BIT December 15 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 13, Number 3 Saturday, December 12, 2015

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Qld Premier announces expanded cabinet

â&#x20AC;˘ Premier Annastacia Palaszcauk with her new ministers. From left are Grace Grace, Stirling Hinchliffe, Ms Palaszczuk, Mick de Brenni and Leanne Donaldson. Article page 6. (Photo skynews)

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From the Publisher WELCOME to our December issue, wow hasn’t this year just flown by, with so many functions and events. Trying to keep up with all of these has been challenging in terms of time allocation, never the less we try and do our best to fit in as much as possible. November was my India trip to attend my nieces wedding in our ancestral town Khetri, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. This was the first time I flew China Southern Airlines, I must say the service was exceptional, the flight attendants and ground staff were very humble and supportive. The only downside is the absence of lounge facilities at Brisbane International airport, however you get meals and drinks voucher, lounge facilities are available at Guangzhou and Delhi airports. My Uncle Ram Jattan from London also joined in; it was very nice to catch up with him there, we also celebrated his eightieth birthday. We decided to hold our annual Cricket Carnival and Poetry fest while we were there. This was the seventh consecutive one and was well attended and received. The real glitz and glamour of an Indian wedding can only be witnessed in India, the food, the vibrant colours, the loud music, live brass band all adds to create an amazing atmosphere and feeling. While in India some of my internet based programs did not function well, but throughout my stay I could listen to Australian Indian Radio via tunein loud and clear and I got such good feedback on the programs and the clarity of the streaming. During the entire drive from Rajasthan to Delhi we heard Australian Indian Radio in the car. Coming on to the festive season our program schedule will be changed as many of our presenters will be on holidays; these time slots will be filled with other speciality programs. With NBN

now available in our area in 2016 we will be upgrading our streaming bitrates, really excited about this. Brisbane Indian Times keeps getting good feedback and we are trying hard to maintain the balance of advertisements and editorials, however being a free publication the size of the print run is dependant on the amount of advertisements secured. Our marketing consultant, Sugandh is available to customise and personalise a package for you and your business, there are some great combined radio and newspaper deals, so call him up today on 0430 193 715 or email sales@indiantimes.com.au. Finally as we approach the festive season, please be mindful of the poor and needy, the less fortunate and disadvantaged people. Give with the true spirit of Christmas. On the roads take extra care and be mindful of the demerit points. Lets us keep those terrible road tolls down this year by taking the necessary precautions and being alert, many accidents are caused by weary and tired drivers. Remember to get the phones on hands free mode, and no texting while driving, even with all the warnings we still see many people holding their mobile phones in hand while driving. Eat sensibly and drink responsibly, it is the festive season and one can easily be tempted to indulge. In and around the water, be it swimming or any other water sport be very careful and observe all safety procedures. On behalf of Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio, I would like to wish you and your family all the very best for the festive season and hope that the coming New Year will be a happy and prosperous one for you. Until Next month and next year happy reading....Umesh Chandra

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Inside

OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh & Usha Chandra

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

ADVERTISING: Sugandh Chaturvedi sales@indiantimes.com.au

• Local News..................................5-27

EDITOR:

Trudi Tarres

• Who, What, Where, When....28 - 30 • Health & Well Being................38-41 • Astrology...........................................42 • Real Estate................................43-45 • Business Directory.......................46-47 • Classifieds..........................................48 • What’s On................................48-51 • Bollywood & Entertainment...52-53 • Sport............................................54-55

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

2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

Indian Times Brisbane

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A D i v isi on of Ql d Mul tic ul tur al T i me s

Jitendra Deo Ajit K Shahi (Immigration Matters) Jatinder Kaur Vinaya Natarajan (Inspire - Prem Rawat) Peter Lane Rai Parth Raval Gurjeet Singh Matt Young (Sport) ADDRESS:

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

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Migration Updates.... PIC4020 - The ‘Integrity’ Public Interest Criteria THE process of applying for an Australian visa can be an understandably complicated procedure. Potential visa applicants need to be aware that the Department of Immigration and Border Protection considers the integrity of visa applications to be an extremely serious issue. The Public Interest Criteria (“PIC”) 4020 criterion – also referred to as the ‘Integrity’ PIC – is a strict criterion which must be satisfied for all visa applications, including any of the following visas:• Skilled migration visas; • Business visas; • Temporary visas; • Student visas; • Family visas. Applicant’s who fail to satisfy PIC4020, may have their application refused if they are found to have provided false or misleading information or a bogus document to the Department in relation to the current visa application or a recently obtained visa. Applicants will usually be provided with the opportunity to comment (natural justice) and seek a waiver of the PIC4020 before a decision is made on their visa application. Applicants should note that the visa application may still be refused even if the false or misleading information was provided unknowingly. As such, applicants should carefully review all information and documentation before submitting anything to the Department. Apart from a refusal, applicants (and any dependents) may also be excluded for a period of three years from applying for another visa to which PIC 4020 applies.

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Applicants should be aware that if they fail to satisfy the PIC4020 on identity grounds, they may be subject to a 10-year exclusion period from applying for another visa to which PIC 4020 applies. The identity requirement is not subject to a waiver. The Department is attempting to reduce the level of fraud in visa applications and have been very strict in imposing the PIC4020 on applicants. As such, it is evident that failure to address the PIC4020 properly may lead to serious disadvantages for a visa applicant. If you have received an Invitation to Comment from the Department and believe you may have your visa refused due to the PIC4020, or if you require assistance in seeking a waiver of the PIC4020, Migration Guru will be able to assess your individual circumstances and assist you in deploying the most advantageous strategy possible. Migration Guru has more than 35 years of collective experience in the industry and a team of 7 Migration Agents / Solicitors. The skills and experience we have acquired over time allows us to provide clients with accurate and personalised legal and migration advice in order to ensure that the best possible outcomes are achieved.

Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 22, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, 07 3711 2254 MARN 0324607, MARN 1384452, MARN 1175591, MARN 1382609 & MARN 1466522 Disclaimer:- The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

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Qld Premier announces expanded cabinet From page 1

ANNASTACIA Palaszczuk insists Queenslanders will be happy she broke an election commitment by increasing the size of her cabinet. The premier on Monday added four new ministers, including two first-term MPs, in a reshuffle less than a year after forming government. The Queensland cabinet now has 17 ministers - three more than 14-strong cabinet Ms Palaszczuk promised during the election to save taxpayers $27 million. Ms Palaszczuk said she had been getting feedback from business leaders, community groups and ordinary Queenslanders that they were finding it hard to find time to meet with ministers overburdened by multiple portfo-

lios. "I was even at the Forest Lake Christmas carols last night and someone said to me: `Oh, when are you going to announce some new ministers?'" she said. Ms Palaszczuk said Treasurer Curtis Pitt would detail the reshuffle's cost in his midyear economic review due later this month. "I have thought long and hard about this," Ms Palaszczuk said. "This has not been an easy decision for me." Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne will move into embattled former police minister Jo-Ann Miller's portfolios after her eventual resignation last week following months of pressure. Assistant Minister Stirling Hinchliffe has been promoted to a fully-fledged ministerial role - transport and Commonwealth Games). Brisbane Central MP Grace Grace will move

into the ministry for the first time to take on the employment and industrial relations, racing and multicultural affairs portfolios. Two first-time MPs, Bundaberg's Leanne Donaldson and Springwood's Mick de Brenni, have been elevated to the ministry, taking on the agriculture and fisheries portfolio and housing and public works portfolio respectively. Meanwhile, Morayfield MP Mark Ryan and Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard will both become assistant ministers. Ms Palaszczuk said although she consulted with the business community about her cabinet, the decisions were hers alone. She denied factional and union forces came into play. "These are my picks and I had to weigh up experience, regional representation and the

GCHCA join in the fun By Arthavan Subakumar (GCHCA Youth Group)

THE Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) joins everyone in the fun during this festive season. The past month of November was a festive month as well for South Asians especially with the very popular Deepavali (Diwali) festival. Deepavali or Diwali is certainly the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It's the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights) that's marked by four days of celebration, which literally illumines the neighbourhood with its brilliance, and dazzles all with its joy. This year, Diwali, fell on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness. Many cultural activities took place during the period of Diwali. For example, the com-

edy program “Laughing O’ Laughing” brought about long bouts of laughter and entertainment for the whole family. Before the main show kicked off, many traditional dances were performed showcasing the diversity of our culture here in Queensland. Among these dances were the performances of the “Sangamam” dance group from Gold Coast, which included members from the GCHCA youth supporters group. This month we commemorate the graduation of Yr. 12 students. Congratulations to all the youths completing their 13 years of schooling life. We wish you the best of luck for your future studies! The GCHCA youth supporters group are part and parcel of the GCHCA family and help us promote culture and education among the younger generation. The youth supporters are listed on our website (http://culture.goldcoasthindu.org/youth-supporters/) and their contributions are greatly acknowledged. The Building Application (BA) preparations

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

• Multi-Purpose Hall.

are in advanced stages and the entire process is documented on the GCHCA website under project space. (http://culture.goldcoasthindu.org/project/). We have allocated ownership to nearly all the specialties and the volunteers are working very hard to complete it. The work is being carried out entirely on the goodwill of the people with no returns expected from the GCHCA. We thank the community for providing this important service. The volunteers have come from far afield like Sydney and Melbourne as well as locally from South East Queensland. However, we are yet to assign

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right person for the right job and I believe I got it right," the premier said. The reshuffle ensures ministers previously loaded with multiple unrelated portfolios, including Education Minister Kate Jones and Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, will see their burden lightened. Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg described the reshuffle as an anti-climax. "I think that it doesn't matter how many extra ministers you have ... if you still don't have a plan for Queensland, it doesn't really mean too much at all," he said. "This year, we've basically had an entire ministry with training wheels on and now we enter 2016 with more ministers with training wheels on with no plan." The new-look ministry was sworn in at Government House on Tuesday 8th December.

ownership in three areas and are actively seeking volunteers to provide the following reports: 1. Energy Efficiency Assessment Report: 2. Mechanical Engineering Plans and Form 15 Design certificate 3. Electrical Engineering Plan and Form 15 Design certificate Please let us know if you or anyone you know would be able to help us in these specialities. They can contact us by emailing gchcan@gmail.com or calling us on 0402 243 867. As we wish to submit the BA by the end of this year, your urgent help regarding this is be highly appreciated. Pictured are some renderings from the project handbook.

• Auditorium

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 7

Big splash means even bigger business for Greater Springfield WHEN Greater Springfield’s Mahatma Gandhi Inspiration Bridge was named in late 2014 many were channelling the great man’s lessons. “Continue to grow and evolve.” was one of them and it seems the lush, green and hugely popular Robelle Domain Parklands, where the 100 metre bridge is situated, has heeded the call. Not only has Gandhi’s namesake inspired thousands of visitors since, the park itself has spread to include a giant South Bank size and style swimming lagoon and has attracted thousands more swimmers than expected. The original estimation that 100,000 people would use the lagoon annually has been swamped with 600,000 the revised figure. “People are naturally drawn to water but Orion Lagoon is even more popular than we could have imagined.” said Greater Springfield founder and visionary Maha Sinnathamby (pictured right). Opened in September, the lagoon managed 55,000 swimmers in its first few weeks. The big splash coincided with the much anticipated opening of the $154 million dollar ex-

• Photo: discoveripswich.com.au

pansion to the Orion Springfield Central Retail precinct and vember have many businesses in and around the lagoon sayEvent Cinemas cine-complex directly across the road. The ing already strong retail activity is up again by an average of result has been an entertainment bonanza for the area’s lucky 35 per cent. 32,000 strong community including residents of BrookwaUrbis research released in September had Greater Springter’s five star residential devel- field’s official unemployment figure at a low 3.9 per cent or opment located just five half the state average. This reflects the number of jobs being minutes away. generated says Maha, with the region being considered an Maha says the local economic power house of the Western Corridor. amenity which is Over the past year “Gandhi said uniquely underaround 1200 full time poto pinned by his inter- continue to g sitions were created with row and evolv investment national award in the area e and that’s exa winning master also growing by as much plan around health, as $600 per annum. what we are d ctly oing.” education and inAlso making waves has formation technolbeen the opening of Mater ogy is designed to ensure that Springfield’s private hospeople can live, learn, work pital as Stage One of an approved 1200 bed facility. “The and play, locally . “We want plan for that hospital as part of a dedicated 52 ha Health City this to be the perfect place to precinct also has as many as 12,000 employees on compledo these things and we want to tion.” said Maha. “Gandhi said to continue to grow and generate commerce with it. I’m evolve and that’s exactly what we are doing.” Many of those pleased to report that this is professionals he said are already choosing Brookwater as the happening.” Reports in No- place to do just that.

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Surj Samarai runs for Division 9 in the upcoming Council elections SURJ Samarai, the youngest of 6 children to Indian parents, is proud that 3 generations of her family have called Logan home for nearly 50 years. Surj said “I am proud Logan local; I attended Woodridge State Primary and went on to Woodridge State High school where I graduated in 1984. In 2001 after a long career in the private sector, I went out on my own and started a small business to assist manufacturing companies’ access Federal Government grant funding for research and development projects. In 2005, I was honoured to be able to work for both Graham Able and Pam Parker in the Mayoral Office. Both of these people are wonderful servants to our community and they have proven a real inspiration to me as to what it means to serve the community, represent their interests on the Council and deliver that good, honest grassroots engagement. It was through working for these two wonderful servants of Logan, my passion for community work evolved. I live in Logan Reserve with my son Mason and I am proud to take this next step in my community service and seek this opportunity to serve the people of Division 9 on the next Council.” She further told Brisbane Indian Times , “why I am running and what I want to deliver if I am elected to be our next Councillor for Division 9. Division 9 covers Chambers Flat, Crestmead (part of), Jimboomba (part of), Logan Reserve, Logan Village (part of), Munruben (part of), North Maclean (part of), Park Ridge South (part of), South Maclean (part of), Stockleigh, Waterford West (part of). This is the suburban heart of Logan and with the developments coming online at Flagstone and Yarabilba, it is our community that will become the gateway to developments that will double the size of our city.” Surj further said “This will mean that our next Councillor has massive pressures on our roads, parks, community buildings, sporting fields and all of those facilities that we need to keep our communities strong. Which means that we need our next Councillor to be

prepared to stick it out for the long term and to fight whoever is the next Mayor to ensure that we get what we need so that we can keep our communities strong whilst being the infrastructure gateway to the place that will become as big as Logan City is right now. In order to do all of this, we need a Councillor that understands the world and has a 21st century plan to take to the next Council to take Logan to the world. We can't afford four more years with a Councillor stuck in the past and unwilling to see the potential of the future. We need a 21st century Councillor that understands that with the development with Flagstone and Yarrabilba coming online, we need a Councillor that ensures that we get our fair share of funding for our parks, community spaces and our local communities. We need to ensure that as Flagstone and Yarrabilba and our city double in size, we can ensure that our facilities and infrastructure can cope and can push for the big projects our city needs such as a modern Emergency Warning System to protect our communities. We need a Councillor that champions our community and drives the things that will put our city on the map. We need a Councillor

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

Host your special day at the Royal ICC FOR one of the most important days of your life, you can trust the Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC) team to make your dream wedding come true. Whether you’re opting for a traditional Indian wedding, Bollywood inspired extravaganza or contemporary celebration, the Royal ICC will prove to be the perfect venue. Just 1.5km from Brisbane’s CBD, the stateof-the-art convention centre opened in 2013 and is located at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Since 1875, the Brisbane Showgrounds has hosted some of the state’s largest and most loved events. Over the past 139 years many couples have celebrated their special day with family and friends at one of Queensland’s most iconic locations. From 100 to 1,000 guests, the Royal ICC offers three flexible configuration halls for any size event, 1,280m2 of foyer space and the stunning landscaped open plaza. The Royal ICC prides itself on five star service and using award-winning produce in its food and beverage packages. Our chefs create menus to suit any style and budget. that recognises that our city is short 50,000 jobs before we start with the Flagstone and Yarrabilba developments”. As a City we have come so far since the Logan I knew growing up in the 1960s but we need a local Councillor that is prepared to take up the fight for our communities to ensure that we push for the evolution and the projects we need to turn our city into a real 21st century city. We must win the race to be the heart of South East Queensland and it won't happen without modernisation and change. This is what I specialise in and what I believe I can drive if elected our next Councillor. Brisbane Indian Times wishes Surj Samarai all the best for the elections. She is running as an independent, and seeks the support of our community, who should whole heartily support her.

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Executive Chef, Sean Cummings, has been with the venue since it opened in March, 2013. Sean was formerly Executive Chef at the Park Hyatt Melbourne and before that worked under Harvey Nichols at the prestigious Oxo Tower Restaurant in London. His team is made up of world class chefs, including award-winning pastry chef Jeyakumar Jeybalan. Jayakumar has worked in kitchens across the globe under renowned chefs and has created desserts for royalty, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Jayakuma is known at the Royal ICC for his stunning desserts which use local ingredients and his signature sugar art creations. Royal ICC General Manager – Venue Sales and Marketing, Jago Coyle, said it was a privilege to host such special occasions at the Royal ICC. “It’s an honour that couples choose to host such significant events at the Royal ICC,” Mr Coyle said. “Not only do we have stunning venue options, but our chefs pride themselves in creating delicious, seasonal menus using quality local produce and award-winning ingredients. “Our dedicated team will ensure your whole wedding, from the flowers to the dessert, is as special as you’d imagined.” For more information about the Royal ICC, visit us at www.royalicc.com.au.

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GOPIO Qld AGM Courtesy Akashika Mohla

ANNUAL General Meeting of GOPIO Queensland was held on 2 December at Acacia Ridge QLD 4110 at 6pm, attended by full quorum. The President, Mr Yousuf Alikhan presented the Presidential report followed by Treasurer’s Financial report presented by the Treasurer, Vivek Chopra. Update and road map for 2016 activities was received from the Business Council – Chaired by Robin Jaggessar and also, Women’s Council – Chaired by Amitha Jaggessar. This was then followed by call for acceptance of President and Treasurers reports and following their acceptance, Yousuf Alikhan,

President declared the vacant spaces for the roles of Secretary, Joint Secretary and Assistant Treasurer. Umesh Chandra- International Coordinator for GOPIO Oceanic assumed the chair of returning officer and went through the nomination papers for the new executive committee. The following were declared unopposed. • Vikas Sinha – Elected as Secretary • Kritika Bansal – Elected as Jt. Secretary • Akashika Mohla – Elected as Assistant Treasurer with ongoing duties of Media Coordinator • Farah Alikhan elevated to be the Co-Chairperson of GOPIO Queensland Women Counci.

• Photo: Brian Moments Photography.

Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Young Businessman of the Year 2015 winner Saneil Chand SANEIL Chand from Terry White Chemist is the winner of the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural ‘Nick Xynias Young Businessman of the Year 2015’, which was presented by Lord Mayor Graham Quirk on 6 November at City Hall, Main Auditorium, Brisbane City. Son of Mr and Mrs Sangeet Chand from Wynnum West, Saneil grew up in Wynnum and attended his schooling years in Wynnum before attending university to study pharmacy. Originally from Fiji, Saneil came to • Kerry and Pat Xynias, Nick Xynias Young Business Person of the Year win- Australia in grade five and now ner Saneil Chand & Lord Mayor Graham Quirk. resides in Hawthorne, Brisbane.

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

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With a passion for the industry, Saneil utilised equity from property investments in his university years to purchase his first pharmacy. A successful combination of hard work and strategic financial planning grew his business exponentially, enabling Saneil to purchase three more pharmacies. The ambitious businessman has won the Manager and Pharmacy of the year within the pharmacy groups in the industry in previous years. We would like to congratulate Saneil on this tremendous achievement and memorable award."

