BIT DEC 17 Issue

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Volume 15, Number 2 Saturday, December 9, 2017

Indian Times

Brisbane

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times

As God is One, we respect all Religions

Print Post Approved PP:424022 1724

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

War Memorial to Australians of Indian Heritage unveiled

• Article page 4.

From the Publisher

McGrath Foundation calls on Australia to step up to the crease for Pink Stumps Day

IT’S the festive season, with celebration and time of giving and sharing, the true spirit of Christmas. As we approach the end of 2017, it is time to reflect on the year gone by and plan for the New Year. Not a lot can be done about the year gone by, but a lot can be learnt from it. It might mean that you may need to get out of your comfort zone and make some uncomfortable and tough decisions.

November being the month of White Ribbon, kept me busy with many White Ribbon speaking engagements. I attended White Ribbon Functions at Zonta Club Brisbane, Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Queensland Government White Ribbon Breakfast, Zillmere PCYC and Anglicare Inala. With State Elections on the same day as White Ribbon Day we did not get our White Ribbon Stall and display in Queen Street Mall. We are looking forward to engaging with more community organisation to raise awareness Congratulations to the newly elected mem-

WITH summer just around the corner the McGrath Foundation is calling on Australia to ‘step up to the crease’ by registering to host a Pink Stumps Day cricket match.

Pink Stumps Day, endorsed by Cricket Australia, lets cricket clubs, community groups, businesses, schools and mates bring the magic of the Pink Test to their community by turning a cricket match pink and fundraising for the McGrath Foundation.

Around 17,000 women and 150 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and the money raised through the campaign will fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses who make life for families with breast cancer that little bit easier.

McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director, Tracy Bevan, is urging everyone to go into bat for the McGrath Foundation.

“Pink Stumps Day is a great way to have some fun with your mates while raising money to help fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses.”

“While we’re extremely proud to have placed 118 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia there’s still lots more to do. Right now, 79 more breast care nurses are needed to ensure every person going through breast cancer has access to this

Inside • Letters to the Editor........................2 • Migration Matters...........................13 • Local News..................................4-25 • Who, What, Where, When.....26 & 28 • Health & Well Being................36-37 • Real Estate................................38-41 • Business Directory/Classified...........42 • Astrology...........................................43 • What’s On................................44-47 • Bollywood & Entertainment...48-49

bers of Queensland Parliament, I personally am pleased that the campaign period was short and not a long drawn process. The results have started many interesting conversations, the polls and prediction fell short of expectation. The boundary redistribution and the compulsory preferential voting meant that the counting took longer and the race became tighter. Well we are going to have interesting times ahead, the formation of government and allocations of the portfolios will be in limelight.

Congratulations to the AIHWMC committee for the unveiling and dedication of the War Memorial to Australian of Indian Heritage, indeed a proud moment for the entire Indian Community in Queensland, history in the making. This monument will now be there for all future generations to cherish; the committee has made an ongoing commitment of providing bursaries to worthy recipients. Previously we saw the dedication and renaming of Luxworth Place Moorooka to Manmeet Paradise Park. These are proud achievement for Indian community at large and the demonstration of results achieved through dedication and unity, we are making our mark.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a very happy New Year. I would like to place on the appreciation for all advertisers, without your support we would not exist. I would like to thank all of our volunteer contributors; it is your dedication and commitment that makes it possible for us to provide informative editorials to our readership. I would like to re encourage all community organisations to submit articles of their activities, appoint a good PR for your organisation and he or she can submit the articles about your organisation.

With the articles, keep them short and relevant with key facts, every minute detail is not necessary, it must attract the attention of the

reader and must keep him or her engaged, get the key facts in the first paragraph, readers will continue reading if you have wetted their appetite with your opening paragraph.

I must pen off now, with best wishes for the festive season, please drink responsibly and stay safe on the roads. Spare a thought for the less fortunate, give generously and support the needy. Let’s make the coming year a very happy, prosperous and productive one, remember your New Year’s resolution is supposed to last beyond New Years Eve. Happy Reading, Umesh Chandra

• Sport............................................50-51

Indian Times

Brisbane

A D i v isi on o f Ql d Mul tic ul tur al T im es

Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Sugandh Chaturvedi sales@indiantimes.com.au EDITOR:

Trudi Opacic

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 • Pastor Joseph Dass • Haji Abdul Rahman Deen • Jitendra Deo • Nimisha Modi • Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters) • Peter Lane Rai • Awadhesh Sharma • Shailendra Singh • Gagan deep Tandon • Ravi Vastrad • Cartoon Corner: Merwyn Machado • Brian Sullivan (Photography)

important service.”

Every person who registers a Pink Stump Day can choose to receive an amazing Pink Stumps Day cricket kit featuring everything needed to turn your game pink including a bandana and pink zinc in addition to Pink Stumps, a bat, ball, bails, pink tape and a collection box.

Registrations for Pink Stumps Day are now open at www.pinkstumpsday.com.au.

While the official Pink Stumps Day is on Saturday 17 February 2018, participants are welcome to host their event anytime up to April 2018.

About the McGrath Foundation Ours is a story with simple – but well-know – beginnings. It started with Jane and Glenn McGrath’s very public experience with breast cancer, and has become one of Australia’s most recognised and respected charities, the McGrath Foundation.

Some years after her initial diagnosis, Jane’s cancer returned. This time, she had a breast care nurse, who both empowered and comforted her, and the entire family. This experience set the mission for the Foundation, which has become an enduring commitment to support thousands of women and men every day, no matter where they live – for free.

We raise funds to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities’ right across Australia, as well as making breast health understanding a priority.

While more than 56,000 families have been supported by 118 McGrath Breast Care Nurses, there’s still lots more to do to reach every family going through breast cancer. We rely on the heartfelt support we receive from all over Australia – including individuals, communities, corporate partners and government. They help by donating, hosting or attending events, or purchasing McGrath Foundation products, which help us continue Jane’s legacy and achieve our mission.

Together, we can make a difference.

To make a donation to the McGrath Foundation, please visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au

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2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 3

War Memorial to Australians of Indian Heritage unveiled From Page 1 Eighteenth of November will go down in history as a proud day for Indian Community, it was on this day that the Unveiling and Dedication of War memorial to Australians of Indian Heritage took place. The monument sits next to the memorial to Australians of Chinese Heritage at Sunnybank Sub Branch RSL, Gager Street, Sunnybank.

VIP guests included, Major General Paul McLachlan, AM, CSC the High Commissioner for India, His Excellency, Dr A.M. Gondane, the High Commissioner for Fiji, His Excellency, Mr Yogesh Punja, the Federal Member for Bonner Mr Ross Vasta MP, representing the Federal Government, Members of the State Parliament and Brisbane City Councillors.

Mr Surendra Prasad OAM chairperson of AIHWMC said that the idea came about from a newspaper article that stated the contribution of Australians of Indian Heritage involved in • Photo’s SP 0425-414-200.

World War that had gone unrecognised. In 2015 a committee named the Australians of Indian Heritage was in excess of $30,000 and we War Memorial Committee (AIHWMC) was formed and they raised funds through various have been meeting at least once a month to plan the building sources. An amount of $15,000 was raised from the first fundraising dinner of this monument.

Mr Prasad said “The estimated cost to build our monument on 28th May 2016. After lobbying with the Federal Government and with the help of Mr Nick Monsour and Mr Ross Vasta MP Federal Member for Bonner, a financial commitment of $30,000 was obtained from the Federal Government. We sincerely thank the Government for their kind contribution in terms of funding towards the memorial and we thank Mr Nic Monsour for his efforts in obtaining this grant.”

Griffith University, Gold Coast, was requested to design the memorial. Dr Ruwan Fernando from the Griffith University School of Architecture was directly involved in the creation of the memorial. He ran a class as a four-week project with the first year students. A group of 90 students participated in the preliminary design competition. The focus for their mode of design was a model building and three-dimensional design.

The students were encouraged to research cultural aspects, including art and customs and incorporate this into their interpretation of a memorial. Eleven were selected as finalists

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

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to develop the design further. A panel of five judges was appointed to evaluate the design entries. At a gala dinner on 12, November, 2016, the winning design of Bianca Archer was announced.

Mr Prasad thanked RSL Sunnybank President, Hugh Polson, Vice President, Harry Claassen, the committee and Sub-branch members for their kind support. And he acknowledged Capt Chetan Chandegave, Defence adviser to Australia – Indian High Commission for his support.

In conclusion Mr. Prasad said “In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that this monument will be the first step towards creating a shared public memorial. This monument will serve as a reminder and tribute to all Australians of Indian Heritage who served in our armed forces. It will be the first in Queensland and should be a place you can be proud to take your visitors and family to show them the contribution and sacrifices made in the wars.

You all are part of this memorial and we need your continuing support.

After 100 years, this day will be remembered in Queensland’s history, as the day soldiers of Indian Heritage were finally acknowledged”.

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Keep cool at a Council pool

• Learn to swim • Play • Exercise • Socialise To help you enjoy our lifestyle city, Brisbane City Council offers 22 public pools including at Acacia Ridge, Carole Park, Corinda, Mt Gravatt East, Parkinson, Runcorn, Upper Mt Gravatt and Yeronga.

For information on your local pool visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Brisbane City Council supports Royal Life Saving Society Queensland’s guidelines on active parent supervision at public pools. Keep your kids safe.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 5

Success Story of the Month

MANREET Kaur, is one of the most recent graduates of ACS Professional Year course.

Originally from Punjab, India, Manreet studied Bachelor of Computer Applications at University, and worked part-time in a bank before making to move to Australia to study a Masters in Information Systems & Supply Network Management at Griffith University.

Manreet thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of her Professional Year, Particularly the Internship aspect of it, as it aided in her achievement of her goal to gain practical workplace experience in the IT industry.

Due to her hard work and dedication throughout her Professional Year course Manreet managed to obtain an internship with a government agency in their Information Technology department. She says that her internship placement was “fantastic” and that she feels she “learned a lot and gained practical knowledge”.

She feels that Professional Year Program is highly beneficial to anyone studying Information Technology. She says the program class schedules were flexible with the options – offering both weekday class and weekend classes.

She would recommend her Institute to all her friends and insists it should be their first option because they “provide really good training and support for Professional Year” and the services provided by trainers and staff were really good additionally to this the class schedule offered by Indus as they offer a weekday class as well – not just on the weekends.

The ACS Professional year program is an excellent way to gain practical knowledge and experience in the Australian workplace while offering support and guidance to students to help them thrive at work.

Manreet strongly encourages her friends to apply for the ACS Professional Year Pro-

Manreet Kaur Indus Institute Graduate gram as through the program, IT industry knowledge in Australia is provided and students are able to get good references and experience through the different internships.

Manreet’s advice to fellow students is take your professional year study seriously, work hard, study hard and play hard.

Manreet’s success story demonstrates that Australian workforce offers equal opportunity for young men and women who are willing to work hard and put in the efforts to gain appropriate job ready skills by completing job ready programs like the ACS Professional Year have a great future in Australia.

Author – Ranjita Pillai – The information represented above are views of the author and the author does not warrant any information. All individuals are encouraged to make their own enquiries before embarking on any program or career options.

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld - Ved Prachaar and Bhavan Nirman Yaj

By Jitendra Deo, President APSQ

ARYA Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld hosted the Ved Prachaar and Bhavan Nirman Yaj at QVCC from November 10 to November 12.

The Prachaar was conducted by Acharya Prabhamitra ji who was touring Australia and has conducted Prachaar throughout Australia.

The Prachaar was very well attended and Acharya Prabhamitra ji’s discourse was very well presented mainly focusing on daily living and how we can attain Moksha.

Bhavan Nirman Yaj was held on Sunday 12 November at 10am and members from most Hindu organisations were present and took

part in the Yaj. My sincere thanks to those leaders who attended and supported our project.

The attendance was from wider community as well, and dinner was served each evening.

The members contributed immensely towards the preparation and all other normal chores.

Our gratitude to Acharya Prabhamitra ji, all the members and well-wishers. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all members, and wider community for donating cash and in kind towards the programme and attending the Ved Prachaar making it a great success.

Mrs Punjaban Australia 2017

Indian medical student Manushi Chhillar wins Miss World 2017

Courtesy Gold Coast Correspondent

FOR Mrs Anu Samra, being crowned Mrs Punjaban Australia was a chance to move past her previous title win in college as Miss Punjaban in India.

The 34-year-old Gold Coast retailer, who owns PAC Ave Markets, Miami, won the Australian crown in the national pageant on Sunday 3 December at Williamstown Town Hall, Victoria.

Anu Samra was motivated to enter by a fellow school mum, Parminder Birk, who had seen her cultural dance performance at a Diwali celebration at the Robina Community Centre. She persuaded her to get involved in a state run cultural pageant. The Queensland state titles were held in Brisbane. Anu won the state titles which qualified her for the National titles. Competitors came from Perth,

Sydney and Melbourne to compete at these national titles.

Married for 12 years & mother of 1 child Anu Samra, graduated from Khalsa College in 2004.

She has always been part of cultural events @ the college & youth festivals.

Anu Samra also volunteers for Asian day performances at her sons, Jaye Samras School, Somerset College. She has also performed at cultural days for GCCC held events.

Anu is also a participant in upcoming Meera musical production that will be released in Nov 2018 @ Gold Coast Arts Centre.

Anu is thankful for her husbands support, Jeff Samra, and families and friends support, as she now prepares to represent Australia at the next level.

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

AN Indian medical student has been crowned Miss World 2017 making her country the joint-most successful in the beauty pageant’s history.

Manushi Chhillar, 20, is the sixth Indian winner of the prestigious competition, following in the footsteps of Bollywood actresses Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai. Her win means that India is now level with Venezuela as they both hold six victories over the course of the pageant’s 67 years.

Trained as an Indian classical dancer, Chhillar who also enjoys painting hopes to open a chain of non-profit hospitals in rural areas, according to the Miss World website.

Following her win, Chhillar tweeted, “Thank you, everyone, for your constant love, support.

“This one's for India.”

The young medical student’s success quickly became a trending topic on Twitter as people came out to congratulate her win including Manohar Lal Khattar – the minister of her home state of Haryana.

Chhillar was crowned the winner by last year’s champion Stephanie del Valle of Puerto Rico, while Stephanie Hill of England and Andrea Meza of Mexico finished as run-

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ners-up.

The competition returned to Sanya, on China’s Hainan Island for the seventh time, where the event was last held in 2015.

During the previous occasion two years ago, controversy erupted as officials stopped Miss Canada, Anastasia Lin, from boarding a plane, telling her she would not receive a visa.

The 25-year old actress claimed the decision was made because of her stance on China’s human rights record and at last year’s event in the United States, Lin was once again warned by pageant officials to not speak to the press about the subject.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 7

Simply Human’s ‘Celebrating Unsung Heroes’ event was a big HIT WE have seen superheroes in capes or iron suits, we have watched them fight evil, and we have seen them fly like birds as fast as a plane or run with incredible speed on the road. We have watched them save the day.

These are among the most iconic acts of every popular superhero we have seen onscreen. Lately we have seen how Deadpool was able to find his purpose after a terrible accident. We have seen how Batman was able to overcome his hatred over Superman.

We have also seen how Captain America and Iron Man broke their friendship and fought against each other. Yet, we could watch every movie about them and cannot help but notice the similarity they share.

Ms Prerna Pahwa. Prerna then introduced & announced the team members of Simply Human Inc to the public - Ms Harprit Kaur (Secretary), Mr Anjaneya Reddy Basupalli (Treasurer), Ms Kritika Bansal (Joint Secretary), Mr Deepak Bhandari (PRO), Mrs Samika Bhandari (Women Welfare Advisor), Mr Allan John (Head of Digital Marketing & Communications), Ms Hansha Pahwa (Campaign & Strategy Advisor), Mr Ash Nugent (Mentor & Advisor), Mr Ujwal Poudel (Youth Brand Ambassador), Mr Romit Shah (Brand Ambassador), Mr Ash Raina (Brand Ambassador), Mrs Alpana Shah (Brand Ambassador), Ms Hridaya Buddhavarapu (Brand Ambassador), Mr Bipin Karki (Youth Repre-

• L to R - Mr Rajarajan Thennavan - President Varnam Cultural Society, Mrs Ratna Aruna Vice President - Qld Telugu Association, Christine Mudavanhu - Director Pick Up Australia & one of our Unsung Heroes 2017, Mr Sathish Rajendran - President Brisbane Superkings and Ms Prerna Pahwa - Founder & President Of Simply Human Inc. Photo: SP 0425-414-200.

Every superhero movie, regardless how well executed, will stay fictitious. All these superheroes when they shed their costumes and props behind the camera, come out as Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Wade Washes, Ryan Reynolds, Chris Evans and Robert Downy Jr. They play their act well and get adored by the fans.

While superhero films stay in the realm of fiction, we can’t stop believing in the superheroes we have in our reality. Who may these persons be? Are they wearing capes? Do they crawl on walls? Do they fly above skyscrapers in highly mechanized iron suits? As far as these ideas kindle imagination, we’d like to believe that superheroes exist in our daily lives. If we don’t recognize them, perhaps we must learn to look closely to discover that they are just in our midst.

Real life superheroes don’t have to wear capes. Instead, they wear stethoscopes in hospitals, suits in courts, and bulletproof vests on the field. They may not be filthy rich, but they do earn a living by teaching in schools and lending books in a library. They may not carry armours but they may carry sacks of rice after a day’s fruitage to transport them to a local market so that the people in the community can get something to eat.

They may be the ones who prefer to wear aprons instead while cooking the favourite dish of their sons and daughters.

Nurses, doctors, lawyers, soldiers, firemen, farmers, teachers, mothers, fathers, policemen, engineers, journalists, thespians, writers and many others are among the real life superheroes which we should be grateful to have in this world. These are among the countless professions that are practised by competent and brave individuals who actually make our world a better place to live in.

On Saturday, 4th November 2017, it was the official launch and fundraising dinner of “Simply Human Inc. – SuperHeroes without Capes”. The event was in support with Schoolgoers and recognised a few such real life superheroes.

The event kicked off with paying homage to the traditional owners of the land by the Founder & President of Simply Human Inc -

sentative Nepalese Community), Ms Khushboo Malhotra (Student Counsellor), Ms Jessica Saranah (Student Counsellor).

Raffle prizes were donated by Mr Duncan Pegg - MP for Stretton, Cr Charles Strunk Forrest Lake Ward, Cr Kim Marx - Runcorn Ward and Dundee Kim - Director of Dundee Kim Boxing & Fitness. Special gift hamper was donated by Cr Charles Strunk, to the youngest cancer fighter Anmol - who is a 5 year old battling against lymphoma cancer.

There were inspirational speakers, the event came together beautifully and as expected a wonderful display of human kindness and selfless contributions. Nonetheless, it was also mentioned that the event would not have been possible without the generosity of Skills Institute Australia, InTech Institute of Technology, Expert Education & Visa Services Brisbane, ASC Services, Galaxy Impex Group, Mars Hybrid TV, Expert Telechoice, The Royal Punjab Restaurant, Swades Foods, Oceania Immigration Advisory, Brisbane Indian Times, Australian Indian Radio, Knowledge Partner Professionals, Mr. Parnam Singh Heir and audiences who turned up in huge numbers.

The night was to celebrate unsung heroes and we had the opportunity to hear from the most inspiring ‘Unsung Heroes’ of our community. They graced the occasion by sharing a few words with us. Simply Human Inc., as an organisation took the opportunity to felicitate these gems on the night. We had Keynote speakers from different walks of life who have fought their own battles, overcame their weaknesses with sheer determination and courage, and are now making this side of our world a better place to live.

• Belinda Adams, an advocate for those affected by brain injury and volunteers for Synpase (formerly Brain Injury Association of QLD), a not for profit, providing vital information and services for those affected by brain injury. In 2014 in recognition of her work Synapse made Belinda an official ambassador for the cause.

• Christine Mudavanhu, an entrepreneur, advocate, public speaker and mentor. She is the founder of “Pick Up Australia”, a premium,

• Director of Expert Education & Visa Services Brisbane Mr Sagar Aryal & his Team with Founder & President of Simply Human Inc - Prerna Pahwa. Photo: SP 0425-414-200.

supported transport service for people with disability. She has designed and delivered policy and program responses that support key human services areas of homelessness, domestic and family violence, procurement of social services and the reduction of red tape for social services.

• Eleni Seitis, has set up the organisation “Oasis Children and Community Foundation.

She works towards helping and provide therapy to children with special needs. She is a true inspiration to the community who herself despite being born 90% legally blind is working towards helping others.

• Janelle Miles, a long term reporter/journalist in the Queensland community, she has worked at the Courier Mail for 11 years mostly reporting on science, sports and health. She also writes news stories and has won series of awards for her reporting.

• Sergeant Jim Bellows, the recipient of both the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and the Australian Police Medal for ‘Services to Multicultural Communities’. He has also been recognised at the “Queensland of the Year” awards twice. He has consistently demonstrated his capability to build opportunities and celebrates diversity, not just as a police officer but more broadly as an Ambassador of the Queensland Government.

• Dundee Kim, director of Dundee Kim Boxing & fitness, and strengthening & conditioning coach of the world boxing champion Jeff Horn. He also trains autistic kids to help them gain focus and strength.

dancer, Nerrisa; Mr Gurdeep Singh Nijjar’s crew of Punjabi Folk & Bhangra dance ‘Sher-e-Punjab’; kids who stunned the crowd with Jazz and contemporary dancing from ‘Seriously Dance’ dance school, Kids who performed on Bollywood tunes from ‘Let’s Bollywood’ dance school and above all, our very own & loved Lee Herron, who made everyone awestruck with his beautiful voice of Elvis Presley.

Food as usual was an integral part of the event and a mouth-watering three course delicious Indian dinner was provided by our official caterer and food sponsor, Curry Box (Camp Hill). Couple of entrees and dessert items were sponsored by Mahendra Indian Restaurant (Acacia Ridge). Everyone had a happy belly after the yummy Indian curries and desserts.

The event overall ended with good vibes, inspiring words and memorable night. The official launch of ‘Simply Human Inc. Superheroes Without Capes’ and fundraising event in support of ‘Schoolgoers’ was a huge success.

Simply Human Inc’s team members believe that there is a superhero inside everyone, you just need to recognise your super powers and help anyone in need. Simply Human Inc’s aim is to not focus on numbers, we believe in taking one step at a time, helping one person at a time, the pure intention is to just make a difference. The team of Simply Human Inc; the league of superheroes without capes is ready to provide continued sup-

• Mr Sandeep Menia - Owner Currybox with Unsung Heroes 2017 Eleni Seitis (Founder Oasis Children Community Foundation) Christine Mudavanhu (Director Pick Up Australia) Belinda Adams (Liaison Officer Synapse) Janelle Miles(Reporter/Journalist News Corporation), Sergeant Jim Bellos (Qld Police).

