were not

accepted. The story takes a turn here, G20 was announced and there was a lot of hype about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, as it happens quite a few years back Shree Narendra Modi in one his visits to Brisbane had dinner at Mr Pars Ram Punjs’s house, among the invited guests were Hemant and Kalpana Naik. Over dinner Shree Narendra Modi Ji had mentioned to Hemant that there should be a statue of Gandhi in Brisbane, Hemant Naik promised he would look in to the matter. Now coming back to the current situation, Prime Ministers visit to Brisbane prompted Hemant that this was the opportune time to act; he consulted Jim Varghese, who suggested that a committee be formed to take the project further.

On consulting the department Jim and Hemant were informed about the pre-existing proposal, Jim Varghese consulted Umesh Chandra and invited him to join the committee, and to take the project forward in a collective

4 - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tour 2014

to the rescue and he signed the contract for the works to proceed. Suman Makan also undertook to make up any shortfall in costs; Dr Maha Sinnathamby had pledged Seven thousand dollars towards the project. Hemant and Kalpana Naik oversaw the project works; given the short time frame there no room for error. The committee was under tremendous pressure to make this happen in a timely manner. A lot had to be coordinated, Prime Ministers approval for the unveiling, the security, the protocol, the actual works, necessary permits, planning the run sheet, and above all and most troublesome preparing the invite list. Many people felt left out, but the committee had strict instructions to keep the numbers low and the security tight. Considering everything and the given time frame the committee did an exceptional job of planning and executing the project. Brisbane now has a Gandhi’s statue and that too one that was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra ModiJi, in a prime central location, a location that this dear to Queensland Indian community, as it is the venue for GOPIO Queensland India Day Fair, now we have Gandhi ji to bless the occasion. The committee had representation from GOPIO Qld, FICQ, AIBC and Queensland Indian Business Community. COMMITTEE • Jim Varghese AM (JV) – Chair • Kalpana Naik (KN) Secretary • Hemant Naik (HN) Executive Secretary • Mrs Archana Singh (AS) - Honorary consul of and united manner. Umesh Chandra agreed to work together as the end result was more important than who gets the credit. Lord Mayor had called Umesh Chandra for a meeting in his office, after the formation of the committee Lord Mayor contacted Umesh Chandra to see if he was aware of the committee and would all be working as one unit and there would be only one proposal, Umesh Chandra informed that he had already been contacted by Jim Varghese and that he will work with the committee for the project. The meeting was still on at the same time and the committee was invited to attend, Lord Mayor briefly met Umesh Chandra before meeting the entire committee. Hemant Naik and Umesh both were sourcing the statue from the same source, a donor from Canberra. At the initial meeting Councillor Matthew Bourke suggested Wickham Park, this was rejected by the committee and finally Roma Street parklands was offered and the committee whole heartedly accepted that. Through our Honorary Consul for India in Queensland, Mrs Archana Singh, Indian High Commissioner got involved as well; the involvement saw a change in the statue that would be installed, as now the statue was being donated by Indian Government with the Help of PBD. Hemant Naik took on the major role of coordinating the actual works; being an architect and developer he has a lot of experience in that field. Upon finding out about the project Pars Ram Punj expressed his desire to be involved as well and the contract for the works was awarded to his son in law Indu Kant, Indu Kant also donated the stone that would go around the base, Pars Ram Punj donated the cutting and installation cost of the stone. A legally binding contract had to be signed with the contactor as the committee had no legal entity, a Brisbane based developer Suman Makan came

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India • Professor Arun Sharma (AS) - Chairman Qld Government India Council • Mr Randeep Agarwal (RW) President AIBC QLD • Professor Prasad Yaragladda (PY) President of the FICQ • Ms Raynuha Sinnathamby (RS) Managing Director Springfield Land Corporation • Mr Shaym Das (SD) - Immediate Past President of GOPIO Qld • Professor Kamal Puri (KP) - Chief Advisor including legal counsel • Mr Umesh Chandra (UC) – GOPIO International Coordinator Oceania & Publisher Brisbane Indian Times • Mr Surendra Prasad (SP) – advisor on Qld Ethnic communities • Mr Yousuf Ali Khan – (YK) President, GOPIO, Qld • Mr Suman Makan – (SM) Coopted member (Events) and donor • Mrs Harsha Makan – (HM) Co-opted member (Events) and donor.