New campaign helps Indian travellers overseas

WITH the upcoming busy Christmas holiday period, the Australian Government has launched a new advertising campaign and in-language information page to help the Indian community and other nationalities be even more informed and prepared when travelling home to visit family and friends. An initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), the smartraveller website smartraveller.gov.au offers a range of an online resources to assist all Australians be prepared and self-reliant when travelling overseas. It includes travel advisories, information for dual nationals, tips on what to do in an emergency, and a guide to buying the right travel insurance. Regardless of whether you’re travelling to a familiar place or have the support of your family and friends, the unexpected can happen. It’s vital to be well informed and prepared, so you’re equipped to handle unforeseen circumstances. Accidents can happen to anyone, even in familiar locations. Without the right insurance you are personally liable for any medical or other costs resulting from unexpected incidents. Smartraveller offers a travel insurance guide to help you get the right travel insurance for your trip. Smartraveller provides information on the type of assistance the Australian consulate can provide in an emergency and when Australians are expected to use the resources available to them before turning to the Australian Government for assistance. Smartraveller also offers important information on the laws and restrictions that apply in the country you’re travelling to. For example, to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indian driver’s licence or an International Driving Permit together with an Australian driving licence - an Australian licence alone is not sufficient. Smartraveller contains a concise, translated summary of the key information you need to know before travelling overseas. This useful resource can be found at smartraveller.gov.au/india. Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015 — 13

Hindu Cultural Hub for North Brisbane Community Courtesy Krish Illungko THE Hindu Cultural Hub of Clayfield was established to congregate and promote spiritual, cultural and educational needs of local community and wider Hindu society in Brisbane. Devotees and friends assemble at the Bar-Jai Community Hall (178, Alexandra Road, Clayfield) last Friday of each month between 6.30pm to 9.00pm. As a standard practice, we have the following program: * Pooja by Hindu Priest * Bajan and Kirtan by devotees * Monthly religious updates / guest speakers on spiritual (or) on yoga techniques * Prasatham with vegetarian dinner served * Session conclude with relevant social justice updates and public notices. The Hub continued its operation as a place of worship - Goddess Amman as the Presiding Deity. Twice a year the Amman is brought out of the premises – one for Navarathiri (during the month of October) celebration and during Thiruvempavai period (during the month of December-January). Since the establishment of the Hub in May 2014, we were able to successfully perform the following community developments: * Invited spiritual leaders from organisations including Chinmaya Mission, Hare Krishna Movement and Ramakrishna Mission to present enlivening talks. * Meditation techniques from organisations including Heartfulness Foundation and the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga. * Helped and supported newly arrived families from Tamil background in Brisbane for better religious and social integrations. * Worked closely with the local and wider Hindu community members in implementing minor project / assistances as part of community cohesion. The Hub tries to educate and enhance the role of Hindu religion, spiritual, philosophical, meditative and yogic activities. As a progressive and innovative approach the Hub also bring speakers and discuss relevant social justice issues to assist the vulnerable / forgotten / stigmatise community members – the asylum seekers. We also try to mend these people’s broken hearts / some with mental health issues by way of acceptance and support in their journey by providing this place,

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

• Navaratri 2015

a forum for of spiritual and religious conversation. The Committee members work closely with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on relevant policy updates and also with community based settlement agencies around Brisbane – the Multicultural Development Association (MDA), ACCESS, Romero Centre and Red Cross. End of last year the devotees / friends remembered the 10th year Tsunami in Sri Lanka with an art exhibition and also recently remembered with tributes for our ex- Indian President Dr Abdul Kalam. Further, the Hub attendees also made financial contributions to the Chinmaya Mission which operate Humanitarian Project to assist the war victims - widows and under privileged in the north-east Sri Lanka. The Committee sincerely thank Mathava Sharma /Kurukkal, Vasudervan, Krishnamohan for volunteering to do the ritual ceremony to the deities and Sujatha Vasudevan for her inspiring and enlightening religious updates. A special thank you to the Sri Selva Vinayakar Kovil (Gunesh Temple) Committee Members for their support and continued engagements with the Hub. We are currently interested in building our networks and relations with different Tamil communities around Brisbane area. If you are interested to get involved, please contact us on 0469016416 or 0423114365 or 0411133361 or alternatively contact Sathiya: sathiya.ramakrishnan@gmail.com. More details can be found at our web site: www.hinduculturalhub.org/

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Amnesty of Council library fees for Christmas CHRISTMAS has come early for residents with library fees, with the Lord Mayor offering to waive outstanding fees this month in exchange for a donation of canned food for Foodbank Queensland. Cr Quirk said the Library Amnesty would run for the whole month of December, allowing library users to clear their account for a fresh start in 2015 while making someone else’s Christmas a little brighter. “The initiative benefits all library users by helping Council to put un-returned books back on the shelves so everyone can enjoy them,” Cr Quirk said. “Most importantly though, the donations of canned food will make a big difference to people who are doing it tough over the Christmas period. “Canned food donations are welcome at libraries during this time, even if residents don’t have overdue items to return or overdue fees to clear.” Cr Quirk said Council had held a library amnesty in partnership with Foodbank Queensland for the past six years, with thousands of cans of food donated to those most vulnerable in the community. “Last Christmas, Council held a month-long Library Amnesty which saw around

20 tonnes of canned food to Foodbank Queensland,” he said. “This equated to a massive 35,673 cans of food donated through the goodwill of Brisbane residents, both with and without outstanding library fees. “It prompted the return of more than 2,000 ‘lost’ library books and saved library customers a total of $129,173 in fines and outstanding fees. “This is in addition to the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust’s annual Christmas Appeal which has seen well over $800,000 raised since 2004, ensuring a brighter Christmas for those in need. “I encourage customers with overdue fees to take advantage of the Amnesty by visiting one of Council’s 33 libraries in December with a can or two of nonperishable food and speaking with one of our friendly library staff. “If your overdue fees are from a book that you still have at home, please remember to bring it with you.” The Amnesty only covers outstanding fees, not the replacement cost of lost items. For more information on the Library Amnesty, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 15

Know your rights as a dependant / spouse visa holder hosted by GOPIO Women’s Council

• Navaratri 2015

• Panelists from Dept of Immigration & Border Services.

Courtesy Akashika Mohla

tee has more Women than men, and I want to ensure KNOW your rights as a Depenthis is one of the steps we dant/ Spouse visa holder with take to ensure the Gender Department of Immigration and Bias is a myth- especially at Border Services, was hosted by GOPIO Queensland.” Said GOPIO Queensland- Women’s President Yousuf Alikhan Council on 3rd December 2015 “We will work with busiat Queensland Multicultural nesses and community Centre, 102 Kangaroo Point, groups to keep women safe QLD 4169, 6.30 pm onwards. from being tracked and haGOPIO Queensland - Women’s rassed, GOPIO is working • Pele Ramdhani as the skillful Council Chair – Amitha Jagges- MC / moderator. with public dedicated units sar said, “Women have the right of Domestic Violence to ento feel safe and live without fear of violence. sure we have one stop assistance through our This initiative is an awareness forum for our Women’s Council integrated. GOPIO is communities, as we will not stand Domestive looking forward to working with all AusViolence NOW and NEVER.” tralians to say that enough is enough; that “The forum was well attended by Immigra- women and children must be safe in their tion Consultants, new immigrants and repre- homes and on our streets; and that domestic sentative from Queensland Police and other and family violence is never acceptable.”, curious public who look up to GOPIO Said Umesh Chandra- International CoordiQueensland as the brigade of change. At nator- GOPIO-Oceanic and White Ribbon GOPIO Queensland, my Executive Commit- Ambassador.

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

APSQ - Diwali celebration and International Arya Mahasammelan 2015 By Jitendra Deo, President APSQ ARYA Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland members celebrated Diwali on November 6 at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre. The event was very well attended. Programme started with Vishesh Yaj, and Bhajans and Parvachaans formed the part of the programme. Sabha Patron Pt Justice Devendra Pathik spoke on Diwali and Dayanand Nirvan Divas. Dinner and sweets were served at the conclusion of the Programme. Shri Sukarm Pal Singh and Dr Sukhvir Singh family provided dinner, and refreshments. Members also brought along variety of Diwali sweets to mark this occasion. International Arya Mahasammelan was held in Sydney from November 27 till November 29 2015. The Arya Mahasammelan was hosted by Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Australia.

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Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld had 27 delegates attending this International Mahasammelan. There were delegates from around the world, and gathering was huge. The hosts did a great job of providing venue, morning tea, lunch and dinner. The speakers and Acharya’s were from India, New York and Fiji. The programmes were based on youths, Agnihotra, Science in Vedas, Health and Vedas to name a few. Youths performed Drama, sang Bhajans and spoke on various subjects. It was very encouraging to see the turnout all three days. The next International Arya Mahasammelan will be held in Nepal. Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld wishes all readers a happy and safe festive season. Stay safe and enjoy your time with family and friends.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 17

Qld employers urged to help combat DV

Help Ujwal - Christmas Charity Dinner raised much needed funds

â&#x20AC;˘ With Nepalese community - L to R - Sagar Aryal, Prerna Pahwa, Santosh Adhikari,Ramesh Kuikel & Rajan Koirala.

Queensland's public sector is being urged to offer extra leave for domestic violence victims and introduce other policies to help workers in need. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced at a White Ribbon Day event in Brisbane that public servants suffering from domestic violence could access 10 days' extra leave a year. She is now urging the private sector to do the same. "This is about government driving cultural change and together we can make a difference," the premier said. Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has said council workers would also be offered the additional leave and some unions want the provisions extended to federal government staff. The author of a new report looking at the economic cost of domestic violence nationally said she was hopeful all businesses would soon offer the extra leave.

"I think it would be lovely if we could say in a few years' time that that is just part of the norm," director of Deloitte Access Economics Natasha Doherty said. Several businesses including Telstra, the National Australia Bank and McDonald's already offer additional leave for victims. The Deloitte report forecasts the cost of domestic violence to the Australian economy will reach $15.6 billion annually within six years if more isn't done to tackle the issue. Across the country about 800,000 working women are abused by an intimate partner. Costs to firms include absenteeism due to victims taking time off to seek hospital treatment or moving house to flee an abusive partner. The report urges employers to introduce domestic violence policies to create greater awareness around the issue and ensure workplaces are safe havens for

victims. This could include training staff to keep an eye out for colleagues who may be suffering. In announcing the extra leave policy, Ms Palaszczuk said a 15person Premier's Implementation Council for Domestic and Family Violence would be set up that would ensure all 121 recommendations from Dame Quentin Bryce's Not Now: Not Ever report to tackle domestic violence were on track. Dame Quentin will chair the 15person council, which will include NRL legend Darren Lockyer. The Palaszczuk government has already fast-tracked some of the recommendations following a horror spate of domestic violence-related deaths in the state. The premier said more legislation would be debated in December when parliament resumes for its final sitting week of the year.

HELP Ujwal Team organized Help Ujwal - Christmas Charity Dinner on 6th of December at Parish-Community of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Mt Gravatt, in order to raise funds for Ujwal's Bone Marrow Transplant. There were loads of multicultural performances by our local talent and three course Indian banquet donated by Brisbane's major Indian Restaurants. Around 200 - 250 people from both Indian and Nepalese community turned up to support this noble cause. What a phenomenal night it was and an inspirational example of the best

â&#x20AC;˘ Prerna Pahwa & Barabara Hartigan.

aspect of human nature to help someone in need. Barbara Hartigan, Director of Support Services, Leukemia Foundation Queensland was the Guest of Honor, along with our other chief guests, Amitha Jaggessar, Founder member of GOPIO Queensland, Robin Jaggessar, Vice President of GOPIO Queensland & Head of GOPIO Business Council. Truly it has been a very touching and emotional support for Ujwal. Prerna Pahwa - event organiser.

Editor Note: Due to timing of event / press date, full coverage / â&#x20AC;˘ L to R - Anjaneya Reddy - Treasurer FICQ, Vishal photoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of the event will be in the Bakhan, Prerna Pahwa and Nikhil Reddy of January issue. Brisbane Telangana Association. More photoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in wwww section.

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Duel Srinivases took Brisbane Telugu audience on a ride QUEENSLAND Telugu Association (QTA) had a great opportunity to be entertained by Sri Vandematharam Srinivas garu and Sri Mimicry Srinivos garu. Dasara Deepavali celebration held on 7 November 2015 from 5pm to 10pm at Aspley State School Hall, Aspley. Vandematharam Srinivas garu is a renowned music director for predominantly Telugu films. He has scored music for nearly 200 movies. He is a singer himself who is famous for songs like "Vandematha geetham swaram maaruthunnadi", "Osie Ramulamma" and "Nee paadham meedha puttumachai chellemmaa". He is also a writer, and a lyricist. Nominated for Nandi award for 9 times and won Nandi Award for three times. During his performance in Brisbane, he sang all his famous songs and entertained the crowd. He entertained the audience by singing other famous songs from movies such as Bahubali and Simha. Our local female singers (Mrs. Usha Chivukula garu, Miss. Priyanka Margani, Miss. Dheera Athi) had the privilege to sing with him. Mimicry Srinivos is a famous ventriloquists who has been practising the art for more than 30 years. Mimicry Srinivos is a disciple of famous mimicry artist Sri Venu Madhav garu. Mimicry Srinivos has entertained Brisbane telugu audience with famous voices of famous Telugu Actors of yesteryears like NTR, ANR, SVR, Krishna, Shoban Babu. He also imitated sounds of various vehicles and movie background score. The highlight of his attraction was performing Ventriloquism with puppet which really surprised every single kid in the

20 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

function. Throughout that section, almost 50 to 60 kids gathered around him with surprise, cheers, laughter and excitement. They really could not believe how well the doll was talking to them. The evening was opened was a beautiful dance performance by Janami Ganapathy which was greatly applauded by the audience as well as the chief artists. Also thank "Brisbane Babas Band" for entertaining the crowd with Bollywood numbers. QTA Management Committee members (President: Mr. Sudershan Kanthakadi, Vice-President: Dr. Rajeev Jarugula, Secretary: Mr. Anup Kumar Nannuru, Treasurer: Mr. Harish Chilakalapudi, Cultural Secretary: Mrs Umadevi Guduru, Executive Members: Mrs Navaneetha Reddy, Mr. Omkar Murthy Paladugu, Co-opted Members: Mrs Ratna Bud-

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havarapu, Mr. Suresh Yelavarthi, Mr. Ravi Dronavalli, Dr. Manik Guduri, Dr. Kiran Kumar Gadamsetty and Dr. Prabhaker Bachu) honoured both artists and some community members also joined the honouring ceremony. Delicious vegetarian food (served for dinner) was a sponsored by our own local Telugu business owners (Brisbane Based - Balti, Curry Heaven, Turbans & Cowboys, Spicein, Southern Spice and Gold Coast Based - Iyara Thai) which was well praised by everyone. Special Thanks to all our local Financial sponsors (Platinum Sponsors: Euro Solar and Boss Group Australia, Silver Sponsors: Swadesh Indian Grocery, MR Accountants, 108 Finance Group, Empower Housing Group, Barnes Finances, Ramsun Developments, Pizza Hut Carina, GV Foods, AusXchange and Bronze Sponsors: Target Travel and Tours, Pizza Hut Capalaba, First Class Taxis - Gold Coast and Indian Spice Shop (Aspley) and Food sponsors. What a wonderful evening to spend with fellow Telugus. Warm Regards, QTA Management Committee.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015 — 21

Club De Goa’s Feast of St. Francis Xavier & Masquerade Ball 2015 Courtesy Melville Braganza

HIV forum for multicultural communities ON 5 December 2015, the HIV forum for multicultural communities in Woodridge saw approximately 200 members from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities attend. The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) partnered with the Honourable Cameron Dick MP, Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services, State Member for Woodridge, in order to raise awareness about HIV. The forum included information stalls of service providers, cultural performances and important messages from speakers about HIV prevention, testing and treatment. Minister Dick called for individuals to stand up and be leaders within their own communities in order to facilitate change. “HIV is not something we should be afraid of. I want you to be leaders, whether you are a formal leader or not, I want you to be a leader in your community and help breakdown those barriers of stigma and often, barriers of shame. “We know for HIV, there are very strong and effective treatments that can help people live very long and productive lives,” said Minister Dick. “We need everyone in our community to say: we are here to help and we will not judge you.” An HIV positive speaker, Ori Pala reinforced Minister Dick’s powerful message by providing an honest and open speech to dispel some

of the myths surrounding HIV. “I was infected with HIV on my holy matrimony bed. However, stigma and discrimination in my culture was what I feared most.” Ms Pala reflected on how attitudes towards HIV have significantly changed over the last ten years as a result of better education and increased understanding of HIV within communities. The speeches were followed by an opportunity for community members to ask questions of experts in the field. Event organiser and Manager of ECCQ’s HIV/ADIS, Hepatitis and Sexual Health Program, Zhihong Gu said that she hoped the forum would help familiarise CALD communities with HIV. “We would like individuals and communities to consider HIV as being similar to other chronic health conditions so that people won’t be afraid to seek testing, treatment and information,” said Ms Gu. “Feedback has been very positive, with many individuals indicating that their attitudes towards HIV had been positively changed as a result of the forum.” The event, coinciding with World AIDS Day on 1 December, was funded by Queensland Health through ECCQ’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and Sexual Health Program.

ON the 28th of November this year, Club De Goa Brisbane celebrated our annual Anniversary Dance and Feast of St Francis Xavier at the Strathpine Community Centre. The Committee worked hard to create an amazing night of 16th century intrigue, mystery and fantasy with a Masquerade theme. The evening began with mass offered by Fr. Rego and Fr. Salvadore to celebrate the Feast of St Francis Xavier accompanied with an enthusiastic choir and was very well attended. The evening then carried on with the Masquerade Ball where everyone showed off their beautiful and creative masks. The Ball was compered by Claude Fullinfaw who did an amazing job interacting with the guests and keeping them entertained. It was great to see many members and non-members with young children actively involved in this event to make it another memorable one for the club! The President of the club Regan Vaz and a senior member of the club and committee, Ivy Monteiro addressed the crowd with a warm thanksgiving speech dur-

ing the evening. The band Fire and Rain played through the night as people moved and grooved to a variety of modern day music with the addition of our very own prerecorded Goan masala mix. The dance floor was well occupied by many keen dancers! The excitement was building as winners of the raffle prizes were announced throughout the evening. Dinner comprised of a wide selection of Indian dishes provided by Delights of Paradise namely Chicken Chettinad, Mix Veg Pakora with tamarind and mint chutney, pickles, Paneer Karahi, Lamb Rogan Josh and the delicious Goan signature dish Pork Sorpotel specially made by a club member followed by the ever popular Gulab Jamun and Icecream. The evening ended all too soon with guests still wanting to continue dancing and the band eager to please! All the hard work put in by the committee and volunteers paid off with success beyond our expectations. We now look forward to hosting more of these events in 2016.

Indian Police Service visit Queensland for their mid career development

For more information on ECCQ’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and Sexual Health Program visit www.eccq.com.au/health.

SIXTY eight members of Indian Police force visited Queensland as part of their mid career development. The visiting delegation was welcomed to Brisbane with an afternoon tea organised by GOPIO Queensland. The delegation was very thankful to GOPIO Queensland for arranging the afternoon tea, as they were really hungry after the long flight. The afternoon tea was organised at Novotel Brisbane. Senior Police Liaison officer Shalini Singh helped facilitate the afternoon tea. The delegation was made possible by collaboration with Charles Sturt University. The study tour included presentation by Water Police, G20 task force, Gold Coast police and Queensland Police media team. The delegation was treated to special dinner at the Gabba with Ian Healy as a guest speaker. Deputy commissioner Ross Barnett held a special closing lunch at police headquarters for the visiting delegation. Senior Police Liaison officer Shalini Singh (pictured below) was specially recognised for her efforts arranging various components

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

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of the tour. She had arranged GOPIO Queensland for the afternoon tea, he had arranged for Brisbane Indian Times to be included in the welcome pack for the delegation and she arranged the final entrainment for the closing lunch. GOPIO Queensland President Yousuf Alikhan was presented a token of appreciation for the good work of GOPIO Queensland by the way of afternoon Tea and also for inviting other community leaders to meet the delegation. Mrs Archana Singh was specially acknowledged for her efforts and ongoing support. The spokesperson for the visiting delegation thanked QPS for their hospitality and also thanked Queensland Indian community for their engagement. He said that they had gained valuable experience by the exchange and were looking forward to an ongoing relationship for knowledge exchange. The delegation left for Melbourne for the last part of their tour. Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 23

Inspired to Thrive: Alicia’s Story

Queensland, hub of Multiculturalism

International Day of People with Disability AT 44, Alicia Thompson is a professional businesswoman with a husband, a teenage son and a love of knitting. Not much different from many women you’d meet on the streets of a busy city, except that Alicia has lost 95 per cent of her sight and, since the age of 19, has lived with loss of central vision now making her legally blind. Alicia has Stargardt’s disease, a hereditary eye condition which caused the cells in the centre of her retina to die, affecting her macula and central vision. It leaves Alicia with only peripheral vision. However, it hasn’t stopped Alicia from living life to the full. Alicia works at Westpac in Sydney’s CBD where she is part of a small team responsible for guiding units through processes of change. She manages her detailed work using computer technology with cameras, magnification and text to voice recognition software. Using applications on her iPhone, she negotiates the city independently every working day of the week and at home enjoys regular family activities with her husband and son. In moments of free time, Alicia knits and crochets using magnification. The use of magnification technology, she says, has changed her life. “I’ve never not done anything because of my vision impairment,” says Alicia. “I may not do things the way sighted people do, but I don’t let that stop me. Different doesn’t mean it’s wrong. And hard doesn’t mean you can’t. It just means finding a different way to do it. It’s something I have to do. If I still want to have a normal life and enjoy the things I do then I have to find other ways to do them.” Julie Heraghty, Chief Executive Officer of Macular Disease Foundation Australia said Alicia’s ‘can do, will do’ attitude is an inspi-

By Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj Public Relations Officer, Federation of Indian communities of Queensland

ration to us all on International Day of People with Disability, a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being. “Macular Disease Foundation Australia endorses International Day of People with Disability initiative and celebrates the enormous achievement of Alicia Thompson, a Friend of the Foundation, and so many others like her,” said Ms Heraghty. The Foundation has produced a short video featuring Alicia, documenting her inspiring and positive approach to life and her use of innovative technologies to navigate the challenges of work, home and leisure. The video can be watched at www.mdfoundation.com.au.

WIKIPEDIA describes, Multiculturalism as the existence, acceptance, or promotion of multiple cultural traditions within a single jurisdiction, usually considered in terms of the culture associated with an ethnic group. True to its description, Queensland plays a very major role in accepting and promoting the multicultural affairs of various countries and ethnic groups. Since the time I have moved to Australia, I have never felt I am in a foreign land nor have I ever questioned my belongingness. I have always felt Brisbane to be a home away from home. This place, people and culture is very similar to the place where I come from Mysore. Mysore is known as the Cultural capital of Karnataka for its cultural ambience and its achievements in fine arts. Mysore has been a city where all religions have co-existed in harmony for many centuries without any discrimination. Over the years Mysore has become a cosmopolitan city with people from different walks of life living together peacefully. In Mysore people practising different faiths live harmoniously. The people of Mysore take part in each other's festivals and celebrations. Mysore is well known for its palaces, museums and art galleries and the festivities that take place here during the period of Dasara that attract a worldwide audience. Doesn't this ring the bell somewhere when

we look into the culture, people and ambience of Queensland? Here in Queensland, it's a 2-way attraction where it not only attracts the worldwide audience for its spectacular tourist spots, it brings the world together for Queensland audience and tourists. Queensland hosts year round events and celebrations that not only entertain Queenslanders and the tourist, but also nurtures the harmony in everyone's life. Some of the wonderful events that gets celebrated in Queensland are: Queensland Multicultural Week: a Queensland Government initiative for celebrating multiculturalism, the Brisbane Festival that includes international and Australian artists covering theatre, music, dance, visual arts and conversation, Australia Day celebrations throughout Australia, FICQ's India- Australia Day and Diwali, GOPIO's India Fair Day, Chinese New Year and various food festivals from various countries. With all these incredible festivities and celebrations from diverse migrant communities, it has undoubtedly fostered tolerance and engagement among the people from different culture, ethnical background, and has elevated the true meaning of Multiculturalism in Queensland.