All these Superheroes without capes were the keynote speakers for the evening and were honoured with ‘Unsung Hero Award 2017’ by Simply Human Inc. They shared their inspirational and heart touching life stories; which left the audiences teary eyed.

The honourable guests and community leaders studded the evening with their humble presence and generous contribution.

We also had the Directors of Schoolgoers, Ash Nugent and Daksha on the night, who have founded the charity “Schoolgoers” aiming at providing education to the most unprivileged and remote regions in India. The fundraising event was to support Schoolgoers. Ash, the Founder & Director of Schoolgoers along with Daksha gave a brief overview of their mission on the night.

The evening was decorated by “Dream Style Decorators” who did complete justice to the venue. The event was voluntarily hosted by Himmy Kumar and he truly kept all the audience glued to their seats with his great sense of humour and built the moment for every performer and speech on the night.

Another display of community support was with the wonderful performers we had on the night like the Brisbane’s famous Belly

port to cancer/leukaemia fighters & be the guiding light of the youth and international students.

To know more, be a part of the change and join the league, contact Simply Human team at www.SimplyHuman.org.au, who always look forward for like-minded people to be a part of their journey.

• Founder of SCHOOLGOERS - Ash Nugent & Director of SCHOOLGOERS Ms Daksha.

Photo: Art n Pixel.

Life’s difficulties are opportunities to be a super hero; Embrace your inner Superhero and stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone.

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 9

Twenty years for Pravinita Singh-Pillay

Queensland First Men’s interfaith forum about Preventing Domestic Violence

• Bob Pillay & Pravinita Singh-Pillay.

PRAVINITA Singh-Pillay completes twenty years of officially being a Lawyer in Australia.

Born in Fiji, she commenced her tertiary education in Law and Commerce in Australia in 1992. Since admission in 1997, Prav has worked for: • The Director of Public Prosecutions in Brisbane; • A general practice firm in regional Queensland; • An Employment Law firm in California, USA; • A boutique family law firm on the Gold Coast; and • Since July 2014 in her own firm – Cornerstone Law Offices.

Prav is also a Nationally Accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

• Prav’s experiences are in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Defence, Civil Litigation, Debt Recovery, Wills & Estates, Conveyancing, and Employment Law. • At Cornerstone Law Offices, Prav’s practice extends to representing clients in all aspects of Family Law including property matters, de facto relationships, same sex-relationships, spousal maintenance, divorce, domestic violence matters, financial agreements (pre & post nuptial), children’s matters, relocation & recovery, paternity & child support.

• Prav’s legal services also extends to Wills, Powers of Attorney, Estate Administration, Conveyancing, and Debt Recovery.

• Prav has a keen interest in advocacy. Over the years, she has represented clients in numerous mentions, hearings and trials in the Family Court, Federal Magistrates Court,

• Prav’s inspiration, her father.

Courtesy Jatinder Kaur

Federal Circuit Court, State Magistrates Court, and Children’s Court. She has represented clients and instructed Counsel in many bench and jury trials in the Superior Courts as well as in hearings in the Appeal Courts.

• In the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Prav represents clients herself at mentions, directions hearings, call overs, and uncomplicated interim hearings.

Counsel is retained for complex matters and at trial.

She is from the first group of Griffith Uni law graduates with a double degree program which celebrated its twenty-fifth year.

Prav holds many professional memberships and is actively involved in a number of community organisations as her passion is to give back to the community. She is currently serving as the Secretary of GOPIO Queensland and hosts an information session on Australian Indian Radio – Let’s Talk Legal with Cornerstone Law Offices.

IN the spirit of White Ribbon Day on the 25th of this month, six faith religious leaders from across 5 different faiths came together at Queensland Men’s Interfaith Forum about Preventing Domestic Violence to take a stand against violence against women. The forum was held at the Multi-Faith Centre at Griffith University’s Nathan Campus on Tuesday 28 November. This was the first forum of its kind to be held in Queensland. According to the organiser, social worker and advocate Jatinder Kaur who runs JK Diversity Consultants which works in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, “I was aware of similar Interfaith leaders forums discussing sensitive topics, however in Brisbane there was clear gap and need for prominent Male faith religious leaders to speak out against Domestic violence and family violence”.

The well-attended forum which included representatives from Queensland Police, the Department of Communities, Brisbane DV service providers, and a diverse range of community members showcased a range of diverse Male faith leaders, which included: Reverend Richard Tutin and Reverend Peter Moore from the Anglican Faith; Swami Atmeshananda Vedanta of the Hindu Faith; Mr Ariel Heber, President of the Jewish Community, Mr Ranjit Singh from the Sikh Nishkam Society of Australia; and Mr Anas Abdalla, representing the Muslim Faith.

The purpose of the forum was to bring together diverse male faith leaders to discuss in positive interfaith dialogue views, perspectives, and challenges in preventing violence against women within culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities.

The forum provided an opportunity for Faith leaders to discuss strategies and positive initiatives toward zero tolerance of domestic and family violence. Although statistics on

domestic and family violence are difficult to ascertain within migrant and refugee communities, it is recognised that Domestic and family violence is a serious problem in all cultures and communities across Australia.

However victims from diverse backgrounds often face extra barriers to seeking help including social isolation, limited English skills, being unemployed, and other patriarchal cultural norms which can prevent women leaving abusive relationships.

Debra Bennett, who performed the welcome to country, said of the forum: “the diverse panel provided a rich picture of Faith perspectives on gender equality, gender roles and responsibilities, and realities of domestic and family violence. The panel identified the gaps in support for victims and the need to educate faith communities about Domestic and Family Violence prevention and clearly articulated the fact that culture and societal values can and do influence members of faith communities and misconceptions do arise”.

Nina Atkin, who volunteered at the event and is doing a PhD on Domestic and family violence in culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Queensland, agreed that the forum was an important first step in addressing D&FV in these communities.

“One of the biggest things to come out of the forum for me was how refreshing it was to see six faith and community leaders admit that there is a serious domestic violence problem, and to acknowledge that they don’t have all the answers: that we all need to work together across gender and cultural lines to bring about change”.

Volunteer For Disability campaign launches to raise awareness of the critical need for volunteers to meet soaring NDIS demand LEADING disability services organisation Interchange Incorporated has launched a new campaign Volunteer For Disability on International Volunteer Day - to raise awareness of the significant need for more volunteers to help meet the surging demand for disability workers under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Launched on 5 December, Interchange’s campaign aims to raise awareness of the power of volunteering in the disability sector and

to recruit volunteers to help support people with a disability and their families.

Over four million Australians are living with a disability, many of whom rely on volunteers for social participation in the community and family support. However, the number of volunteer positions that need to be filled in the disability sector far exceeds the number of volunteers and now the NDIS is fuelling even more demand - Australia needs 60,000 new disability work-

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

ers by 2020, according to a Productivity Commission report.

“Volunteering is a fantastic way for people to give back to their community and to support people living with disabilities, and now more than ever we need people willing to donate their time,” said Ms Kerry Uren, Executive Officer at Interchange.

“There is already more than 1,000 people with disabilities on waiting lists for volunteers across Interchange’s member organisations in www.indiantimes.com.au

Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, and demand for services is expected to surge as the NDIS rolls out,” said Ms Uren.

Interchange is also helping to address the demand for disability workers by providing a career pathway into the disability sector for volunteers through accredited online training. Developed by Wodonga TAFE, the training is free for volunteers and can be included as an elective subject in Certificate III and IV Disability and Certificate

III and IV Community Services qualifications.

“With the NDIS creating tens-ofthousands of new jobs in disability services Australia-wide, volunteering can be a pathway to a new career, as well as a way to make a real difference,” said Ms Uren.

“Our new online training program will give volunteers a head start on a career in disability services, adding to the incredible practical experience they get from volunteering.”

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 11

QTA: Thank you message for Vanabhojanalu and Christmas Lunch 2017 Mrs Uma Guduru Secretary QTA QUEENSLAND Telugu Association Inc. would like to thank each and every one who attended the Vanabhojanalu and Christmas Lunch on 18th November. We sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you so much for attending despite the heavy rain and lastminute venue changes! It was a great success, and your participation meant a lot to us.

Thanks to Mrs. Navaneetha Thatimakula for accommodating everyone at her residence for the event due to the heavy rain. Thanks to all the Management committee members who updated the community by making phone calls and sending text messages about the last-minute venue change.

A large number of attendees with their families and kids came to the event and also brought their favourite dish as a potluck, to share with everyone else. Some indoor games such as Tambola were conducted and prizes distributed to the winners.

Our special thanks to Mr. Sudershan Kanthakadi who accepted our invitation to be the Santa for the day. Kids were overwhelmed to see Santa. They sang Christmas songs and

Everyone worked hard to make this event a great success despite the unexpected weather and without whom this event would not be a success.

• President - Mrs. Navaneetha Thatimakula • Vice President – Mrs. Ratna Buddhavarapu • Secretary – Mrs. Uma Guduru • [Executive Members] - Mr. Ravi Sanikommu • [Co-opted Members ] - Mr. Ravi Gundepalli - Mrs. Pushpa Vyasabhattu - Mr. Mukesh Dubey - Mr. Naga Sainath Chavatapalli - Mr. Omkar Paladugu All the attendees had a very pleasant time and had their hearts full of laughter, great food and participated in very cool games and had a wonderful time. QTA is looking forward to bringing more of such wonderful events to you soon.

also enjoyed cake cutting along with Santa.

Santa also presented Christmas gifts to all the kids on behalf of QTA.

Management committee members welcomed the guests and event attendees and helped ensure everyone had a great time.

We are constantly looking for ways to improve our events. We hope you will take some time to share your thoughts and comments with us.

Please email to qldteluguasn@gmail.com.

The 200th Anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh

In Loving Memory...

ON Saturday, 18th November, The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the City of Brisbane Inc. held a celebration honouring the Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith at Brisbane Bahá’í Centre of Learning, 26 Mayneview Street, Milton.

The program included live music and audiovisual presentations. Invited guests included public officials and leaders from many faith communities in Southeast Queensland.

This year Bahá’í communities across Australia and around the world are celebrating the 200th anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s birth.

The great vision of Bahá’u’lláh (a title meaning ‘The Glory of God’) was of a world civilisation based on the principle of the oneness

of humanity, captured in the quotation: ‘The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens’.

Seeking to implement Bahá’u’lláh’s vision, Brisbane Bahá’í Centre of Learning are striving to grow unity at the grass roots and build a community that will actively contribute to the spiritual upliftment of all Australians. To this end they host collective devotions, create study circles to examine writings of spiritual and practical significance, and conduct spiritual education programs to inspire children, youth and adults to bring out in themselves such qualities as diligence, selflessness, compassion and service to others.

Power of Peace Festival: grade 6 student wins art competition for hand sculpture

Babu Ram Narain Singh Born: 22 April, 1924 – Born to Eternal Life: 9 November, 2017 Babu Ram Narain Singh was born in Nasinu, Fiji and died at Royal Brisbane Hospital 9 November 2017. He was cremated at Albany Creek Crematorium in Brisbane on 15 November, 2017.

Mr Singh was born into a family of 3 sisters and 3 brothers and he was the second youngest in the family. All his siblings are deceased – except his youngest brother, Dr Jag Narain Singh, a retired medical professional, who lives in Perth, WA. His parents, late Babu Khalak Dhari Singh and late Mrs Ram Kali Singh were both born in India and came to Fiji under the Indenture System (Girmit).

Mr Singh was a charismatic person and a

perfect gentleman who leaves behind a legacy of simpleness, hard-work, love and giving. We pray to the Almighty for his celestial Soul to Rest in Peace. He will always be remembered by his wife Mrs Nancy Singh along with all his children, grandchildren and other families.

Mr Singh has been a pioneer of the Fiji Indian community settled in Brisbane, a highly respected and humble gentleman, a pillar of strength for the community, he will be surely missed but always remembered for his contributions to the community.

How can one ever forget the ever smiling face?

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

JOHN Paul College grade 6 student Suhayl Seedat (pictured) won the primary school age category for his hand sculpture during the Power of Peace Festival 2829 October 2017.

As part of the Power of Peace Festival, a Student Art Competition was held with a focus on promoting inclusive community spirit and celebrating Gandhi's ideals.

The hand sculpture evokes a tremendous sense of unity, purpose and determination. The open fist with the different colours displays a sense of trust and commitment to a common path, which in this case signifies India’s freedom from oppression and exploitation. The fingers in the sculpture are of different hues, and it denotes the diversity of India, however, when they work together with a sense of purpose and unity, a powerful message is created. The salt crystals at the base of the sculpture brought to mind the Salt March which symbolises the universality of Gandhi’s message of non violent non- cooperation with the British masters to the masses of India.

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Marriage Equality – Migration Implications SAME sex marriage is now a reality in Australia, as more than 60% of people in Australia expressed their over whelming support via the postal survey conducted by the Australian Government.

With this reality now in place, people need to be aware of the visa options that this may present for same sex couples.

Partner Visas - Legal Marriage Although the postal vote has given the green light, laws are yet to be enacted to make this legally permissible in Australia, thus ruling out a partner visa application on this basis, as yet. This continues to apply even though a couple may have got married overseas where same sex marriage is legally recognised.

However, come January 2018 after when the laws would have been hopefully enacted, a partner visa can be lodged by same sex couples in Australia. We also hope that post January 2018, marriages which have been solemnised overseas would also be recognised under Australian law.

Partner Visas - 12 Month De Facto Relationships The other option that currently exist for same sex couples is to apply for a partner visa on the basis of a de-facto relationship, provided the couple had lived together and been in a relationship for at least 12 months.

Where a couple falls short of the 12 months requirement they have the option to register their same sex relationship with the appropriate body in their state and territory and then a waiver could be sought to the 12 months living together requirement. The registration option is currently available in a few states and territories including Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania & ACT. However once same-sex marriages are officially recognised under Australian Law, it would be possible for such couples to get married instead of relying on the relationship register, regardless of where they live.

Fiancé Visa Applicants Once the same sex legislation is passed then

Subclass 300 or Fiancé visa may be a good option for many applicants. This visa will allow couples who have a genuine intention to get married, to travel to Australia and get married, such couples may not have been living together. This option maybe beneficial to applicants where same sex marriage is a taboo or prohibited under their customs or laws Including Family Members as Dependents The changes to the marriage act due to samesex marriages recognition will enable applicants to partners in visa applications.

Currently, unless an applicant has lived together with their same sex partner for 12 months or more they cannot be included in a permanent visa application, student visa or business visas.

We wish to remind readers that the first consultation with Migration Guru is free of charge. Migration Guru has assisted a vast number of clients for more than 14 years. Migration Guru has more than 50 years of collective experience in the industry and a team of Migration Agents / Lawyers and office in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Hobart. With our vast experience and skills, we are able to provide accurate migration or legal advice based on our clients’ personal circumstances.

Our team may be contacted by via email on info at migrationguru.om.au or by calling 07 3036 3800. Readers are encouraged to follow us on Facebook for all the updates to Migration Law https://www.facebook.com/migrationguru/ Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 18, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD. Phone: 07 3036 3800 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, 31002, 27 Garden Street, Southport QLD. Phone: 07 5606 6160 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 3, 85 Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS. Phone: 03 6281 8008 MARN 0324607, 1175591, 1382609, 1386041, 1683052 & 1466522. www.migrationguru.com.au 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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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 13

White Ribbon Day

• White Ribbon Breakfast organised by Anglicare Inala.

NOVEMBER the twenty-fifth is White Ribbon Day and traditionally White Ribbon mans a stall in Queens Street Mall, this 25th being the state election day the committee decided not have the stall, instead the focus was on supporting organisations that organised White Ribbon events.

The first one was by Zonta Breakfast club who held their White Ribbon Breakfast at Brisbane Club. Umesh Chandra presented on behalf of White Ribbon Committee. The second one was the Queensland Governments White Ribbon Breakfast held at Brisbane Convention Centre. The sold out event attracted over 900 people. Peterson Opio from White Ribbon National office was the presenter on behalf of White Ribbon. Michael Kaufman – co founder of White Ribbon International was the keynote speaker.

Department of Immigration and Border protection held their White Ribbon event at their offices, key community leaders and internal staff were invited to the event. A panel of pre-

senters took part in the forum, Umesh Chandra presented on behalf of White Ribbon, and he also administered the white Ribbon Oath.

A question and answer session followed the plenary session.

Zillmere PCYC held a white Ribbon Breakfast at their hall in Zillmere, Michael Yau a White Ribbon ambassador presented on behalf of White Ribbon, Umesh Chandra attended as co Chair of White Ribbon Queensland committee and signed the white board.

On Saturday 2nd December Anglicare Inala held a White Ribbon breakfast session, Umesh Chandra presented from White Ribbon side. This was by far the most interactive and well received. Uncle Albert Holt, Milton Dick MP, QPS officials and police liaison officers were in attendance. Salome Swan of Anglicare thanked everyone for their participation. Uncle Albert Holt presented his newly released book “Forcibly Removed” to Umesh Chandra.

• Zillmere PCYC White Ribbon Breakfast

GOPIO Queensland Women’s Council High Tea

• White Ribbon committee members at Qld State Governments breakfast from left, Assistant Commissioner Brett Pointing, Peterson Opio, Umesh Chandra and Dean Gould.

75th Anniversary of the Sinking of HMAS Armidale GOPIO Qld’s Women’s Council organised a High Tea at Indian Tadka Restaurant situated in Augustine Heights on Sunday 19th November. Pushpa Bakshi, event coordinators said “GOPIO Qld Women’s Council are celebrating each Woman’s life. We are celebrating our individual success and achievements and looking forward to the years ahead.

Women in Leadership, Women working as Entrepreneurs, Women in working in a Professional Industry/Career, Women working 24/7 at home and taking care of their family.”

Men were also invited to attend, the response was very pleasing and turnout was great.

GOPIO Queensland President Vinita Khushal welcomed everyone to the High Tea

and commented on the good work of the committee. The event also served as a hand over of GOPIO Womens council chairpersons, outgoing Chairperson Pushpa Bakshi welcomed incoming women’s council chair, Veena Merz.

Youth Council chair Ananaya Kaushik baked some amazing cakes for the occasion Pushpa Bakshi, Ananya Kaushik and Jess Kumar were the main organisers of this event. New members signed to join GOPIO Queensland.

Apart from the main body of GOPIO Queensland they also have a Womens Council, Business council and youth Council. Various activities throughout the year are undertaken by each council.

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

ON the 75th anniversary of the final action of HMAS Armidale (I), the Royal Australian Navy has again paused to mark the loss of 100 servicemen.

During evacuation operations in the World War II, the Bathurst class corvette was sunk in action by Japanese aircraft in the Timor Sea on 1 December 1942 with the loss of Australian and Dutch lives.

In an extraordinary feat of survival, and despite continuing attacks from the Japanese bombers, 49 men survived for up to eight days at sea before being rescued.

Representing the Chief of Navy at the commemorative service in Armidale, New South Wales, Captain Ainsley Morthorpe said the loss was an important episode in Australia’s wartime history.

“The story of Armidale is one of bravery, sacrifice, and endurance,” he said.

“These are qualities which have very much shaped the Navy’s values and the Australian identity today.” Executive Officer of the current HMAS Armidale, a patrol boat, Lieutenant Eleanor Snelling, said the fate of Armidale (I) was an important reminder of the sacrifices made by service men and women in defence of Australia.

“It’s very important to me and my ship’s company that we remember and honour the legacy of our forebears. “We aspire to the actions of those who came before us in our daily operations around Australia.

“Although we may never live up to their valour, we carry the name with a great deal of pride,” Lieutenant Snelling said.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 15

A Unique Double Commemoration: FICQ’S India – Australia Day Celebration – 26 Jan 2018

By Navin Kumar Festival Coordinator, FICQ

THE Australia-India day celebration on 26 January is one of the key functions that the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. (FICQ) organises to commemorate a unique double celebration.

The celebration dates back to 2011 where FICQ along with various other Indian and Indian origin community organisations gathered together to celebrate this special day.

Australia Day is a celebration towards being Australian, imbibing the Australian way of life and getting involved in many different ways to contribute to contemporary Australian culture and society.

On 26 January, India also celebrates becoming a republic with a formalised constitution that came into force on 26 Jan 1950. India celebrates its achievements on this day right from its independence struggle to being a superpower nation focussing in advancements all through. This day in India is celebrated as “Republic Day”.

Republic Day is the date on which the con-

stitution of India was ratified. The constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country’s transition towards becoming an independent republic. 26 January was chosen as the Republic Day because it was on this day in 1930 when Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress as opposed to the dominion status offered by the British regime. It is one of three national holidays in India, the other two being Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti.

Australia-India Day celebration is proudly organised by FICQ this year as well and will be held on 26 Jan 2018 at Lighthouse Events Centre 65 Woogaroo St, Forest Lake, QLD 4078. Attendance is by invitation only. The event will be from 5pm to 9pm with invitations soon to follow.

For further information please contact Mr Palani Thevar, President, FICQ on 0421 656 000 or Mr Navin Kumar, Festival Coordinator, FICQ on 0413 164 401.

Dream trips: 9 QUT students awarded overseas scholarships A RECORD nine students from QUT have received New Colombo Plan Scholarships to travel overseas in 2018 and further their career dreams.

The annual scholarships were announced November 27 in Canberra and are funded by the Australian Government to strengthen Australia’s links with Indo-Pacific nations.

The government awarded 120 scholarships nationally to university students to travel, work and study abroad for a semester in 2018.

Caitlin Clarke is one of the nine NCP scholarship recipients from QUT and is off to Singapore to study its green buildings.

Caitlin, 20, has just finished her second year of a Bachelor of Property Economics and will spend semester two next year at the National University of Singapore.

She said it would be valuable experience toward her goal of becoming a leader in sustainable construction management.

“I would ultimately love to be a commercial development manager with a multinational company like Lendlease, which would provide amazing opportunities to work around Australia and internationally,” she said.

“I’m passionate about sustainability and want to strive for high Green Star and NABERs ratings in commercial projects. As a development manager, I want to further innovation and sustainability in the construction industry.

“Singapore is a leader in construction innovation – which is one of the reasons I’ve chosen it as my scholarship destination.