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PM Narendra Modi covers three-nation tour in nine days NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned home after a nine-day-threenation tour of Myanmar, Australia and Fiji during which he had a range of international engagements. The special Air India plane carrying the Prime Minister and his delegation landed in New Delhi airport after a 14-hour flight from Fiji with a two-hour refuelling halt at Yangon in Myanmar. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was among others at the airport to receive Prime Minister Modi. During his three-nation tour, Modi attended the East Asia and ASEAN-India Summits in Myanmar, the G-20 Summit in Australia and held bilaterals with his

Australian and Fijian counterparts. Modi, the first Indian premier to visit the Pacific country after Indira Gandhi who had come here in 1981, held talks with his Fijian counterpart Frank Bainimarama and also announced a slew of Lines of Credit and development aid totalling USD 80 million for the country. He also addressed Fijian parliament, the first by a foreign leader, after parliamentary elections, during which he said that India was prepared to build a “Digital Fiji”. Modi announced visa on arrival facility for all the 14 Pacific Island countries and hoped it will promote better understanding between the peoples. During his four-city tour in Australia, Modi and his counterpart Tony Abbott agreed on a landmark framework for security cooperation across the spectrum in defence, Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

cyber and maritime security and combating terrorism, including the threats posed by foreign fighters joining extremists groups. The two countries also decided to conclude a long- pending Free Trade pact by the end of next year and an “early closure” of the civilian nuclear deal that will facilitate uranium imports to India. Prior to arriving in Australia, Modi attended the ASEAN-India summit and the East Asia Summit in Myanmar. At the East Asia summit in Myanmar capital Nay Pyi Taw, Modi asserted that the world community must reject any linkage between religion and terrorism while formulating a “genuinely international” partnership in the fight against all forms of terror acts.

On India-ASEAN relationship, Modi said there were “no irritants” in their ties and they can be “great” partners. He said there will be “major improvement”

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in India’s trade policy and environment and proposed a special facility for speedy implementation of connectivity projects with the 10-nation ASEAN bloc. On the sidelines of the summits, Modi met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak, Russian Premier Dmitry Medvedev, and Thai counterpart Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. PTI

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tour 2014 - 5

GOPIO International welcomes India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Australia

• GOPIO International executive team.

THE Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) extends a warm welcome to India’s Prime Minister Hon. Narendra Modi to Brisbane. There is an extra-ordinarily high level of excitement and anticipation among Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Brisbane about the visit of Hon. Narendra Modi to the Australia. It is a unique time in the history of the partnership between India and the Australia with many opportunities to strengthen the relationship on several fronts while doing so with respect, consideration of present and emerging trends, as well as recognition of realities. The growing partnership between India and Australia is poised for an historic alliance between equals. NRIs and PIOs in Australia comprise a rapidly increasing population. These include significant numbers of prominent achievers and contributors in all segments of society, innovators in technology, High

technology medical and professional, academia, media, finance, legal, political, business and investments, culture, hotel/motel hospitality, pharmaceutical, etc. There is a highly visible sense of euphoria among NRIs and PIOs in Australia about the recent political change in India and anticipation of stronger partnership between India and Australia, as well as mutual interest of India and Australia for peace among India’s neighbors. There is also mutual interest of India and Australia for combating violence, terrorism and extremism among India’s neighbors and countries in the region. India-Australia relationship potentially can be the cornerstone of much needed global strategic interests and regional stability which can be tremendously beneficial to both India and Australia. While there is also a new generation of NRIs and PIOs well integrated in Australian society at all levels, there is strong interest

among NRIs and PIOs in Australia to strengthen the relations between Indian & Australia. There is also a strong interest among NRIs and PIOs in Australia for more progress in India internally for good governance, accountability at all levels, quality education to all children, health services, clean water supply, updated sanitation and social services, equitable treatment of women and children, uplifting the poor and downtrodden and taking pride in quality of services. There also exist good feelings towards India and NRIs and PIOs in Australia among the Australia population, officials, business, academia and society in general. As the premiere global advocacy Indian Diaspora organization representing the interests and concerns of NRIs and PIOs, GOPIO looks forward and supports more progress to strengthen the partnership between India and Australia. GOPIO’s special message in this supplement

highlights the enormous successes and contributions of the Indian Diaspora in Australia and globally. We are confident this special supplement in Brisbane Indian Times will enhance the prominence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Australia and highlight the IndianAustralian community’s support for Prime Minister Modi, his mandate and agenda for reform and India’s prominent place in the global arena. Umesh Chandra GOPIO International Coordinator (Oceania) GOPIO is a non-partisan, non-sectarian global organization formed in 1989 and has chapters in several countries, actively promoting the interests of people of Indian origin worldwide by monitoring and addressing current critical issues of concern, and by enhancing cooperation and communication between groups of Indians living in various countries.