Chivas Regal names top five Australian Social Entrepreneurs in Global Search Australian social entrepreneurs to pitch for place in global final SYDNEY, 27th November, 2015 – Following the Australian launch of The Venture in September this year, Chivas Regal is proud to announce the top five social enterprises that will now head to the Australian final event in the hope of becoming the inaugural Australian winner and take another step towards claiming a share of the $1 million in funding on offer. The Venture, a global initiative brought to Australia just this year by Chivas Regal, has inspired Australian social entrepreneurs across the country to put their best foot forward. With more than 50 entries submitted, and so many achievements to access, the judges have got a difficult task on their hands. Hailing from across the country, the unique and diverse start-ups • Pollinate Energy founders. seek to achieve success whilst making a positive impact on the lives of and Jenna Moffat’s strong backothers – a key driver of The Venture ground as carers, case managers on a global scale. and experience with the National The top five Australian finalists Disability Insurance Scheme led are: them to founding Clickability two 1. Websters Group (Queensland): years ago. The Australian disability Utilising his international experi- service directory features ratings ence in finance, infrastructure and and reviews from users, giving peosustainability, Ryan Dillon estab- ple with disabilities a voice lished Websters Group three years 3. OurSay (Victoria): The three ago. The enterprise specialises in founders Matthew Gordon, Eyal identifying, financing and project Halamish and Nic Frances list risk managing energy, water and re- communications, stakeholder ensource efficiency opportunities gagement for Fortune 500 compawithin large industrial and com- nies, Victorian public servant and mercial sites priest as some of their former roles 2. Clickability (Victoria): Busi- on their way to forming OurSay in ness partners Aviva Beecher Kelk 2011. The communications and 24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

community engagement company enables government leaders to actively engage the public in the decision making process to inform and satisfy citizens. 4. Pollinate Energy (New South Wales): With a team of six founders from varying backgrounds including energy economics, government, law, international development, engineering and construction, Pollinate Energy has been in operation for three years. The Australian and Indian based company is working to improve the lives of India's urban poor by providing them access to sustainable and affordable products like solar www.indiantimes.com.au

lights through a network of local entrepreneurs. 5. Substation33 (Queensland): Founded by former landscaper turned youth worker, Tony Sharp’s electronic waste recycling centre, provides a workplace where marginalised people can gain confidence and skills for the transition to sustainable employment whilst helping the environment At the final event to be held at Sydney’s Ambush Gallery on the 8th December, the finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their social enterprise to a panel of judges including: • Michael Klim – The Venture Am-

bassador and CEO & Co-Founder of Milk & Co • Jean-Christophe Coutures, Chairman & CEO of Pernod Ricard Winemakers • Michelle Goldman, CEO of School for Social Entrepreneurs • Chris Janz, CEO of Huffington Post Australia • Jarryd Burns, Co-Founder and Finance & Operations Director of Thankyou Group On the line will be a place in the global top 20 and an invitation to a week-long, entrepreneur’s trainingcamp in Silicon Valley, California – home to some of the world’s leading start-ups. These finalists will also have the opportunity to meet business leaders of tech companies, be mentored by experts, and pitch for a portion of the $1 million in funding to take their business to the next level. Anne Martin, Marketing Director, Chivas Regal Australia, said: “To have such a strong and diverse collection of Australian social entrepreneurs enter The Venture in our first year is very exciting – I wish them the best of luck. Our aim with The Venture is to enable social entrepreneurs like our five finalists to realise their potential, gain exposure for their business and in turn, inspire others to join and support the movement.” For more information about The Venture, visit www.TheVenture Join the conversation: #chivasregal #theventure Call 07 3865 6533

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The Message of 2015 Christmas

By Pastor John Thomas (Honey) Brisbane Independent Pentecostal Fellowship 0402 551 220 COME December, Malls', Shops, Streets, houses etc. decorated with Stars and colour lights. Feeling of a festival. People are busy buying gifts. What is the reason? Its Christmas!! Jesus is the reason for this season. There is no organisation that doesn't celebrate Christmas. Each and everyone is involved one way or the other. Christmas party in office, school, churches, community and houses. Children are taught that Santa would arrive and give us all gifts, this allows children to expect something new each year. This is Christmas- celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Dear Readers I would like to share with you what is “Christmas” What is the real meaning of Christmas? In the Bible, the Holy book of Christians, it says “Unto us” Lets see what the Bible tells us about the birth of Jesus Christ Message by the Angel (Luke 2:10) Shepherds were keeping watch over their sheep at night, the glory

of the Lord shined on them, they got scared. Seeing the Shepherds were afraid”. The angel of the Lord said, “ Fear not, I have good news for you and for rest of the people, today, unto you a Saviour is born.” The first message of the birth of Jesus Christ was given by the Angle. The opening word in the sentence, of the message is “Fear Not” You will agree with me, Readers, we all live in Fear. Fear of death, disease, insecurity, future, family, fear of finances and the latest terrorism. Angel said, “Fear not, unto you a Saviour is born”. Shouldn't we be happy, a Saviour, meaning one who can save us, is born. The birth of Jesus Christ is to bring happiness in each one of us, and to cast away the fear. God the creator of the world know, what his creation need. Look at the birds, they don't earn, still they have food to eat. The wild animals aren't employed, still they have food to satisfy their hunger. Same way, God knows what we need, and does accordingly. God sent His son to the earth to redeem mankind from sins and save us from everlasting death. God would have sent a teacher, if mankind wanted knowledge. God would have sent a scientist, if mankind's need was to do research. God would have sent a Doctor, if mankind's need was to evade diseases. God would have sent a Judge, mankind's need was to find justice. God knew mankind needed someone to save them from their sins, hence He sent His only

begotton son to us, as a Saviour. That's why the Angle said, “ Saviour is born”. Let me make it more clear to you readers, people while swimming start to drown, if expert in swimming can save themselves. However, for someone who does not know swimming cannot save their lives and would need a Life Saver. Same manner, mankind had no other ways to get redemption from their sins other than God, sending His only Son to the world. It says in the Bible, Romans 8: 1&2, “there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death”. It also says in Luke 2: 13 & 14, a multitude of angels of the Lord gave the message to the people saying, let there be Glory to the Lord in the highest and on the earth peace and good will to man. Message by the Shepherd (Luke 2:15-18) Soon after the angel of the Lord left the shepherds, they couldn't keep the good news to themselves, they were the first ones to spread the good news of the birth of Jesus Christ to all the people. Even though they were afraid in the beginning when they saw the angel but it says in Bible that they were filled with joy after telling all the people about Jesus birth. Their lives were filled with peace and joy by receiving Jesus in their lives. Hence, if we are looking for Peace in our personal and family lives we

need to receive Jesus in our lives. Inviting Jesus Christ into our lives will bring good tidings and peace. Message by the Birth of Jesus: No room for Jesus (Luke 2: 1-7) It is written in the Bible, when King Herod declared for all people to be taxed, Joseph and Mary went to their city to be taxed. However, on their journey, Mary was in labour and ready for birth. They were looking for a place to give birth. Joseph & Mary went into an Inn and asked the owner for a room to give birth, they were told, there was no room. Joseph & Mary found a manger, where Jesus was born. The Owner of the Inn, was oblivous of who they were, and whom Mary was giving birth to. These days even we don't give any room for Jesus Christ in our lives. No room for Jesus, hence no peace in any individual, families and nations. We should always have room for Jesus in our lives. When nation believe in the Saviour (2 Chronicle 20:1-30) The Bible teaches us about a King Jehoshaphat's trust on God. When King Jehoshaphat was informed that a great multitude of army are coming to fight against him. Jehoshaphat became fearful and seeked the Lord in prayer and declared a fast. This allowed him and his people to trust in the Lord and seek guidance to fight agaist the enemy. It is written, in the Bible, that the Lord spoke to Jehoshaphat and the people, “ Do not be afraid ! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not your but God's”. (2Chronicle

20:15) This caused them to win the battle and the Lord gave peace to the kingdom and nation. Friends, look around you and the world, there is no peace. Earthquakes, floods, cyclone are causing destruction. There has been an increase in crimes, offences and drug abuse which has caused chaos and trouble. Young lives are lost due to drugs. Many youths are spending their lives in prisons due to drugs and crimes. Families lose their children, husband, wife, father, mother due to drugs. People hunt for peace in their lives, they are unable to get. I wish and pray, this Christmas message may enter into the heart's of people who are looking for peace in their life. Let’s spread the message of Christmas, “Unto you a Saviour is born”, ask the Saviour to come into your life, to give Joy, Peace and Harmony. Let me conclude by hoping that this time each one of you would get to know the true meaning of Christmas. We all seem to have different understanding to the reason of Christmas. Some of us see Christmas as means of decorations, shopping and gifts. However, knowing Jesus Christ and inviting Him into your lives for good tiding and peace is the true meaning of Christmas. Let 2015 Christmas be a different celebration in your family. Invite the person (Jesus, the Saviour of the World) who is the reason of this celebration into your home. Wish you and your family “Blessed Happy New Year”

Christmas in Multicultural Singapore By Celine Goh Feature Writer THROUGHOUT the year, Singapore has acknowledged the different cultural festivities that are celebrated by it's multi-racial, multicultural and multi-religious population. Whole streets in Chinatown, Geylang Serai and Little India have been decorated year after year with colourful, brilliant lights and motifs to celebrate Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Adilfitri and Deepavali for the respective Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnic groups. Christmas is universally celebrated by all in Singapore where the focal point shifts to the famous Orchard Road precinct. Transformed into a Winter Wonderland of twinkling white lights amidst piles of “snow” & gently falling

virtual “snow flakes” in hot tropical Singapore is a feat and a sight to behold!! People of all races and all languages mingle excitedly in peace and joy, savouring the Spirit of Christmas amidst the rush of traffic, last minute shoppers and throngs of tourists wandering around in awe and amazement! Unmistakable are the squeals of young children as they form unending lines for memorable photos with Santa Claus or the young people leading whole families in innumerable selfies, posing for that perfect picture in front of the magnificently bedecked Christmas trees at trendy hotels or along the familiar streets of Orchard Road and Scotts Road. Unmistakable too is the friendly greetings of busy cashiers in up market super-stores and the aroma of cappuccinos and lattes wafting from trendy boutique cafes. Churches of all denominations have special Christmas pageants for children, Christmas Carols by candlelight and Christmas choral music that tell the story of the birth of baby Jesus. Reflecting on their life throughout the year, pilgrims and visitors spend some time within Church sanctuaries in silent contemplation of world events, personal journeys and future directions in life. The Church is truly an oasis of peace and serenity before these ordinary folk are thrust into the hurly burly of living in the pressure cooker environment of fast paced Singapore.

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At 12 midnight on Christmas Day itself, the peals of Church bells ring out from packed Catholic churches as people flock to unite themselves to God and with each other in humble prayer and communion at Holy Mass. Christmas morning worship services are held for large congregations from Anglican, Methodist, Baptist Churches and many other Churches. Friendships are renewed in festive lunch gatherings at some of the Churches. Christmas Day would be what God meant it

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to be … a meaningful re-union with families and friends and visitations to those who are alone in age care facilities, hospitals, hospices and institutions. Paying respects to loved ones at grave sites and columbariums complete a special day filled with the Grace and Peace of baby Jesus. It is this Peace that is the solid foundation of Singapore, the city-state built on inter-religious, inter-racial and multi-cultural tolerance in preserving the dignity of all humanity.

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Telegraph Road Corridor upgrade fast-tracked

BRISBANE City Council has brought forward funding of $2.6 million to progress concept design of Stage 2 of Telegraph Road corridor upgrade from Mustang Street in Bracken Ridge to the Deagon Deviation in Deagon. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said Council has already widened Telegraph Road from two to four lanes between Norris Road and Telegraph Road Open Level Crossing, in addition to the new open level crossing replacement which was completed by Council and the State Government in September 2014. “Council is getting on with the job of completing the detailed design for the next phase of works, Stage 1B which will upgrade from east of Norris Road to Mustang Street in Bracken Ridge,” Cr Quirk said. “We are also preparing for the following phase, by fast-tracing $2.6 million to advance the engineering design and complete preliminary investigations for Stage 2, which will upgrade Telegraph Road from Mustang Street to the Gateway Motorway Ramps and will include the upgrade of Lemke Road south to the Sandgate Hawks AFL clubhouse.” Local Bracken Ridge Ward Councillor Amanda Cooper said the Telegraph Road corridor upgrade would reduce congestion, improve safety and increase the capacity to cater for current and future traffic demands. “In addition to widening the lanes of the already busy Telegraph Road, the project will include constructing on-road cycling lanes in both directions and a shared off-road pedestrian and cyclist footpath on the southern side,” Cr Cooper said. Cr Quirk said construction of Stage 1B was expected to commence in late 2016 and be completed in late 2017 while the design for Stage 2 - the final phase of the corridor upgrade was expected to be finalised in early 2017.

Running in India in mountains and with monkeys and pigs

RUNNING in India amidst mountains, monkeys, pigs and dogs is always interesting and challenging. IT runner Pete Lane Rai, along with his wife Dot, visit India each year for six weeks, starting in the mountainous north, then moving south, to visit family, friends and also to speak on youth and family issues. They also teach young students the need for health and exercise and to inspire them to do this, each delighted student is given an IT running festival shirt if they do sessions with Pete. In his free time Pete runs. Normally Pete does his annual Dehra Dhun (1000 asl) to Mussoorie (7000 asl) run, a distance uphill of about 30km that takes about 4 hours then it is an hour back on the bus to Dehra Dhun. Time did not allow it this year, so he started at Lal (red) Tibba (mountain) at 7000 asl in Mussoorie, then ran downhill about 21 km to the village of Jarkhan 1000 asl, where he was going to be teaching another youth seminar. At the Lal Tibba lookout, the snow capped Himalays, 40 km as the crow flies, look ominously spectacular as I start my run around 4.30 pm. I’ve just been given a farewell send off with tea, buns and bananas by the students I have been teaching for the last few days, so I feel well prepared. It's a very steep, jarring run down through the narrow bazaar, with monkeys swarming around. There is a massive traffic jam in the narrow road through the bazaar as holiday makers up from Delhi to celebrate Ghandi's birthday holiday, with huge cars Call 07 3865 6533

(SUV's), are in town, but I get through with ease. Then dropping down 1000 ft, I first run past the school where I taught for two years many years ago. I then run past a number of Catholic and Government Schools with spectacular views of the Dun Valley to which I am heading. An hour into the run I am now on the original horse track which missionaries and wives of British soldiers traveled up in the 1850's to Mussoorie. Now the road is bitumen and suitable for motor bikes, but in a few places there are sheer drops to the valley so I have to be alert. I run past a few scattered homes with buffaloes outside. There are great views of the www.indiantimes.com.au

plains, towns, rivers, mountains and streams so the time goes quickly. Suddenly the track roughens into loose gravel and stones and as the sun drops over the hills, it not only lightens on Tibetan prayer flags blowing in the breeze above the track, but on a pack of roaming dogs ahead of me. They look back and stare – do I imagine that they are licking their lips at the thought of fresh Ozzie meat? To be safe I get a handful of rocks and break a branch from a tree for protection. The dogs run off. An electric cable, like some gigantic, red coiled snake accompanies me - where and why it is going up through the trees, only the gods, of which there are many in India, would know. Then the cable ends. Finally I’m running through the delightful bazaar of Rajpur with its mix of Tibetans, who fled there in 1956 after the invasion of Tibet, local Indians and the remains of mosques and homes of Muslims destroyed in the violence following partition of India in 1946. It's getting dark as I leave Rajpur and I drop down to follow the river bed that winds through a large slum of plastic dwellings illegally and precariously built in a potential flood plain. Goats, pigs, dogs, adults and playing children are in abundance, as well as smoke from cooking fires and dust from the dirt road. I run cautiously never knowing what is under my feet. Just on dark, at 6.30pm, I thankfully get to Jarkhan to be greeted by some of my students who, over a sweet Indian tea are very keen to to hear about my run and eager to start exercising with me next morning. THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015 — 27

Who, What, Where, When

• Rekha Saini, daughter of Prabhu Singh and Sharda Devi Saini of Chandmari Road, Khetri wed Yogesh Saini son of Sunda Ram and Basant Kumar Saini of Neem Ka Thanna on Sunday 22nd November in Khetri Rajasthan. The authentic and traditional wedding was attended by Umesh Chandra of Brisbane, Australia and Ram Jattan of London, England.

• 15 Year celebration for Indian Senior Citizens. Photo courtesy Roshni Sharma.

• Indian Senior Citizens celebrated their Christmas Party - WHIZ BANG celebration- Christmas prayer, Carrol, cake cutting, dress up, Quiz, Antakshri, Raffles, Auction....Finishing off with delicious dinner. Photo’s courtesy Roshni Sharma.

• Shiri Krishna Mudaliar and family with Central Queensland Ramayan Mandali members celebrated his 60th birthday with Ramayan at his residence on 17th November.

• Mr & Mrs Nadarajah celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on 13th November, 2015. The couple received congratulatory messages from His Excellency Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM, QSO; the Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key and Member of Parliament Hon Peseta Sam Lotuliga. They are held in high esteem for their voluntary work in many organizations in Auckland. Photo: Thilliar Varnakulasingham. 28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

• APSQ Members at International Arya Mahasammelan in Sydney.

• Help Ujwal - Christmas Charity Dinner organ- • Help Ujwal - Christmas Charity Dinner: Nepalese Community - L to R - Bipin iser Prerna Pahwa with Amitha Jaggessar. Karki, Swotantra Pratap, Prerna Pahwa, Rajan Koirala & Prabin Bhandari. www.indiantimes.com.au

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Who, What, Where, When

• Brisbane City Council celebrated Diwali in Chinatown Mall on 14th November. Umesh Chandra was the host anchor for the entire five hour event, many delightful acts included, Brisbane Babas Band, Dance Masala, Bollywood Dhamaka, Fiesta Fire and others. Despite the interpution by rain, the evnt ran and finished on time. Every year the audience is growing and it is good to see that they all stay till the end.

• Above & Right: On Saturday 7th November people from Australia, India, Fiji, South Africa and Sri Lanka along with Mayor Peter Maguire celebrated Diwali at Emerald State High School in Emerald. Photo’s courtesy Angamuttu Mudaliar.

• On 16th November Dr Sonu Haikerwal celebrated her birthday at “Howl at the Moon” function centre in Gold Coast. Family and friends joined in the celebrations. The Bollywood themed party had Brisbane Babas Band and Dance Masala group’s performances. Pushpinder Oberoi of Marigold Restaurant facilitated the sumptuous dinner.

• Queensland’s African community trooped to Brisbane on Saturday 14 November 2015 for one of the highlight’s on the community’s social calendar - the annual Celebrate African-Australians Awards. Top honours were given out to deserving Africans in Queensland at the function held at Qld Parliament House.

• Diwali / Annakut at BAPS Swaminarayan Sanshtha was held 11 & 15 November. 30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

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Seventh Meena Ram Saini Memorial Kavi Samlellan and Cricket Carnival THE seventh Meena Ram Saini Memorial Cricket Carnival and Kavi Samellan were held on 25th November in Khetri Rajasthan. The memorial function was launched in 2010 marking the centenary of Meena Ram’s departure from Khetri. Since then the function has now eagerly looked forward to by residents of Khetri. Umesh Chandra from Brisbane (Publisher of Brisbane Indian Times) is the grandson of late Mr. Meena Ram Saini and one of the organisers of the annual function. Ram Jattan of London, the third son of Late Mr Meena Ram Saini has been instrumental with the organisation of the annual function. It is the strong emotional connect with the ancestral land that sees Umesh Chandra and Ram Jattan come back year after year to organise these functions which have now become a landmark festival of Khetri. The function coordination is led by Dinesh Kumar Saini of Chandmari Road Khetri, and he is ably assisted by Gopal Ram Saini, and Gopal Sharma of Rajahstan Patrika. The kavis are sort and coordinators by Harish Hindustani, who is a Kavi himself. The annual function is usually held in Jan to coincide with PBD, but this year it was brought forward to coincide with a family wedding in Khetri. The wedding was on the 23rd of November so the annual function was organised for Wednesday 25th, being a national holiday in India on the occasion on Guru Nanak Jayanti. The first event was the cricket match which is played over two days; the final was between Priya Cricket team and Khetri Cricket team. The winner and runner up were presented cash prizes together with trophies. Ram Jattan ( Londonwala) cut the ribbon to inaugurate the match. Both Umesh Chandra and Ram Jattan presented the trophies and choco-

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lates to the teams. The match was held at Khetri Polo grounds. The second function was the Kavi Samellan, which was also held in Khetri Polo grounds. In this kavi samellan various poets and poems like poet Govind Soni from Manda for his poem “Main Kuran aur Geeta Ko Abhishek Lagaane Aaya Hoon”, “Main Hindu Muslim Bhai ko ek Banane aaya hoon” and comedian singer Damodar Danich from Kishangarh and his comedy “Dehko Bhai Dekho E Janta Ki Thi Baat” and on other side laughter poet Shyam Choriya and his poem “Choro Choro Karta Choriya Sein Ghar Bhalinyo” and senior laughter poet and MC Harish Hindustani with his poem received huge round of applause. Apart from above mentioned poets, Anil Anmol from Chidva and Sohandhan Charan also read their poem. On this occasion, chief guest was Swami Yogyuktanand from Ramkrishan Mission Aashram and lead by Shri Bajrang Lal Sharma. Special guest on this occasion were Shri Umesh Chandra (Australia), Shri Ramjattan (England), Shri Rajesh Kumar Nayak, Shri Banshilal Swami, Shri Umrav Singh Kumawat, Shri Bajrang Singh Charavaas, Shri Mojiram Dochaniya, Shri Ramniwas Bajaar, Shri Gokul Chand Saini, Shri Badal Singh Sakhla, Shri Hari Singh Dhillon, Dr. Santosh Saini and Shri Mahaveer Prasad Togarria. Vijay Singh Saini, Suresh Saini, Basti Ram Saini, Gopal Ram Saini, Ashok Saini, Dinesh Saini, and Badri Prasad Saini honoured all the guest and poets by presenting garlands. The program was started

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with Maa Saraswati Vandana and a diya was lit in front of Shri Meena Ram Saini’s photo. Kavi Samellans are usually held in the night but this Meena Ram memorial Kavi Samellan has always being held in the day with the exception of on which was held in the night. A special stage is erected in the middle of Polo grounds, and chairs are brought in by the tent hire company. Kavi Harish Hindustani in his concluding remarks thanked Umesh Chandra and Ram Jattan for their continued commitment, he said that these days not many people cared about their ancestry, and said the example of this family should looked up to and praised. For generation they had kept in touch, even though the members of the Saini clan are spread all over the world. Umesh Chandra in his vote of thanks focussed on the family connection and also mentioned the bond that had existed between Raja Ajit Singh and Swami Vivekananda. He spoke on the importance of keeping the family bond alive. As the event was held on 25th November Umesh Chandra mentioned White Ribbon day, he explained that as an Ambassador he had few speaking engagement on the day but as he was in Khetri, he was unable to attend those functions but would not let the opportunity go by without mentioning White Ribbon. On mentioning White ribbon he also said that he would like to see more ladies attending the function.