“The National University of Singapore as partnered with the Building and Construction

Lions Club of Brisbane United Asia Business Christmas

• Liam Greinke, Tess van Geelen, QUT ViceChancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake, Melanie Gock, Caitlin Clarke, and Madura Senadeena

Authority to develop a net zero energy building (video below), which incorporates active and passive systems to increase energy efficiency, and aims to generate enough solar power to power itself. This is the type of technology I’m hoping to learn more about and bring back to Brisbane and Queensland.”

QUT’s nine New Colombo Plan Scholars and their destinations are: • Alexandra Alder (Bachelor of Behavioural Science/Bachelor of Justice), Singapore • Caitlin Clarke (Bachelor of Property Economics), Singapore • Melanie Gock (Bachelor of Business), Hong Kong • Liam Greinke (Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws), Thailand • Michael Reynolds (Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Mathematics), Singapore • Madura Senadeera (Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of IT), Singapore • Sarah Sheppard (Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws), Korea • Krishore Subramaniam (Bachelor of Engineering), Taiwan • Tess van Geelen (Bachelor of Laws), China

LIONS Club of Brisbane United Asia held their annual Christmas party at Brisbane Marriott on 2nd December. The event was a sold out success. The fun filled evening included a live band and multicultural performances. Nine new members were inducted on the night.

As a multi-cultural non-for-profit organisation, they have recently added one more meaningful word ‘Business’ onto their name as ‘Lions Club of Brisbane United Asia Business’. With a membership which is based on the business community, they are able to achieve their aim of bringing together people from diverse cultures and a wide range of industries to serve our community. Moreover, many business people are keen to join and access the resources of businesses which are shared within the club.

They are proud of their business networking within the club membership and welcome one more hand to serve their community. The UA Lions is devoted to providing assistance to those in need.

United in their network of philanthropic

and passionate contributors, here, they are ready to give their best.

Lions Club of Brisbane United Asia Inc (UA Lions) is proudly supporting the Lions Medical Research Foundation again.

The Lions Medical Research Foundation, established in 1963, is a non-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing funding for world-class medical research of lifethreatening diseases. Finding cures for illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and asthma could potentially save millions of lives around the world.

Today, the Foundation supports medical research at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital and the School of Pharmacology, University of Queensland. Notable recipients are Professor Ian Frazer who received funding for his now world famous research into cervical cancer, Professor Lawrie Hirst’s ground breaking Optical research, Professor Paul Colditz’ Perinatal research into preterm babies and Dr Kathryn Buller examining brain injury in neonates plus many other worthy researchers.

Communal Harmony Week and Constitution Day organised at High Commission of India, Canberra

TO observe the Communal Harmony week (Nov 19-25), the Flag day (Nov 24) and the Constitution Day (Nov 26), and event was organized at the High Commission of India at Canberra on November 24, 2017.

High Commissioner of India, Dr. A.M. Gondane, elaborated on the Indian Constitution, its fundamental structure, the various parts, schedules, annexures, and the guarantees enshrined in the Constitution for all. He highlighted the significance of the Constituent Assembly and also spoke of the pivotal role played by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the drafting of the Indian Constitution.

The High Commissioner also spoke on “Communal Harmony”, i.e. the Indian system, inclusiveness in all religions and the necessity to move together in unison for the development of the nation, and our vision of communal harmony-showcasing our unity in diversity to the world.

Prominent members of the Indian Diaspora

also spoke on the occasion:• Ms. Narinder Kataria, Public Relations Officer of the Canberra Sikh Association, who

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

works for the Australian Department of Immigration highlighted that no religion or ideology that taught one to ‘not’ love another

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human being, and sought harmony; • Ms Azra Khan, former president and current member of Executive Committee of Canberra Islamic Centre, and National multicultural Festival director, spoke of similarities in India’s concept of communal harmony and Australia’s multiculturalism.

She highlighted the unique composite culture of India; • Professor Milind Sathye, a Professor of Banking and Finance, University of Canberra, highlighted that Hinduism was nonjudgemental, and that it accepted into its fold, new idea and scientific thoughts, and the concept of Freedom of Faith etc.

• Mr. Lakshman Prasad, Vice President of Vishnu-Shiva Mandir Mawson and President of Canberra Telugu Vaani Radio Program, spoke of acceptance of all communities in India as one of its biggest achievements.

The function was well received by the Indian diaspora and community members present.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 17

A little tender loving care can help a distraught Mother Earth

By Srimathi Narayanan 20th November 2017

“More than 150 acres are lost every minute of every day, and 78 million acres lost every year! More than 20 percent of the Amazon rainforest is already gone, and much more is severely threatened as the destruction continues”.

These are just some of the most shocking statistics that have come out about deforestation. Trees are such an important being in our society. A mature tree can produce 117kg annually and two trees are enough to provide the necessary oxygen for a family of four.

Once, a wise man had told the people: “During our lifetime if we plant 10 trees and nurture them, we will have over 10 billion trees.

These 10 billion trees can definitely contain the climate change problem.” That wise man was none other than our beloved Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Dr Kalam has left us to fulfil his

dream in hope that we can repair mother earth. Though this will be a long process, the results will be seen by the future generations where our atmosphere has oxygen in more abundance and the ozone layer having a smaller hole, letting in less harmful Ultra Violet radiation.

As part of helping to keep Dr Kalam’s dream alive, the Life Tree Movement Group with assistance from like-minded community members had their annual tree planting ceremony to celebrate Dr Kalam’s birthday as well as to make his dream a reality. On the 12th of November, there was a great turn-out of people at North Booval’s Fail Park. The total count was 350 trees planted along the Bundamba creek stretch, helping to increase the oxygen count for the creek catchment and the atmosphere. The morning began with the tree planting where everyone gave a helping hand to plant native saplings.

Hard at work with planting trees After getting in the day’s exercise, people were enthralled into an informative yet enjoyable speech presented by 12yr old Shreenithyaa Narayanan.

Shreenithyaa (pictured on the left) addressing the gathering Shreenithyaa had outlined in her speech the importance of trees in society and the atrocities happening every minute with trees. One fact that she had mentioned in her speech really got me thinking: “1.6 billion trees are planted each year.

Even though it’s a small number, it’s worth a lot, but did you know that 7 billion trees are cut down to help with the housing and infrastructure with the earth’s great population growing at a rapid speed?” I was taken aback by her words. The reality where there has been increased flooding, earthquakes, landslides and many alike, it is a scary fact being brought to light here. We as a community need to

rise up and continue to plant trees and create an interest amongst others to help us for this worthy cause.

The Life Tree Movement and the crew They say that “leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” This is so true to the founder of the Life Tree Movement Group, Mr Sripathy Kathiresan. Mr Kathiresan is a prominent figure within the community who is also a follower of Dr Abdul Kalam and gets inspiration from his quotes.

He is a person who encourages the youth within the community to come out and always do your part to give back to the community.

He constantly preaches and informs the youth on the importance of volunteering and the benefits of engaging in such activities. He is someone I look up to and I hope to one day follow in his footsteps to start a movement like this and sustain it for many years to come. He should be celebrated because he has started by taking a tiny step towards fixing climate change by planting 100’s of trees every year.

From the time we have started in 2015, 600 trees have been planted to date and we are aiming for 10,000 trees within ten years’ time.

This dream could have not been made possible if it weren’t for the Ipswich City Council. We cannot thank the City council enough for the interest they showed towards the ideology of our beloved Dr Abdul Kalam by providing the trees at free of cost and nurturing them.

After the informative speech and

as reward for all their contributions to the environment, the volunteers were treated with a hearty morning tea which was organised amongst themselves. This definitely deserves a lot of recognition. They are people who are kind hearted and contribute to society whilst they are sharing it all with their warm food.

Hearty food, warm people!

“Most of us are used to moving at break neck speed in our life unfortunately rest of the species in our planet don’t work that way. Our planet cannot be commanded to fix itself. Mother Nature does not have a cell phone, does not use e-mail, SMS or Facebook. She takes her time. With issues like climate change, we simply cannot afford to take a wait-and-see approach. The longer we wait it will be an expensive and difficult problem to fix.”

Let us all vow to plant 10 trees because for every tree we give a chance at life, they are giving us a chance as well.

If anyone would like to join us on this journey, please contact me, Srimathi Narayanan on 0431341677.

Food for thought …….. Say no to plastic bags

By Sujatha Vasudevan

RECENTLY we visited India and stayed mainly in Chennai for 3 months. I should admit that living in Chennai needed lot of determination and adaptation to the familiar environment where I was born and brought up. After having lived outside the Indian subcontinent for more than 3 decades I was wondering how I would adapt to this new routine of living in a “foreign” country.

Amazingly getting into a routine and establishing in a new house was not a big issue. It needed enormous patience and acceptance to the way of life and culture that existed there.

By culture I mean both the work culture and mentality of the people. After 2 weeks I really started enjoying the adventures that we had and was getting used to things moving at a slow pace.

For example if there is an electrical problem and you call the electrician who will promise to be there in ten minutes will show up only after 10 hours. Meanwhile one has to find an alternative arrangement for the electrical issue and manage to smile when he shows up at 8 in the night with just a screw driver.

Well apart from all these experiences, I have learnt a valuable lesson during my stay there. While going for a walk in the mornings I used to observe the overflowing bins with the plastic bags, plates, and cups especially near the road side shops. They were scattered all over the place and were inviting the crows for breakfast. There was a nagging thought in my mind about the wasted plastic items especially near a food shop. It made me wonder why the shop keepers are not doing anything to collect the items after the use and dispose them off sensibly so that the place is clean for the next day business.

My husband always used to implement the boycott of plastic bags while shopping. First it started in the textile shops.

The sales person used to give us a strange and amused look when we declined to accept the plastic bags and carried the items in the cloth bags that we took from home.

We had a separate cloth bag for milk, for buying vegetables and groceries etc. Cloth bag was a good alternative for plastic bags, no doubt about it. But there was a practical difficulty in following this system. The momentary happiness in conserving the future world turned into a frustrated experience when it came to storing the vegetables in the fridge.

Since we did not have our own transport we used to buy the

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

vegetables for at least 3 or 4 days. The fresh vegies either wilted or became soggy within a day. The fresh coriander leaf bunch was pathetically looking at me the next day. I tried using newspaper to wrap them. But some vegies were losing their moisture content. Truly speaking it was driving me crazy and initially I was not happy at all.

But then I started to recycle the cloth return gift bags that were given in the weddings which was ok for some vegies.

Soon it was time to leave for Brisbane.

After our return to Brisbane the same exercise of refusing the plastic bags in shops is being implemented by us. Its ok in groceries shop but yet again I had to face a challenge while shopping for fresh vegies in the open market. Driven by the determination to stop the use of plastic bags, my husband had a solution. He collected all the old plastic bags and www.indiantimes.com.au

told me to recycle and use them instead of getting new plastic bags in each shop as an initial measure.

Honestly I found it deterring at first but after a couple of times I realised the seriousness in his motivation and decided to go for it. Added to that, we were congratulated by a vendor who was selling bananas in the Sunday market. He expressed his concern about the future world of our grandchildren which is going to be tough because of the environmental pollution and damage caused by the use of plastic items.

This discussion made me ponder over the topic and I did some extensive reading. I was appalled by the information that I learnt which I would like to share it with everyone. * Australia alone uses 6.9 billion plastic bags a year of which 3.6 billion are plastic shopping bags. * Only 10% of the people take cloth bags for shopping. * It costs the Australian government in excess of $4 million to clean up plastic bag litter each year. * If each Australian family used 1 less plastic bag each week that would be 253 million bags less a year. * Less than 1% of plastic bags in Australia are reused http://oceancrusaders.org/plastic-crusades/plastic-statistics/ The encouraging factor is that if my house hold used even 1 plastic bag less per week we can contribute to minimising the hazardous effects of plastic bags.

Agreed…How am I going to store the vegies in the fridge?

I thought of using the green bag which keeps the vegies fresh (which is available in supermarkets) occurred to me immediately. I was very happy that the problem is solved.

But the green bag is also plastic. So it is not a good option.

After a long thinking I decided to use a mesh cloth bag to store the items. It is not going to be easy to find an alternative for the plastic bag for storage in the fridge but the motivation to stop the usage of plastic bags will drive me to find a substitute.

I was even surprised when I refused a plastic bag today in a shop voluntarily ………

Let us make a conscientious effort to first minimise and then to stop the usage of plastic bags.

At the end of the day it may not be tough at all. Let me know if you change your mind and get into the habit of refusing the plastic bags. We will join our hands to save this planet for our grandchildren.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 19

Saving Cavendish: QUT grows world-first Panama disease-resistant bananas

The Dog Lovers Show makes unpawgettable debut in Brisbane DUE to popular demand, Queenslanders were finally able to celebrate the award-winning Dog Lovers Show as the inaugural Brisbane event attracted over 11,000 visitors on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November.

The Pooch-Festival saw over 500 dogs and 100+ breeds bound into the Royal International Convention Centre at the Brisbane Showgrounds, giving dog lovers from across the Sunshine State an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about their best friends.

Crowds lapped up a wide array of attractions including educational talks from some of Australia’s most loved celebrity vets, a huge showcase of dog breeds, action-packed performances from Australia’s most talented dogs, wonderful rescue groups and local shelters, the latest and greatest dog products and of course a plethora of pats and countless cuddles.

Visitors cheered on Australia’s most talented, high-flying pooches in the Royal Canin Arena, with highlights including celebrity vet Dr Chris Brown’s “Meet the Breeds” showcase, Dr Katrina Warren and the Wonderdogs’ new show “The Wonderdogs go on Holiday” as well as incredible acts of agility, frisbee, weave-pole, leaping, tunneling and various other tricks presented by a host of dogs including Rodney Gooch and the Krush Krew!

The pawpular KONG Celebrity Vet Stage hosted some of the country’s leading dog experts including Dr Chris Brown, Dr Katrina Warren & The Wonderdogs, Hollywood dog trainer Peta Clarke and animal behaviourist Dr Jacqui Ley. A host of experts presented daily talks covering essential tips for a healthier and happier dog as well as fun and stimulating ways to train your own pooch.

The DOGS Queensland Breed Showcase presented around 50 dog breeds of all shapes and sizes including some relatively unknown breeds such as the American Hairless Terrier, Norwegian Elkhound (known as the “companion to the Vikings”) and the Basenji which is a rare African dog that cannot bark and has a curly tail.

The Insta-Pooch Zone celebrated some of Instagrams biggest K9-stars including King Kingsley and Daisy Rey Dachshund as they strutted their stuff on the red carpet, had their photographs snapped by the pup-arazzi and took their rightful place on plush velvet thrones to interact with their adoring fans.

The first Brisbane Show continued the event’s important initiative of raising awareness for dog adoption providing a unique

opportunity to connect with a wide range of rescue groups and shelters from across Queensland in the Dog Adoption Zone. Organisers reported that dozens of dogs in need found loving, wellsuited homes over the weekend and this number will grow in the months after the show.

Fur-fanciers also got their weekend fur-fix in the Pat-APooch Zone with the opportunity to meet and learn more about rescue, therapy, assistance and military dogs in this bean-bag inspired zone to ensure visitors could get upclose-and-pawsonal with these wonderful animals.

The Military Working Dog Tribute showcased the incredible skills and abilities of our military service dogs and the contribution they have made in war over the last 100 years. It presented images, historical information, a Pat-A-Hero Dog area and animal welfare activist and Neighbours star Andrew Morley presented a special Hero Dog Tribute show in the Royal Canin Arena. Visitors got the chance to fire all their dog-related medical questions at trusted, reliable experts without the price tag at the Ask-AVet Zone presented by Greencross.

The Perfect Match Breed Selection Zone helped visitors choose their new lifelong best friend by considering important decisions that come with each different dog breed.

Over 150 exhibitors showcased the latest treats, tech and toys in the market to reward your fur-kids including delectable doggy dishes fresh from the gourmet ‘barkery’, the coolest pet-tech like the 3G GPS Pet Tracker and even sun-smart dog umbrellas.

For additional information visit the website: www.dogloversshow.com.au/brisbane/ Facebook: facebook.com/dogloversshow Or Instagram www.instagram.com/thedogloversshow/ Next year the Melbourne Dog Lovers Show will be held at the Royal Exhibition Building Friday 4 to Sunday 6 May before travelling to Sydney’s Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion from Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 August. The Dog Lovers Show returns to Brisbane on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 November 2018.

And the cat’s out of the bag! The team at the Dog Lovers Show will be bringing the exciting new Cat Lovers Show to Melbourne from 8 - 9 September 2018.

Check it out here: https://catloversshow.com.au/melbourne/

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

QUT researchers have developed and grown modified Cavendish bananas resistant to the devastating soil-borne fungus Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), also known as Panama disease. In their world-first GM field trial conducted in heavily TR4-infested soil, one Cavendish line transformed with a gene taken from a wild banana remained completely TR4 free, while three others showed robust resistance. Their results have just been published in Nature Communications.

Key points: * Cavendish Grand Nain were modified by the researchers with the RGA2 gene, taken from the TR4-resistant wild, south-east Asian banana subspecies, Musa acuminata ssp malaccensis * One modified Cavendish line (RGA2-3) remained TR4-free for the three years of the trial * Three other lines modified with RGA2 showed strong resistance, with 20% or fewer plants exhibiting disease symptoms in three years * By contrast, 67%-100% of control banana plants after three years were either dead or TR4-infected, including a Giant Cavendish variant 218 generated through tissue culturing in Taiwan and reported to be tolerant to TR4 * Researchers found RGA2 gene activity level in the modified bananas was ‘strongly correlated’ with TR4 resistance * Cavendish bananas have been found to also have this RGA2 gene naturally, but it is not very active * New research is looking at how to ‘switch on’ the gene in Cavendish to make them TR4 resistant The field trial, which ran from 2012 to 2015, was led by Distinguished Professor James Dale (pictured), from QUT’s Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities. It was conducted on a commercial banana plantation outside Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory previously affected by TR4. The soil was also heavily reinfested with disease for the trial.

Professor Dale said the outcome was a major step towards protecting the US$12 billion Cavendish global export business, which is under serious threat from virulent TR4.

“These results are very exciting because it means we have a solution that can be used for controlling this disease,” he said.

“We have a Cavendish banana that is resistant to this fungus that could be deployed, after deregulation, for growing in soils that have been infested with TR4.

“TR4 can remain in the soil for more than 40 years and there is no effective chemical control for it. It is a huge problem. It has devastated Cavendish plantations in many parts of the world and it is spreading rapidly across Asia.

“It is a very significant threat to commercial banana production worldwide.”

The researchers have begun an expanded field trial on the same Northern Territory plantation, growing the four RGA2 lines that showed resistance in the last trial, as well as newly developed lines of modified Cavendish Grand Nain and Williams culti-

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vars.

They will have the capacity to grow up to 9000 plants and quantify crop yield over the five-year trial.

“The aim is to select the best Grand Nain line and the best Williams line to take through to commercial release,” Professor Dale said. “While in Australia we primarily grow Williams, in other parts of the world Grand Nain is very popular.”

Professor Dale said the correlation demonstrated between the RGA2 gene activity and TR4 resistance opened up new research.

“We can’t make the assertion that the RGA2 gene is the gene responsible for the resistance in the original wild diploid banana, because in the modified Cavendish we significantly increased the gene’s expression – the level of its activity – over its activity in the wild banana,” he said.

“But we’ve established a correlation, and we’ve found that the RGA2 gene occurs naturally in Cavendish – it just isn’t very active.

“We are aiming to find a way to switch that gene on in the Cavendish through gene editing. We’ve started that project. It is not easy, it’s a complex process that is a way off, with four or five years of lab work.

“We’re also looking at as many genes as possible in the wild banana and screening them to identify other resistance genes, not only for resistance to TR4 but to other diseases.”

Other key findings of the field trial: * Nine lines of Cavendish Grand Nain transformed with the nematode-derived Ced9 gene were also trialled, with one line remaining TR4-free for the three years * There was no difference in observed mature bunch size between the transgenic bananas and healthy control Cavendish Co-authors with Professor Dale are: Dr Anthony James (QUT), Dr Jean-Yves Paul (QUT), Dr Harjeet Khanna (Sugar Research Australia, formerly QUT), Mark Smith (Darwin Banana Farming Company), Dr Santy Peraza-Echeverria (CICY, Mexico, formerly QUT), Fernando Garcia-Bastidas and Professor Gert Kema (Wageningen University and Research Centre, The Netherlands), Professor Peter Waterhouse (QUT), Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen (QUT), Professor Robert Harding (QUT).

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Removing language barriers improves CALD mental health outcomes IN an Australian-first, research into the mental health needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients, including newly arrived immigrants and refugees settling in Australia, has found that the use of specialist interpreters can improve mental health outcomes for the most vulnerable.

LanguageLoop – a Government Business Enterprise specialising in providing language services – has commissioned researchers from Monash University to undertake and develop mental health guidelines for interpreters working in mental health settings.

Launched by the Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott and LanguageLoop CEO Elizabeth Compton at Eastern Health today, the Mental Health Interpreting Guidelines for Interpreters studied the outcomes of interpreters and psychologists working together to achieve better mental health outcomes for CALD patients.

LanguageLoop CEO Elizabeth Compton said these new insights are key to overcoming language barriers and will assist interpreters to become better skilled to help practitioners ensure mental health services are accessible for all by providing a pathway for our diverse community.

“Through these Australian-first guidelines, LanguageLoop in partnership with Monash University are shedding light on the immediate need for CALD communities to access mental health services without barriers, drawing attention to the importance of interpreters’ work in this field,” Ms Compton said.

“In the general population, more than 3 million Australians live with anxiety or depression and 45% of people will experience a mental health condition during their lives. For CALD communities and non-English speakers, this creates a greater challenge to access mental health services.

“Census data reveals that 26% of all Australians are now born overseas and one in five overseas born persons have arrived in the past five years. Newly arrived immigrants and refugees settling in Australia are often fleeing persecution and traumatic conditions, and it is imperative that mental health services are available and practitioners are trained and equipped to deal with these patients.

“Also, as the community ages, the likelihood of depression, isolation and other mental health-related issues increases, particularly in CALD individuals, and there is a real need to upskill our health care practitioners and interpreters to manage and treat these patients,” Ms Compton said.

Dr Jim Hlavac led the Monash University research team which examined the factors at play when an interpreter is involved in a mental health scenario, described their role as critical in assisting professionals working effectively to help CALD patients in mental health interactions.

“This research has a number of recommendations to allow professionals to manage interactions that will assist interpreters and health practitioners, leading to better outcomes for this vulnerable group of patients,” Dr Hlavac said.