Indian PM stresses importance of research during QUT visit INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared research the "mother of invention" after an historic visit to QUT. One of the most tech-savvy world leaders attending the G20 Summit in Brisbane, Mr Modi was given a tour of The Cube, one of the world's largest interactive learning and display spaces. Mr Modi inspected the twostorey-high digital centrepiece of the Science and Engineering Centre, at QUT's Gardens Point campus, where he heard about ground-breaking research and met local high school students. As Australia's leading research centre in robotic vision, QUT unveiled its latest agricultural robot. AgBot II has the potential to change farming practices around the globe and early next year will start field trials which will see it seed, weed and fertilize crops. Asked to write a message on the robot, Mr Modi wrote (translated from Gujarati): "Research is the mother of invention. The development journey of mankind is a continuous stream of research. Science and technology is very important for agriculture. "Agricultural scientists rely heavily on science and technology. Agricultural progress is very important for the welfare of humanity. I congratulate you for your efforts here and wish you the best." Generous with his time, Mr Modi, who has more than 7.8 million Twitter followers, happily posed for "selfies" with excited high school students. Mr Modi explored the diversity of The Cube, from "Chem 6 - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tour 2014

World" to the spectacular "Virtual Reef" and "The Cube Globe", which visualised trade and investment opportunities between Queensland and India. He also met the QUT research team spearheading the university's multi-million dollar partnership with the Indian Government to develop iron-rich bananas to help stamp out iron-deficiency anaemia in India, a major cause of maternal death during childbirth. The joint project has enormous humanitarian potential as iron deficiency is a problem in all developing countries. The progressive Prime Minister was briefed on a project being jointly led byQUT's Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities and the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, which aims to create cheaper fuels and chemicals from agricultural waste. The project expects to reduce risks for companies www.indiantimes.com.au

investing in advanced manufacturing in regional and rural areas and is funded through the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund. QUT's expertise in the development of droughtresistant chickpeas and other pulses, staple foods in India, was also on the Prime Minister's itinerary. The development of new varieties of pulses such as chickpeas and mung beans should allow Australia and potentially other nations such as India, to be able to farm land currently considered unsuitable for production. As income levels rise within the Asian region in particular there will be unprecedented demand for protein and this void will be filled by pulses rather than livestock. QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake and Professor Arun Sharma, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation) welcomed Mr Modi to QUT, along with Australian Minister for Agriculture, the Honourable Barnaby Joyce MP. "It was a huge honour for QUT to welcome Prime Minister Modi to our world-class Science and Engineering Centre," Professor Coaldrake said. "QUT is proud of its very strong ties with India, in particular our joint major research projects in the areas of agricultural innovation and food security. These are ground-breaking research projects that could be crucial to the future of food production in India, Australia and globally." Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

Modi magic hits Australia...

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tour 2014 - 7

Real Estate Is Our World Licensee Usha Chandra and the team at Globenet Realty Boondall congratulate Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his historic visit to Myanmar, Fiji and Australia. We would also like to congratulate Gandhi Statue committee for the milestone achievement. Congratulation is also in order for Prof Nihal Agar and his team at Indian Australian Community foundation for planning and executing the very successful civic reception for Honourable Narendra Modi Ji in Sydney.

Globenet Realty, longest established agency in its trade area serving the community since 1998. Number one agency for listing and selling as per Real Estate.Com statistics

(07) 3865 4466 www.globenetrealty.com.au

Indian Times Brisbane

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times

The team at Brisbane Indian Times congratulates Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his historic visit to Myanmar, Fiji and Australia. We would also like to congratulate Gandhi Statue committee for the mile stone achievement. Congratulation is also in order for Prof Nihal Agar and his team at Indian Australian Community foundation for planning and executing the very successful civic reception for Honourable Narendra Modi Ji in Sydney. Brisbane Indian Times, Queenslands first full colour newspaper for the Indian community, serving the community since 2013. Covering all regions and religions