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Kainchi Ashram in the Himalayas From Dhaval Vyas Ahmedabad. India KAINCHI is placed at an altitude of 1410 Meters on Nainital – Almora Road, Himalayas at a distance of 9.5 Km from Bhowali and 17.4 Kms from Nainital, a modern pilgrim centre. This place has achieved recognition due to the ashram of the famous Shri Neem Karoli Baba. Neem Karoli Baba died on October 10, 1973 Many of people visit the temples here every day, in season. Each year, during the June 14th Bhandara, reportedly, more than one lakh (100,000) people are fed. Kainchi is a term used for two sharp hairpin bends of the motor road in local dialect hence the name. It has NO relation with scissors. Founded by the famous Maharaj Neem Karoli Baba somewhere in 1962 and is very well maintained. The concept of this place came into existence in 1941 when Maharaj Neem Karoli along with Shri Poornanand of the Kainchi Village proposed building an Ashram here

• Neem Karoli Baba.

dedicated to Sombari Maharaj and Sadhu Premi Baba who used to perform yagnas in this very place. Later in 1962, their dream materialised and the forest from this area was cleared and a rectangular platform was constructed. After due permission from the Forest Conservator, Baba Ji acquired the lease of this land and constructed a Temple devoted to Lord Hanuman over that rectangular platform and adjacent to it is the Kainchi Temple and an Ashram built for devotees. The Hanuman temple is built over the platform mentioned above. His devotees started coming from different places and a chain of bhandaras, kirtans, bhajans started. The PranPratishtha of idols of Hanumanji and others was performed on 15th June in different years. Thus, 15th June is celebrated every year as Pratishtha Divas when a large number of devotees come to Kainchi and get Prasad. The number of devotees and the associated vehicular traffic is so large that the district administration has to make special arrangement to regulate the same. Accordingly some changes have been made in the whole complex so that people do not face any difficulty. Steve Jobs, the charismatic Apple Founder and CEO. Steve Job’s success with Apple iPod, iPhone and iPad; are buzzing in tech world. But just as Jobs is known for his addresses at Apple product launches, his historic Stanford speech and his passion for innovation and curve jumping thinking, something which turned Apple from bankruptcy to the world’s biggest technology company; he’s also known for his views and comments about another revolutionary, the Microsoft Founder Bill gates. From time to time, Steve Jobs – once a ISKCon Sunday meal hungry college dropout; has reflected upon his thoughts about Microsoft founder Bill Gates; some-

thing which many think shed a great deal of light on Jobs’ past and pre-Apple days. Hollywood actress Julia Roberts is also said to be influenced by Neem Karoli Baba and was drawn to Hinduism because of him. In one such occasion, reports WSJ, Jobs told New York Times in a 1997 interview referring to Gates: “I wish him the best, I really do. I just think he and Microsoft are a bit narrow. He’d be a broader guy if he had dropped acid once or gone off to an ashram when he was younger,” According to people who have followed Jobs’ life closely, he didn’t say the above, just for the sake of saying. Jobs’ actually recommended Gates the mantra, which he did when he was young and continued trying till now. In 1976, Jobs founded Apple along with his college friend Steve Woznaik; with whom he used to attend after school Hewlett-Packard Company classes as well. According to Steve, he got the inspiration to found Apple, during his stay in India in the Himalayas. In India, Steve visited Kainchi Ashram, in Nainital, in the state of Uttarakhand, the Ashram of Baba Neem Karoli or Baba Neeb Karori, considered a reincarnation of Lord Hanuman; and it’s where he is believed to have got the vision to create Apple. Staying Inside the Ashram A letter of introduction and prior arrangement with the ashram are a must if you wish

to stay in this impeccable ashram. If you are wishing to stay inside Maharaji-ji’s Kainchi Dham Ashram, you must first write to the manager and request permission for your stay. Generally people are allowed to stay for a maximum of three days. You need a reference note from one of the older devotees and you can send it along with your request to stay, and a picture of yourself to: kainchidham@gmail.com. Shri Kainchi Hanuman Mandir and Ashram, P. O. Kainchi Dham, Nainital Jila, Uttaranchal (UA) India. No telephone is available.

• Kainchi Ashram front entrance.

The ‘Award Wapasi’ Brigade - Bandits posing as Sheriffs

By Kushagra Bhatnagar AN interesting lot is the ‘secular elite’ of India. This breed is often visible on Indian news channels, debating furiously about degeneration of the secularism in India. To the misfortune of Indians, a large number of ‘Secularists’ have turned into ‘Regressive Secularists’. They have hijacked the concept of secularism and turned it upside down. The role of ‘regressive secularists’ in political discourse has been dubious and warrants analysis. Of late, Regressive Secularists have found a new subject to amuse themselves and rest of us – INTOLERANCE. In order to make its point, this lot has been aggressive at its new found zeal – Award Wapasi! RETURN THE AWARDS! A number of writers and artists, about 50 out of about 550 awardees in all, that have returned awards bestowed upon them by different institutions in the past. Their perception is that India is under threat of growing religious intolerance, and in protest they have returned the awards. It is interesting to note that most of the returned awards were not given by the government but by independent bodies such as The Sahitya Academy. It will also be interesting to know if they returned the prize money as well. So far the media has been silent on this. Logically if someone returns an award, they should return the prize money along with the prize. The following discussion will expose how selective the regressive secularists have been in taking up

issues and how they systematically curtailed freedom of expression in India. In fact they are the people who are most INTOLERANT. Salman Rushdie’s much acclaimed novel ‘The Satanic Verses’ has been banned in India for the last 27 years. His offense is that some passages in the novel hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims. A fatwa has been into existence for the past two and a half decades to eliminate him. He is an Indian national and yet it is the British Government which has provided protection to him all these years. Every second of his life since the issuance of fatwa has been under threat of a violent death. None of the regressive seculars and liberals in India offered any support to him. Where were the elite regressive seculars when he became a victim of intolerance? As a matter of fact, most regressive seculars blame him for offending sentiments of Muslims. They did not protest against this intolerance, proves that this bunch is not only hypocrite but also spineless. Why wasn’t the Award Wapasi Brigade outraged? Aren’t they hand in gloves with the intolerant fanatics in the persecution of Salman Rushdie. In 1984, over 3000 Sikhs were massacred when the political party full of Regressive Secularists was in power. Few raised even a murmur in protest. Not a single regressive secularist returned the award. If this is not height of hypocrisy and cowardice, what else will it be? Further to the hypocrisy of regressive secular elites. Not so long ago, celebrated painter Late MF Hussain painted nude paintings of revered Hindu Goddesses. There was widespread protests from Hindus with over 900 cases filed against him across India. There is no doubt that Hindu fanatics behaved with Hus-

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sain in an abominable manner. Having said that, it is also a fact Hussain didn’t have to fear for his life unlike Salman Rushdie. At that time secular elitists were up in arms against the protests from Hindus. According to regressive secular elites if someone doesn’t like nude paintings of Lord Durga then they are free not to visit Hussain’s exhibition. I fully agree with this position, provided the same position is maintained for Salman Rushdie as well. The problem is regressive seculars offered none of these pearls of wisdoms to the offended Muslims on the subject of Salman Rushdie. They did not advise the offended Muslim people that if they did not like some passages of The Satanic Verses, they were free not to read the book. But they were too eager to lecture only the Hindus on liberalism. Why this brigade of Regressive Seculars should maintain double standards is a matter to ponder by all intelligent people of India. Here is an uncomfortable question to regressive seculars of India – How would they have reacted if MF had painted a Muslim religious figure? Would they been defending www.indiantimes.com.au

Hussain as spiritedly? The Salman Rushdie episode tells us none of that would have happened. The regressive secularists of India would have blamed Hussain for committing the cardinal sin of blasphemy. Given the track record of regressive seculars of India, it is safe to conclude they are a bunch of mere spineless opportunists who when confronted with uncomfortable positions are the first ones to desert the scene. It is also interesting to note Hussain’s response to growing protests by Hindus at that time. Citing ‘Intolerance’ he decided to leave India and settled in another country. Guess which country was it? Qatar. Of course, Qatar would have been very tolerant as long as he painted nude Hindu Goddesses. Paint anything remotely offensive to Muslims and the painter would have been beheaded in public. That was Hussain’s definition of moving out to a ‘Tolerant’ country. Tolerant for insult to any religion other than its own. In 2012, a cartoon was produced by Amul featuring famous wrestler/film star Late Dara Singh, who was known for enormous strength. In the cartoon he is paid

ultimate compliment by posing him alongside Lord Hanuman, revered Hindu God, known for unmatchable physical strength. So does India, whose majority population is Hindu has any problem with this cartoon? Neither Amul, nor the cartoonist have been under any form of threat ever since the cartoon appeared. I feel emphatically confident that neither I nor the publisher would be under any threat upon republishing of this cartoon. Now, here is the question for regressive seculars – what if cartoon depicting Muslim religious figure appears? How will the regressive seculars respond? Again we can easily predict the spineless response of regressive seculars for the world witnessed the bloodbath following Charlie Hebdo publishing of cartoons. Their crime was to publish cartoon of the most revered figure among Muslims. The staff were brutally murdered and the so called seculars remained a mute spectator. Some regressive seculars even blamed Charlie Hebdo for being insensitive to feelings of Muslims. Islam is not so weak as to be endangered by a few lines of nonconformity written in a book, just as Hinduism is not so weak as to be at risk by a painter painting Goddesses in nude. No religion is so weak as to be in danger of elimination due to some comments or deeds by some misguided elements. We need new-age secularism which empowers the youth of India to fearlessly challenge some of the perverse ideas within religion and keep them out of political landscape. What we need is Respect for All, Appeasement to None. The author could be reached at kbcolumn@gmail.com Call 07 3865 6533

Displaced families count their losses Situation is ripe for an epidemic, health experts sound warning THE waters have receded as of now, and people are slowly attempting to return to what is left of their homes in most areas of Chennai. If the skies hold, and further flooding does not occur, then it may be safely assumed that the city has reached the ‘post-impact’ phase of the disaster. In a flood scenario like this, a key characteristic of this phase is the looming spectre of epidemics and the larger question of sustaining relief and rehabilitation work. Piles of garbage Piles of garbage have been swept up by the flood waters, sewage has entered the homes and where the flood waters have not yet receded, there is an unbearable stench. In some areas, people have spotted carcasses floating by, and rodents and snakes run riot in abandoned homes. The situation is ripe for an epidemic, if the State is not prepared, public health experts have warned.

As it is, families are trying to cope with the stress of displacement, and in some cases, with the injuries caused during the floods. A number of people suffered falls, bites, allergies, skin ailments, and electrocution. The poor hygiene and sanitation situation comes as an extra challenge at this stage, even as distribution of relief remains an issue that needs to be addressed simultaneously. “So far, we have no large-scale incidence of fever and diarrhoea, two conditions that we are expecting at this stage,” explains a senior health department official, not ruling out isolated bursts of disease because of contamination of local water sources. The proven protocol in such circumstances is a combination of surveillance and prevention activities, watching out for the outbreak of diseases and ensuring that the factors that contribute to it are removed. • Women line up for food distributed by a private organisation in Kotturpuram, Chennai on Monday 7 DecemThe Hindu ber, as scenes of devastation are seen all around them. Photo: Shaju John

Cuddalore still under water, thousands cut off Inundation continues in many parts of the district, about 30,000 languish in relief camps and 1.25 lakh access food in 71 government centres. Relief works shifted to the next phase in Chennai with the government focussing on rehabilitation and controlling disease outbreaks, while in Cuddalore, vast tracts remained under water. The flow of materials to Cuddalore was regulated, but thousands of residents in remote areas, cut off by waters, continued to complain that they were being left

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out. In a major respite to the large rural population in Cuddalore, the district administration has restarted the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) with the labour force set to be utilised for unclogging waterways and sanitary work. However, inundation continued in many parts of the district on Tuesday with about 30,000 persons languishing in relief camps and 1.25 lakh accessing food in 71 government centres.

The Hindu had reported on Tuesday 8 December about the flooding of close to an estimated 55,000 hectares of cropping land and how the lack of MNREGS works had made the rural population dependent on relief materials. Senior IAS officer Gagandeep Singh Bedi, who is overseeing the relief operations in Cuddalore, said officials were instructed to provide work to at least 200 persons in every habitation. This would help put money in their hands to meet crucial expenses, the IAS officer said.

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Officials said levels in all water bodies were under control. On Tuesday (8th Dec), parts of the district received mild rainfall. Army sources said that in medical camps run on Monday and Tuesday, some villagers reported rainrelated ailments like bacterial infection, cough and cold. In Cuddalore town, inundation continued in Jothi Nagar, Surya Nagar, Ragavendra Nagar and Gnanambal Nagar. Meanwhile in Chennai, the distribution of relief remained an issue, with the north of the city com-

plaining of neglect. The government has opened several medical camps, restored all health centres affected by the floods, and appointed counsellors to handle post-traumatic stress disorder. As relief came pouring in to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, actor Rajnikanth, in solidarity with the people of Chennai, urged fans not to celebrate his birthday on December 12, but instead spend the day constructively for relief activities. The Hindu

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015 — 35

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc

Vedic view of life... Jitendra Deo President APSQ

Continued from last issue

Four Varnas Vedas prescribe that all human beings should leave ignorance, get educated, select a profession for himself based on his "tatva" (basic traits) and education, take a vow to follow such a profession, and follow such a profession. Vedas classifies all profession into three viz. "Knowledge based", "Justice and state administration based" and "finance and economics based". Though all professions include some or other aspect of knowledge, administration and economics but the key element in each profession can be acknowledged to anyone of the given three. A follower of a "Knowledge based" profession is called a "Brahmin"; A follower of a "Justice and state administration based" profession is called a "Kshatriya"; and a follower of an "finance and economics based" profession is called a "Vaishya". Anyone who is not following any profession is called a "Shudra". However, the above are not strict rules but the core rules of classification. There can be many exceptions in the Varnas of people.

A Shudra after he acquires requisite knowledge and experience and devotes himself to any profession acquires the status of a Brahman, Kshatriya or a Vaishya, as the case may be. No Shastra prohibits any person from gaining education or bhakti. One may at the beginning of the career be working as a manager in a commercial company. He is a Vaishya then. After years of experience he started teaching principles of management in colleges, then he becomes a Brahmin. A Brahmin's son or daughter would normally have more tendencies to indulge in knowledge based profession and hence become a Brahmin but he or she can choose another profession. All humans by birth are Shudra. At different stages of life, they complete their basic education, their basic traits identified and depending on which profession they take for themselves. At such a time, that person is called to taken a re-birth. That is why, Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vysyas are called DWIJ (twice born). The Varna of a person is also often called, the Dharma of that person. Please contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 33454716 for information on activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland or log on: www.aryasamajqueensland.com

Punarjanma - Rebirth IN Hinduism a human being is considered to be a combination of the physical body and the spiritual soul also known as Atma, Jeev or Pran. The physical body comprises major five elements, which are earth, water, fire, sky and air, whereas the Atma is a part of the super soul or the Paramatma. The Atma residing in a physical body keeps that body alive. Physical bodies are subject to bliss, enjoyment and glory as well as to misery, disease, old age and death. The Atma being a part of the physical body also experiences pleasures and sufferings of that particular body due to its intimate association. When the physical body dies the Atma simply leaves the body and moves away from it. The Atma does not die. It moves from one body to another in due course and starts residing in a new body (Bhagavad Gita 2.22). Association of Atma with a new body of any living species after its release from the previous body is known as Punarjanma or rebirth. Rebirth relates to Atma only. It is believed that during the intermediate stage of passage from a previous body to a new body, the Atma may obtain the form of a Preta, Bhuta or ghost, or may reside for some time in the heaven or in the hell depending upon the Karma or actions of the physical body. Spiritually, the main objective of the Atma in human life is to get released from the bondage of the cycle of life and death experienced in physical bodies, and to achieve union with the Paramatma. Until the Atma becomes united with the Paramatma, it continues to dwell in different bodies experiencing attributes of those bodies. Scriptures declare that achieving union of Atma with the Paramatma is possible by human beings through their good Karma that includes performing proper duties, attaining positive merits, devotion to God, and spiritual enlightenment. The concept of Punarjanma is not very popular in the Vedas, which is evident from the fact that hardly any Mantra in them directly mentions Punarjanma. The topic of Punarjanma has been discussed in the Upanishads. From the time of Upanishads, the belief in Punarjanma continues to persist. An interesting deliberation on Punarjanma is found in the Brihad-aranyaka Upanishad (3.2.13) in the form of dialogue between sage Yagyavalkya and enquirer Artabhaga. According to it after death of a person the voice

The Joy of Christmas DEAR READER, it is our night when He came to dwell joy to bring you the word among us and changed all of of God. As we are celebrathuman history. Only when we ing this festive season of keep our focus on Him can we Christmas, we have to retruly enjoy the inspiring blessmind ourselves of the reings of Christmas. If we truly Pastor Joseph Dass markable gift that God has understand the gift we were given us. given on that night when When you think of ChristJesus was born, we will have mas, what comes to mind? What memories the hope we need to sustain us even during come flooding back as you encounter the the most difficult times. sight, sounds and smells of the season. There are three things we can learn from this For the children it is a time of great excite- which can unlock the joy God offers us not ment as they wait wondering what is in the only at Christmas but all throughout the year. wrapped boxes, what treasures do they hold This gift is from the God. John3 v 16 reads as they are placed wrapped in colourful pa- " For God so loved the world, that He gave pers under the Christmas tree. His only begotten Son, that whoever beThey wouldn’t think of simply admiring the lieves in Him shall not parish but have eterpackages and leaving them unopened or for- nal life ". Some of the gifts you receive are getting them altogether. Yet unfortunately important because of the one who gave it to that is exactly what many people do with the you or a person of great respect. But no one greatest gift that has ever been given. They can match the gift God has given us because overlook it, choosing instead to dwell on the no one is above Him. challengers they face. This gift was motivated by the uncondiThis is why some find Christmas to be the tional love for you. Scripture tells us that most difficult time of the year. The absence while we were sinners Jesus Christ died for of loved ones, loneliness, financial pres- us. God gave His Son out His great love for sures, unaccomplished dreams, and unmet you to forgive you of all your wrongs and expectations understandably crush our spir- give you eternal life. its during a season when we should be re- This gift is priceless because of the One we joicing. But instead of keeping our eyes on have received. God gave His Only Son, He the one who has given us all things, we focus did not spare His own Son. He is called Imon our pain and disappointments – on what manuel meaning God is with us. That we we don’t have instead of what cannot be will never be alone taken from us. This Christmas I want to encourage you that Perhaps you have had moments, when the Jesus is worthy of our focus, worship and stress, burdens and emotions you have felt praise. He is with you, your prince of peace, have overwhelmed you. Realise that the your Lord and King and the one who willenemy wants to steal your happiness this ingly delivers you from all burden and sins Christmas, and he does so by making every- and gives you eternal life. thing more important except the birth of God bless you. Have a joyous Christmas Jesus Christ and the reason He came to earth. and blessed new year. Instead I want to encourage you by recalling God Bless you, what God provided for us on that wonderful Pastor Joseph Dass

• Photo: turnspiritual.in

enters into the fire, the breath into the air, the eye into the sun, the mind into the moon, hearing into the quarters, the soul into the ether, the hairs of the body into the herbs, the hairs on the head into the trees and the blood and other vital fluids are deposited in water. Only Karma remains with the soul. With good Karma the soul gets liberated from the cycle of birth and death whereas from bad Karma the soul continues to take birth with inherent consequences. Similar ideas have been expounded in Chhandogya Upanishad, Katha Upanishad, Mundaka Upanishad, Kausitaki Brahmana Upanishad and Pingala Upanishad. Brihad-aranyaka Upanishad (6.2.16) offers a material interpretation of Punarjanma. According to this, the dead person converts into water vapour and smoke on cremation. The residual solid ash becomes a part of the earth. Gaseous product passes forth into the space, from space into the air, from air into the rain, from rain into the earth. Rainwater on the earth helps produce food. Rainwater also becomes source of food in water bodies. Thus products of the dead body after cremation become food, which are consumed by living creatures. These creatures produce their offspring, which are essentially the reproduced form of the previous human body, demon-

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

strating the theory of Punarjanma in practice. When this idea is extrapolated then it becomes applicable to other forms of burial of a dead person including burial into the earth, atmosphere or water bodies. The same principle can be applied to other creatures. Spiritual leaders and subsequent Hindu Scriptures have stressed on the importance of the belief in Punarjanma. Famous ‘Bhaj Govindam’ poem by Shree Shankaracharya reminds us of the consequences that are experienced as a result of Punarjanma. The Ramayana describes certain actions in human life that causes Punarjanma in the form of different species (Ramcharit Manas, Uttar Kand, Doha 120-121). The Mahabharata and Puranas contain stories supportive of the principle of Punarjanma. Similar thoughts can be found elsewhere in teachings of modern spiritual teachers and scriptures. The belief in Punarjanma is a common understanding among Hindus, which inspires them to act in positive and negative manners. With positive attitude people experiencing hardship in their current life obtain hope and strength to overcome their existing situation. Assuming that their current situation is a result of Karma of their previous lives, they strive to perform good Karma considering that with good Karma their future life will be

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better. However, with negative approach people think that their current difficult situation is a result of Karma of their previous lives, so their situation in this life cannot be altered by endeavours. Considering that their circumstances are a result of their previous lives, they become pessimistic and abandon performing their duty appropriate for their situation. Absence of proper action makes their life from bad to worse. Irrational faith in Punarjanma is believed to be a key contributor to extreme capacity of tolerance to injustice observed among Hindu population. The concept of Punarjanma has also been used to maintain the domination of powerful groups over weaker sections of the community. Punarjanma remains a matter of belief as no conclusive scientific study in support or against it is available. It had been and remains debatable among scholars. Social reformers and religious leaders need to educate laity and general population with relevant interpretation of the concept of Punarjanma for their benefit in this life as well as in the life beyond according to belief. More information on Hinduism will follow in the next edition of BIT. Awadhesh Sharma Call 07 3865 6533

Celebrating the Exalted Status of our Beloved Muhammad Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam BY ML.NAWAAZ ASHRAFI AUZO BIL LAAHI MIN ASH SHAYTAANIR RAJEEM, BISMIL LAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHIM AL HAMDU LILLAAHI RABBIL ‘ALAMEEN. WAS SALAATU WAS SALAAMU ‘ALAA ASHRAFIL MURSALEEN. SAYIDINAA WA NABI YENAA WA MOULANAA MUHAMMADIN WA’ALA AALEHEE WA AS HAABEHEE WASALLIM.