Through this research, Monash University has developed a specialist course for interpreters beginning early 2018, which will be delivered to LanguageLoop interpreters working across Australia in hospitals, schools, law courts and specialist mental health facilities.

The Mental Health Interpreting Guidelines for Interpreters was funded by LanguageLoop, (formerly Victorian Interpreting and Translating Service – VITS), which has a long history of providing interpreting and translation services to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and the public sector for almost 40 years.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 21

Labor’s election result is on a knife-edge in Queensland QUEENSLANDERS are still waiting for the official result of the state election more than a week after going to the polls.

While counting continues Labor had by Monday afternoon (4 December) won 46 seats, with 86.3 per cent of votes tallied. The Courier Mail is reporting that a result should be known by the end of the week.

The ABC has predicted Labor will win 47 seats, returning Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with a slim majority in the 93-seat unicameral parliament.

Labor sources are confident the government will secure the numbers needed to lead parliament and avoid cutting deals with a more diverse crossbench.

The LNP is forecast to win 38 seats and despite the results being all but officially confirmed, leaders of both the major parties had a quiet start to the week.

Ms Palaszczuk has not made a public appearance since last Monday, where she fronted the cameras during a meeting with the Local Government Association of Queensland, but did not take questions from reporters.

Meanwhile, LNP leader Tim Nicholls, who has made multiple appearances since the November 25 poll, has faced mounting speculation he will be ousted from the opposition’s top job, with sources saying he could face a spill this week.

The focus will remain on seats like Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Maiwar and Townsville, where only a handful of votes separate candidates.

Labor is ahead in Townsville where 83.6 per cent of the vote has been counted. Scott Stewart has got 9413 first preference votes, just 728 more than LNP candidate Casie Scott on 8685 votes.

Labor had been expected to take the seat of Maiwar in Brisbane but this now looks set to become the Greens’ first seat in Queensland.

The Greens are likely to win the seat based on preferences.

But the LNP is ahead in Burdekin and Katter’s Australia party looks set to take Hinchinbrook.

• Queensland Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk speaks during a meeting with the Local Government

news.com.au — Charis Chang contributed to this report Association of Queensland on Monday. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/AAPSource:AAP

Newton picks up two Asia Pacific Screen Awards Rajkummar Rao named Best Actor Mayank Tewari & Amit V Masurkar win Best Screenplay BRISBANE: India has scored the region’s top acting award for the second consecutive year with the announcement of Rajkummar Rao as the winner of the prestigious 11th Asia Pacific Screen Award (APSA) for Best Performance by an Actor for his role in Newton. In 2016, this award went to Manoj Bajpayee for his role in Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh, which coincidentally also starred Rajkummar Rao! Newton also picked up the Best Screenplay award for writer Mayank Tewari and writer/director Amit V Masurkar. Both Rao and Tewari were present to accept the awards on the night.

In another win for India, the Jury awarded a Special Mention in the Cultural Diversity Award under the patronage of UNESCO category to Lady of the Lake (Loktak Lairembee, India) directed by Haobam Paban Kumar. Nominated cinematographer Shehnad Jalal was in Brisbane and accepted the prize.

Also attending the awards in 2017 was Tannishtha Chatterjee, who was a member of the APSA International Jury in 2010, and returned to the Awards in 2010 as Ceremony host. This year she was a member of the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund jury.

Actor Rajit Kapur, who was a member of the APSA International Jury in 2014, was awarded an MPA APSA Academy Film Fund grant to develop his project Paradise in Flames. Now in its 8th year, the fund was created to support, at script stage, new feature film projects originated by APSA Academy members and their colleagues across

Asia Pacific. The fund awards four development grants of US$25,000 annually, and is wholly supported by the MPA. To date, 32 projects have now been funded, with many going into production and garnering success at film festivals around the world.

The 11th Asia Pacific Screen Awards were announced in Brisbane on Thursday (23rd November) night. Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country was tonight named Best Feature Film at the 11th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) ceremony in Brisbane. Sweet Country was produced by David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin and directed by Warwick Thornton, all of whom were there to accept the award on the night.

Sweet Country is loosely based on the true story of co-producer and writer David Tranter.

The win makes APSA history with Thornton becoming the first director to have two films win Best Feature Film following Samson and Delilah’s win in 2009. He is also the only Australian director ever to have a film win in this category.

President of the APSA International Jury, Oscar® and BAFTA®-nominated film editor Jill Bilcock ACE ASE, said Sweet Country was a milestone film about Australia’s shameful history. “It is uniquely told through Warwick Thornton’s strong cinematic style and personal knowledge of his own culture. Our jury from five countries have been transported by cinema into diverse communities and privileged to share in their personal stories, history and traditions,” she said. “I was particularly im-

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

pressed by the rise of stories featuring strong women characters and also the emergence of some truly talented female directors.

Overall the Asia Pacific region continues to bring us extraordinary stories and talent with a highly original slant.”

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards, the region’s highest accolade in film, honour cinematic excellence and the 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 2017, films from both Georgia and Russian Federation have won three APSAs each, including a Jury Grand Prize. This marks the first ever APSA win for Georgia in the 11-year history of the event. Films from Australia and India have won two APSAs each. 42 films from 25 countries and areas of the Asia Pacific region received APSA nominations in 2017, including the first nomination for a film from Bhutan.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said: “Winning an Asia Pacific Screen Award is a huge achievement and, on behalf of the City of Brisbane, I’d like to congratulate the winners and thank them for sharing their extraordinary stories. I’d like to commend Best Feature Film winner the Australian-made Sweet Country and director Warwick Thornton, who took Australia’s only other win in this category in 2009 for his debut feature

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Samson and Delilah. Brisbane is honoured to be part of this journey and delighted to further strengthen ties with our neighbours in the culturally rich region of the Asia Pacific.”

The Cultural Diversity Award under the patronage of UNESCO was awarded to Dede (Georgia, Croatia, Netherlands, Qatar, UK), filmed on location in the historic UNESCO World Heritage province of Svaneti and directed by Mariam Khatchvani, who accepted the award on the night. Speaking to the heart of what APSA is about, this unique award is for outstanding contribution to the promotion and preservation of cultural diversity through film. The Jury awarded a Special Mention in this category to Lady of the Lake (Loktak Lairembee, India) directed by Haobam Paban Kumar.

In honour of APSA’s founding partnership with UNESCO, it was announced at the Ceremony that Dede would screen at UNESCO’s Paris Headquarters as part of the Intergovernmental Committee meeting on the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, on Tuesday, December 12, with the filmmakers invited to present the screening. This is the fourth winner in this prestigious category to have such a screening following its win.

Full coverage and information at www.asiapacificscreenawards.com Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 23

Shashi Kapoor: Bollywood’s ultimate charmer fades into the stars Bollywood's ultimate charmer Shashi Kapoor has gone, leaving a legacy of decency and elegance that may find few followers in the film industry of today.

By PTI WITH those copybook good looks and that rakish smile, he was the stuff of teen crushes that evolved into wistful nostalgia as the years rolled by. Shashi Kapoor, 79, when he passed away in Mumbai after a prolonged illness on December 4, will be remembered for his many commercial films, his commitment to quality cinema when he turned filmmaker but also as the man who embodied ageless elegance.

“He was god’s good man. He was such a beautiful human being beyond anything else,” director Shyam Benegal, who worked with the late actor in Kalyug and Junoon, told PTI. Shashi Kapoor was also effortlessly charming, whether at 25 when he was dancing around trees or at 65 when age and the famous Kapoor weight had slowed him down. The fame was destined, the legacy of quiet dignity the result of retaining a certain humility despite a lifetime under the harsh arclights.

He was born an unprepossessing Balbirraj on March 18, 1938 in what was then Calcutta to Rama Devi and Prithviraj Kapoor, the son of a legendary actor who went on to complete the famed Kapoor trinity with his older brothers Raj and Shammi.

The tryst with cinema started in 1961 with Yash Chopra’s Dharmputra. The next two-and-half decades saw a dizzying line-up of films, some good, like Kabhi Kabhie and New Delhi Times, others like Fakira and Ghar Ek Mandir eminently forgettable, even embarrassing. But Shashi Kapoor was not just a star, one more in an ensemble cast in the multistarrers that were the vogue in the 1980s or another face in a brain dead Bollywood melodrama.

He straddled two worlds with his partnership with James Ivory and Ismail Merchant resulting in films like The Householder, Shakespearewallah and Heat and Dust early in his career. The real turnaround came in 1980 when he started his own company Film Vala, diverting some of the money he had made in Bollywood into making films with the likes of Bene-

• Shashi Kapoor and Rekha in a still from Zameen Aasmaan..

gal and Aparna Sen. The partnership resulted in gems like 36 Chowringhee Lane, which saw his wife, veteran theatre actor Jennifer Kendal, as an aging teacher in a changing world, Junoon, Vijeta, Utsav and Kalyug.

Shashi Kapoor himself acted in several of these films – his roles as an obsessive suitor in Junoon set in 1857, as the brooding husband and father in Vijeta and as the suave, conflicted Karan in Kalyug, a modern-day adaptation of the Mahabharata, see the actor deliver some of his career’s finest performances.

But Shashi Kapoor was more than just an actor, an inheritor of the Kapoor family legacy of showbiz and style or a film-

maker with undeniable class. He was the star with no starry airs, the man who stayed steadfastly loyal to his wife through more than 25 years of marriage with scarcely a hint of scandal and the ultimate hero who always had a kind word for his fans. Which other actor, in his hey day in the 1980s, would not just smile when a bunch of giggly, starry-eyed teens barge into his hotel room, but also welcome them in, take time to talk to them individually and leave them to handle things while he went into the next room for an interview. That he maintained a relationship with the group — among them this correspondent — through his three days in Delhi, inviting them to watch a shoot and taking time off to talk to them is the stuff of true greatness.

He stood apart from his peers, part of the rat race and yet not part of it. And then, with his wife’s death in 1984 it was as if the very life had begun ebbing away from him too. The weight started piling and the roles started dwindling.

Shashi Kapoor began fading away from the headlines. He appeared in few films, as the corpulent Urdu poet Noor in Ismail Merchant’s In Custody in 1993 and as a narrator in Jinnah some years after that. He also revived his father’s Prithvi Theatre, a job now taken over by his daughter Sanjana.

The sons, Kunal and Karan, tried dabbling in films and then stood respectfully away when they realised it was not for them. Ill health felled Shashi Kapoor and when he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke award in 2015, he was too unwell to travel to New Delhi to get it. It was 17 years after he retired into the quiet shadows. Union minister Arun Jaitley went to Mumbai to honour him. But the old charm still lingered, the silver hair that refused to be dyed adding to that grace and somewhere still that old charisma.

Bollywood’s ultimate charmer has gone, leaving a legacy of decency and elegance that may find few followers in the film industry of today.

‘AIYAI – A Wrathful Soul' set to start production in early 2018 AUSTRALIAN Film Industry is an excellent platform that provides valuable opportunities for Independent film makers to successfully compete in a global marketplace. We have recently seen many great Australian Films of diverse genres successfully hitting the silver screen all around the world. Horror movies have always captivated the audience and have a huge fan base, of which psychological horror/thriller is one particular genre that is making the hottest trend, popular among movie goers.

One talented Independent Filmmaker from Australia, making his directorial debut is Ilanthirayan “Alan” Arumugam, coming up with his psychological horror-thriller film “AIYAI – A Wrathful Soul”. Alan has a long experience of working as an outdoor production coordinator in Bollywood and International film industries. We had an opportunity to speak • Kabir Singh. with Alan and he was happy to give us more inSanskrit. The sight about his upcoming story revolves film AIYAI and his proaround an Induction company YSA dian student Screen Media. living in AusYSA Screen Media is tralia who bejoining hands with comes plagued Malaysian based Producby mysterious tion Company Maraz Digievents. He gets tal for this project. Executive visions he is unable Producer, Mr. Maraz is to explain and is soon • Ilanthirayan “Alan” proudly introducing K. Karlured into spiralling plot Arumugam. ishma, a Malaysian Indian female of a vengeful spirit. Kabir artist to play a supporting role in this Singh and Pennyanne Lace play International English Film. the lead role in the film. The supporting roles Talking about the Film, Director Alan ex- will be played by proficient International plains, “This is the first time an International Artists. Alan further explains that the film English film is getting a Tamil title. ‘AIYAI’ will be shot at various locations of Queensis a Tamil word that describes homeless clans land, one of them being Australia’s biggest of people that lived in a parallel world to the cemetery. normal population. The word is similar to When asked what new he will bring in this the more predominantly used English terms genre, Alan confidently says “The difference like Karma and Avatar, which originate from 24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

• Pennyanne Lace.

in this film is its believable and captivating script that progresses in layers and carries the viewers along the character arc. While watching the film the audience will feel as if they are one of the characters in the film and the events are happening around them as the story progresses. I am happy to have a great and passionate team who are working hard to make this a great production.”

We asked when and where the movie will be released, Alan explains “We have already shot the pilot teaser to give a feel, mood and the look of the film. Currently we are in the pre-production phase. We are hoping to start shooting in early 2018 and finish the whole schedule within 40 days. The film will be released in Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada as well as rest of the world. We already have distributors on board with intent to release in Malaysia, Singapore and India.

This movie will be a great experience for the Indian and Asian audience.”

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On his strength and future plans, Alan explains that “We already have three exciting full-length English feature films under development phase and many more to come.

Along with my supporting family, my biggest asset and strength is my team. We understand each other’s passion and are working very hard to make our collaborative dreams come true. Australia is a diverse country and at YSA Screen media our mission is to produce films that will break regional boundaries. We would like to reach out to audiences across diverse, cultural backgrounds.”

You can follow the progress of AIYAI – A Wrathful Soul.

IMDB • imdb.com/title/tt7209472/?ref_=nv_sr_8 AIYAI Facebook • facebook.com/aiyaifeaturefilm Call 07 3865 6533

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The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association Inc.

Donation Request

Incorporation Number: IA 40338 Registered Charity: CH 2260

Light your homes up on Saturday, 2 December for the Pleiades (Kartigai) constellation for peace and prosperity. The flame symbolizes our spirituality that burns the wick, our ego to bring forth universal love. ¾ *ROG &RDVW +LQGX &XOWXUDO $VVRFLDWLRQ¶V *&+&$¶V) mission is to build an Education DQG &XOWXUDO 3UHFLQFW ZLWK D 3ODFH RI :RUVKLS DW $XVWUDOLD¶V WRXULVm capital. ¾ Gold Coast City Council (Council) has given consent for us to build Stage 1, the MultiPurpose Hall (MPH) which includes the Place of Worship and Stage 2, the Community Square on Council leased land. ¾ &RXQFLO¶V FRQGLWLRQ LV for us to show significant construction progress by June 2018. ¾ We currently have $0.6m. We desperately need an additional $1.8m of donations/ grants/ sponsorships or loans to commence construction work. ¾ GCHCA¶V aims are to provide, promote and expand community programs in education and culture for the well being of the individual and the community. ¾ Help us leave a legacy for your children and their children to practice and enjoy Hindu Education and Culture in this country we call home. ¾ Your support and continuous contribution will help complete the construction and will enable the community to have a place, to learn, to grow, to enjoy and experience spiritual and physical well-being.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I wish to ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ' , ͛Ɛ Stage 1 &2 build of Multi-Purpose Hall + Place of Worship + Community Square: Title: ___ First Name: ______________________ Last Name: __________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________ Email: ________________________________________ SignaturĞ͗ ͙​͙​͙​͙​͙​͙​͙​͙​͙​͙​͙​͙​͙͘

Date: ___________________

9 Donate - Stage 1 & 2 Construction ‫ ڙ‬$_______ GCHCA Building Donation Account - BSB: 064 474 A/C: 1048 8900 (donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia) 9 Donate $1 a day ‫ ڙ‬www.GiveNow.com.au/gchcan Credit card via: http://Culture.GoldCoastHindu.Org/Donations/ 9 Give a Loan ‫ ڙ‬$_______ interest free,‫ ڙ‬$_______ or with interest. (a memorandum of understanding with GCHCA will be negotiated and signed) 9 Sponsor Shrine for ______________ ‫ ڙ‬$_______ estimated to cost $100,000 each. ' , ͛Ɛ ŽŵŵŽŶ ĂŶŬ ĐĐŽƵŶƚ͗ ^ ͗ Ϭϲϰ ϰϳϰ ͬ ͗ ϭϬϰϴ ϴϮϯϬ ;ƐǁŝĨƚ ĐŽĚĞ͗ CTBAAU2S) Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu

Thank You From The Management Committee

gchcan@gmail.com www.GoldCoastHindu.org Ph: +61 401 207 221 Support the noble objectives of the GCHCA and Donate

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 25

Who, What, Where, When

• Above & Below: Hyderabad Flavours ventures into North Brisbane with their brand new restaurant at Taigum Central Shopping Centre. The Taigum venture opened for business on 2nd December and is their third popular outlet.

• Dr Muthupalaniappaan Muthappan weds Da-Hae Ji at the New Zealand Thirumurugan Temple recently. Photo courtesy Thilliar Varnakulasingham.

• Above & Below: Fiji Brisbane Youth Sports Development association of Queensland Inc. was official launched on Sunday 26th November. FBYDAQ plans to develop youth sports including soccer but will not be organising any competing tournaments.

• Uncle Albert Holt presents his newly released book, “Forcibly Removed” to Queensland Multicultural President Umesh Chandra.

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 27

Who, What, Where, When

• Jatinder Kaur speaking at Queenslands First Men’s interfaith forum about Preventing Domestic Violence. Article page 10.

• Aunty Betty Mc Grady presented a hand crafted and hand painted “Bimli” clapping sticks to Queensland Multicultural Councils President Umesh Chandra. Aunty Betty has been appointed as the President of the Native Titles in her area.

• QTA Vanabhojanalu and Christmas Lunch 2017 was held on 18 November. Fun was had by all who attended. Article page 12.

• A large turnout at MDA’s end of year function at Dibley Street Woolloongabba, function included multicultural performances and food. MDA shares the premises with QPASST.

• The Life Tree Movement and the crew. Article page 18.

• Pre Christmas Dinner at Thai Mali Restaurant and the other Photo is the Christmas Greetings from the Executive Members of Wynnum Women's Club.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 29

Record-breaking nine-hour rainbow appears in Taiwan

TWO professors led the efforts to document the rainbow. Their observations, pictures and video recordings showed the rainbow lasted from 6.57 am until 3.55 pm.

A record-breaking nine-hour rainbow appeared in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei, the media reported on Tuesday 5 December.

“It was amazing... It felt like a gift from the sky... It’s so rare!” Chou Kun-hsuan, a professor at the Chinese Culture University’s Department of Atmospheric Sciences, told CNN. Chou and a second professor, Liu Chinghuang, led the efforts to document the rainbow with the help of the department’s students and the campus community.

Their observations, pictures and video recordings showed the rainbow lasted from 6.57 am until 3.55 pm -- eight hours and 58 minutes.

If confirmed, it would shatter the previous record for the longest-lasting rainbow, set in

Yorkshire, England, on March 14, 1994, which was recorded as lasting six hours, according to the Guinness World Records.

Rainbows typically last much less than an hour, according to the Guinness website.

“With the 10,000 pictures we took in our department alone, and the many more taken by others on campus and people living nearby, I’m confident we can prove to Guinness second by second that this rainbow lasted for nine hours,” Chou told the BBC. The conditions that made the rainbow last so long were a seasonal north-east monsoon that trapped moisture in the air, forming clouds; sunlight and a relatively slow wind speed of 2.5-5 metres per second.

Such atmospheric conditions are common in winter in Taipei’s Yangmingshan mountain range, where the campus is located, making it an ideal place for spotting long-lasting rainbows, Chou said.

HT

Uber sued in US for concealing massive data hack of 57 million accounts THE Los Angeles City Attorney has sued global ride-hailing app Uber, saying that the company broke California law when it failed to disclose a data breach that exposed the license numbers of 600,000 Uber drivers.

Mike Feuer filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on behalf of California residents, Los Angeles Times reported late on Monday 4 December.

“We’re taking action because we believe very strongly in the importance of protecting consumers,” Feuer said during a news conference.

“The case will focus on Uber’s failure to disclose the data breach to Uber’s California drivers,” he was quoted as saying.

The lawsuit seeks $2,500 for each violation of the law.

“The company is committed to changing the way we do business, putting integrity at the core of every decision we make, and working hard to regain the trust of consumers,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement.

In a blog post last month, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi revealed that the company in late 2016 became aware that two individuals outside the company had inappropriately accessed user data stored on a third-party Cloud-based service that it uses.

The company suppressed information about the breach and paid the hackers a hefty $100,000 ransom to delete the data they had illegally obtained.

The breach included the names and license numbers of around 600,000 drivers in the US and some personal information of 57 million Uber users around the world.

Regulators of at least five states in the US have said they will question the company for

staying silent after the hack.

“At least five states including Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and Connecticut stated that they would investigate the matter,” ReCode reported.

This report comes at a time when the ridehailing company is already battling a slew of other civil and criminal probes.

An Israeli court has ordered global ride-hailing app Uber to stop two of its services in Tel Aviv in the absence of proper travel insurance.

The court banned UberDay and UberNight, the company’s private-car services, while UberTaxi that takes requests via licensed taxi drivers has not been affected, Jerusalem Post reported late last month.

IANS

Delhi pollution: Have we reached a point of no return?

HT - Rajat Chauhan THE stoppage during the ongoing India vs Sri Lanka Test match in New Delhi was yet another example of how harmful the air quality is in the nation’s capital right now.

Today, more than two-thirds of us are going to die because of lifestyle diseases. Outdoor sports, exercise and increased physical activities are very important for a better quality of life. But doing these activities in Delhi’s polluted air is more detrimental than beneficial.

Dr Naveen Dang, an avid walker for the last three decades, who runs a renowned pathology laboratory in the city, had moved here in the mid-1980s. He has been talking about poor air quality ever since. He is of the opinion that we have reached a point of no return.

Even though he admits that Delhi is not worth living in, he himself will never leave the city because it has helped him grow professionally. This is his home and he is not leaving it. Even though he knows it’s killing him slowly.

On November 6, 2017, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) had declared ‘public health emergency’ in Delhi and wanted the Half Marathon cancelled. I don’t think cancelling sporting events is really a solution.

Air quality in Delhi NCR hasn’t been good for years now; it’s not that it’s got bad recently. We need to think long term. Somehow, no one is interested. Politicians played a blame game and citizens became very emotional about it.

Dr KK Aggarwal, president of IMA, says that a “concentration of PM 2.5 can cause tiny, hazardous particles to enter the lungs”. PM 2.5 had reached 1,500 on November 8 around India Gate when 50 is considered satisfactory. The number had stayed above 300, a

hazardous zone.

Dr Aggarwal adds, “The weather conditions in the national capital are rapidly deteriorating and there is only one advice for those going for an early-morning walk or run — stay indoors. Although one should ensure that exercise areas are at least 200 metres away from roads, construction sites and smokeemitting industries, even that cannot guarantee clean air.”

Passionate sportspersons and physical activity enthusiasts living in the city are utterly confused. They don’t know how to respond and what to do. The Delhi Half Marathon, a marquee event held in Delhi for the last 10 years, which brings the city together for health, recently ended up dividing not just the runners but the entire city. Everyone had an opinion. Some took a stand that they simply

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

but later.

Had we runners come together and thought a little less selfishly, we could have made a bigger impact. We all are otherwise drawingroom activists who broadcast our thoughts on social media at the drop of a hat but for once we could have made long-term changes to the society. We could have made it a better world for our next generation.

We all need to come together to make a bigger difference. Even superheroes realised that and came together as Justice League and Avengers to take on the common enemy. couldn’t stop living; they had to do what they had to. Others were of the opinion that such events should be cancelled to stop exposing the masses to poor air quality, repercussions of which would not be evident right away,

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DISCLAIMER:The writer is a Sports Medicine doctor and student of running. He trains people who have never run before to the best ultra runners in the world to run 333 km in Ladakh and other inhuman conditions.

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Visit Canberra, world’s top destination

By Rama Gaind Canberra is the best!

THE nation’s capital is the only Australian city to be featured in the top 10 of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 publication.

Leading global travel authority Lonely Planet has announced Canberra as the third best city in the world to travel to in 2018.

It’s the highest ranking an Australian city has ever received (as well as the only Australian city to make the list this year), there’s never been a better time to visit.

Sitting at number three - after Seville, Spain and Detroit, USA - Australia’s national capital has been described as being ‘unfairly overlooked’.

According to Lonely Planet’s Chris Zeiher, Australia’s national capital has been “criminally overlooked”.

“Canberra packs a big punch for such a small city,” Chris said. “National treasures are found round almost every corner and exciting new boutique precincts have emerged, bulging with gastronomic highlights and cultural must-dos.”

“This is the first year that Canberra’s picturesque Manuka Oval will host an International Test cricket match, providing sporting fans the perfect excuse to visit Australia’s federal capital. Later in 2018 the Australian War Memorial will take centre stage as it hosts the 100th anniversary of the WWI Armistice.”

“Revitalised precincts such as NewActon and Braddon best illustrate Canberra’s new lease of life,” Chris said. “The deliciously decorated Hotel Hotel in NewActon is the epitome of new Canberra style, with materials such as reclaimed wood evoking the Australian landscape. NewActon is also home to A Baker, where the five-course ‘Just Feed Me’ and ‘Just Wine Me’ selections offer a perfect array of locally sourced produce and wine. Meanwhile, a brilliant blend of pop-up shops and lively cafes are sprinkled along Lonsdale Street in boutique Braddon.”

Best in Travel 2018 is Lonely Planet’s 13th annual agenda-setting collection of the world’s hottest destinations, experiences and trends for the year ahead.

The best-selling inspirational travel yearbook highlights the top 10 cities, countries and regions that Lonely Planet’s experts recommend travellers should experience in 2018.

• Cover of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018.

• Canberra is Lonely Planet’s number three city in the world to visit in 2018. Photo: National Museum of Australia/VisitCanberra.

Top 10 cities in 2018 are: 1. Seville, Spain 2. Detroit, USA 3. Canberra 4. Hamburg, Gemany 5. Kaohsiung, Taiwan 6. Antwerp, Belgium 7. Matera, Italy 8. San Juan, Puerto Rico 9. Guanajuato, Mexico 10. Oslo, Norway Canberra can now also be found on Lonely Planet’s Guides app – a trustworthy, free-ofcharge travel companion that helps travellers find sights, cafes, shops and accommodation at the touch of a button. …And there’s more Australian destinations and attractions are also featured on five of the book’s other top lists for 2018, including:

Best New Places to Stay 3) Thousand Lakes Lodge, Tasmania Best Culture Trips for Families 9) Brisbane, Australia Destination Races 10) Australian Outback Marathon, Northern Territory Top-Five Travel Trend: Exploratory Cruises The Kimberley, Western Australia Top-Five Travel Trend: Cross-Generational Travel Great Ocean Road, Victoria So, if you’ve been to Canberra recently, thanks for helping to spread the word about everything there is to do in the nation’s capital. However, if it’s been a while between visits, then now is the time to start planning your trip. There is so much to do here … and you’ll leave with enduring memories!

Divers discover ruins of ancient 3,000-yearold fortress in a Turkish lake Travel lovers, here’s why visiting Finland should be on your bucket list When in Finland, indulge in a sauna, participate in a bizarre sport or two and plan a visit to the Lenin museum. Here’s why you won’t regret it.

If you’re planning your next big holiday, Finland should be right on top of your list of places to consider. Finland, a former Russian Grand Duchy, celebrated the 100th anniversary of its independence. So, on that note, here are some reasons to visit the nation on the Baltic Sea: Sauna ritual The sauna (which means “bath” in Finnish) is a ritual -- almost even a rite -which Finland’s 5.5 million inhabitants carry out at least once a week. A sociable event that once lent a sense of community, saunas are now generally enjoyed privately or with friends: there are an estimated two to three million saunas in the country.

During the Cold War, Finnish president Urho Kekkonen negotiated with Soviet diplomats in the sauna of his residence in his birthday suit -- a sauna is enjoyed in the nude in Finland. In 2005, Russian President Vladimir Putin also dropped his towel when he sweated it out with the husband of his Finnish counterpart Tarja Halonen.

Finland even hosts a sauna world championship, an annual endurance test that occasionally, as in 2010, ends in death for competitors taking the heat in temperatures hitting 110 degrees Celsius (230 Fahrenheit). To mark the centenary of its independence, Finland has launched “a touring Call 07 3865 6533

sauna” that is currently criss-crossing the United States.

Hobbyhorsing It’s not expensive and it’s good for your health: hobbyhorsing has become a social phenomenon in Finland, where some 10,000 girls practise the sport. The idea?

Straddle a wooden stick decorated with a pretend, but laboriously decorated, horse’s head and off you go as if you were riding a real horse.Hobbyhorsing has its own sporting federation and jumping competitions, which are taken very seriously.

Finland is also home to a slew of other wacky competitions: the air guitar world championship gathers dozens of contenders each year who go on stage and energetically pretend to play a non-existing guitar. In addition there are the world championships of mobile phone throwing and rubber boot tossing, as well as the wife-carrying contest and the swamp soccer world competition.

Lenin museum Finland is the only country outside Russia to have a museum dedicated to the father of the Bolshevik revolution, Vladimir Lenin. Housed since 1946 in the Workers House of Tampere, in southwestern Finland, the Lenin Museum has a library, archives and a collection of bronze busts and propaganda posters. Three Soviet leaders visited the museum: Khrushchev, Brezhnev and Gorbachev.

HT

The ruins are thought to be those of a fortress built by the Uratu civilization, which flourished in the Iron Age between the 9th and 6th centuries BC. It seems like a miracle, as a team of researchers has discovered a lost 3,000-yearold castle Turkey’s Lake Van. According to archaeologists from the Van Yüzüncü Yil University, the ruins are thought to be those of a fortress built by the Uratu civilization, which flourished in the Iron Age between the 9th and 6th centuries BC. Tahsin Ceylan, underwater videographer and head of the diving team, explained that other divers and archaeologists familiar with the lake advised the team they were unlikely to find much in the water, reports the Independent.

“There was a rumour that there might be something under the water, but most archaeologists and museum officials told us that we won’t find anything,” he added. But they eventually found that the remarkable ruins

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are part of an extensive site which stretches roughly a kilometre. Despite being underwater for centuries, the height of the visible sections of the fortress’s remaining walls range between 10 and 13 feet high, the team explained. Mr Ceylan told a Turkish newspaper that “many civilizations and people had settled around Lake Van. They named the lake the ‘upper sea’ and believed it had many mysterious things.

“With this belief in mind, we are working to reveal the lake’s secrets,” Mr Ceylan added that Lake Van had a history of around 600,000 years. Archaeologists will come here to examine the castle’s history and provide information on it, he noted. Urartu, also known as the Kingdom of Van, was an ancient nation that spanned parts of modern day Turkey, Armenia and Iran. Lake Van is thought to have been an important focus for the civilisation.

HT

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 31

Channel of God

By Kala Hariharan THE inspiring and illuminating story of Lord Rama in several recensions is known to the world and is a part of life in every Hindu home in India. It is a vast ocean, very deep and it is not possible for this humble devotee with limited knowledge to share this sacred story in an article like this. I have therefore touched upon some of the points and spots of this huge volume. This is merely my own viewpoint that I have presented in this article for you all.

My heart flows out to the modern man, whose scepticism about Ramayana is understandable due to the impact of science and distance of centuries between Lord Rama and us. It is of no wonder that Einstein, the greatest scientist of our times had recorded the life of Gandhiji in these words, “Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one in flesh and blood ever walked on the earth with us.”

Before wisdom is able to achieve its goal of self-realisation, it has to pass through tedious tests posed by Satanic forces. Hence it is necessary to look into the Ramayana as to what it teaches. Apart from the lessons which we can derive from the instances and the characters of the persons, there is much more in the Ramayana, well-known as “Rama Gita”the teachings given at different places to different people at different times. Enjoy the few drops I have collected over the years for you and my benefit.

Rama imparted to Lakshmana that “Knowledge which is declared by the Vedas for the eradication of ignorance. The aspirant should first perform in a disinterested manner without caring for the fruits of all those duties which are enjoined upon one’s caste and order to purify his/her mind. He should acquire the necessary qualifications or the 4 means of salvations viz. Viveka (discrimination between real and unreal), Vairagya (dispassion), Shad Sampat or the 7-fold virtues viz. Shama (control of the mind) Dama (control of the senses) Uparati (cessation of the

worldly work) Titiksha (power of endurance) Shraddha (Faith), Samadhana (one-pointedness of mind) and Mumukshutwa (burning desire for liberation).

All actions lead to rebirths. Man does good and bad actions (Dharma and Adharma) and reaps the fruits of his actions viz. pleasure and pain. Karma produces the body and from body arises work. In this way, the course of worldly life (Samsara) revolves like a wheel without an end.

The root cause of it is ignorance (avidya or ajnana). Removal of ignorance is the only means for destroying this course of worldly life. Knowledge alone is capable of annihilating this ignorance. Action (Karma) cannot destroy it, because it is born of ignorance and is not its contrary or opposite.

Let the wise man, therefore abandon all work. There can be no combination of Knowledge and Work because Knowledge is opposed to work. As long as there is the notion of “I”, in the body and the like, due to the influence of Maya, so long as one is bound by the injunction of the Vedas for work. Let the wise man sublimate or eliminate the whole of it through the doctrine of “neti, neti” (nor this, nor this) and abandon all works, knowing the Highest Brahman or the Eternal.

When ignorance is destroyed by knowledge, it cannot produce action which lead to further births. When ignorance has been obliterated by knowledge which is pure and non-dual, how shall it again rise?

It is only the intellect of one who superimposes the Self (Atman) upon the non-Self (Anatma) that entertains the idea of sin in the non-performance of action. The intellect of the sage has no such idea. Therefore, the wise should renounce action which is enjoined as obligatory. It is meant only for those, whose minds are attached to the fruit of action.

When the limiting adjuncts, viz. the pot and walls of the room are broken, the ether in the pot and in the room, becomes identical with the universal ether. When the body-pot is broken by the dawn of Knowledge, the indi-

vidual becomes one with the Supreme Self.

The crystal appears to be red when it is placed near a red flower. Even so this Atman appears to be the form of the 5 sheaths because of its proximity to them. When one meditates on the saying of the Upanishads, “Asanyogam Purusha” – the Purusha is unattached – then he realises that the Atman is unattached, unborn and without a second.

This Atman is neither an actor nor a thinker.

All these are due to the action of the mind and the Prana. Verily HE is unattached.

‘Dhyativa Lolayativa’ – HE appears as if meditating, as if moving.

The conditions of the intellect (Buddhi) are 3 fold viz. waking, dream and deep sleep.

They are due to its associations with the Gunas of Sattva (goodness), Rajas (activity) and Tamas (inertia). They’re not the conditions of the Supreme Self, because one of them is absent when the other is present.

Therefore, they’re all unreal. They cannot certainly be of the nature of the Supreme Self which is unity and bliss itself.

The Atman never dies nor is born. It is not subject to increase or decrease. It is never new, never old. It is beyond all additions to its greatness. It is of the nature of bliss, selfluminous, all pervading and one without a second. It is illimitable and un decaying.

To the Yogi who has practised Samadhi, who has completely withdrawn all his senses from their objects, who has conquered all enemies such as desire, anger, greed, delusion, fear and inertia, who has vanquished the lower self, who has subdued by his Bhakti, the Lord of 6 attributes says to such a Yogi, “I reveal Myself”.

Thus, contemplating on his own Self day and night, let the sage abide free from all bonds till his Prarabdha Karma which gave him the present body is exhausted. He is absorbed in ME on the dissolution of his body.

Even though the sage lives in the world for the exhaustion of his Karma, he fully realises that the world is false like the appearance of snake in the rope, of silver in the mother-ofpearl, of water in the mirage or the appear-

ance of two moons in the sky or the turning of the quarters through the defects of sight.

So long as one does not behold all as My Own Self, let him practise devotion, Let him be ever devoted to My worship. I do abide forever in the heart of him who has intense faith and devotion to Me. My dear Lakshmana! This essence of all the Vedas, this great mystery has been declared

by Me unto Thee. The sage who contemplates upon it, is freed from his load of impurities that very moment.

My beloved brother, all this visible world is nothing but Maya. Withdraw the mind from it. Purify it through meditation on ME alone.

Do thou be happy, free from all sorrow and full of bliss. He who meditates on ME with a pure mind, thinking of ME as above all attributes or thinks of ME as possessed of the attributes of Omniscience, becomes my own Self. HE purifies all the 3 worlds by the dust of my feet, just as the sun purifies the world by his light.

This wisdom which is the essence of all the Vedas, has been thus sung by ME whose glory all the Vedantins proclaim. HE who reads it with devotion and faith in his preceptor and practises it attains the final emancipation. He attains to my own form if he has faith in my teachings.”

The above Immortal teachings of Lord Rama, itself show that he was an incarnation of the Supreme Being and not an ordinary man or a king alone. This holy Epic, the Gospel Divine is narrated by so many sacred souls. This is a story of a struggle between right and wrong, good and evil, Sura and Asura hidden within us. The epic struggle consists of controlling the senses and rising above tendencies like desires, indulgences and evil like anger, jealousy, hatred etc. So that with the help of discrimination, knowledge may be converted into wisdom and human life may become worth living.

May the Blessings of Sri Rama be upon all.

Hari Om Tat Sat! OM SHANTHI, SHANTHI, SHANTHIHI!

Kavita Chandwani

Tune in To AIR every Tues & Sun (8pm AEST & 3pm IST) to listen to Bhule Bisre Geet with Kavita 32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

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Hindu Cultural Hub at Clayfield – Significance of the Karthigai (November) month Courtesy: Mrs. Sujatha Vasudevan IN the Tamil calendar, the month of Karthigai starts from 17h Nov and ends on Friday 15th of December this year.

Karthigai Deepam is a major festival that is celebrated in this month mostly by the people from South Indian states. Tamilians living in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore and in fact all over the world celebrate it with enthusiasm. This year it falls on Saturday 2nd December which is a full moon day. Women light the Deepam (diya) and display them at the entrance of the house on top of decorated rangoli also called Kolam. Traditionally, Oil and cotton wicks are used in the earthen lamps on this day. Lighting the lamps every day in front of the deities is a tradition in all Hindu homes. Just as how the oil is used up when the wick burns emitting a bright light, the ego, jealousy, ignorance and the negative feelings in our minds need to be replaced by the positivity and joy. In fact a couple of lamps are lit in the evening and kept near the doorstep starting from the first day of the Karthigai month. The winter season starts in November and hence the days are short and it gets dark very soon. So the lamps were lit for safety. The offerings made for this festival are made with jiggery which is supposed to keep the body warm in the winter season.

The mythological story for celebrating Deepam festival explains how Brahma and Lord Vishnu were arguing about their greatness and went to Lord Shiva to ask him and give a verdict. Lord Shiva turned into a huge pillar of flame whose beginning and end was not visible to both Brahma and Lord Vishnu.

The legend shows the infinite nature of God and that our ego will not let us experience the

and Parvathi Devi united all six children into one child with six faces and that’s how Arumugan (meaning having six faces in Tamil) was formed. He is popularly called Karthikeya in other parts of India. He fought against the demon and was victorious and hence Karthigai Deepam is celebrated on the occasion of the divine birth of Lord Murugan.

Stay Connected: The Hindu Cultural Hub at Clayfield is a centre 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.

Our next cultural congregation falls on 29th of December 2017.

As a standard practice, we have the following program at the Bar-Jai Hall: • Thiruvampavai 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. divinity.

In the city of Thiruvannamalai near Chennai this day is celebrated as Karthigai Deepam festival. Karthigai Deepam festival starts at around four o clock in the morning and the Bharani Deepam is lit inside the temple. In the evening the Mahadeepam is lit on the top of the hill at around six o clock. Lord Arunachaleswarar is said to be visually rep-

resented in the form of Agni (light) on the hill top.

Deepam festival is important for the followers of Lord Muruga - the second son of Lord Shiva. In order to save the good deities (Devas) from demons Lord Shiva created a fire ball from his third eye. This fell into a pond called saravana poigai and broke into six children. They were raised by six girls

We are currently interested in building our networks and relations with different communities around local and Brisbane area. If you are interested to get involved, please contact us on 0469 016 416 or 0427 999 129 or alternatively contact: sathiya.ramakrishnan@gmail.com. More details can be found at our web site: http://www.hinduculturalhub.org/

Mock up Christmas - 2017

By Dr. DANIEL M. KOLAPUDI AUSTRALIANS are renowned for their down-to-earth “FAIR DINKUM” nature. That means they either believe what is true or just they reject it outright. They are very friendly, safe to deal with and are easy going and trustworthy.

There are sceptics who don’t want to accept this generalised statement but the world at large testifies that we ARE FAIR DINKUM. However, when it comes to CHRISTMAS many seem to do the opposite. If they celebrate the Birthday of their son or daughter, FAIR DINKUM - they do it “PROPERLY” with their son or daughter as the central focus. They won’t put an effigy or throw a “Mock up Party” with or without the main “CHARACTER” being the highlight of the event.

BUT when it comes to CHRISTMAS, many people “DON’T CARE” about the CENTRAL FIGURE of the FESTIVAL. To assert our FAIR DINKUM NATURE for which we are renowned the “WORLD OVER”, we fall short of our fairness in this aspect.

Majority tend to have forgotten what the CHRISTMAS really means even though a small percentage try to depict it with its real meaning for centuries. Anything other than the MAIN PERSON [THE BIRTHDAY BOY] is highlighted. The festivity becomes a high priority than the ‘WHY’ of the FESTIVITY. It is like the job becoming more important than the one who does the job [if you like!]

More insulting to the CENTRAL FIGURE or the KEY PERSON whose very name appears at the beginning of CHRISTmas, is that another person has been highlighted in place of CHRIST. Too Call 07 3865 6533

much drinking, too much partying, too much eating, too much MERRIMENT have robbed the REAL JOY and MEANING OF CHRISTMAS and each generation is FAILING to convey the TRUE meaning of CHRISTMAS to their next generation as much as they pass on the eating habits and sporting lifestyle of the nation.

What are we hiding from the next generation about CHRISTMAS? IF we are truly FAIR DINKUM [meaning devoid of hypocrisy], why don’t we reflect our fair nature by telling the TRUTH to our next generation that CHRISTMAS is all about JESUS CHRIST the SON OF GOD who came to this earth to die for humanity and to redeem them from sin and destruction?

In any situation TRUTH HURTS and that is why people tend to take an easy escape route. They shy away from the facts. IF CHRIST is not portrayed as HE is and if CHRISTMAS is not about CHRIST - that is simply NOT

CHRISTMAS at all. It is just another mock up CHRISTMAS and is a mockery when the BIRTHDAY BOY is NOT the centre of attraction and instead one of HIS many followers / servants has been adored and made a highlight than the SON OF GOD HIMSELF. We cannot celebrate a CHRISTMAS which we don’t really mean with total FAIRNESS. Imagine this – when we get a job, we dress up properly and go to the job. We don’t send a REPLACEMENT to go and do our job. When a sportsperson is selected to play for AUSTRALIA, we don’t send some odd person to represent him or her. When we pay a ticket to watch CRICKET, we will be furious if some other game is being played with totally different players other than the ORIGINAL players. WORSE still, if someone invites us for a BIRTHDAY party, and we get ready with such enthusiasm and take a present and go there on time, and to our bewilderment there is a lot of PARTYING www.indiantimes.com.au

there but the BIRTHDAY BOY IS MISSING and worse still HE WAS JUST NOT WELCOME OR NOT INVITED TO THE BIRTHDAY Party held in his PERSONAL NAME. IF we are so FAIR DINKUM about jobs, sports and parties, WHY DON’T WE celebrate CHRISTMAS with its TRUE MEANING and CELEBRATE JESUS CHRIST and give Him the PLACE and TRUE HONOUR HE rightfully deserves? IF I go to a BIRTHDAY PARTY and have all the drinks I want, and have all the food I want and have all the fun I want and come home without “GREETING THE BIRTHDAY BOY AND HAPPILY SHAKING HANDS WITH HIM”, I am sure the world will treat me a real rude and ignorant person. I think it is UNFAIR to have all the goodies in some one’s Name and never even think of or be thankful to the one who is the CENTRE OF THE EVENT. IF SAINT NICHOLAS who happened to be the saint who adored and worshipped Jesus Christ comes back to the earth and witnesses the abuse of his true self, he would surely mourn and ask the people in the world to STOP adoring him and turn to JESUS CHRIST whom he himself adored.