ALL praise is due to Alláh, the Lord of all the Worlds; may the greetings and peace be upon the best messenger, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and upon his family and upon all of his companions. Alhamdulillah, this article will deal with the honourable and exalted status of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The many dimensions and multi-facets of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is a vast topic and will require many sermons and even then it will not be enough to do full justice. So in this short article, we can only focus on a few essential points. To every Muslim on this planet, irrespective of cultural, geographical and political differences, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is Allah’s greatest creation. A thousand million Muslims however, do not require any surveys, lists or research to arrive at this conclusion. It is a non-negotiable article of eemaan and please note that I use the present tense when I say he is Allah’s greatest creation. But what of the non-Muslims? We will concentrate on how eminent nonMuslims have rated Prophet Muhammad (SAW) most highly and given due recognition to his greatness. Muslims’ emotions and attitudes causes them to contemplate on the Azeem, great status of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that they have in their hearts. After all in Surah 21st, Al Anbiya, Ayat 107 had Allah SWT not described him by saying: WAMAA ARSAL NAAKA IL LAA REHMATAL LIL AALAMEEN “And we have not sent you, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), but as a Mercy for all the Aalameen” Meaning all the universes, creatures, peoples. Notice the tense in the Arabic grammar together with plurality and the universality of this great ayat. Now Michael H. Hart, a Christian American, astronomer, mathematician, lawyer and scientist, after extensive research, published an incisive biography of the 100 most influential people of all time. The biographical rankings with explanations describes the careers of religious and political leaders, inventors, writers, philosophers, scientists and artists. From this research; which included illustrious personalities such as H. Isa (AS), H. Musa (AS), Caesar, the Wright brothers, Napoleon, Shakespeare, Columbus and Michelangelo; Michael Hart rated Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as number one. He concluded the biography with the words: “It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to be considered the most influential single figure in human history.” So today I will present to you synopsis on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Michael Hart’s book entitled “The 100″. Brothers, as you know during the era of Jahiliyya, when the world was awash in rivers of blind prejudices and nonsensical ignorances, Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) divine message and glorious teachings became the purging torrents of spiritual enlightenment. Now let’s see what Michael Hart says in his book and I quote him verbatim: “My choice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels. Of humble origins, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) founded and promulgated one of the world’s great religions, and became an immensely effective political leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive. The majority of the persons in this book had the advantage of being born and raised in centres of civilization, highly cultured or politically pivotal nations. Prophet Muhammad (SAW), however, was born in the year 570, in the city of Mecca, in Southern Arabia, at that time a backward area of the world, far from the centres of trade, art, and learning. Orphaned at age six, he was reared in modest surroundings.” Michael Hart then goes on to describe in detail Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) biography in quite a detail and as you are AS-HAAB AL ILM, I will skip these details and go over his concluding remarks which are quite lengthy: “Although he passed away in 632, unified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for the first time in history, and inspired by his fervent belief in the one true God, these small Arab armies now embarked upon one of the most astonishing series of conquests in human history. To the north east of Arabia lay the large Neo-Persian Empire of the Sassanids; to the northwest lay the Byzantine, or Eastern Roman Empire, centred in Constantinople. Numerically, the Arabs were no match for their opponents. On the field of battle, though, the inspired Arabs rapidly conquered all of Mesopotamia, Syria, and Palestine. By 642, Egypt had been wrestled from the Byzantine Empire, while the Persian armies had been crushed at the key battles of Qadisiya in 637, and Nehavend in 642. But even these enormous conquests- which were made under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) close friends and immediate successors, H. Abu Bakr (RA) and H. Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) did not mark the end of the Arab advance. By 711, the Arab armies had swept completely across North Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. There they turned north and, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, overwhelmed the Visigothic kingdom in Spain. For a while, it must have seemed that the Muslims would overwhelm all of Christian Europe. Nevertheless, in a scant century of fighting, these Bedouin tribesmen, inspired by the word of the Prophet, had carved out an empire stretching from the borders of India to the Atlantic Ocean – the largest empire that the world had yet seen. And everywhere that the armies conquered, largescale conversion to the new faith eventually followed. Now, not all of these conquests proved permanent. In Spain, more than seven centuries of warfare finally resulted in the Christians reconquering the entire peninsula. However, Mesopotamia and Egypt, the two cradles of ancient civilization, have remained Arab, as has the entire coast of North Africa. The new religion, of course, continued to spread, in the intervening centuries, far beyond the borders of the original Muslim conquests. Currently, it has tens of millions of adherents in Africa and Central Asia, and even more in Pakistan and northern India, and in Indonesia. In Indonesia, the new faith has been a unifying factor. How, then, is one to assess the overall impact of Prophet Muham-

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mad (SAW) on human history? Like all religions, Islam exerts an enormous influence upon the lives of its followers. It is for this reason that the founders of the world’s great religions all figure prominently in this book. Since there are roughly twice as many Christians as Muslims in the world, it may initially seem strange that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has been ranked higher than Jesus (H. ISA (AS)). There are two principal reasons for that decision. First, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) played a far more important role in the development of Islam than Jesus (H. ISA (AS)) did in the development of Christianity. Although Jesus (H. ISA (AS)) was responsible for the main ethical and moral precepts of Christianity (insofar as these differed from Judaism), St. Paul was the main developer of Christian theology, its principal proselytizer, and the author of a large portion of the New Testament. Prophet Muhammad (SAW), however, was responsible for both the theology of Islam and its main ethical and moral principles. In addition, he played the key role in proselytizing the new faith, and in establishing the religious practices of Islam. Moreover, the Muslim holy scripture, the Quran, a collection of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s insights that he believed had been directly revealed to him by Allah. The Quran, therefore, closely represents Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) ideas and teachings. No such detailed compilation of the teachings of Jesus (H. ISA (AS)) has survived. Since the Quran is at least as important to Muslims as the Bible is to Christians, the influence of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the medium of the Quran has been enormous. It is probable that the relative influence of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on Islam has been larger than the combined influence of Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ) and St. Paul on Christianity. On the purely religious level, then, it seems likely that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has been as influential in human history as Jesus (Isa (AS). Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) unlike Jesus (H. ISA (AS)) was a secular as well as a religious leader. In fact, as the driving force behind the Arab conquests, he may well rank as the most influential political leader of all time. Of many important historical events, one might say that they were inevitable and would have occurred even without the particular political leader who guided them. For example, the South American colonies would probably have won their independence from Spain even if Simon Bolivar had never lived. But this cannot be said of the Arab conquests. Nothing similar had occurred before Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and there is no reason to believe that the conquests would have been achieved without him. (Incidentally, brothers, here, Michael Hart is referring to the 19th century South American independence leader Simón Bolivar who lead the fight for independence for what is now known as Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia, he is referred as a hero in these countries and throughout much of the rest of Hispanic America. Bolivar is known as “El Libertador”, which means The Liberator in English.) The only comparable conquests in human history are those of the Mongols in the thirteenth century, which were primarily due to the influence of Genghis Khan. These conquests, however, though more extensive than those of the Arabs, did not prove permanent, and today the only areas occupied by the Mongols are those that they held prior to the time of Genghis Khan. It is far different with the conquests of the Arabs. From Iraq to Morocco, then extends a whole chain of Arab nations united not merely by their faith in Islam, but also by their Arabic language, history, and culture. The centrality of the Quran in the Muslim religion and the fact that it is written in Arabic have probably prevented the Arab language from breaking up into mutually unintelligible dialects, which might otherwise have occurred in the intervening thirteen centuries. Differences and divisions between these Arab states exist, of course, and they are considerable, but the partial disunity should not blind us to the important elements of unity that have continued to exist. We see, then, that the Arab conquests of the seventh century have continued to play an important role in human history, down to the present day. It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to be considered the most influential single figure in human history. “Here concludes Michael Hart’s quote who as an outsider saw Prophet Muhammad (SAW) not as a man of theory, but a man of action. So returning to the cartoon controversy, we must seek the hikmah of ALLAH SWT in the events that transpire around us. In essence, the campaign against the Prophet (SAW) jolted the Muslim community and had a profound impact on Muslims’ spiritual and worldly lives. Muslims have bitterly realized what it means to have their deen and sanctities insulted. We must teach our children to say, “Wa kafaa bil-Laahi shaheedaa” meaning, “And enough is Allah for a witness.” We would like to quote, a well known hadith from both Bukhari and Muslim whose Raawi is Hazrat Anas (RA). “The Holy Prophet (SAW) said, ‘None amongst you can be a true believer until his love for me is greater than the love he holds for his parents, his children and everyone else.’ Upon hearing this H. Umar (RA) said, ‘I swear by Allah who revealed the book (Quran) to you! You are indeed dearer to me than even myself’ to which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) replied, ‘Umar (RA) your eeman is complete.’” In Bukhari, it is related by H. Anas (RA) about the man who came to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and asked, “When will the day of Qiyamah come?” Prophet Muhammad (SAW) asked “What have you prepared it?” And the man said, “I have not prepared for it with a lot of Salaat, as Saum or Sadaqah, but I do love Allah and his Prophet (SAW).” The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said to him, “ANTA MAA’AA MAN AH BABTAA, you will be with the ones you love.” Indeed even Allah has said in Surah 4, Annisa Ayat 69: “And he who obeys Allah and his Prophet Muhammad (SAW) he will be with those whom Allah has favoured, the Prophets, the Siddiqeen (the sincere, lovers of truth), the Shuhada and the Saaleheen (Righteous, pious people who do good). Oh my brothers! Therefore do not be disheartened by the trials and the tribulations of the Duniya and think of your noble station that insha Allah, ASWT has destined for you. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is also the Prophet of SHAFAA-AAH or Intercession [as he will intercede with Allah on the Yawm al Qiyamat. He is also the Prophet of the Makaam-e-Mehmud, as Allah has addressed him in Surah 17, Al-Israa Ayat 79, saying: “Soon will thy Lord raise thee to a Station of Praise and Glory.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has reported that,“I will be the first to be resurrected from the qabr and the pre-eminent among the descendants of Adam (AS) on the Yawm al Qiyamat. I will also be the first intercessor and the first whose intercession will be accepted (by Allah on the Yawm al Qiyamat” (Rawaa-hu Muslim). During the Cartoon crisis in Denmark, the great love shown by the Muslim Ummah for the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) brings to mind the profound affection the Sahaabaa held for him. One of the Muslims’ enemies at the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) time, `Urwa ibn Mas`ud Ath-Thaqfi, said to his people , “O people! Wallahi, I have been to the kings and to the emperors of Persia and the Byzantine empire and to the Negus of Abyssinia, yet I have never seen any of them respected by his courtiers as much as Muhammad (SAW) is respected by his Sahaabaa. Wallahi, if he spat, the spittle would fall in the hand of one of them, who would rub it on his face and skin; if he ordered them, they would carry out his order immediately; if he performed wudu, they would struggle to take the remaining water of his wudu; and when they spoke, they would lower their voices and would not look at his face constantly out of respect” (Rawaa-hu Bukhari). Prophet (SAW) said I have been referred to by 7 names in the Holy Quran: Muhammad, Ahmad, Yaaseen, Taaha, Muzammil, Muddathir, and Abdullah. The fact that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has so many names and attributes is again a reflection upon his numerous skills and qualities. Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) relates that the Sahaabaa asked “Ya Rasulal-laah, when were you granted Prophethood? Prophet Muhammad (SAW) replied, ‘I was granted Prophethood before the creation of Adam (AS)’”. (Rawaahu Tirmidhi). By reading this hadith, it is clear that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the first to be granted Prophethood. Allah has said in Surah 5, Maidaa, Ayat 15: There has come to you a Noor from Allah, and a Manifest Book. Now notice brothers, 2 separate entities are mentioned here, the first is the “Noor”, followed by a book meaning the Holy Al Quran. In this verse, the word Light has been explained by a number of classic Quranic exegetes as follows: First of all, H. Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) said that the Noor mentioned in the verse is in fact Prophet Muhammad (SAW). H. Jalal al-Din as-Sayuti (RA), wrote in his “Tafsir alJalalayn”, (reference – 139): “It is indeed the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)”. Incidentally, H. Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti (RA) was a Mujtahid Imam, who had taken knowledge of Fiqh and NAHW (Arabic grammar) from a large group of Shaikhs. Indeed, K’aab bin Zuhaair (RA), Abdullah bin Rawaaha (RA) and H. Abbas ibn Abdul Mutallib (RA) all whom wrote Naats praising the character of SAW. Above all, who can ever forget H. Hassaan bin Thaabit’s (RA) following immortal couplets. Indeed, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself used to ask H. Hassaan (RA) to read these Naats to him. (Rawaa-hu Bukhari wa Muslim.) WA AHSANO MIN KA LAM TARAHU AYNI, YA RASOOLALLAH My eyes has never seen anybody as handsome as you Ya Rasoolallah (SAW). WA AJMALO MIN KA LAM TAALEDI IN NISAAOU, YA RASOOLALLAH ‘By Allah, no woman has conceived and given birth to one like you, Ya Rasoolallah (SAW). KHULIKTA MUBARRA AM MIN KULLE AYBIN, YA RASOOLALLAH O Holy Prophet (SAW) you have been created free from defects. KA ANNA KA QAD KHULIKTA KAMA TASHÂAU, YA RASOOLALLAH It is indeed as if you have been created just as you had wished. Hazrat Abbas (RA) recited to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), when he returned from the Battle of Tabuk. WA ANTA LAMMA WULIDTTA ASHRA QATIL ARD WADHAA’AT BI NOORI KAA AL OOFOUQO The entire earth was illuminated when you were born and the skies were illuminated by your noor. FA NAHNU FI ZAÂLEKA AD DIYAÂ’I WAFI NOORI WA SUBUL AR RASHADI NAKHTARIQ Now we are in the light of that same noor of yours travelling along the correct path of SERAA TUL MUSTAQIM. In later years, Imam Al Aazam, Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) wrote, ANTAL LAZEE LO LAAKA MAA KHULIQA IMRU’UN; KALLA WALA KHULIQA AL WARAA LAU LAAKA If you had not been created than nobody would have been created. In fact, if you had not been created then nothing would have been created at all. WAL LAAHI, YA YASEEN MITHLUKA LAM YAKUN; FIL AALAMEENA WA HAQQI MAN AMBA’ KAA O Yaaseen! I swear by Allah, there is nobody like you in the entire universe! I swear to this by Him (ASWT) who granted you Prophethood. O PEOPLE, as you are well aware, in reality, there is noone who can help you overcome the trials of this world, except Allah, because everything is under His Will and Control. This is the realisation of enlightened souls, meaning the Muttaqin. Prophet Muhammad (SAW), is a perfect example of the truly enlightened and conscious soul. Notice here that in the present tense because he too is as Allah has said in the Qur’an, Ayat 2, Surah Al-Ahzaab (33): 21 “You have indeed In the Messenger of Allah, a beautiful example. So in these troubled times, it is now more important than ever, to remember two things: Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s Good Character and his merciful and generous heart. For example, in the Hadith, we find one of his best known quotations: “I have been sent to teach good character.” The Holy Quran confirms this in Sura Al-Ahzaab, Ayaat 21, where we read: “LAQAD’ KAANA LAKUM FEE RASOOLIL-LAAHI USWATUN HASANAH…” “You have, indeed, in the Messenger of Allah, a beautiful pattern of conduct, for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Yawm al Qiyamah, and who engages much in the praise of Allah.” On the plain of Arafaat, on the Mount of Mercy, Jabal Rahma, he delivered his final Khutbah. Here he reminded the Muslims that his life was coming to an end, but if they held fast to 2 things they would never go astray: one is the Holy Quran, and the other his Sunnah, the living example of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). To this day, 1,400 years later, the essence of Islam has been preserved in those 2 sources, and Insa Allah, they will remain so utterly central to our Muslim identity and experience until the end of time. Prophet Muhammad (SWS) was not a man of theory, but

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a man of action. The best way to honour our beloved Prophet (SAW) will be to set our own life style based on his good character and his generous heart. We must also put in practise, Uswatul Hasanah” the “perfect example” into the challenges we face in our own lives today. This is because all the wisdom of Quran and Hadith is absolutely of no value unless someone studies it and lives by it. We Muslims must make it work, as our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did. Islam must become a living reality in our own daily lives. CAN MUSLIMS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS ??? Question: During the Christmas season, Christians all over the country illuminate their houses with lights, put up Christmas trees, and exchange gifts. TV is full of jingle bells and all the stores are decorated for Christmas. All this is very tempting to small children; children love putting up lights and decorating for holidays. Some Muslim families also put up Christmas trees and lights to keep their children happy. They argue that Christmas is, after all, Prophet Jesus’ birthday and there is no harm in celebrating Christmas as long as children are happy. When our children started talking a few years back they started asking why we do not put up lights and trees during Christmas, it was explained to them that we are Muslims and we don’t celebrate Christmas; we celebrate Èids. (eid -ul-fitr, eid-ul-adha, eid-e-meelaad ) To keep our children happy and to get them excited about Èids, we started putting up lights (green and white) around the house and decorating inside the house during Ramadan until after Èidul-Fitr and during Èidul-Adha as well as for the eide-meelaad. We exchange gifts with our Muslims friends on these Èids. Alhamdulillah, our children now wait for Èid, not for Christmas. What is the Islamic position on these issues? Can we celebrate Christmas? Is it OK to put up lights during Ramadan and Èid? Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, Muhammad (saw). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Every people have their Èid…” Some celebrations are of a religious nature, and some others are social and cultural. Some celebrations are based on beliefs and practices that are contrary to Islamic teachings, and some celebrations are not of that nature. Some people claim that Christmas is now a secular holiday and it is very much an international holiday rather than a religious holiday. But it is wrong to assume that because this holiday is national and international, it has ceased to be Christian. It is true that this holiday is very popular and it is extremely commercialized; nevertheless it is basically a religious holiday. Its very name and all its symbolism is Christian through and through. Christians celebrate at Christmas what they believe to be the “day of the birth of God’s Son” or what they call “God Incarnate”. Thus it is not only a celebration of another religion, it is also a celebration that is based on a belief that is totally against the teachings of Islam. From the Islamic point of view, the belief in the “Son of God” or “God in the flesh” is a blasphemy and kufr (denial of God’s Oneness). By participation in Christmas, it is possible that slowly one may lose his or her consciousness of this basic point of difference. Muslims must be very careful in this matter. The greatest danger is for our next generation, who may slowly lose their Islamic faith in tawhid and may start believing in Jesus as “more than a prophet and servant of Allah”. The argument that “Christmas is, after all, Prophet Jesus’ birthday and so there is no harm in celebrating Christmas” is neither logical nor Islamic. Why should Muslims celebrate Jesus’ birthday? For us Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, not Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was the last one and they say that “after God spoke through many prophets … in these last days he spoke to us through his son whom he made to inherit everything” (New Testament, Hebrews 1:1). Thus they celebrate his coming, but for us Muslims, Prophet Muhammad was the last Prophet and Allah appointed him for all people and for all times to come. The Prophet Muhammad (saw)’s birth is celebrated as an appreciation to Allah for this great Na’mah of him being the Mercy of Allah. Maulood is not celebrated like christmas !!! We do agree that our little children are deeply affected with the festivities and glitter of this holiday. We should try to take them to some Islamic camps and conferences at this time and give them some other alternate programs and activities. But Muslim families should not have Christmas trees in their homes, nor should they put up lights inside or outside their homes at this time. We should tell our children that we are Muslims and this is not our holiday. This is the holiday of our Christian neighbors and friends. We may give greetings to our Christian friends and neighbors on their holiday, but we should not make it our own holiday. It is pleasing to know that you celebrate Ramadan and Èids with lights and decoration of your home and exchange gifts with your children. This is very thoughtful, indeed. It is good to decorate our homes and masjids during Ramadan and for Èids. It is mentioned in one of the Hadiths that even the heaven is especially decorated during the month of Ramadan. Allah Almighty closes the gates of Hell and opens the gates of Paradise during the month of Ramadan. We Muslims should give special attention to our own Islamic holidays. In this way our children will be attracted to our own celebrations rather than looking at others. Unfortunately, there are some Muslims who do not pay any attention to Ramadan and Èid. Some of them do not even come to Èid prayers and even if they come, they do not take their day off from work. Thus their children have no idea about Islamic holidays or they think that Islam is a religion without any festivals and celebrations.” Explaining the reasons why Muslims don’t celebrate and believe in Christmas, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: “Christmas was a pagan custom which was adopted into Christianity; it has nothing to do with reverence and love of Jesus, the mighty Messenger of Allah that we Muslims hold in the highest regard and respect. If Jesus were to come today, whether or not he would identify himself with those who celebrate Christmas is a question one should ask seriously. If we are celebrating the great teachings of Jesus or other prophets, we must do so every day. To do so means to practice love, mercy, justice and compassion and to be actively engaged in doing the will of God.” Allah Almighty knows best.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015 — 37

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New laws to enhance patient care HISTORIC laws to ensure safe nurse-to-patient ratios in Queensland’s public hospitals were introduced in Parliament (3 Dec 15). The amendments to the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 will require minimum ratios in public sector health service facilities. Under the legislation and regulation, prescribed medical, surgical and mental health wards will be required to maintain a minimum of one nurse to four patients for morning and afternoon shifts, and one nurse to seven patients for night shifts. These ratios will be introduced in stages across Queensland from 1 July 2016. It is expected that around 250 additional nurses will need to be recruited to meet the ratios at a cost of $25.9 million. Hospital and Health Services will be responsible for meeting the ratios set out in the legislation, and will meet the cost from existing resources. The legislation is on top of an additional $212.3 million over four years announced by the Premier in July, for 4000 graduate nurses and up to 400 nurse navigators. The legislation will apply at the following facilities: Medical Wards • Atherton Hospital • Bundaberg Hospital • Caboolture Hospital • Cairns Hospital • Caloundra Hospital • Gladstone Hospital • Gold Coast University Hospital • Gympie Hospital • Hervey Bay Hospital • Innisfail Hospital • Ipswich Hospital • Logan Hospital • Mackay Hospital • Mareeba Hospital • Maryborough Hospital • Mount Isa Hospital • Nambour Hospital • Princess Alexandra

Hospital • Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital • Redcliffe Hospital • Redland Hospital • Robina Hospital • Rockhampton Hospital • Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital • Prince Charles Hospital • Toowoomba Hospital • Townsville Hospital • Warwick Hospital. Surgical Wards • Atherton Hospital • Bundaberg Hospital • Caboolture Hospital • Cairns Hospital • Gladstone Hospital • Gold Coast University Hospital • Hervey Bay Hospital • Ipswich Hospital • Logan Hospital • Mackay Hospital • Maryborough Hospital • Mount Isa Hospital • Nambour Hospital • Princess Alexandra Hospital • Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital • Redcliffe Hospital • Redland Hospital • Robina Hospital • Rockhampton Hospital • Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital • Prince Charles Hospital • Toowoomba Hospital • Townsville Hospital • Warwick Hospital. Mental Health Wards • Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital • Princess Alexandra Hospital.