Let us not take the “peeling” of the event and throw away the juicy fruit inside. Let us be truly “FAIR DINKUM” and see what we are missing out and what we are failing to enjoy and pass on to our next generations. Let us stop mockery of CHRISTMAS and let us truly celebrate for WHAT IT IS and WHY IT IS by truly honouring the ONE WHOSE NAME APPEARS CRYSTAL CLEAR in the beginning of CHRISTMAS. WITHOUT CHRIST in CHRIST-

MAS – all we have left is just a simple ‘mas’ which evaporates in 24 hours. Those who know the true meaning and celebrate TRUE CHRISTMAS know that there is more to it than just the empty festivities.

CHRISTMAS is all about TRUE JOY, TRUE PEACE and GOOD WILL towards humanity which is brought in by JESUS CHRIST alone who is the SON OF GOD. THERE IS POWER hidden in CHRISTMAS which so many people are failing to tap in to.

There is GREAT HOPE AND ETERNAL LIFE hidden in CHRISTMAS. Sadly many people are ignoring these facts and missing a great deal. Those who don’t know keep on observing the festivity without caring for its meaning.

I would say let us be FAIR DINKUM and celebrate TRUE CHRISTMAS and stop doing a MOCK UP CHRISTMAS – year in and year out.

The author wishes ALL AUSTRALIANS a VERY HAPPY and BLESSED CHRISTMAS. May you all enjoy a safe CHRISTMAS filled with REAL JOY, PEACE and GOODWILL that is brought

by THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! The author also expresses that it was not his intention to hurt anyone’s feelings but to honestly portray the real meaning of CHRISTMAS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS and give you a WONDERFUL NEW YEAR. © Copyright - All rights worldwide are reserved by the author.

An abridged form of this article has appeared in the “COURIER MAIL” a few years ago.

BIT Published with authorisation of Author.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 33

JESUS is the Lord and reason for the season Key Scripture: For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.

The government will be upon His shoulders And he will be called; wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

- Isaiah 9:6 DEAR Reader, we are exited to bring you the greatest good news on this planet. Our theme simple and clear. It is to make God simple and personal. And to make God very real person so you can know and relate to Him. God is not an object or an image or imagination of human mind. God is a living and loving person. We find this amazing revelation in the pages of Holy Bible. Keep reading with an open heart and humble spirit. You will encounter your Creator today. You don’t need a thousand years for your Salvation (Mukti).

You can receive your greatest miracle ‘Mukti’ today. This the confidence you can have in Christ alone.

As you read this message, you will be surely surrounded by the wonderful season of Christmas. Recently as my Br. Martin Kolapudi pointed out, the first six letters of the festive season are the key to experience the joy and peace in life. CHRIST is the central and the circumference of the season to add meaning to your life. Without CHRIST the whole season is an empty and self indulging event.

Think about the precise and prophetic words that were spoken by Isaiah around 700 BC. The prophet wrote a “Little King” or Indians may say a “Little Raja” will be born in Bethlehem. This is not an ordinary king, but a Supreme One. There are four significant titles attached to this King. They truly describe His divine character and nature of this King and Lord.

“Wonderful Counsellor” means, Christ is exceptional, distinguished and the one who is able to give perfect advise in every situation.

“Mighty God” means, no forces on earth or heaven can match to Christ’s strength and grace.

“Everlasting Father” means, Christ is time-

It’s Christmas again....

Pastor Joseph Dass less, God of the beginning and God of eternity.

“Prince of Peace” means, Christ is the perfect ruler with justice and peace.

To know Jesus as The Lord mean to know author of your life. And to walk in His ways mean journey through this life by faith in His Word and in His finished work on the Cross.

He is the most loving Lord you will ever know on this planet.

Therefore, we invite you to pray this with a sincere heart; Dear Father God, today I thank you for your word that has touched my heart. I confess with my mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead for my Mukti (Salvation). Now help me to know you more and more so that I can grow in the knowledge of your grace and mercy.

Teach me your ways so that I can be person who will learn to honour you and learn to honour each other - Amen.

Please email to us your encounter experience, so we can help you to grow in the understanding your Creator and Redeemer. navig8grace@gmail.com

Arya pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc.

Vedic view of life....

Jitendra Deo President APSQ

Our great law giver Maharishi Manu Ji has beautifully described Dharm as “Dhrati Kshama Damah Asteyam Shouchamindriyanigrhah Dhi vidya satyamakrodho dashakam dharma lakshanam” (Manusmriti 6.92) Which means that these ten signs symptoms/attributes/ characteristics indicative of Dharma are as follows: 1. Dhrati-Fortitude is reflected in the form of courage and strength when facing pains or troubles in life. It means the patience which is exhibited by a person even in case of difficulties of life.

2. Kshama-means ability to forgive and forget. Forgiveness is not an attribute of a weak but only a spiritually strong, composed and broadminded person can forgive even his enemies for their misdeeds. People who are slaves of their own emotions and mood swings can never exhibit such an attribute and are unable to forgive even the small mistakes done by their best of the friends.

3. Damah-Control over mind and desires. All the decisions in life of a person should not be governed by his uncontrolled desires but should be taken by stable mind unaffected from worldly sensational cravings and emo-

tions of attachment and fear.

4. Asteyam-Non stealing exhibited by the attributes like honesty and integrity. The person should believe in taking the ownership of only those things, which are earned by hard work and labour.

5. Shouch-Purity: indicates internal and as well as external purity. The person should not only take care of his body and surroundings for cleanliness but also should try to make his mind pure without any negative emotions, desires and attachments.

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

DEAR reader, it is our joy to bring to you the word of God. When Jesus was to be born, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus. That Mary was going to be the mother of Jesus. But Mary was surprised and shocked. She was not even married, just engaged. And the angel answered and said to her “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you, therefore also that the holy one who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” In the natural she was looking forward to having a family after marriage and had plans about her future. But now it was all going to change.

Then we read that Mary said. “let it be to me according to your word.” That means Mary had her own dreams and plans about her future. Yet she was willing to believe what God had in store for her.

Just like Mary perhaps you too had dreams and plans for your future but now it seems they are too far gone. In the natural it looks like nothing is going to change. In the scriptures we read that God has a wonderful plan for a future and a hope for each one of us. He chose you, He formed you and set you apart.

He made you with a great purpose for your life. So no matter how you were raised God has set you apart for greatness even before you were born. This Christmas the Word of God reminds us not to be too hard on yourself. There are others willing to do that for you. That means your past failures and disappointments should not define your future.

Christmas comes with a message of great hope and a wonderful future and just like 6. Indriya Nigrah-Control of sensory organs: Every human being percieves this world by five senses (indriya) given by GOD, which are Ears, Skin, Eyes, Tongue and Nose. Man perceives Shabd, Sparsh, Roop, Rasa, Gandh (Sound, Touch, Form, Taste and Smell) by the help of these sensory organs respectively. Control of all these senses and not allowing negative stimuli to make an impression in the grooves of the mind is called Indriya Nigrah (Sense Control). This art is also called Mind Control. Scriptures prescribes various methods/yoga to achieve this.

Meditation is one among those methods.

7. Dhi-Wisdom: indicates the power to discriminate between right and wrong. This helps a person while adhering to his Dharma and he can analyse and identify the right path to proceed irrespective of the difficulties in his way and tempetations to take an easier but wrong path.

8. Vidya-Knowledge: refers to the education as well as the practical knowlege about laws of life. The knowledge should always be crowned with humility. A person who is down to earth with humility is a real knowledgeable person.

9. Satyam-Truthfulness: The essence of life is seeking the truth and following the path of truthfulness. It not only helps a person in living a peaceful life but also acts as a strong spiritual armor providing strength to the person in most difficult situations of life.

10. Akrodh-Absence of anger: Which means

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Mary you have to make a declaration, “let it be to me according to your word.”

Again, the angel said to Mary. “You will conceive a Son and shall call His name Jesus.

He will be called the Son of the Highest and to His kingdom there will be no end.” Then an angel appeared to others and declared, “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you a saviour, who is Christ the Lord.”

Now you have to do your part in taking the limits off from God and to believe what He says.

Here are 3 things we can learn from Mary.

1) Its not who you think you are that holds you back, but who you think you are not.

Too often we talk ourselves out of doing things or believing for things due to our own limited thinking. Just like Mary, God is saying is anything too difficult for Him to do.

2) Do not be squeezed by your troubles. Be steered by your dreams. Mary had a choice of making excuses why she could not have a baby. Yet she chose to be led by the word she received from God. 3) Best may not happen every time. But whatever happens is best for this time.

Mary said. “Let it be to me according to your word.” Not all things will happen according to your plans, but by trusting God you can still be happy and feel blessed knowing that things don’t happen to you but for you and your Loving Heavenly Father will work out the best for you. Not all things will happen in your time but in Gods time. For the scripture says. “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day.”

My prayer is that you have a safe, happy and blessed Christmas with your family and friends. Reminding yourself that the true meaning of Christmas is about the coming of the Messiah the Saviour of the world our Lord Jesus Christ.

God bless you - Ps Joseph Dass josephdass@optusnet.com.au the person is not angered under all circumstances and remain composed despite all the provocations. It is observed generally if we take a vow any day to not to be angry with anybody on any subject that day, Time test us hard on that very day and all the circumstances are built in such a way to provoke us to become angry. We should keep patient in such a scenario and prepare ourselves strongly for the victory of our will power over our emotions at the end of the day.

All the above 10 symptoms/attributes/ characteristics are the primary factors responsible to keep everything in harmony (dharma).

The person with the above attributes is a perfect person prepared completely for his journey to the Self Realization (Salvation).

This definition of dharma which is as relevant today as it was in the past. Everything pertaining to dharma should stand the test of Veda and logic says Maharishi Manu (Manusmriti 12/106). Acharya Brihaspati says “When there is a contradiction among the Smrities, treat Manu Smriti as authentic.

But it should be taken like this only, when the Manu Smriti is in consonance with the VEDAS and not where it contradicts the Vedas-the divine knowledge of GOD.” Please contact Jitendra Deo 3273 3029 or Hari Chand 33454716 for information on activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland or log on: www.aryasamajqueensland.com Call 07 3865 6533

The Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him: A mercy for all creations Prepared by Imam Aslam ALL praise is due to Allah Ta’ala and peace, blessings and salutation upon the beloved and best of creation Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam. The final messenger Prophet Muhammad salalahu alayhi wasalam was born in Rabiul Awal…

Allah’s Messenger was the kindest of men in the same way as he excelled all others in courage and valour. Being extremely kindhearted, his eyes brimmed with tears at the slightest sign of inhumanity.

“Indeed, in this [Quran] is notification for a worshiping people. And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Quran: 21:106-107) Allah’s messenger was the kindest of men in the same way as he excelled all others in courage and valour. Being extremely kind hearted, his eyes brimmed with tears at the slightest sign of inhumanity. A Companion, Shaddaad bin ‘Aws report the Apostle as saying ‘Allah has commanded you to show kindness to everyone, so, if you slaughter an animal, slaughter it gently’. If anyone of you has to slay animal, he should sharpen the blade first and treat the animal well. ‘Ibn Abbas relates that a man threw a goat on its side and then started sharpening his knife.

When the Prophet Salalahu Alahi wa salam said him he said, “Do you want to kill it twice? Why did you not sharpen the knife before throwing in on the ground?”

A mercy for the believers The Messenger’s compassion towards the believers was of the utmost degree. The Quran describes his compassion in the following verse, which means: “There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you [i.e., your guidance] and to the believers is kind and merciful.” (Quran: 9:128) Sa’d bin ‘Ubaadah once became ill, so

Allah’s Messenger visited him in his house.

On seeing his faithful Companion in a pitiful state, he was moved to tears. Then, he said: “Allah does not punish because of tears, nor because of grief, but he punishes because of this.”- and he pointed to his tongue. (AlBukhari) A mercy Towards His Enemies The prisoners of war taken captive at the battle of Badr were amongst his bitterest enemies. Nevertheless, he made sure that they were given the best of treatment. Among them was Suhayl bin ‘Amr who was a fiery speaker and was denouncing the Prophet.

‘Umar one the Prophet’s closest companions, suggested that two of his lower teeth be pulled out so that he might not be so vile in his speeches. The Prophet replied: “Were I to do this, Allah would disfigure me on the Day of Judgment, despite the fact that I am His messenger.” (Hadith) In Makkah, his people inflicted him with every kind of suffering, eventually forcing him to emigrate to Madinah, and then waged war on him for five years. However, when he conquered Makkah without bloodshed in the twenty-first year of his Prophethood, he asked the Makkan unbelievers who were awaiting his decision about them: “How do you expect me to treat you?” They responded unanimously: “You are a noble one, the son of a noble one.” He announced to them his decision: “You may go free! No reproach this day shall be on you; may God forgive you.”

A mercy for Women Prophet Muhammad was also very kind and affectionate towards women. Women were very badly treated in those times. The Noble Prophet gave them honour and dignity at par with men in the community. ‘Umar reported: “We did not have much regard for women while we were at Makkah, but they were better treated in Madinah. Allah’s Messenger established women’s rights through his sayings and commandments, which improved their

position and status.”

A mercy for Children Allah’s Messenger was particularly compassionate towards children. When he saw a child crying, he sat beside him or her and shared his or her feelings. He felt the pain of a mother for her child more than the mother herself. Once he said: “I stand in prayer and wish to prolong it. However, I hear the cry of a child and cut the prayer short for the anxiety which the mother is feeling.” (AlBukhari) He would take children in his arms and embrace them. He was once hugging his beloved grandsons, Hasan and Hussain, when Aqrah bin Haabis told him, ‘I have got ten children. So far, I have not kissed any of them.’ Allah’s Messenger responded: “The one with no pity for others is not pitied.” (AlBukhari and Muslim) According to another version, he said: “What can I do for you if Allah has removed from you the feeling of compassion?” (At-Tirmidhi) A mercy for Animals His compassion encompassed not only human beings, but also animals.

The Prophet forbade his companions to keep the unintelligent creatures hungry or thirsty, to disturb or to overburden them. He commended that kindness and putting them at ease were meritorious acts tending to bring man nearer to Allah. Abu Hurairah reports the Prophet as saying: “A traveler who was thirsty saw a well in the way. He got inside the well and when he came out he saw a dog licking mud due to thirst. The man realized that the dog was as thirsty as him, so he got into the well again, filled his leather sock with water and carried it out holding it with his teeth. Thus, he quenched the thirst of the dog. Allah was pleased with this act of kindness and pardoned his sins.” The Companions asked: “O Messenger of Allah is there recompense in the matter of beasts and wild animals also?” The Prophet replied: “There

is recompense in regard to every creature that has a living heart.”

‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar related that the Prophet said: “A woman was cast away to hell only because she had withheld food and water from her cat and refused to set it free so that the cat might satisfy its hunger by eating worms and insects.”

Once on return from a military campaign, a few Companions took away the chicks of a bird from their nest to stroke them. The mother bird came back and when it could not find its chicks in the nest, it began to fly around screeching. When informed of the matter, Allah’s Messenger became angry and ordered the chicks to be put back in the nest.

(Abu Dawood) Conclusion The love and compassion of Allah’s Messenger for all kinds of creatures was not of the kind claimed by today’s ‘humanists’. He was sincere and balanced in his love and compassion. He was more compassionate than any other person. He was a Prophet raised by Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of all beings, for the guidance and happiness of conscious beings - mankind and jinn - and the harmony of existence. Therefore, he lived not for himself but for others; he is a mercy for all the worlds.

Prophet Muhammad Salalahu Alayhi Wasalms was a mercy for the general environment and he instructed the companions not to kill the children, women and the elderly and to not destroy the crops or fruit bearing trees in the state of battle. He said that the one who is not kind or doesn’t show mercy to the minors or respect the elder is not from our true group. In another Hadith, he said a person who does not show mercy to others will not be treated mercifully. This is a beautiful world of Allah and we can maintain the peace of this world if we live in harmony and peace and show kindness to one another.

Murti Puja – Symbol Adoration....

HINDUISM offers a variety of options to relate to divinity.

Murti Puja is believed to be one of the most easily practicable methods of relating to deities and God. It is an important element of religious practice in Hinduism. During the Murti Puja, a Murti is ritually adored, as a symbol of deities or God. A Murti represents Sagun Brahma or “God with attributes”.

Nirgun Brahma or “God beyond attributes” is not symbolically represented. Murti Puja demonstrates the dominant belief in Sagun Brahma, signifying the importance of symbolism.

The Sanskrit term Murti is also referred to Vigraha or Pratima. It generally means any shape, statue or idol that portrays divine manifestations.

A solid Murti is made by carving stone, woodwork, metal casting or through pottery. Ancient texts stipulate specific dimensions for a Murti to be made for specific locations, homes or temples. The design of popular Murtis is based on their descriptions in religious texts such as the Puranas, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Poets, artists, devotees and storytellers have further contributed to refinement of Murti designs through descriptions of their physical attributes.

A Murti becomes an object for Puja or worship after PranPratistha, a ritual that sanctifies the Murti to make it suitable for worship. Pran-Pratistha means infusion of life into the Murti. Theoretically, the ritual makes the Murti a real living divine personality that it is originally designed to exhibit.

Worship denotes the expression of gratitude and reverence to God that involves rituals specified by scriptures and religious scholars. Photos, portraits and paintings depicting deities and divine personalities are also used as a Murti for worship.

A Murti helps the devotees to concentrate their mind during worship. It also assists them to realise the divine greatness through appreciation of the Murti’s form, ornamentation and opulence. Each Murti reminds devotees of stories associated with that figure. A Murti in public temples or private homes creates a lively spiritual atmosphere. Normally, Murtis are designed to be a pleasing sight.

Historically, a blind faith in Murti Puja had created many drawbacks in the society. Social reformers have taken notice of it and helped to moderate the practice without diminishing the importance of symbolism expressed through Murti Puja.

It is commonly observed that a belief in symbolism and expression of gratitude are universal human traits. They apply to almost every sphere of human activity. For example, each nation on earth is represented by its unique flag, which is Call 07 3865 6533

generally respected by its populace. Similarly, all the major religions use symbols of their choice and express appreciation to God for Its kindness and succour.

Well-known religious symbols are Om, the Star of David, the Crucifixion Cross and the Lunar Crescent and Star. In addition, people symbolically believe in the sacredness of religious books, directions of holy places, natural objects such as rivers and mountains, places of worship, buildings or structures with or without statues or icons in them and even graves of revered religious personalities. All these symbols are adored by followers of corresponding religions.

Despite universal use of symbolism, ignorance about the idea behind Murti Puja, religious fanaticism and occasionally illogical interpretation of Murtis have contributed to misunderstanding about the practice of Murti Puja. It has been criticised internally by many Hindus as well as by missionaries of other faiths, although for different reasons.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati, a renowned Hindu social reformer, criticised Murti Puja as being a futile practice withholding advancement of Hindu society. Missionaries’ interest in criticising Murti Puja was and remains to attract potential converts.

Arya Samaj, a society founded by Swami Dayanand, remains critical of Murti Puja although it is not uncommon to www.indiantimes.com.au

see photos of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and the symbol of Om being revered by its members. Similar practices of using symbolism for worship and prayer can be observed in the practice of other religions, which are critical of Murti Puja.

An episode describing an encounter of Swami Vivekanand with a king who was critical of Murti Puja is very pertinent.

During the conversation, the king expressed views against Murti Puja, describing it a superstitious practice.

Vivekanand noticed a photograph on the wall and learned from the king that it is his father’s portrait. Vivekanand requested to bring down the portrait, which was done. Then he asked the king to spit on the portrait. The king asked him how he could perform such a reprehensible act towards his father.

Then Vivekanand explained to the king that the Murti is a symbolic representation of God, similar to the portrait that depicts his father. Prayers and worship offered to the Murti are directed to God. The belief in Murtis of deities, God and divine personalities remains a potent source of inspiration for devotees. It helps realise their personal potential and achieve spiritual merit.

More information on Hinduism will follow in the next edition of BIT. Awadhesh Sharma THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 35

Health Beauty Wellbeing Home remedies for back acne Nimisha Modi Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412 350 013

HEY girls, this month, we’ll continue where we left off last month for back acne remedies. Let’s give you the confidence you need to get yourself ready for the beach in this beautiful sunny weather.

12. Apple Cider Vinegar Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a tablespoon of water. Dab a cotton ball in the solution and apply it on the acne. Leave it on for a few hours and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

13. Tea Bags This is an excellent remedy for getting rid of back acne scars. Cut a tea bag containing green tea and pour into a bowl. Add a teaspoon each of cinnamon, sea salt and sugar.

Pour some coconut oil to make a paste.

Spread the paste on the back and gently massage for a couple of minutes. Wash it off with warm water.

14. Sea Salt Sea salt controls the build-up of bacteria on the skin. Fill a bathtub halfway with warm water. Add 3 cups of sea salt to it. Now, soak your body in the water for half an hour.

Depending on how bad is your acne, you can do this once or twice in a day.

Alternatively, you can also use Epsom salt as a substitute.

15. Clove Oil Clove oil is very good for preventing acne.

It’s analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anaesthetics properties kill the bacteria and smoothens the skin. Mix 1 teaspoon of clove oil and 10 teaspoons of any carrier oil (such as sunflower oil). Now dip a cotton ball in the oil or use your finger tips to apply the oil on the back.

16. Toothpaste It is one of the easiest ways to get rid of ugly acne overnight. Toothpaste helps dry out the pimples and also reduces swelling. Apply it on the acne prone area, before you hit the hay and clear it the next morning.

17. Olive Oil It is a natural moisturizer that eventually lessens the appearance of scars. Just take adequate amount of olive oil and apply it on your acne with a back scratcher. Leave it on for 5 minutes and then using a dry washcloth, wipe it off.

Herbal Remedies for Acne Rosewater and Sandalwood Rose water nourishes the skin, while the cicatrizing and antimicrobial properties of sandalwood powder smoothens the skin and lightens the scars. Get some sandalwood powder and mix it with a teaspoon of rosewater to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the back and leave it overnight.

Rinse it in the next morning.

Note: You can mix sandalwood powder with milk, oatmeal, turmeric, glycerine, lime juice, fuller’s earth, black gram flour, buttermilk, tomatoes, tea tree oil, cucumber juice and any other ingredient that helps to reduce acne.

Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil cleanses the pores and destroys all the bacteria, since it is antiseptic in nature. A single drop of tree tea oil is sufficient for healing the skin issues. Follow this remedy three times a day.

Note: Using undiluted tea tree oil can make the skin dry. Therefore, use a solution that contains only 5% tea tree oil.

Boys who have not reached puberty should not apply a solution of tea tree oil and lavender oil, as it can have a hormonal effect on their body.

Never take tea tree oil orally, as it can cause rashes, unsteadiness, etc., and may inhibit a person from walking.

Aloe Vera The soothing properties of aloe Vera cure acne in a couple of days. It also removes the scars. Either extract the gel from an aloe

Female power! Study proves that women are naturally more fit than men Vera leaf or buy readymade gel from a departmental store. Apply the gel on the back and leave it on for a few minutes. Wash it off with water. Do this two times in a day for better results.

Note: People with sensitive skin should wash the affected area with a solution of lemon and water, prior applying the aloe Vera gel Indian Lilac Indian Lilac is loaded with antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that kill the acne causing bacteria. Take some handful of Indian lilac leaves. Crush them to make a paste.

Add some water and half a tsp of turmeric powder to it. Now, spread this herbal pack on your entire back. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Afterwards, wash it off with warm water.

Moreover, you can also use neem oil, which is readily available.

Witch Hazel Pour some witch hazel in a bowl. Dab a cotton ball in the solution and apply on the back. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse it off.

Fenugreek Seeds / Leaves The inflammatory properties of fenugreek reduce inflammation of the skin. Soak some fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning, boil this water along with fenugreek. Strain the seeds and keep the water aside. Now dip a cotton ball in the water and dab it on the acne. Leave it for the entire day.

Alternatively, make a paste using some fenugreek leaves and spread it on the back.

Wash after half an hour.

Mint Leaves Menthol is a natural analgesic and is packed with anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to even out the skin and reduces the itching as well. Crush a handful of mint leaves and add water to make a paste. Apply the paste on acne and wait for 15 minutes. Wash it with water and repeat again after a few hours. Do this thrice a day.

Things you need to do to keep yourself energised this summer: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated; Eat lots of fruits and vegetables; If you sweat a lot, make sure you take a bath at least twice a day; Wear lose fitting clothes; Always apply sunscreen lotion before you step out of the house; Clean the skin on your back on a regular basis.

Do not do: Eat oily or fried foods; Pop the acne, as it will leave a scar; Avoid excessive sun exposure.

Stay sun safe this summer and we’ll see you next month. Nimisha: 0412350013, find more articles and details at heatvihairandbeauty.com/ Regards, Nimisha www.hetvihairandbeauty.com

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

ACCORDING to the University of Waterloo researchers, women can process oxygen more quickly than men when they start to exercise.

Contradicting the assumption that men are more athletic than women, a study has recently found that females are more fit naturally as they can process oxygen more quickly than males, when they start to exercise.

According to the University of Waterloo researchers, women can process oxygen more quickly than men when they start to exercise.

Quick oxygen uptake places less strain on the body’s cells and is considered an important measure of aerobic fitness.

Lead author Thomas Beltrame said the findings are contrary to the popular assumption that men’s bodies are more naturally athletic.

The team compared oxygen uptake and mus-

cle oxygen extraction between 18 young men and women of similar age and weight during treadmill exercise.

The results suggested that the women consistently outperformed men with around 30 % faster oxygen handling throughout the body. Another researcher Richard Hughson stated that women’s muscles extract oxygen from the blood faster, which, scientifically speaking, indicates a superior aerobic system.

By processing oxygen faster, women are less likely to accumulate molecules linked with muscle fatigue, effort perception and poor athletic performance. “While we don’t know why women have faster oxygen uptake, this study shakes up conventional wisdom,” said Beltrame. The study is published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. HT

Suffering from bowel disease? Start exercising along with changes in your diet A RECENT research provides clues to how exercise could benefit people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

If you thought only diet can change the composition of microbes in the gut, think again!

Researchers have found evidence that exercise can change the intestinal microbiota independent of diet. The research provides clues to how exercise could benefit people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

In the first study, scientists transplanted fecal material from exercised and sedentary mice into the colons of sedentary germ-free mice, which had been raised in a sterile facility and had no microbiota of their own. In the second study, the team tracked changes in the composition of gut microbiota in human participants as they transitioned from a sedentary lifestyle to a more active one -- and back again.

“These are the first studies to show that exercise can have an effect on your gut independent of diet or other factors,” said one of the lead researchers Jeffrey Woods, Professor at the University of Illinois in the US. In the mouse study, changes in the microbiota of recipient mice mirrored those in the donor mice, with clear differences between those receiving microbes from exercised and sedentary mice.

“That proved to us that the transplant worked,” Woods said. Recipients of the exercised mouse microbiota also had a higher proportion of microbes that produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that promotes healthy intestinal cells, reduces inflammation and generates energy for the host.

They also appeared to be more resistant to experimental ulcerative colitis, an inflamma-

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tory bowel disease. In the human study, the participants performed supervised cardiovascular exercise for 30-60 minutes three times a week for six weeks.

The researchers sampled their gut microbiomes before and after the end of the exercise programme and after another six weeks of sedentary behaviour. Participants maintained their usual diets throughout the course of the study.

Fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, in particular butyrate, went up in the human gut as a result of exercise, the study said. These levels declined again after the participants reverted to a sedentary lifestyle.

Genetic tests of the microbiota confirmed that this corresponded to changes in the proportion of microbes that produce butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids.

HT Call 07 3865 6533

Health Beauty Wellbeing

Fertility Health Check cityfertility.com.au

Get off to a Good Start IF you’d like to make sure you have the best chance of fulfilling your dream of becoming a parent, make an appointment to speak with a City Fertility Centre specialist.

At your first consultation, your specialist will take a thorough medical history from you and your partner (if applicable) and perform any relevant examinations. The specialist will use this information to provide you with the best options to maximise your chance of conceiving a baby.

Your specialist will want to discuss things such as your menstrual cycle, how long you have been trying to conceive, lifestyle factors, and whether you have had any previous fertility treatment. Both partners are encouraged to attend this appointment.

Investigations If you have had investigations ordered by your GP, it is important to make it known to your specialist before the first consultation so that these can be accessed. Most of these do not need to be repeated. Some tests are ordered to ensure you are ready for pregnancy, while others assess the specific cause of your fertility problem. These tests may include: • Female Fertility Tests • Male Fertility Tests

ovaries; irregular or non-existent menstruation; history of endometriosis; when either you are or your partner is a current or past cancer patient; or when the male partner has had a vasectomy.

You and your partner will require a referral from your GP to see one of City Fertility Centre’s specialists.

Our friendly, caring staff share the same goal – to maximise your chance of conceiving a baby.

Where to Now?

I want more information: • Contact our Fertility Advice Team or • Book a 15 minute nurse chat I’m ready to take the next step: • Book an appointment with us • Get a referral to City Fertility Centre from your GP

When to seek advice At City Fertility Centre, we recommend you seek medical advice from your GP or a specialist if you have not conceived after 12 months of trying, or after six months of trying if you are over 35 years old.

There are also other instances where you might want to seek earlier fertility advice.

These include: early menopause; polycystic

Contact Us: Call 1300 354 354 • Email contactus@cityfertility.com.au • Visit cityfertility.com.au

City Fertility wishes all readers and families a Very Merry Christmas & A Safe & Happy New Year...we look forward to seeing you in 2018.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 37

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Whatever the world of legislation throws your way, our service will always have you in compliance and reduce your exposure to risk

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Real Estate News

Interest rates as low as 3.65%

By Gagan Tandon - 0425 158 280 Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisors

HOME loan is a big commitment and one you will most probably be living with for a few decades. That’s why some research around home loan products can be particularly helpful in making sure you get the right home loan for your circumstances when you are buying property. Every bank has their own policy and pricing when it comes to lending. From borrower’s perspective, everybody’s circumstances are different when it comes to picking the right kind of mortgage finance. Hence it is important to discuss your personal situation in depth with an expert.

Once you are a home owner doesn’t mean that you needn’t give your home loan any further thought beyond your monthly repayment. In fact, it can be beneficial to conduct regular reviews of your home finance.

Bank’s keep making changes to their interest rates and it is possible that you may be paying a higher interest than the average market.

In today’s market interest rates are as low as 3.65%. What is yours? And when did you check yours the last time?

Everybody has different needs at the time of buying property, you may also have similarly disparate circumstances five or ten years down the track. You may find that the loan structure that was perfect for you just a few

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years ago now doesn’t quite work as well in your current situation.

Home owners choose to change how their mortgage finance works for a variety of reasons. You may wish to restructure your loan to better take advantage of market conditions, which could have changed significantly since buying their house. It could be that you now have more debts and would like to consolidate these with your home loan so that you can get a more competitive interest rate and one simple monthly payment. Alternatively, if your income has increased, you might like to join other home owners in seeking a way to increase your mortgage repayments so that you can get mortgage free faster. Also if you have got equity in your existing property you may be unsure about how to use it to purchase an investment property.

Home loan review may be able to help you achieve one of these goals, which is why it is good to check in with your mortgage adviser for a home loan health check. If you don’t have a mortgage adviser, we provide this service to you at no cost. For a fee-free and no obligation discussion please feel free to ring us or drop me a line in an email.

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Gagan deep Tandon Mobile: 0425 158 280 gtandon@smartline.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 39

Real Estate News

Beat the heat this Summer Boondall $599,000 This much loved family home has been offered on the market for the first time in 36 years.The proud Owners would like a loving family to enjoy this spacious and accommodating family home.

Situated in a corner position, which features 4 bedrooms, 3 with built-in wardrobes and main bedroom with a large ensuite including spa bath and double basin. The huge family features a large spa bath, beautiful vanity and separate shower.

The internal stairs leads to a lounge with study nook. Open plan Tasmanian Oak kitchen with new dishwasher overlooking dining room.

Separate sunroom.

The downstairs features a tiled open plan family room with built-in bar. The great entertainment area has BBQ facilities with sink overlooking the sparkling in ground pool and gardens. The home also 2 other utility rooms, shower and toilet and large laundry. Double lockup garage one with remote control and double car port. All of this on 599m2 block!

To inspect this property, please contact Usha Chandra (Globenet Realty) 0419 775 416 or Tehlia on 0430 193 714.

Housing loan affordability improves, first home buyers flood market REIA HOUSING affordability has improved across the country in all states and territories, with a large increase in the number of loans to first home buyers, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA).

The September quarter edition of the Adelaide Bank/REIA Housing Affordability Report shows that the proportion of median family income required to meet average loan repayments decreased by 1.2 percentage points to 30.3 per cent.

REIA President Malcolm Gunning said first home buyers now make up 24.5 per cent of the total owner occupied housing market (excluding refinancing).

“This is the highest rate since September 2013 after dropping steadily over the past 5 years,” Mr Gunning said.

“The number of first home buyers increased by 22.8 per cent for the quarter and by 32.6 per cent over the twelve months with the largest increases being in New South Wales (57.7 per cent), Victoria (32.2 per cent), the Northern Territory (14.3 per cent) and the Australian Capital Territory (20.0 per cent).

“Overall the number of loans increased across the country by 4.2 per cent,” Mr Gunning said.

Looking at the rental market, affordability is variable across the states and territories.

“Over the quarter, the proportion of median family income required to meet rent payments increased by 0.3 percentage points to 24.6 per cent, with rental affordability improving in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, remaining steady in Victoria but declining in New South Wales, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory,” Mr Gunning said.

State by State New South Wales Over the September quarter, housing affordability in New South Wales improved with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreasing to 36.1 per cent, a fall of 1.9 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 1.0 percentage points compared with the corresponding quarter 2016. With the proportion of income re-

quired to meet loan repayments 5.8 percentage points higher than the nation’s average, New South Wales remained the least affordable state or territory in which to buy a home.

In New South Wales, the number of loans to first home buyers increased to 6,775, an increase of 57.7 per cent over the quarter and a rise of 70.9 per cent compared to the September quarter 2016. Of the total number of first home buyers that purchased during the September quarter, 23.4 per cent were from New South Wales while first home buyers make up 19.0 per cent of the State’s owner-occupier market. The average loan to first home buyers decreased to $361,333, a decrease of 1.2 per cent over the quarter and a decrease of 1.0 per cent compared to the same quarter last year.

Rental affordability, declined in New South Wales over the September quarter with the proportion of income required to meet median rent payments increasing to 29.8 per cent, an increase of 1.2 percentage points over the September quarter and an increase of 1.7 percentage points compared to the same quarter last year.

Victoria Over the September quarter, housing affordability improved in Victoria with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreasing to 32.2 per cent, a decrease of 1.2 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 0.2 percentage points compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

The number of loans to first home buyers in Victoria increased to 8,786, an increase of 32.2 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 33.0 per cent compared to the September quarter 2016. Of the total number of first home buyers that purchased during the September quarter, 30.4 per cent were from Victoria while first home buyers make up 26.2 per cent of the State’s owner-occupier market.

Rental affordability in Victoria has remained steady over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet median rent remaining at 23.1 per cent. Compared to the September quarter 2016, rental affordability has declined with the proportion of income required to median rent in-

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

creasing by 0.2 percentage points.

Queensland Housing affordability in Queensland improved over the September quarter with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments decreasing to 26.8 per cent, a decrease of 0.5 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 1.0 percentage points compared to the same quarter last year.

Over the September quarter, the number of loans to first home buyers in Queensland increased to 6,271, an increase of 4.5 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 18.5 per cent compared to the same quarter of 2016.

Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 21.7 per cent were from Queensland while the proportion of first home buyers of the State’s owner-occupier market was 26.1 per cent.

Rental affordability in Queensland improved over the quarter with the proportion of the median family income required to meet the median rent decreasing to 22.8 per cent, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 0.6 percentage points compared to the same quarter 2016.

South Australia Over the September quarter, housing affordability in South Australia improved with the proportion of income required to meet monthly loan repayments decreasing to 25.3 per cent, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease 1.1 percentage points compared to the September quarter 2016.

Over the September quarter, the number of loans to first home buyers in South Australia increased to 1,385, an increase of 2.0 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 12.6 per cent compared to the September quarter 2016. Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 4.8 per cent were from South Australia while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 19.2 per cent.

Rental affordability in South Australia also improved over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet rent payments decreasing to 21.7 per cent, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 0.7 percentage

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points compared to the September quarter 2016.

Western Australia Over the September quarter, housing affordability in Western Australia improved with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreasing to 22.4 per cent, a decrease of 1.2 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 1.4 percentage points compared to the September quarter 2016.

The number of first home buyers in Western Australia increased to 4,432 in the September quarter, an increase of 7.4 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 17.9 per cent compared to the same time last year. Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 15.3 per cent were from Western Australia while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 36.2 per cent.

Rental affordability in Western Australia also improved during the September quarter with the proportion of family income required to meet the median rent decreasing to 17.4 per cent, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 1.8 percentage points compared to the year before.

Tasmania Housing affordability in Tasmania improved over the September quarter with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments decreasing to 23.3 per cent, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from the September quarter 2016.

The number of first home buyers in Tasmania increased to 386, an increase of 1.6 per cent over the quarter but a decrease of 3.3 per cent compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 1.3 per cent were from Tasmania while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 17.5 per cent.

Rental affordability in Tasmania, however, declined over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet median rents increasing to 26.3 per cent, an increase of 0.5 percentage points over the quarter and an increase of 2.3 percentage from the same quarter 2016.

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Near enough may not be good enough as parliament’s dual citizenship crisis deepens

By Lorraine Finlay Lecturer in Law, Murdoch University theconversation.com

OVER the past five months, a growing of numbers MPs elected at the 2016 federal election have either been disqualified or resigned from parliament because of dual citizenship issues.

This extraordinary chain of events started back in July with the resignation of Greens senator Scott Ludlam. It looks set to continue into 2018, after the publication of citizenship registries revealed several more MPs have serious dual citizenship questions to answer.

Among those likely to be referred to the High Court are several senators and MPs whose citizenship declarations show they were technically still dual citizens when nominations closed before the 2016 federal election, but who claim they had personally taken all reasonable steps to renounce their dual citizenship before that date.

This group includes Labor’s Katy Gallagher (who has been referred to the High Court already), Justine Keay, Susan Lamb and Josh Wilson, and the Nick Xenophon Team’s Rebekha Sharkie.

All reasonable steps?

Several of these MPs have received legal advice suggesting they will not be disqualified under Section 44 of the Constitution because they had taken all reasonable steps to renounce their dual citizenship before nominating as an election candidate.

For example, all appear to have completed their renunciation paperwork and paid the required fee before nominating, but were waiting on the British Home Office to register the renunciation.

They did not receive formal confirmation of their renunciation until after the election.

Under British law, citizenship does not cease until the secretary of state actually registers the

declaration of renunciation.

In order for someone personally taking “all reasonable steps” to be eligible – in circumstances where that renunciation has not actually been accepted – the High Court would need to take a flexible view of Section 44’s wording.

The court has never been asked to directly consider this precise set of circumstances before, so nobody can be entirely sure what it would find. But given the strict reading of Section 44 adopted in recent cases, it would not be surprising if these five MPs were all found to be disqualified.

In the case of the “Citizenship Seven”, the court unanimously found that the dual citizenship provision is “cast in peremptory terms”. This means it sets out a definite obligation in clear and certain words.

While the court found there would be cases where someone who had taken “all reasonable steps” to renounce dual citizenship would not be disqualified, this was not a test of general application. Rather, it was a specific exception that applied where the law of a foreign country prevented someone from renouncing their foreign citizenship, or made it unreasonably difficult for them to do so.

This was based on the constitutional imperative that an Australian citizen should not: … be irremediably prevented by foreign law from participation in representative government.

None of the five MPs mentioned above were “irremediably prevented” from renouncing. Instead, they had failed to do so in enough time to have the renunciation registered before the required date. So, it is difficult to see the court accepting that the British renunciation procedures were so unreasonable that they amounted to someone being “irremediably prevented”.

Taking this approach, the only fact that will matter is that these MPs were all still actually dual citizens at the time of nomina-

Astrology Aries (21st March to 20th April) Venus, Sun and Saturn are posited in 9th House from your Sign, as the month begins. Mercury has turned retrograde recently. Interesting! Venus and Sun in the House of fortune is a good indication, but close company of two enemies Saturn and Sun may not be such a great influence. There are opportunities, but you may keep missing them. Backward moving Mercury will stall progress, telling you to slow down. What should you do? Well, take a break, if you can. And, take care of your health. Possibly, get in touch with a few old friends. Mars, your Sign ruler, moves to your 8th House that signifies mysteries, endings, hidden desires, subconscious thoughts, love for the unknown etc. Important dates: 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28

Taurus (21st April to 21st May) Ruler of your Sign Venus is in company of Saturn, Mercury and Sun in the 8th House (Sagittarius) from your Sign, as the month begins. Emotions may run high. Since this busy planetary activity happens in the 8th House, your well being and mental peace may be affected adversely. Guard your health fiercely. This is not a time to push things. A small holiday will be a good idea, says Ganesha. A special relationship may be under considerable duress. Be gentle and tactful. You may be prone to thinking negatively, but that will not help. Have patience. On 10th, Mars shifts to Scorpio (your 7th House), joining the company of Jupiter. Important dates: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30 Gemini (22nd May to 21st June) Take the last month of the year to look back and review your actions. Anyway, there won’t be much action, thanks to the ongoing Mercury retrogression. Don’t get irritated or frustrated. With cluster of four planets traversing through the 7th House from your Sign, you may face issues in your committed/ married relationship, or business partnerships. Such delicate stuff needs prompt attention! Look to take a short break, says Ganesha. Important dates: 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29

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tion. On this basis, they would all be disqualified.

To escape disqualification, they will need the court to extend the “all reasonable steps” exception to every case of dual citizenship.

It is open to the court to do this, but the recent decisions in relation to both the Citizenship Seven and Hollie Hughes suggest a stricter approach.

This means it is entirely possible that Gallagher, Keay, Lamb, Wilson and Sharkie will all be declared ineligible. At the very least, there is a real question to be answered about their eligibility.

That it has taken more than five months and a compulsory declaration procedure for this to come to light reflects extremely badly on these MPs. Previous ineligibility The citizenship registers have also revealed that there are several MPs who were eligible at the time of the 2016 federal election but who appear to have had dual citizenship issues for at least part of a previous parliamentary term. This includes Greens senator Nick McKim, Labor senators Alex Gallacher, Louise Pratt and Lisa Singh, and Liberal senator Dean Smith.

Since they relate only to previous parliamentary terms, none of these cases will be referred to the High Court. However, these MPs’ conduct should not escape criticism.

Again, that it has taken more than five months and a compulsory declaration procedure for these cases to come to light is highly disappointing.

The real issue here isn’t one of dual citizenship, but rather the honesty and integrity of our MPs. The dual citizenship issue is likely to be fixed in the future through greater candidate awareness and political parties undertaking stricter vetting processes. The loss of trust between the Australian people and their MPs is much harder to fix.

Disclosure statement Lorraine Finlay is affiliated with the Liberal Party of Australia, being a member of the WA Division.

A new approach to regional higher education is essential to our economic future

By Adam Shoemaker Vice Chancellor Southern Cross University theconversation.com THE 30% of Australians who live outside a capital city are experiencing a period of rapid change. A new era of food and crop production prosperity is being driven by technological disruption and farm business consolidation. This is occurring alongside ballooning unemployment, poorer health outcomes, and social dislocation in regional communities. We need to find long-lasting solutions to this disparity.

Last financial year, agriculture was the largest contributor to Australia’s GDP growth and the fastest-growing sector in the nation. Meanwhile, in October 2017, youth unemployment in outback Queensland hit 59.2% at a time when employment rates in inner Brisbane for 15-24 year-olds were hovering at 6%.

Youth unemployment sits around the 20% mark in many regional areas across Australia.

The challenges facing regional Australia will not be solved by a single new mine, a quick job-creation scheme, or a flurry of bus tickets to the city. Instead, we need sustainable solutions that give regional Australians the chance to leave welfare behind, transform their job prospects and contribute to society as skilled workers. The best first step would be to give regional Australians better access to tertiary education.

A problem for everyone The majority of Australia’s 40 universities operate regional campuses. From Broome to Burnie to Bundaberg, 25 Australian universities have them.

There are 68 regional campuses in total, located in every state and territory, with the exception of the ACT. Most of these campuses undertake research in areas like precision agriculture, organics, aquaculture, medicinal cannabis production, plant genetics and plant science. They’re building expertise relevant to our agriculture-driven economic prosperity. Yet the people living around those campuses don’t all benefit from them.

Australia’s regional campuses educate 20% of the nation’s tertiary students – more than 280,000 people. They could enrol many more, but proposed federal government policies would shut the door on many promising students. For example, proposals to make students pay for enabling places would act as a

strong disincentive to take up study in the first place.

The goal of providing university access to 40% of the population has largely been met in metropolitan centres. But most regional areas are well below that participation target. Often, they are barely halfway there.