On-time vaccination matters

LIFE can be busy and sometimes it’s difficult to keep track of everything that’s happening. But vaccinating your child on time, or as close as possible to the due date, provides the best protection. Keeping up to date with children’s immunisation schedules will be even more important from 1 January 2016 when changes to Queensland’s legislation come into effect. The changes will mean if parents can’t show their child’s vaccinations are up to

date, childcare options may be affected. If a child’s vaccinations were up to date, or they’re currently on a catch-up schedule, there is nothing to worry about. The new laws will also complement changes to Federal Government legislation which also come into effect on 1 January 2016 and will see family assistance payments affected if a child is not fully immunised.

Prevention the key to relieving the pressure

20 NOVEMBER, 2015: Paul has been wheelchair bound for 39 years and knows all about the seriousness of a pressure injury. Having spent four months in hospital after developing two pressure injuries, Paul has joined forces with Queensland Health to promote prevention on this year’s 2015 World Wide Pressure Ulcer Prevention Day. Featuring in a new Queensland Health video Paul has spoken about living with pressure injuries and the importance of being vigilant. Paul checks his skin every day using a mirror and said others should do the same. Queensland Health is also encouraging people to be aware of changes to their skin and if they’re having trouble caring for their own skin they should ask for help. Most importantly, pressure injuries can happen to anyone but there are ways to prevent them:

• Check skin regularly to ensure any changes are picked up as soon as possible. • Look at where you sleep and sit to determine if a special cushion or mattress is required to help redistribute pressure evenly. • Keep moving – change positions at least every two hours. • Be aware of incontinence and increased moisture. • Keep an eye on nutrition and hydration – a good healthy diet is an important part of preventing pressure injuries. By working together, patients and their treating teams can prevent pressure injuries. For more information on pressure injury prevention visit our Health conditions directory www.conditions.health.qld.gov.au/ healthcondition/20/192/679/pressure-injuryprevention.

Mouth Ulcer - Natural remedies for Stomatitis By Mazhar Sayeed

Natural remedy for Stomatitis #1: Stomatitis, a general term for an inflamed and sore mouth. It can disrupt a person’s ability to eat, talk, and sleep. Stomatitis can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the inside of the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and palate. Causes: The varied causes of stomatitis include viral, yeast and bacterial infections, trauma, diet, tobacco, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The causes of Stomatitis are drugs, medications, substances. As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Symptoms: Mouth inflammation, Sore mouth, Mouth ulcers, Sore oral membranes and Oral membrane ulcers. Diagnosis: Diagnosis of stomatitis can be difficult. A physical examination is done to evaluate the oral lesions and other skin problems. Blood tests may be done to determine if any infection is present. Ingredients: Jambul Fruit, Salt or Sugar Natural Remedies: Jambul Fruit contains many flavonoids, phenols and are loaded with protein and calcium mineral. It is a very excellent resource of carotene, iron, vitamin b folic acidity, calcium mineral potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium. To cure stomatitis and mouth and teeth issues implement jamun fruit juice and also consume it. Add sugar and salt in the mixture to get taste. And drink this with empty stomach at daily morning. You should use it approximately 2 months, and then you completely get rid from Stomatitis. Mouth Ulcer - Natural remedy #2: A mouth ulcer is a sore on the inside of the

mouth and lips or on the tongue. These may occur with measles and may be red or have white coating on them. They make it difficult to eat or drink. Causes: Bacterial infections, Canker sores, Dietary deficiencies, such as lack of vitamin B-12, zinc, folate (folic acid), or iron, Emotional stress, Food allergies, Substance abuse, especially methamphetamine use, Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate and Viral infections. Symptoms: Cracks in the corners of the mouth, Dry mouth, Fever, Loss of appetite, Malaise or lethargy, Pus or white patches covering the tonsils or throat, Skin rash, Sore throat and Swollen lymph nodes Diagnosis: The goal of diagnosing is to relieve symptoms. The cause, if known, should be treated. Gentle, thorough oral hygiene may relieve some of the symptoms. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers. Get advice from your doctor. Ingredients: Alternanthera Amoena. Natural Remedies: Chemical Constituents: Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, campesterol. Aspinasterol, Oleanolic acid rhamnoside, 24-methylene cycloartenol, cycloeucalenol, lupeol, 5-a-stigmasta-7-enol and its palmitate. Take alternanthera amoena leaves with your food often. Natural remedy for bad breath #3: Bad breath plagues just about everyone at one time or another. People snicker about it, but bad breath can be a devastating social disability. Causes: The mouth: The structures in the mouth that can harbor bad breath are: The teeth, The Gums, The tongue (especially the back of the tongue). The upper respiratory tract: This includes the nasal cavities, sinuses, throat, tonsils and the larynx (voice box). A) The term for bad breath from the upper respiratory tract is ozostomia. B) Ozostomia is the second most common type of bad breath, and is most commonly associated with post nasal drip, but can be associated

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

with infections of the various organs in the upper respiratory tracts as well, including sinusitis, sore throat and laryngitis. The lungs: A) Stomatodysodia is the term for bad breath caused by outright disease processes in the lungs, such as various infections, emphysema, bronchitis or lung cancer. B) Halitosis is the term for bad breath that results from physiologic processes elsewhere in the body and carried to the lungs by the bloodstream, or to the mouth by chronic vomiting. The stomach: Technically, this type of bad breath is a subcategory of halitosis, but one that does not originate from the lungs. Bad breath originating from the stomach is caused by disease processes which produce chronic vomiting. Symptoms: Poor dental hygiene — Teeth are coated with film or plaque, food debris trapped between teeth, pale or swollen gums Infections in the mouth — Gums may be red, swollen and bleed easily, especially after brushing or flossing; pus may drain from between teeth; a pocket of pus (abscess) at the base of a tooth; loose teeth or a change in “fit” of a denture; painful, open sores on the tongue or gums Respiratory tract infections — Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (“swollen glands”) in the neck, fever, stuffy nose, a greenish or yellowish nasal discharge, a mucus-producing cough External agents — Cigarette stains on fingers and teeth, a uniform yellow “coffee stain” on teeth Dry mouth — Difficulty swallowing dry foods, difficulty speaking for a prolonged period because of mouth dryness, a burning sensation in the mouth, an unusually high number of dental caries, dry eyes (in Sjögren’s syndrome) Systemic (body wide) illnesses — Symptoms of diabetes, lung disease, kidney failure or liver disease Diagnosis: Self Diagnosis - Professional diagnosis: - Hallimeter, - Gas chromatography, - BANA test, - β-galactosidase Ingredients: Bay leaves Natural Remedies: Medicinally, the properties of the bay leaf and its berries are leg-

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endary. It has astringent, diuretic, and appetite stimulant properties. Essential oil from the bay leaves contains mostly cineol (50%); furthermore, eugenol, chavicol, acetyl eugenol, methyl eugenol, α- and β-pinene, phellandrene, linalool, geraniol and terpineol are also found. Take 1 bay leaf. Clean and chew it.. Natural remedy for Mouth Ulcer #4: A mouth ulcer is a sore on the inside of the mouth and lips or on the tongue. These may occur with measles and may be red or have white coating on them. They make it difficult to eat or drink. Causes: Bacterial infections - Canker sores - Dietary deficiencies, such as lack of vitamin B-12, zinc, folate (folic acid), or iron - Emotional stress - Food allergies - Substance abuse, especially methamphetamine use Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate - Viral infections Symptoms: Cracks in the corners of the mouth - Dry mouth – Fever - Loss of appetite - Malaise or lethargy - Pus or white patches covering the tonsils or throat - Skin rash Sore throat - Swollen lymph nodes Diagnosis: The goal of diagnosing is to relieve symptoms. The cause, if known, should be treated. Gentle, thorough oral hygiene may relieve some of the symptoms. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers. get advice from your doctor. Ingredients: Wood sorrel Fenugreek and Butter milk Natural Remedies: Constituents: Water, fat, protein, carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, iron, niacin, vitamin C and beta carotene. Wood sorrel possesses various medicinal actions like anthelmintic, astringent, antiscorbutic, diuretic, stomachic, febrifuge and styptic. The whole plant is edible and used in salads to be eaten raw. Wood sorrel has a capacity to reduce the mouth ulcer, so if you take some wood sorrel leaves, clean it. Add some fenugreek. Grind it. Mix with butter milk. Then drink it often. Continued next issue.... Note: For clarifications, please email: sayeedmaz_12@hotmail.com

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Food safety myths busted... WHILE thousands of Queenslanders are struck down each year with foodborne illness caused by contaminated food, many of us are still unclear how to prevent food poisoning. Health Protection Branch Executive Director Sophie Dwyer said the focus of this year’s Australian Food Safety Week was to educate people on how to prepare and handle food and bust any myths. “A common misconception is that food poisoning is caused the last meal someone ate, however some forms of food poisoning can take days or even weeks to eventuate,” Ms Dwyer said. “While many people suffering a foodborne illness experience mild symptoms and recover within a few days, severe cases can result in hospitalisation.” Ms Dwyer said Campylobacter was the most common cause of food poisoning in Australia, with around 3200 people becoming so ill in 2014 they were hospitalised.

Tooth decay? It can be fixed without drilling and filling TOOTH decay can be stopped, reversed and prevented without the need for the traditional ‘drill and fill’ approach that has dominated dental care for decades, a new study has found. The results of the seven-year study show that the need for fillings was reduced by 30% to 50% through preventative oral care. “It’s unnecessary for patients to have fillings because they are not required in many cases of dental decay,” said the study’s lead author, Associate Professor Wendell Evans of the University of Sydney. “This research signals the need for a major shift in the way tooth decay is managed by dentists. Our study shows that a preventative approach has major benefits compared to current practice,” said Evans. “For a long time it was believed that tooth decay was a rapidly progressive phenomenon and the best way to manage it was to identify early decay and remove it immediately in order to prevent a tooth surface from breaking up into cavities. “After removing the decay, the affected tooth is then restored with a filling material -- this process is sometimes referred to as ‘drilling and filling’,” he said. “However, 50 years of research studies have shown that decay is not always progressive and develops more slowly than was previously believed. For example, it takes an average of four to eight years for decay to progress from the tooth’s outer layer (enamel) to the inner layer (dentine). That is plenty of time for the decay to be detected and treated before it becomes a cavity and requires a filling,” said Evans. Evans and his team developed the Caries Management System (CMS) -- a set of protocols which cover the assessment of decay risk, the interpretation of dental X-rays, and specific treatment of early decay (decay that is not yet a cavity). The CMS treatment ‘nodrill’ involves four aspects: Application of high concentration fluoride varnish by dentists to the sites of early decay, attention to home tooth brushing skills, restriction of between-meal snacks and beverages containing added sugar, and risk-specific monitoring. “The CMS was first tested on high risk patients at Westmead Hospital with great success,” said Evans. “It showed that early decay could be stopped and reversed and that the need for drilling and filling was reduced dramatically,” he said. “A tooth should only be drilled and filled where an actual hole-in-thetooth (cavity) is already evident,” he added. The CMS treatment was tested in general dental practices in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory. The decay risk was substantially reduced among the CMS patients and their need for fillings was reduced by 30% to 50% compared to the control group. The study was published in the journal Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. PTI Call 07 3865 6533

• Always defrost frozen foods in the fridge or microwave, never on the kitchen bench.

“Campylobacter is most commonly spread by eating raw or undercooked chicken, poor handling practices or by contaminating other food that is not cooked before it is eaten.,” she said. “It is really important to wash your hands

with soap and dry thoroughly before cooking or handling raw meat. “Always defrost frozen foods in the fridge or microwave, never on the kitchen bench. And make sure raw meat is stored in a covered container on the bottom shelf so the juices don’t drip and contaminate other food. “Ensure chicken, mince, boned meats, stuffed meats and sausages are cooked through. Check they have reached 74°C using a meat thermometer. And never put cooked meat back on the plate the raw meat was on.” Ms Dwyer said recent Salmonella outbreaks in Queensland had been linked to products containing raw or lightly cooked eggs, and cross contamination from poor hygiene. “This is a clear indication that people need to pay much more attention to the way they handle and prepare food,” she said. “Never wash egg as they become porous when wet, making it easier for any bacteria

from dirt or feathers on the shell to get inside the egg. Always throw out cracked or dirty eggs. “If you wish to make your own mayonnaise and aioli, prepare small amounts and use immediately.” Other common food poisoning myths: You can tell if chicken is cooked if the juices run clear—a thermometer is the only way to know your food is cooked correctly to an internal 74°C. Food poisoning is just a bit of gastro— each year food poisoning results in 31,920 hospitalisations, 86 deaths and 1 million visits to doctors. You can’t refreeze defrosted meat—it is fine to refreeze defrosted meat as long as it was defrosted in a fridge. You can also cook defrosted food, divide into small portions and refreeze once it has stopped steaming. health.qld.gov.au

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Home Remedies for hair growth Nimisha Modi Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412 350 013

cals. It helps to increase oxygen in the body and increases the blood circulation in the scalp. Massage your scalp with vitamin E oil and leave it overnight. Wash it off with a mild shampoo the following day to gain silky smooth hair.

Continued from last issue

Hey Girls, let’s continue from last month for home Remedies for hair growth and prevent getting grey. Indian Gooseberry (Amla) Tips to control hair fall and promote hair growth is incomplete without the mention of alma, also known as Indian Goose Berry and it is a popular remedy used in Ayurveda. Regular application of amla directly on hair helps in strengthening the hair follicles, stimulates hair growth and prevents hair breakage and split ends. There are many magical properties of amla; it is filled with antioxidants and vitamin C. Amla is good for healthy hair growth and is also known for improving the pigmentation of the hair. Mix 2 teaspoons of Amla juice with 2 teaspoons of lime juice. Apply this mixture on the scalp and leave it to dry for 2 hours. Rinse off with warm water. Garlic This popular kitchen herb is well-known for its strong flavours and numerous health benefits. Garlic is one of the fast hair growth home remedies and is majorly known for controlling hair fall. It is also one of the most popular home remedies for scalp fungus. It boosts the circulation in the scalp and regenerates hair growth. Boil 7 to 8 cloves of crushed garlic with olive oil and apply it to the roots of the hair -follicles. Repeat this thrice a week to notice the difference. Vitamin E Oil Filled with antioxidants, vitamin E oil fights the free radi-

Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil is one of the best oils to reduce hair loss usually found in the Middle Eastern countries. Prepared from rosemary herb, this oil increases cell division and accelerates the blood circulation. It has proved to be effective for hair growth and is used as a hair tonic. Rosemary Oil: Take two tablespoons of shampoo and mix two tablespoons of rosemary oil into it. Shampoo your hair with this mixture. You can also massage your scalp with equal amounts of olive oil and rosemary oil. Potatoes Being a rich source of nutrients such as vitamins A, B and C, calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus, potatoes are an amazing natural remedy for hair growth, preventing dryness of hair and premature greying.. Take 1 ½ cups of potato juice in a bowl. Add a teaspoon of honey, a little bit of water and 1 egg yolk and mix it together. Apply this mixture to damp hair and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash off with a mild shampoo. Potatoes for hair: Doing this once a week is more than enough to strengthen and rejuvenate weak and brittle hair. After a few months, you will notice the change in your hair. Have a wonderful holiday and look after yourself in Summer. See you next time Nimisha

Being nasty at work is contagious, major reason for dissatisfaction

BEING subjected to rudeness is a major reason for dissatisfaction at work and unpleasant behaviour spreads if nothing is done about it, a study says. Workplace incivility should be treated with the utmost seriousness. This is the finding of three psychologists at Lund University in Sweden. The researchers explained that rudeness at the workplace refers to something that goes under the radar for what is prohibited and that in some way violates the norm for mutual respect. It can refer to petty behaviour such as excluding someone from information and cooperation, or “forgetting” to invite someone to a communal event. It can also refer to taking credit for the work of others, spreading rumours, sending malicious emails, or not giving praise to subordinates. “It is really about behaviour that is not covered by legislation, but which can have considerable consequences and develop into outright bullying if it is allowed to continue”, said lead researcher Eva Torkelson from Lund University in Sweden. Bullying in the workplace is quite a well documented phenomenon, whereas rudeness that risks turning into bullying is not, she said. For the study, the researchers surveyed nearly 6,000 people on the social climate in

the workplace. In total, 75% of the survey respondents stated that they had been subjected to rudeness at least once or twice in the past year. “An important finding from our studies is that those who behave rudely in the workplace experience stronger social support, which probably makes them less afraid of negative reactions to their behaviour from managers and colleagues,” Martin Backstrom, professor of psychology at Lund University noted. As people often imitate the behaviour of others, there is a risk that rudeness becomes a vicious circle with considerable consequences for the entire workplace, the researchers said. The findings appeared in the journal BioMed Research International. HT

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

Work pressure: Ten quick tips to avoid a burnout IN our fast-paced lives, many of us don't tend to realise how seriously stress can affect our wellness. As a result, we often overlook the importance of keeping it under check. "Stress is not an overnight phenomenon; it builds over time. If you are observant, you can notice the signs that lead to a burnout. You should not ignore deep feelings of dissatisfaction, and a creeping sense of hopelessness. It could turn into physical and mental ailments," says Dr Ajit Menon, interventional cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central. In order to stay calm and stress-free, there are a few tips that can help: 1) Be realistic: You should realise that work is only part of your life. The company will survive even without you, but you need to be able to survive in the absence of the company. So, you need to know how to strike a balance between work and home. 2) Do what you like: In many cases, people work over long periods in jobs, which are misaligned with their skills, interests or values. Introspect on what gives you more satisfaction and joy, and pursue that vocation. 3) Work in moderation: Working for long hours, six days a week, can make you feel spent. Take a break, travel, do yoga, and perform breathing exercises to change the way you feel. Make sure that you make time every day for an activity you love. 4) Limit stuff on your plate: Many professionals over-commit, either because they are too ambitious or because they cannot say no to their supervisors. Be realistic about your professional growth, and develop the courage to say no. Learn to negotiate timelines and delegate work. 5) Develop better thinking skills: Being driven by perfection and pessimism can push you to the brink. Strive for excellence, not perfection. Stay optimistic, and be resilient. You will be able to manage your work more efficiently and smoothly if you do that. 6) Bring exercise to the workplace: Include physical activity in your working schedule. Take the stairs if possible, exercise or go for a walk during your lunch breaks, and encour-

age others to do so too. 7) Breathe: Relaxation does not only mean going on a vacation. The best way to relax is to focus on your breathing. At work, try to close your eyes, and breathe deeply every four to five hours for two minutes. This will help you stay calm. 8) Physical exercise: To de-stress your eyes, close them and pinch your eyebrows, starting from the centre of the forehead moving towards the end of the eyebrows. You can also massage your forehead. Long working hours also impose stress on your shoulder muscles. Every two-three hours, take a deep breath, shrug your shoulders up to your ear and drop them down. Also, do some neck exercises by looking up and down, and sideways every two hours. 9) Me time: You need to ensure that you have enough me time. Take days off from work, and go on a short vacation with your family or friends. And while you are away, keep interruptions such as phones or laptops at bay. 10) Limit alcohol and smoking: Do not indulge in excessive drinking or smoking. While they are considered recreational, they can also result in chronic physical and psychological ailments. Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari, Hindustan Times - With inputs from Dr Ajit Menon; Dr Kersi Chavda, consultant in psychiatric medicine, Hinduja Healthcare Surgical, Khar (W); Dr Gladys Swamy, physiotherapist and director and cofounder, Minerva Physiotherapy Clinic, Kurla (W).

School drop off robbing kids of exercise

FINDING ways to get kids active should be a priority for all Queenslanders, as a new report shows Aussie kids were failing to meet recommended activity guidelines to stay fit and healthy. Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the inaugural Active Healthy Kids Australia Report Card on Physical Activity, released today, showed children needed more than just organised sport to keep healthy. “This report shows about half of children walk or ride to school at least once a week. This means that most children are being driven to school most days,” Dr Young said. “Children who are driven to school are being robbed of the opportunity for regular incidental exercise. “This can lead to excess weight, which in childhood puts children at higher risk of adult obesity and chronic disease. It sets them up with bad habits that last a lifetime.” Dr Young said Queensland Health was leading a number of initiatives aimed to improve the health and wellbeing of Queensland children and families. “The Healthy Active School Travel program (HAST) for example, encourages Queensland families to get to and from school by walking, cycling or using public transport,” Dr Young said. “By simply changing the way children get to and from school, we can really help the overall health and physical activity levels of our children.” The HAST program successfully encouraged travel behaviour change with almost 7 per cent less car travel and 72.8 minutes more

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daily activity. Dr Young said the PEACH program was another initiative funded by the Department that focussed on healthy eating and ways to increase levels of physical activity. “The PEACH program empowers parents to make healthy choices and arm them with tools to navigate mixed messages around food and achieve a healthy balance,” she said. Dr Young said the family-focused healthy lifestyle program was offered in more than 20 locations across Queensland. “Parents who want to get their children more active and eating well can to www.peachqld.com.au or phone 1800263519,” she said. Dr Young said energy-dense food, excess screen time and minimal physical activity can all lead to weight gain during childhood and the teenage years. “But early intervention can improve outcomes for children and build the foundation for a healthy and productive life,” she said. health.qld.gov.au Call 07 3865 6533

Health Beauty Wellbeing Cup of joy: Three to four cups of coffee cut diabetes risk COFFEE lovers rejoice! Here’s a piece of information that will delight you: Danish scientists say that drinking three to four cups of coffee per day can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The research team has identified two compounds that contribute to coffee’s health benefit, adding that this knowledge can help them develop new medications to better prevent and treat the disease. To investigate which of coffee’s many bioactive components are

responsible for diabetes prevention, the team tested the effects of different coffee substances in rat cell lines. The researchers investigated different coffee compounds’ effects on cells in the lab. The two compounds -- cafestol and caffeic acid -- increased insulin secretion when glucose was added. The team also found that cafestol increased glucose uptake in muscle cells, matching the levels of a currently prescribed antidiabetic drug.

According to lead researcher Soren Gregersen from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, cafestol’s dual benefits make it a good candidate for the prevention and treatment of Type 2 diabetes. However, because coffee filters eliminate much of the cafestol in drip coffee, it is likely that other compounds also contribute to these health benefits. Patients with Type 2 diabetes become resistant to insulin, a hormone that helps turn glucose from

food into energy. To overcome this resistance, the pancreas makes more insulin, but eventually, it just can’t make enough. High blood glucose levels can cause health problems, such as blindness and nerve damage. Several genetic and lifestyle risk factors have been linked to the development of Type 2 diabetes, but drinking coffee has been shown to help prevent its onset. The paper was reported in the Journal of Natural Products. HT

Beauty benefits of green tea

GREEN tea has some distinct beauty benefits due its high content of antioxidants and other healthy nutrients. This is the reason many beauty products contain green tea extracts. We tell you why green tea is a boon for beauty: 1. Green tea can be regarded as a storehouse of benefits for the skin. It contains a great deal of antioxidants which are effective against free radicals. These free radicals, which are formed when the skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun, are accountable for premature aging. 2. Green tea has also been found extremely effective in safeguarding the skin against sunburn and tanning when applied locally. 3. The antioxidants found in green tea are also responsible in combating skin cancer by blocking the cancer causing harmful enzyme, junk. 4. This wondrous natural component is also responsible for the cell renewal process. The

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aged keratinocytes cells are biologically energized by the polyphenol compounds in green tea, which in turn, synthesize the DNA and prevent premature aging of the cells. 5. On occasions of skin inflammation, green tea acts as a great soother. It has also been found out that green tea shows notable improvements among cases of psoriasis and rosacea, accompanied by inflammation. 6. In cases of acnes and pimples, green tea comes in great aid as the antibacterial content in it, known as catechins, reduces over stimulation of the skin hormones. Further, the overall appearance of the skin is also improved along with complexion when green tea is used as a drink or as a mask. 7. Experts suggest that applying green tea mask directly on the face is the most effective sun guard. Acne and pimples subside considerably with green tea treatment when a mask of the same is applied on to the face. TOI

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State-of-the-art renovations at Jupiters on the Gold Coast By Rama Gaind

VISIT any corner of Broadbeach on the Gold Coast and you’ll be constantly amazed at the hustle-and-bustle that seamlessly combines with an energetic vibe that’s always prevalent. Whether you start your morning by taking to the surf, unwind on the beautiful beaches, followed by family outings in lusciouslygreen parks or discovering arts and crafts markets, the constant bustling atmosphere continues to astound. Further surprises await if you wander down the Broadbeach mall that’s sprinkled with roving street artists and a myriad of dining options which take in everything from brasseries, bistros, gourmet delis to bars and five-star feasts. Shoppers can’t go past Pacific Fair — one of Australia’s largest retail centres with more than 300 stores, cinemas and casual dining. There’s also the Oasis Shopping Centre, with more than 100 specialty stores and services, which is the premier destination for fashion, food, lifestyle and fun in cosmopolitan Broadbeach. Known as ‘Broadie’ to locals, this neighbourhood has entertainment that’s never-ending. The Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival attracted thousands on the weekend I was there in May. The festival celebrated its 14th year with some spectacular entertainment

over four days, with 60 artists and 140 performances over 20 stages and venues. During the two weeks from May 29, Australia’s biggest ‘50s and ‘60s Nostalgia Festival was held at Cooly Rocks. Over two kilometres of rock 'n roll, rockabilly, swing music and more than 1,000 hot rods, custom cars and classic vehicles lined the stunning beachfront of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads. The streets came alive with street parades, shows, displays and competitions. Jupiters Hotel & Casino The sophisticated and modern feel that complements the Gold Coast’s relaxed beachside lifestyle, is almost a stone’s throw away from Jupiters Hotel & Casino. Go across the Gold Coast Highway to indulge in five-star luxury with 24-hour casino, bars, lounges, restaurants and shows galore. I was one of the lucky ones to get that ‘regal’ treatment after being picked up from the airport by Charlie Dibella from Royale Limousines — and taken to Jupiters. In what is regarded as Australia’s most extensive hotel refurbishment, Jupiters is undergoing a $345 million transformation. All that ongoing work and the astonishing fact is that the patrons are unaware of the renovations. The only sounds one can hear are of laughter incessant chatter that emanates from mingling crowds in every corner of the complex. Commendable. According to the managing director of Jupiters, Geoff Hogg, the project to revitalise

Astrology Aries - March 21 - April 20 Confident and optimistic, you are raring to go as the month begins. This month will give you a good chance to build a firm base for the approaching year. You are also likely to feel motivated through the month and give your best. Professionals may face a common problem of time management. Setting priorities beforehand may make things easier. Too much stress may affect your health. Try and make amends rather than locking horns whenever you get an opportunity. Growth prospects look bright, and remuneration satisfactory. All the best, says Ganesha! With proper management and supervision, business is bound to grow. However, those in partnership are likely to go through a tough phase. You are likely to be assertive and want things to be done your way which may often lead to arguments with spouse, make it up to him/her with kind words and gestures. You are like to enjoy intimate moments and marital bliss. Financially,you are likely to enjoy comfortable and secure position. Unexpected health problems are likely to bother you. Taurus - April 21 - May 22 According to Ganesha’s predictions, the month ahead seems to be average, with a no-gain-noloss situation. Clarity of thoughts and deciding upon priorities will give you a better vision of future. Professionals will have to put in extra efforts to update their knowledge and brush up the skills for the upcoming task. Some distractions might lure you deviating you from focus at work. Watch your temper during unfavourable situations. Although caring, respectful, loyal and affectionate you may often come across as stubborn and arrogant personality, which may work against you. Socially, you are likely to be active, and may develop a relationship with someone influential, which may help you progress in your monetary interests. Relationships, are likely to be fragile this month; handle with care, tips Ganesha. Equation with spouse also appears to be on the rough path. Think of ways to resolve the issues for a healthy and conducive home environment. Financially, you may come across different avenues to earn money, apart from the regular source of income. Be prepared for emergencies. Overall, health will be good during this month. But, people with chronic issues are advised to go for regular check-ups to avoid emergencies. Gemini - May 23 - Jun 21 Testing times lie ahead, as meeting requirements on personal and professional fronts seem challenging. Going by intellect and not by instincts may give you good results. At work, you could be handed over extra responsibilities. You could also be looking for a job change. Avoid taking any decision in hurry, tips Ganesha. Businessmen, are likely to enjoy favourable results as you may expand your business for better prospects. On the domestic front, reconciliation, new beginnings and meaningful equations are likely to take place. However, marital life may not be at its best. Indifferent attitude and unpredictable behaviour of your partner is likely to hurt you emotionally. The graph of finance is likely to be full of turfs and crests. You may come across many opportunities to increase your income. Saving is not on your mind, around this time. Refrain from taking major decisions about

the property’s almost 600 rooms, together with some initial work already completed around the swimming pool and hotel façade, will cost around $75 million. “The first stage of refurbished rooms is expected to be open at the end of October this year, with the entire projects scheduled for completion by the end of 2016,” Mr Hogg said. Delectable dining options It doesn’t take long to get in tune with the good times at one of the two new vibrant restaurants and bars, which were packed to the rafters! As part of the first stage of Jupiters’ renovation, patrons celebrated the joy of sharing with family and friends at the new Italian restaurant Cucina Vivo and tried the awardwinning Chase Kojima’s cutting edge Japanese cuisine at Kiyomi. Jeremy Allan is the chef de cuisine at Cucina Vivo, where a recently opened outdoor eating balcony overlooks the newly-restored swimming pool. The menu, inspired by all regions across Italy, features traditional favourites together

with inspired interpretations of the classics. Deciding what to eat was going to be a painstaking effort, so we left the decision to restaurant manager Kevin Puglisevich. The array of dishes that followed did not disappoint. The lychee cocktail got the dining experience to a spirited start. Many appetising dishes followed: antipasto del salumiere (chef’s selection of choice salami, provola, giardiniera), caprese salad, petto di pollo (tender chicken breast with braised forest mushrooms and charred figs), delectable lamb with chestnut gnocchi and cranberry and tortelloni ripieni (tasty crab meat, ricotta and lemon zest on green pea puree). However, it was one of the desserts — cioccolato rosso ferrari (pistacio crostata, stracciatella ice cream, ferrari red chocolate sphere and grappa-infused chocolate sauce) — that had everyone enthralled in a blissful syrupy rapture. Bellissimo! Rama Gaind was a guest of Jupiters Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast.

www.ganeshaspeaks.com finance or making financial transactions, advises Ganesha. You might need to keep a check on health. If need be, opt for alternative therapies for ensuring long-term cure. Cancer - June 22 - July 22 Career related matters and new assignments at work are likely to keep you on toes, predicts Ganesha. You are likely to remain highly energetic, motivated and performance-driven during the month. Multitasking is the only way to cope up with the assigned work. Freelancers may face a tough time as they may have to go hunting for work. It may not be an easy phase. Patience is the key here. Businessmen should refrain from lending money or goods on credit. Marital relationship is likely to be strained around this time as you may not be able to give enough time at home. This is likely to upset your spouse, causing tiffs. You are likely to face a financial crunch as the month begins as some unexpected expenses may force you to borrow money. This episode could be a lesson for you to strengthen your financial position. In the second half of the month, Ganesha foresees that you are likely to explore new avenues and take calculated risks in order to boost your earnings. People who suffer from arthritis will have to remain watchful. Also, be careful about the food you eat. Leo - July 23 - August 22 Your positive frame of mind and practical approach towards work will take you places. However, there could be a phase when you are likely to be in dilemma about your decisions. At this juncture, make the best use of your intellect rather than your instincts. You are likely to be at loggerheads with one or more people at work, which may adversely affect your reputation. Businessmen enjoy a good time striking lucrative deals and expanding their business. Local traders are likely to reap benefits around this time. On the domestic front, the phase supports relocating or changing your abode! After a hectic day at work, you may sneak some time for your family and spend by listening to music or chatting casually. Though, a misunderstanding is likely to spoil your equation and ruin the happiness of love relationship. When nothing seems to work for being together, you should leave it up to time and destiny. You will have to be smart and wise in handling money issues, this month. Drastic change in season and sudden dip in temperature is likely to have adverse effects on health. Virgo - August 23 - October 22 You are likely to have mixed experiences on personal as well as professional fronts. Personally, you are likely to enjoy the pleasures of life as Ganesha may shower luck upon you. But not before you go through your share of struggles and delays in work. At times, it may be frustrating; patience is the key here. Professionals may prove their worth by working on a prestigious project. Multitasking and brushing up your skills may take you a long way. In business people are likely to enjoy a great phase with a steady growth in business, increased turnover is likely to double your joy. On domestic front, unhappiness and disappointment may disrupt the peace and harmony. Being flexible and practical is likely to help. Love life shall be good this month. Singles are likely to

their soul-mates, while couples may bond like never before. On the financial front, this period may not prove to be favourable for your financial growth. Unplanned expenses are likely to occur. Barring some seasonal allergies or attacks like cough and cold your will be in the pink of health.your home temple to gain wealth. Libra - September 23 - October 22 Favourable planetary alliances are likely to provide support in your endeavours and fulfill your ambitions. Think, plan, experiment and implement your actions to secure your position at work, and for brighter career prospects. Professionals are likely to look for practical ways to achieve their goals, in their area of domain. Try to control your emotions. Businessmen will enjoy opportunities and gains coming their way. However, you may think twice before taking risks for business. Life on domestic front is likely to become easier with a smiling face around. You partner is likely to respond to you in a good manner and attend to your demands. Money matters are likely to make you think wisely, this time around. This also indicates you are likely to think twice before spending money on unnecessary things. Your financial position is likely to strengthen towards the end of the month, and you may be able to save satisfactorily, predicts Ganesha. On the health front, an unexpected health problem is likely to bother you for a short span of time, but you will soon recover from it. Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 A challenging month lies ahead for you. Amid duties, differences, and deviation in the offing, you may hardly find time for yourself. But, sparing some time for introspection is likely to give all the answers to the unsolved queries of life. Although professionals are likely to feel secured in their position, they may have a tough time chasing targets and meeting deadlines. Your positive frame of mind will help you in new endeavours and assignments. Romantic surprise and sensual pleasures are like to make your love relationship blissful! Though, there may be some dissatisfaction brewing in the family which may soon get sorted. It may be raining money during the first phase of the month, as indicated by your planetary alliances. You may make profits earning sizable amount of money. However, Ganesha advises you to refrain from any unethical activity for making money. Increase in unwarranted expenses during the second half of the month is likely to upset your saving plans. Health will not give you any chance to complain during this month. Sagittarius - November 22 - December 22 Matters related to family and finance are likely to take the forefront all this month. Keeping up with the time and not complaining about the circumstances will help you to cope better, feels Ganesha. Professionals are likely to experience overload of work during the month. Stress, time constraints and nagging superiors are likely to bog you down. Businessmen will have to put in extra efforts to fare well in the business. On marital front, spouse is likely to be cooperative, and may not complain despite you neglecting household matters due to work. Overall though, with fam-

ily, lack of peace and harmony is likely to keep the home environment tensed. Financial graph could be full of turfs and crests. Thinking wisely and implementing suggestions given by well wishers will help in saving money for family and securing future. On the health front, any kind of negligence may require hospitalisation or bed-rest. Those suffering from a prolonged, nagging health issues may find a permanent medication/cure to it. Capricorn - December 23 - January 30 Managing home and work may become slightly difficult during this month as a hectic work schedule is likely to bog your down. Once again, businessmen will be loaded with offers of overseas projects. Also, the phase is good for striking profitable deals. Local traders stand a good chance of gaining loyal, high-profile customers. Some unresolved issues on the domestic front are likely to make you uneasy. With regard to finance, you may spend a lot during the first phase of the month. Unwarranted expenses may make a hole in your pocket. Concentrate on saving for a secured future, advises Ganesha. A health problem, which may be long forgotten, is likely crop one once again. Take preventive measures for good, tips Ganesha. Aquarius - January 21 - February 19 Ambitious and confident, you are willing to take risks to highlight your career and reach for the goals, foresees Ganesha. At times, distractions may lure you, situations may confuse you and demands may tire you. But, nothing seems to stop you from reaching your desired destination! Though, heavy work load in office is likely to take a toll, mentally and physically. According to Ganesha, those who are planning to change the job may start applying to the prospective companies as the phase is highly supports a job change. Businessmen could come across many opportunities to explore new territories and bank on new clients/customers. Keep a close watch on your monetary resources. Lending money even to friends or acquaintances may not seem to a good idea. On domestic front, marital life is likely to be blissful. There may be few misunderstanding with other family members, which may soon be resolved. Barring some minor health issues or seasonal allergies, health may not give you any chance to complain. Pisces - February 20 - March 20 This month is likely to be full of turfs and crests, losses and gains, tiffs and patch-ups. Professionals are likely to face a tough time putting in their best and working overtime. This period, however, may prove to be highly beneficial for the business fraternity. Ganesha foresees great customer relations, good outflow of goods and services, clinching overseas deals and high turnover. Those in partnership will have to be careful. On domestic front, there could also be times when you are likely to be at loggerheads with your partner, followed by a phase when you regret your actions and make peace. On financial front, there are no tensions foreseen. You may come across an opportunity for monetary gain. Cough, cold and allergies are likely to bother you a lot due to changing season and weak immune system.

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.

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

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Real Estate News

WANT AN EDGE IN THE

No move from RBA as rates stay steady at 2% THERE was no Christmas gift from the Reserve Bank today (1 Dec), with the central bank keeping interest rates on hold at 2% for yet another month. The record low rate has been in place since May. Economist had widely predicted the RBA would not make a move on rates so close to Christmas, but believe a cut could come in the New Year given global economic conditions. In his statement on the decision RBA Governor Glenn Stevens says moderate expansion of the economy continues despite a decline in the mining sector. He pointed to a slowing of the housing market in Melbourne and Sydney where dwelling prices have moderated. “In other asset markets, prices for commercial property have been supported by lower long-term interest rates, while equity prices have moved in parallel with developments in global markets. The Australian dollar is adjusting to the significant declines in key commodity prices. “At today’s meeting the Board again judged that the prospects for an improvement in economic conditions had firmed a little over recent months and that leaving the cash rate unchanged was appropriate. Members also observed that the outlook for inflation may afford scope for further easing of policy, should that be appropriate to lend support to demand.”

Dwelling values fall

The RBA decision comes as new data show home values falling in some Australian capital cities as the housing market moves through its peak. The CoreLogic RP Data Hedonic Home Value Index for November shows dwelling

2 NG E LI G A EL T S S W O N

values fell by 1.5% across the combined capitals in the past month. The biggest fall was in Melbourne where values dropped 3.5%, followed by Hobart with a 2.4% fall, Sydney with -1.4%, Darwin with -1.3% and Canberra with a 0.5% drop. Brisbane (0.6%), Adelaide (0.7%) and Perth (0.3%) were the only capitals to record increases in dwelling values. CoreLogic RP Data head of research Tim Lawless says the housing market continues to slow in Melbourne and Sydney. “The latest results are now placing downwards pressure on the annual change in dwelling values. The annual rate of growth across the combined capitals index peaked at 11.5% back in April 2014, and has since reduced to 8.7%.” “The fact that mortgage rates have risen independently of the cash rate has, in all likelihood, become a contributor to the slowdown in housing market conditions, as well as tighter lending practices evidenced by a recent reduction in lender risk appetite for investment loans and high loan to valuation ratio mortgages,” Lawless says. “Tighter mortgage servicing criteria across the board and affordability constraints in the Sydney and Melbourne markets are also having an impact on market demand.”

What the RBA decision means

Lawless says the slower conditions were likely a factor in the Reserve Bank’s decision. “While the cash rate remained on hold, a less buoyant housing market is likely to provide the Reserve Bank with a greater degree of flexibility in adjusting interest rates without as much risk of over stimulating the housing market as what they have faced over previous months,” he says.

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“While the Reserve Bank is likely to welcome a slowdown in the rate of home value appreciation, the overriding objective would be to avoid a significant downturn in the housing market, which would act as a weight on economic growth and potentially impact financial system stability. “Despite the stable rate setting, mortgage rates remain close to record lows which should continue to act as an incentive for home buyers and investors considering a property purchase.”

Time for borrowers to shop around

Borrowers are being urged to add lower interest rates to their Christmas wishlist and compare loans to get the best deal. Finder.com.au Consumer Advocate Bessie Hassan says Christmas is the perfect time to give your mortgage a makeover. “Check your current interest rate, the features of your loan, and jump online to compare what other similar products are out there

– chances are you may just find a better deal,” she says. “It’s not uncommon for banks to discount within the vicinity of 1-1.25 percentage points off their standard variable rate for new loans, and generally, the larger your mortgage the greater your bargaining power. “If you can’t or would prefer not to switch lenders, you’ll need to demand a better offer from your current lender – speak to the customer retention department of your bank and tell them you’re not happy with your current deal. If they want to keep you, they’ll have to do better. “There’s nothing to lose, and plenty to gain from giving your finances a health check – do it sooner rather than later to make the most of a competitive home loan market and to start saving some serious dollars.” Sarah Millar - 01 Dec 2015, realestate.com.au

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44 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

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How to: Beat first-home buyer burnout

By Caroline James realestate.com.au Finding and buying your first property is akin to running a marathon. YOU must typically invest years to save a deposit. Then there’s the grind of convincing lenders to back you by lending you funds, the long slog of researching home values and inspecting properties then the final, heady, sprint to the end, often pushing past other buyers to buy the right home. It’s no wonder your buying legs can feel exhausted – threatening your effort – before you cross the finish line. According to Andrew Date, Buyers Agent and Vendor Advocate for Advantage Property Consulting, first-home buyer burnout is common. “Even myself, when I bought my first property, it took me nine months to find the one,” says Date, who formerly worked for almost five years as a sales agent.

ME Head of Home Loans, Patrick Nolan says some days can feel like a marathon when you’re saving for a first home. “As any distance runner knows, at some stage you could hit the wall of fatigue,” Nolan says. “If you find your enthusiasm for growing savings is starting to flag, it can pay to adopt the strategies used by professional runners to forge ahead even when the wall tries to slow them down.”

5 tips to stay motivated when buying property 1. Keep a steady pace “Throwing as much cash as possible into your savings without allowing for fun stuff is a sure fire way to burn out,” Nolan says. He says first-home buyers should aim to stick to a consistent pace of saving, which can help you avoid saving fatigue. “Crunch the numbers to work out how much you need to save to

reach your first home deposit target. Once you have the numbers in place it’s just a matter of maintaining the momentum.” Date advises all buyers to inspect at least 10 properties before buying one. First-timers need to start their journey with realistic expectations, he says. “You will get fatigued quickly if you don’t commit to educate yourself and this can and should take some time – sometimes years – depending on a buyer’s risk tolerance.” 2. Fuel your mind Elite sportspeople often use visualization – like imagining themselves on the winner’s podium – to help them stay motivated, and keep going. If your enthusiasm is flagging, focus on the end game. Find a motivational saying, save it on your home page, and look at it whenever you are losing your way and feel like going AWOL to Costa Rica or similar. Imagine how awesome it’s going

to feel opening your own home’s front door and saying ‘it’s all mine’. Christelle Tuyau saved for two years before buying her first home in February. She paid $460,000 for the threebedroom house on a corner block in the southwest Sydney suburb of Ambarvale. Having the willpower to save $2,000 a month was not easy, she says. “Create a vision board with your goals and what you what to achieve,” says the 24-year-old. “Put up a target figure and a picture of a home. Think of it like the law of attraction!” 3. Talk to your running mate Date says it’s all-too-common for pairs of first-home buyers to work against each other and run the risk of losing motivation. Spouses or friends who decide to buy a first property together need to talk to each other in the early stages of the process “so you are on the same page”.

“You really need to work out what is non-negotiable for each buyer early on so you can avoid fatigue caused by wasting time looking at properties beyond your budget.” 4. Load your savings In the same way distance runners use stopping points to fuel up on carbohydrates, first home buyers can boost their deposit by upping the return on savings. “Explore options to earn bonus rates like holding your everyday account and savings account with the same bank. It all helps you smash through the wall of fatigue and hit the finish line a whole lot sooner,” Nolan says. 5. Run your own race Never feel pressured to buy something just because you see other people doing it. This may mean buying something more expensive than you can comfortably afford, or buying in an area to please friends or family. Always run your own race to buy your first property to ensure a full recovery and a positive experience.

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Business Directory AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

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Business Directory PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEOGRAPHY

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RELIGIOUS SERVICES UNREEL EYES - VIDEO/PHOTO Your Eyes - My Lens...Weddings, Events, Parties, Love Stories, Videography & Photography. Call 1300 308 618 or visit www.unreeleyes.com E: info@unreeleyes.com

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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

TABLA LESSONS

BOOK YOUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY / CLASSIFIED TODAY! LISTINGS START FROM $11 P/M includes website listing! CONTACT sales@indiantimes.com.au

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Classifieds....

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES

FOR SALE

MATRIMONIAL 54 year old widow, Fiji born, Hindu and holder of Australian PR looking for a suitable partner aged less than 60yrs. Calls from those already in Brisbane or those willing to relocate to Brisbane only. Mobile number is 0413 933 625.

BOOK YOUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY / CLASSIFIED TODAY! LISTINGS START FROM $11 P/M includes website listing!

WHATÊS ON!

12 December...

Santoshi India House and NAB proudly present…A Bollywood Christmas…Come and celebrate the silly season Indian Style with Australia’s best Bollywood acts! Tickets $30 per person / Children 8-12 $15 per person. Includes full Indian buffet, live Bollywood show and DJ until midnight! Tickets available at all Santoshi House outlets: Mount Gravatt – Strathpine – Cannon Hill. To purchase tickets online go to www.bollywoodxmas.eventbrite.com.au Venue: Strathpine Community Centre, 199 Gympie Road, Strathpine. Dress Code: Red, Green and White! For tickets and info contact Himmy 0405 382 754.

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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

DEC 15 / JAN 16 South Pacific Island Christmas in the Park Festival 2015…Theme: Praise and Worship! 10am to 4pm at Mulbeam Park – Corner of Muller Road and Beams Road, Boondall. Tongan Wesleyan Methodist Church – featuring local churches, Pacific Islands traditional dancing, nativity drama, worship banks, carols, solo and group singers, hula dance groups, brass band, kids toys, jumping castle, stalls and more. Contact Sitika Satui 0450 677 142 or Siaosi T. Kupu 0437 928 207

19 Dec, 29 Dec 2015, 3 Jan & 8 January 2016...

KFC BBL – Brisbane Heat…Turn up the heat! – With 3 hours of non-stop action, fireworks, great music plus loads more entertainment, a Brisbane Heat home game is the ultimate

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

family night out! Tickets on sale no – www.brisbaneheat.com.au

19 December...

The Sangam Association of Queensland presents….Electric Korma Night…6pm to 11pm at 71 Jane Street, West End. $30 ticket includes dinner + Show (Halal + Veg) Kids under 13 free. Drinks sold separately on premises. Contact Maan Krishna 0431 797 569 / Sam Pillay 0408 101

20 December... BA Sports and Social Club – Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Please be informed that Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Ba Sports and Social Club will be held on the 20th of December at Murrarie Hall, 10 Queensport

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Road, Murrarie. Meeting will commence at 10am. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. For a nomination form please contact the secretary at Arunesh_vp123@hotmail.com Completed nomination forms should be submitted by COB Friday 11th December. Looking forward to seeing you all.

25 December...

Hindu Cultural Hub (HCH) at Clayfield Cultural Event – 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Bar-Jai Community Hall, 178 Alexandra Road, Clayfield Qld 4011 (next to Clayfield Railway Station and Post Office) For more details visit www.hinduculturalhub.org or call 0469 016 416 Continued on page 50

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WHATÊS ON!

Dec 2015, 3 Jan & 8 January 2016...

KFC BBL – Brisbane Heat…Turn up the heat! – With 3 hours of non-stop action, fireworks, great music plus loads more entertainment, a Brisbane Heat home game is the ultimate family night out! Tickets on sale no – www.brisbaneheat.com.au

15 January 2016...

Victoria Bitter ODI - Gabba – Don’t be a Daryl – Book now for India V Australia. Daryl didn’t go last time and missed being a part of the ‘Sea of Blue’. Don’t be a Daryl. India are coming back and looking to get even for their early ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 exit. Be there to cheer them on. Book your tickets now at www.cricket.com.au

Weekly Events...

Australian Pentecostal Assembly Brisbane – Sunday Worship every Sunday

9am-11.30am at 84 The Community Place, 84 Kedron Park Road, Wooloowin Qld with Pastor Prakash Jacob. Cottage Meeting every Tuesday 7.30pm-9pm / Kids Bible 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

Brahma Kumaris Australia – Meditation & Positive Thinking Sessions – Mondays 10.30am to 11.30am: Regular meditation should improve your ability to focus and think clearly. By practising media-

DEC 15 / JAN 16 29 January 2016...

Brisbane Muslim Football Assn. Inc with Darra Islamic Society…AGM – Members are advised that 2016 Annual General Meeting of Brisbane Muslim Football Assn. Inc will take place on Friday 29th January 2016, at approx 7pm at the Darra Mosque. Nomination forms are available from the Secretary. Sayed Haroon Khalil – steve.khalil@hotmail.com Completed nomination forms must be sent by registered mail to: 68 Fedrick Street, Boronia Heights 4124. By close of business 5pm on Friday 15th January 2016

17 April 2016... BIT, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan and AIR presents…Navwarsh Mela 2016 – Celebrating Indian New Year! Venue: TBA. Expressions of interest – Stall holders / Entertainers. Please contact Umesh Chandra 0421 388 465 or email ceo@chantex.com.au

tions which cultivate our ability to sense and care for our natural energy we are able to live life with greater awareness and confidence. Each class includes guided meditations, discussions, short talks and the introduction and practice of techniques. Each session is a different topic. Meditation sessions Tuesdays 6.30pm to 7.30 pm and Sundays 5.30pm to 6.30pm. During these sessions there will be meditation commentaries, music and periods of silence. You can come and go at any time during these sessions. Venue: 27 Bordeaux Parade, Mermaid Waters. Please phone to register – 5575 2126. Email goldcoast@au.brahmakumaris.org or visit www.brahmakumaris.org/au/whatson for more information

Brisbane Multinational Church Hindi Service – Every Sunday at 9.30am at 757

Gympie Road, Lawnton. Special service to

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

pray for healing, deliverance and other spiritual problems. Enquiries Ps Joseph Dass 0424 180 240.

Nundah Yoga - FREE meditation classes – Nundah Community Centre, 14

Station Street, Nundah.

Organization of Hindu Malayalees Queensland (OHM Queensland) – Monthly Bhajans held every first Saturday of Malayalam calendar. Activities include Bhajans, Malayalam Class, Library service, religious short educational presentations, vegetarian dinner etc. For further information please contact President Krishnan AK on 0418 727 570 or ohmqueensland@gmail.com

Sai Baba Aarti Program – Every Thursday 7.30pm – Virginia State School, 1678 Sandgate Road, Virginia (next to Virginia Train Station) Aarti & Archana opportunity for all attendees, Prasad & Dinner provided. Enquiries call 0405 392 793 / saibababrisbane@gmail.com / Like on facebook www.facebook.com/SaiBabaBrisbane

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

The Mantra Room – Live Kirtan –

Spend an evening of sacred Yoga chant with Gayatri, Ishvara, Jayadharma and friends Fridays 6pm, Sundays 5pm and Wednesdays 7pm at Australian School of Meditation & Yoga, 236 Montague Road, West End. Amazing Vego Food $5. Come celebrate, meditate and let the music set you free. For more information call 3844 8441 or email brisbane@asm.org.au

Yoga in Daily Life – Discount Yoga Classes – every Thursday at 6pm and every Friday at 4.30pm, they are $10 for 1 hour and half, with relaxation, asanas, pranayam and meditation, at Yoga in Daily Life Brisbane Ashram. Also full moon meditation at 7.45pm – 8.30, every Purnima by Donation. Yoga in Daily Life – 46 Doggett Street, Newstead Qld 4006. www.brisbane.yogaindailylife.org.au / brisbane@yogaindailylife.org

AUM - Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc Vedic Yaj (Havan) 13 December Satsangh 2pm-4pm at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre (QVCC), 198 Learoyd Rd, Willawong All Welcome. Qld Vedic Cultural Centre open to Public...The centre has basic facilities of Yajshalla (havan Hall), kitchen and restrooms. There is plenty of parking. The Sabha performs Havan Yaj every Sunday from 2-4pm and public is welcome. You can contact Vice President Mrs Sushila Pathik for information and bookings 3314 6059. Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 / Hari Chand 3345 4716 or visit www.aryasamajqueensland.com for further information.

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Bollywood & Entertainment Jiah Khan was the ‘most innocently sexy girl’: RGV RAM Gopal Varma, who first became enamoured of the emotive brilliance of Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in Khuddar, believes casting the megastar in Nishabd and Aag was a mistake. “... If somebody argues that Amitji had no business doing those films without knowing what he was getting into, yes, he was guilty of misplacing his trust in me, but he was not guilty of not doing his best,” Varma writes in his book Guns and Thighs, saying Bachchan completely succumbs to a director’s vision or lack of it once he commits for a movie. In a chapter titled ‘My love affair with Amitabh Bachchan’, Varma writes the actor’s makeup man told him on first day of the shoot that Nishabd would not work and looking back he admits that it was a misjudgement on his part. “By that time my proximity to him had blunted my sensibilities as a viewer of his star performances and the filmmaker in me got greedy and dumb enough to experiment with him as an actor, resulting in Nishabd and

Aag. It’s not so much the quality of those films that I am talking about here but the idea of casting him in those roles.” “Amitji’s make up man told me on day one of the shooting of Nishabd that the film wouldn’t work, because no one was going to accept Amitji in a role like that. Whether that was the reason or not, I myself as a viewer probably wouldn’t want to see him in a role like that,” writes Varma. The director believes that behind the obvious power and intensity, Bachchan carries a vulnerability. “The point I am trying to make is

that he has never failed as an actor and he never will. It’s only directors, myself included, who frequently fail to capture his art in the right context.” Nishabd’s leading lady Jiah Khan committed suicide in 2013. Varma says when he first met the actor, he thought “she was the most innocently sexy girl” he had ever seen. During the making of Nishabd everyone in the unit, including the director, was convinced that Jiah would become a huge star but her career, strangely, never took off. “When I heard of her suicide, I cried un-

controllably though I was never really close to her. She was one of the few people who couldn’t cope with the disappointments and frustrations the film industry is replete with.” Credited with heralding a new era in Bollywood with his gritty dramas like Satya and Company, Varma is now criticised for making films in a hurry. The director, however, argues that a good film or a bad film is dependent on chance rather than the talent of a filmmaker. “... all my successes were by default and all my failure were by intent. To those critics, who complain that I make films in a hurry, my answer is that, I would rather live in the moment and make my film right now, than endlessly plan in the hope of it becoming a masterpiece.” “Incidentally, the longest time I have taken and maximum money I have spent in my career on three film -- Dud, Ag and Department -- which are three of my biggest flops. I rest my case.” PTI

Shah Rukh Khan casts a spell on London COME December 18 and the audience will be treated to Rohit Shetty's muchawaited film, Dilwale. The sheer grandeur of the film has made it the talk-of-thetown already. Naturally, the team including Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, is up and about promoting the film. And their latest stop is London where the four attended a press con with the British journos. As was expected of King Khan, the actor unleashed his full force of charm on the media. Needless to say they were bowled over. While talking about the film, Shah Rukh said, "Diwale is very typical, very masala like a cabaret variety show, everything in itsongs,dances, fights, romance, familial values, everything put into one pot-boiler. It's meant to be one of those blockbusters during summers or Christmas." The film, which marks the long-awaited reunion of Shah Rukh and Kajol, has Varun playing SRK's younger brother and Kriti as his love interest, besides SRK-Kajol's love story that seems to span decades in the film. TNN

Winners announced in 9th Asia Pacific Screen Awards BRISBANE, Australia: Cemetery of Splendour (Rak ti Khon Kaen, Thailand, Malaysia, France, Germany, United Kingdom) from Thai auteur Apichatpong Weerasethakul has won the ninth Asia Pacific Screen Award (APSA) for Best Feature Film, the region’s highest accolade in film, presented at the prestigious ceremony in Brisbane’s City Hall. Films from Thailand, Russian Federation, Turkey, People’s Republic of China, Japan, Palestine, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia received accolades at the event. The awards recognise and promote cinematic excellence and cultural diversity of the world’s fastest-growing film region: comprising 70 countries and areas, 4.5 billion people, and responsible for half of the world’s film output. In 2015, 39 films from 22 Asia Pacific countries and areas received APSA nominations. The APSA UNESCO Award for outstanding contribution to the promotion and preservation of cultural diversity through film was awarded to Palestinian director Hany AbuAssad for The Idol (Ya Tayr El Tayer, Palestine, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Netherlands). Assad, from the set of his new film, said ‘ Thank you dear jury for this great honor, giving us the UNESCO Award is a courageous decision at this time. The world seems to lose hope in the future. The Idol is a film about hope and our job as an artist is to keep believing in a better future. Our main job is to let people believe in making the world better, and to believe yourself that you can make a difference.’ Editor Eyas Salman, who also edited AbuAssad’s 2013 APSA Best Feature Film winner Omar, accepted the award on the night. The Idol is inspired by the true story of 2013 Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf, whose rise to fame both gave hope to and united a people. Assaf has gone on to become the first Regional Youth Ambassador for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in the six decades of the organisation’s history. The jury also gave an APSA UNESCO Award Special Mention to director Stephen Page for Spear (Australia). “APSA builds on Brisbane’s reputation as a

cultural hub of the Asia Pacific region and the city’s position as Australia’s New World City,” Cr Quirk said. APSA Chairman Michael Hawkins said ‘APSA is a vital platform that allows the voices and images of film to be promoted and acclaimed. In 2015 more than 300 films from 41 countries came to APSA in Competition, evidence that Asia Pacific is alive with vibrant and fearless filmmakers.’ The 5 feature craft awards and three special mentions were determined by the six member International Jury, consisting of Jury President, APSA Patron and Korean film industry legend Kim Dong-Ho, celebrated Iranian actress Negar Javaherian, award-winning writer/director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki (Bangladesh), distinguished director / writer / curator / producer and Beijing Film Academy Professor, Zhang Xianmin (People’s Republic of China), leading figure of Malaysian new wave cinema, writer/director, U-Wei Bin HajiSaari and renowned Russian writer/director Alexei Popogrebsky, who represents APSA’s Academy alliance with the European Film Academy (EFA).

52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

Kim Dong-ho said ‘The deliberating process was incredibly hard work, due to all the nominated films being outstanding, but we’ve done our best to select ‘the best of the best’. I’d like to express my deep congratulations, not only to the winners, but also to all the nominees for their great achievement.’ The APSA for Achievement in Directing goes to Russian director Alexey German Jr for Under Electric Clouds (Pod elektricheskimi oblakami, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Poland). The award was accepted on the night by actress Victoria Korotkova. Best Performance by an Actor went to Korean superstar Jung Jaeyoung for his role in Right Now, Wrong Then (Jigeumeun Matgo Geuttaeneun Teullida, Republic of Korea) by Korean auteur Hong Sang-soo. Best Performance by an Actress was awarded to Kirin Kiki, one of the most influential actresses in Japan, for An (Japan, France, Germany). Kiki is the first Japanese actress to win APSA Best Performance by the Actress in the nine-year history of the event. The jury gave a Special Mention to iconic Iranian actress Fatemeh Motamed Arya for

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her performance in Avalanche (Bahman, Islamic Republic of Iran). Master cinematographer Mark Lee Pingbing took out the award for Achievement in Cinematography for Hou Hsiao-hsien’s The Assassin (Nie Yinniang, Taiwan). Mark Lee Ping-bing has previously received two nominations in this category, in 2011 for Norwegian Wood and 2007 for The Sun Also Rises. The Jury gave a Special Mention for Achievement in Cinematography to Lu Songye for Tharlo (People's Republic of China). The APSA for Best Screenplay was awarded to writer/director Senem Tüzen for Motherland (Ana Yurdu, Turkey, Greece). The APSA International Jury awarded two Jury Grand Prizes for 2015, to: Park Jungbum for writing/directing/acting in Alive (Sanda), (Republic of Korea) and Emin Alper for writing and directing Frenzy (Abluka) Turkey, Qatar, France. Visit www.asiapacificscreenacademy.com for full list of award winners. Call 07 3865 6533

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Sports News Wijnaldum and Newcastle halt Liverpool surge

West Indies star has big shoes to fill in this summer's KFC Big Bash League THE Brisbane Heat have signed star West Indies T20 batsman Lendl Simmons for the KFC Big Bash League season in place of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum. McCullum signed a three-year contract with the BBL|02 champions, but international commitments will prevent the dashing stroke-maker from fulfilling his duties this summer. While the Heat lose one swashbuckling batsman they gain another in Simmons, who was a key member of Ricky Ponting's champion Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. Simmons, who is the nephew of West Indies coach Phil Simmons, was the second leading run-scorer for the competition, posting 540 runs to tie with Rajasthan's Ajinkya Rahane in second spot and fall 22 runs short of Australia's David Warner in first place. Simmons, 30, will be available for the entire BBL|05 season, joining compatriot Samuel Badree was the Heat's two overseas signings.

"Brendon, the Heat and New Zealand Cricket have worked hard at things but in the end, his commitment to the Black Caps is the priority at this time and we accept that," Vettori said. "The fans will naturally be disappointed, and we certainly acknowledge that feeling. "Brendon signed a three year deal originally and we had hoped circumstances would allow more matches this year than has turned out. "I know he was keen to get back to Brisbane again and so we will certainly be looking to achieve that in the future with the remaining two years of his contract. "We are pleased though to be able to sign such a talented batsman as Lendl Simmons. "Having coached against him in the IPL and played against him in the Caribbean Premier League, I know he is a match-winner." Source: www.bigbash.com.au The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Cricket Australia.

NEWCASTLE: Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool resurgence ran aground on Sunday 6 December as Georginio Wijnaldum inspired Newcastle United to a much-needed 2-0 home win that eased the pressure on their manager Steve McClaren. Liverpool went into the game chasing an eighth win in nine games, which would have taken them to within three points of the Champions League places, but Wijnaldum forced an own goal by Martin Skrtel and scored himself to leave them six points adrift of the top four in seventh place. It was only the second defeat of Klopp's 12game tenure, but with Liverpool only mustering a single shot on target, it will douse some of the excitement created by their recent surge, which has seen them anointed potential champions in certain quarters. "Maybe we deserved a point," said Klopp, who was aggrieved to see a late effort by Alberto Moreno ruled out for a debatable offside. "Sometimes you need dirty points. But if one team deserved to win, it was Newcastle. "A few days ago we were brilliant. Today we were no good. That's the way it can go." McClaren has only been able to envy the headlines created by Klopp in recent weeks, but Monday's newspapers will make far more pleasant reading for the ex-England manager following recent heavy losses to Leicester City and Crystal Palace. While Newcastle remain in the relegation zone, their third win of the campaign means they are now level on points with both Norwich City and Bournemouth. "It's absolutely huge, absolutely massive," McClaren told the BBC. "We worked hard. It is so tough to get a result in this league. We've crawled off the field, we've put in so much effort. That's what we need every week." Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge had scored five of the six goals that Liverpool put past Southampton in the League Cup on Wednesday, but both dropped to the bench as Klopp made six changes.

• Newcastle United’s Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates after Liverpool’s martin Skrtel scores an own goal. (Reuters Photo)

Befitting a team chasing a fifth successive victory, Liverpool made an enterprising start, winning two corners in the first 70 seconds and forcing Newcastle back through the running of Nathaniel Clyne and Jordon Ibe on the right flank. But for all their endeavour, there was little penetration and when Liverpool did procure a chance in the 21st minute, Dejan Lovren nodding Moreno's corner down for Christian Benteke, the burly Belgian contrived to jab the ball over the bar from three yards. It was a poor miss and as the half wore on Newcastle gained a foothold, hunting their opponents down in packs and looking the more likely team to score. Papiss Cisse squandered an opportunity to run at Skrtel, allowing the Slovakian to dispossess him, while Chancel Mbemba could not keep his header down when Jack Colback's corner from the right was flicked on by Cisse at the near post. Newcastle continued to carry the greater threat after the break, Wijnaldum shooting wide from Moussa Sissoko's pass, and with half an hour remaining Klopp took action by sending on Sturridge and Adam Lallana for Benteke and Roberto Firmino. McClaren countered by introducing Ayoze Perez for Siem de Jong in the 67th minute and two minutes later, his side were in front. AFP

Challenge of the Nation Netball tournament was conducted over the weekend of 7 & 14 Nov 2015. Due to bad weather, the tournament was called off after three games on the last day. Photo’s courtesy Asveen Chand.

54 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2015

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