Since budget loadings, benefitting all regional campuses, were introduced in 2004, reviews have recommended extra funding for students enrolled at a regional university. This was proposed in recognition of the extra costs of delivering appropriate learning and teaching and the need to deliver career opportunities to regional people. These loadings were applied but have been successively wound back since that time.

The whittling away of regional loadings means such universities are at a substantial disadvantage. The current tertiary funding formula is too uniform. Students receive the same base level of funding for their degree in almost every case. This may suit a university with 50,000 students in a capital city. But it simply doesn’t cover the cost of many courses on much smaller campuses outside urban areas.

Regional universities also find it hard to attract international students, who provide important additional revenue to many metropolitan universities.

These factors mean it’s essential to prioritise the promise of economic sustainability and opportunity over the notion of higher education policy equality. Regional students merit more specific, targeted support across a range of degrees.

A new regional deal A new approach to regional higher education would address many of these problems. Based on our research at Southern Cross University, I’ve suggested such an approach to the current federal government review into regional, rural and remote education. It would include: • 10,000 Commonwealth supported enabling places for regional Australians, distributed according to regional need and demand.

• $50 million per year for four years to help all 25 universities with regional campuses catch up • a new regional loading, in recognition of the higher costs of regional education delivery.

- read full article theconversation.com Disclosure statement Adam Shoemaker serves on the board of the Regional Universities Network (RUN) of which Southern Cross University is a member.

www.ganeshaspeaks.com Cancer (22nd June to 22nd July) This is the month when you should take great care of your routine life, work life and personal health, especially mental health. Remain careful if you suffered from a disease in past, as it may return to trouble you now. Take great care, says Ganehsa. You begin the month on a slightly irritable note. Has someone made you angry? Well, there’s no merit in making yourself suffer for someone else’s stupid mistake. If things are slow, take time to rewind and review your past actions. Reflect! There may not be much exciting in store on the occupational front or financial front. Important dates: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 Leo (23rd July to 22nd August) Venus is in the eminent company of Saturn, Sun and (retrograde) Mercury, in the 5th House (Sagittarius) from your Sign, as the month begins. It’s a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth, along with a slow, laggard one pushing you back in time. Confusions galore! Miscommunication, misunderstanding, and communication glitches will catch you unawares. Someone from your past may come back pleading. Weigh the situation, and if all seems well, accept and forgive, suggests Ganesha. Holding grudges only saps your positive energy! A new/ renewed relationship is likely. Important dates: 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29

Virgo (23rd August to 22nd September) The ruler of the 2nd and the 9th Houses for your Sign - Venus shifts to Sagittarius, early in the month. It joins Sun, Saturn and retrograde Mercury in your 4th House. That’s a burst of planetary activity in your zone of home, heart and motherly love.

There will be energy, there will be drive but there may not be results. Mercury’s retrogression will stall ‘real’ action. Sun and Saturn together may also put a block in the way to your happiness. Actually, if you don’t think much, nothing will happen, tells Ganesha. So, stay relaxed, even if work remains slow and stagnant. Anyway, your focus shall be on your personal and family sphere.

Important dates: 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 29, 30

Libra (23rd September to 22nd October) Ruler of your Sign Venus is in Sign Sagittarius, in company of Saturn, Sun and (retrograde) Mercury, in the 3rd House from your Sign. Too much happening in the sector that governs your internal desires and thoughts! It’s natural that you will be thinking too much, as the month begins. Mercury’s retrogression will add confusions and miscommunications. Hang on!

Guard against mistakes at work. Ones in committed relationships should avoid disagreements or blame games. Important dates: 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 31

Scorpio (23rd October to 22nd November) There are 4 planets in the 2nd House from your Sign, as the month begins. Naturally, finances and family take the centre-stage. You may be running around, managing a family function on 3rd, when Venus forays into Sagittarius, your 2nd House. There will be glitches, thanks to retrograde Mercury, but aren’t they always there. This is life! On 4th, Moon traverses through your sector of fortune. Take advantage! 5th through 10th, watch your financial transactions. Expenses may rise. Be careful, while addressing familial conflicts. As the function, or whatever it was that kept you busy winds up, close the curtains, switch off the television and sleep away to mental glory. Important dates: 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27

Sagittarius (23rd November to 21st December) There is a cluster of 3 planets in your Sign already, when the month begins, and Venus too joins the gang on 4th December. Mercury is retrograde in your Sign, so there may be a tendency to keep thinking regressively. You may also be forgetful, or prone to making mistakes. Your domination may hurt someone close to you. From 5th, however, Venus will act as a soothing influence. Go slow, and take a break, if you can. Avoid any new major purchases, and do not sign any legal document. You will now need to keep a close check on your expenses and emotions. Both may go haywire, else. Don’t play blame games! Important dates: 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28

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Capricorn (22nd December to 20th January) You may be tired of disruptions, as 2017’s last month begins. Things have slowed down, and you too may have to slow the pace everywhere. Is this telling you something? Yes! Take a break; plan a vacation and just take it easy for sometime – at least on the work front. With so many planets in the 12th House from your Sign, your expenses will increase. Don’t borrow or lend money. Don’t forget proper paper work, if and when a deal gets finalized on work/ business/ legal front. Go slow! Take everything with a pinch of salt. Important dates: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22, 26, 27,28

Aquarius (21st January to 18th February) Change will be on your mind, as the month begins. Are you planning to change your present job, or are contemplating an altogether different line of work? Is it about relocation? Well, it could be all or any, but you will have to have patience. Don’t push yourself; blame it on Mercury retrogression. Take time to look back at your past mistakes and work situations.

Venus shifted into Sagittarius, which is indicative of gains for your Sign. Important dates: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29

Pisces (19th February to 20th March) Work sector remains abuzz with flurry of activity, as the month begins. You may even feel emotional about a pet project or a person at work, as Venus too forayed in this House. Retrograde Mercury will keep the pace slow, though. At times, thus, it may that you are running, but you reach nowhere. Take some time out, if you can! Misgiving, insufficient information and communication glitches are likely. Try postponing major buying/ selling activity and legal matters.

Important dates: 10, 12, 18, 19, 20, 25, 27, 29

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 43

WHATÊS ON!

9 December 2017...

Banyo District Community Group Inc presents Carols in the Park – 3pm to 7pm at 284 St Vincents Road, Banyo. Jumping Castle, Food and Music. Santa @ 6pm.

Brisbane Chapter Vedanta Centre of Sydney – Birthday Celebrations of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi – 9:30am – 1pm at 12 Greenwood Street, Springfield Lakes. Chanting from Lalita Sahasranamam at 9:30am / 10am Worship / 11:30am Homam (havan) 12:30pm Arati and prasad distribution. All are welcome. Please bring a plate to share.

For more information contact: info@vedantabrisbane.org / 07 3818 9986 or visit www.vedantabrisbane.org South Pacific Islander Christmas in the Park Festival 2017 – 10am-4pm at Mulbeam Park, Beams Road & Muller Road. For more information contact Sitika Satui 0450 677 142

Let’s Bollywood Dance School presents End-of-Year Concert 2017….Jhankaar Feets – An evening of beautiful Bollywood performances by Lets Bollywood dance students, dinner and an open disco!! 5-8pm at Everton Park State High School, 668 Stafford Road, Everton Park. Tickets: Adults $20, kids (4-14 yrs) $10 and under 4 free. Register at www.letsbollywood.com.au

21 April 2018...

Boondall State School presents Around the World Fete – 11am to 7pm. Save the date!

APPLY NOW for 23 January 2018 intake!

MCC – CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability and Ageing)** – FEE-FREE*. Contact Multicultural Community Centre to see if you are eligible – info@mccbrisbane.org or visit www.mccbrisbane.org APPLY NOW for 2 February 2018 intake!

MCC – CHC30113 Certificate III in Early

Om Shree S Shr Ganeshaye G Namah Nama

Childhood Education & Care** – FEEFREE*. Contact Multicultural Community Centre to see if you are eligible – info@mccbrisbane.org or visit www.mccbrisbane.org

Bhakti Sev Seva P Pa Pariwar (A (Austr (Australia (Australia)

Weekly Events...

Mondays…

Proudly presents

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 mediations 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

Shr hree Hanuman Hanu Cha Chalisa Saturday, 20 January 2018 at Runcorn Heights State School

200 Nemies Road, Runcorn QLD 4113

Program:

7.00am - Shree Ganesha Pooja Hawan

108 Hanuman Chalisa Paath Parvachan by Shree Guruji

4.00pm - Aarti & Shanti Paath

Brisbane Good Samaritan Prayer Fellowship (Malayam Service) – Congregation on every Sunday from 10am to 12pm at Stafford Scouts, 38 Appleby Road, Stafford, Qld 4053.

For further information contact 0468 358 646 or 0411 269 322. Come and hear the message of your eternal life, GOD BLESS

Picabeen Community Centre – you’re invited to playgroup! – For parents with children aged 0-5 years from all cultures and backgrounds. Come along and meet families from all backgrounds in your community.

Every Monday (Except public holidays) 10am – 12pm. Picabeen Community Centre, 22 Continued page 46

Program will be conducted by

Shr Guruji Shree G Guru SShivachariya Shi Shiva Shivachari Sad Sada Shiv Shiva of Vancouver, Canada All devotees are welcome to take part in this auspicious occasion Prasad and Maha Prasad will be served.

For further information contact:

Ravendra Narayan: 0412 127 940 Nirmala Deo : 0401 989 766

Peter Singh: 0403 433 379 Krishna : 0450 005 866

Keep up to date with What’s On - subscribe to receive

weekly updates or visit our website www.indiantimes.com.au and click on what’s on!

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Shirdi Sai Baba Weekly Aarti Program Ever Every Ev Thur Thursday Thursda Thursd @ 7.30pm 7 7.

7.30

%DEDnV Mahasamadhi centenary year 15 Oct 2017 r 15 Oct 2018

Upcoming events: Southside aarti & bhajans 7 January 2018 5-7pm FSCAQ Community Hall 24 Arnwood Pl Annerley Neem tree planting project Come to one of the aarti programs to place your order for your very own neem tree. We are collectively planting 100 trees!

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Virginia State School hall 1678 Sandgate Rd VIRGINIA (next to Virginia train station) Prasad & Dinner Provided

www.facebook.com/SaiBabaBrisbane M: 0405 392 793

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 45

WHATÊS ON!

Continued from Page 44

Hoben Street, Mitchelton Qld. Phone 3354 2555

Zi Za Dong Zen Association – Energy Healing to improve health and well beings – ZZDZ Assn. Inc is a not for profit charity foundation based in Brisbane. Focusing on energy healing named Qi Gong through meditation, it provides free energy healing sessions and guidance. Practicing Qi Gong will encourage you to achieve a positive outlook on life, by helping to reduce stress and calm your mind.

It also increases vitality, enhances your immune system and helps to eliminate negative attitudes and behaviours. Session Times & Locations: Mondays-Thursday & Saturday 9am – 12pm at 10 Cognac Court, Calamvale.

Thursday afternoon (except 1st week) 3.30pm – 6pm at Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown Library. 67 Level 2, Cnr Calam & Compton Road. Friday afternoon 2pm-5pm at Logan West Library – 69 Grand Plaza Drive, Brown Plains. For more information email zzdz.aus@gmail.com or visit www.zzdz.org.au

Wednesdays…

Brisbane Good Samaritan Prayer Fellowship (Malayam Service) – Cottage Meeting on every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8pm at Stafford Scouts, 38 Appleby Road, Stafford, Qld 4053. For further information contact 0468 358 646 or 0411 269 322. Come and hear the message of your eternal life, GOD BLESS 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

Thursdays…

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

Sundays…

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc – Vedic Yaj (Havan) –The Sabha performs Havan Yaj every Sunday from 2-4pm at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre, 198 Learoyd Rd, Willawong and the public is welcome to be part of it. The members of public now can perform Havan Yaj at the centre. The fee of $50 is required for use of centre facilities to cover operating costs. The Havan Kund, utensils are available for use as well The Havan ingredients can be supplied if you are unable to get them. Mango sticks, Ghee, Samagri, Chamfor etc is available at the centre as well for $25. The seating capacity of the Yajshalla (Havan Hall) is 100. Contact Vice President Mrs Sushila Pathik for further information and bookings on 3314 6059.

Contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 or visit www.aryasamajqueensland.com for further information.

Australian Pentecostal Assembly Brisbane – Sunday Worship every Sunday 9am11.30am 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 Bala Samskar Kendra – Hindu Scripture Classes for Children – The aim of Bala Sam-

skar Kendra (BSK) is to provide an opportunity to the children to learn about rich Hindu culture through value based education from various Hindu scriptures and let them gain self-confidence and grow up in to individuals who are proud of their tradition. Every Sunday 2:30pm-5pm at Sunnybank State High School, Sunnybank (use Turton Street entrance). Contact bskqld@live.com.au / Hari 0411 137 396 / Krrishna 0411 776 509 / Ram 0416 813 747 Brisbane Multinational Church Service – Every Sunday 9.30am at 757 Gympie Road Lawnton. Come and join us for a great time of Praise and Worship plus inspired preaching of God’s word. We thrive for the presence of God and are passionate to see people be trained up and grow in the knowledge of the word of God. Special service time to pray for healing, deliverance and other spiritual needs. Enquiries 0424 1802 40.

Star Christian Church – Clontarf Beach State School Hall. Every Sunday – Morning Service at 9.30am. Evening Service at 5pm. Come fired up and expectant! Star Church is a great, young church located on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula. A Pentecostal community connected with the Australian Christian Churches. We passionately want God’s presence in our lives, desire to be trained and knowledgeable in His Word, hungry for the supernatural, excelling in our service and hospitable at life. For more information visit www.starchurch.org.au

Monthly Events...

Hindu Cultural Hub (HCB) at Clayfield – Monthly Cultural congregation – Bar-Jai Community Hall, 178 Alexandra Road, Clayfield Qld 4011. Pooja by Hindu Priest, Bajan and Kirtan by devotees, monthly religious updates / guest speakers on spiritual (or) yoga techniques. Prasatham with vegetarian dinner served. For more details contact 0469 016 416 or visit www.hinduculturalhub.org The John Oxley District Orchid Society – Meeting – We pride ourselves on being a friendly Society and new members and guests are always welcome at our meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month starting at 7.30pm. Venue is Oxley Bowls Club, 24-30 Englefield Road, Oxley.

Please contact Sonia Addison 3277 5825 or jodos-inc@hotmail.com for more information

The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

- 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

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

Shirdi Sai Sansthan Brisbane Ltd – Shirdi Saibaba Bhajans and Aaratis – last Saturday every month. 5.30pm at Runcorn Heights State School, 200 Nemies Road, Runcorn Qld 4113. Dhoop Aarati, Bhajans, Ashtotaram, Shej Aarati and Mahaprasad at 7.40pm. For more details contact 0416 813 747 or 0479 143 724 – visit www.shirdisaibrisbane.org or follow on facebook Shirdi sai baba Brisbane

Mata Amritananadamayi Centre- Brisbane: Regular Satsangs are held at 32 Burnside Crescent, Westlake on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 4 pm. Spiritual chanting, singing, reading and Arati are followed by a prasad meal. Sri Lalitha Sahasranamavali chanting takes place at the Sri Selva Vinayakar Kovil at South Maclean on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 10:30 am.

Register your interest for IAM Meditation courses. www.ammaaustralia.org.au; facebook: Amma Brisbane Satsang. Contact: brisbane@ammaaustralia.org.au; ph: 07 3715 8278 Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) Brisbane (South Maclean) – For full list of upcoming events please visit www.sriselvavinayakar.org

Yoga in Daily Life – Satsang and Full Moon Meditation – Satsang every last Saturday of the Month from 5-7pm with Rajastani Bhajans, meditation & Prasad. Purnima Full Moon Meditation from 7:45pm - 8:30pm (see our website for dates). Regular daily Yoga & Meditation Classes. Shiv Mandir is open daily for Darsan.

Website: yidlbris.org, Email: brisbane@yogaindailylife.org

Brisbane Indian Times - January 2018 Deadline for submissions is 3 January 2018 Email prod@indiantimes.com.au Brisbane Indian Times, proudly supporting the multicultural community since 2003

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Call 07 3865 6533

Bollywood & Entertainment

When Bollywood actresses spoke about catfights SONAKSHI Sinha (pictured above) never shies away from expressing her opinion on trending topics. Recently, when she was asked to comment on catfights in Bollywood, she gave a witty reply.

The 'Dabangg' actress asked why such questions are asked only to the heroines? She stated that men are more insecure and also gossip more than women. She even went on to add that they are the ones who gossip the most.

On the work front, the actress said that she currently enjoying working on two comedy films- Vashu Bhagnani's next and 'Happy Bhaag Jayegi 2'. She then expressed excitement being a part of 'HBJ 2', as she calls herself a "wannabe Punjabi".

Women, from the time they step into the glamorous world of showbiz, have been pitted against each on the grounds of superficial and sometimes personal matters. It is now in the 21st century that these leading ladies have finally started demanding their fair share of fame and recognition. There was a time when we often heard them criticizing their fellow female peers. Times are changing with a number of celebrities coming out to support and uplift, without downsizing the other. Here are the women from Indian cinema, who stepped forward to make a change and speak against these alleged catfights.

While Sonam Kapoor is someone who has been on both sides of the fence, recently she shed light on the fact how media houses have been reporting things that are not true. Taking to her Twitter handle, she shared a note that reads, "Dear websites, you can put out as many 'blind items' (a.k.a gossip you were too lazy to fact check) as you like pitting women against each other, it may get you clicks but it won't be the truth. Must you insist on shoving this tired patriarchal concept of women catfighting into our film (which is not about a road trip) as if grown, intelligent women have nothing better to do. We will continue to be actual friends and try and make a kickass movie and prove that women can work with each other, get along and have a blast.

Because we can, we are and we will continue to. And on schedule. Please keep in mind how outdated, irresponsible and harmful your narrative is and frustrating for a culture of women who actually want to work together. There is no place for it anymore. Sincerely the cast and crew of Veere Di Wedding (Our items aren't blind)."

Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone have often found themselves pitted against each other in the constant game of global Call 07 3865 6533

domination. Even though both leading ladies made it big in the west on their own terms, they are often displayed as contenders in a popularity contest if nothing else. Deepika put an end to the rumours doing rounds by admitting in one of her interviews that Priyanka is stronger than her. This comment allegedly paved the way for the end of rivalry between the duo.

After trotting the globe for her films and making a mark in the west, global icon Priyanka Chopra shed light on how she never experienced catfights in one of her interviews. She was also quoted asking why is it that everytime two women do a film together, there's a talk of a "catfight", but when men work together, there's "bromance". She questioned why women aren't taken seriously as professionals, further stating that she doesn't know what catfights mean.

Few films old Taapsee Pannu gained overnight popularity after her spectacular performance in Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Pink'. Recently, she was a part of a multistarrer flick 'Judwaa 2' where she shared the limelight with Jacqueline Fernandez. As the drill goes, both the actress came under the spotlight for an alleged catfight. When asked about the same, the Southern siren said that they had a ball shooting for the film and she's enjoying her stint as a typical Bollywood heroine. She shared that the catfights rumours were as baseless as any other rumours that fly around.

Jacqueline Fernandez is a star of few words.

Rarely do her fans see her getting into any controversy. When reports of her being in a catfight made news, she cleared the air in an interview with Mumbai Mirror saying, "She'd finished shooting when I arrived. We actually met during 'Tan Tana Tan' and we had a blast because she's full of life like Varun and me. She taught me Punjabi and I found a drinking partner who, like me, orders water with lime," Jacqueline laughed.

Illeana, who recently cast her spell in a multi-starrer flick 'Baadshaho', came out clear on a catfight rumours with co-star Esha Gupta. The actress was quoted saying that there were no such fights as the duo worked in 'Rustom' before and questioned why they would fight now. She further shared that she had no reason to fight with her female costars.

TNN

Katrina Kaif breaks down, Salman Khan dances to Jag Ghoomeya to make her smile

KATRINA Kaif broke down on the sets of Dance Champions while watching a performance on Salman Khan’s hit song, Tere Naam and the shoot had to be stopped. It was not before her Tiger Zinda Hai co-star grooved to a song that Katrina laughed!

Tiger Zinda Hai stars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif recently visited the sets of reality show Dance Champions when Katrina broke down and Salman had to dance to make her laugh. The shoot was also stalled for about ten minutes.

A Mumbai Mirror report claimed that Katrina started crying after watching a contestant perform on Tere Naam from Khan’s 2003 hit movie by the same name. “In between shots, Katrina got emotional and broke down after watching a romantic act by a contestant on the title track of Tere Naam, the 2003 Salman and Bhumika Chawlastarrer about unrequited love. The shoot had to be halted for about 10 minutes. Salman soothed Katrina’s frayed nerves as she regained her composure,” it quoted a source as saying.

After the shooting resumed, Salman performed on Jag Ghoomeya (Sultan). Salman and Katrina also tried the bunny hop dance as ‘Dil Deewana’ (Maine Pyar Kiya) played.

“Remo joined them in the performance later on. The act concluded with Salman revealing

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that it took him 15-20 days to perfect the move for the original song,” the source further told the tabloid.

Salman and Katrina are currently promoting Tiger Zinda Hai that is slated to hit theatres on December 22. They also performed on Swag Se Karenge Sabka Swagat on the show.

“She (Katrina) knows her limitations and works hard to achieve what she can’t do.

When she joined the industry, she couldn’t dance. Today she is one of the best dancers we have. Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, girls who are considered dancers I think she beats them hollow,” Salman said in an interview to Vogue India’s December 2017 issue.

Talking about their on-screen chemistry, Salman said, “I don’t think we consider ourselves exceptionally beautiful or talented. I think we both just see ourselves as normal people who lucked out.” On the personal front with Katrina, Salman said, “I take advice from her but every time she has advised me on a movie or taken me to watch a movie, it has been a disaster.”

Tiger Zinda Hai is Salman and Ali Abbas Zafar’s second collaboration. They earlier worked in 2016’s Sultan and are slated to start shoot for another film, Bharat.

HT

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 47

Bollywood & Entertainment

Youngistaan actor Jackky Bhagnani followed a strict diet and exercise regimen for new film Bollywood actor Jackky Bhagnani, who plays a Gujarati boy in Nitin Kakkar’s yetto-be-titled film, says losing weight to get a fitter body is not easy — as, along with proper exercise, one needs to be strict regarding eating habits.

In a bid to make sure that he completely looks the part in his next film, which is being helmed by Nitin Kakkar of Filmistaan (2012) fame, actor Jackky Bhagnani trained rigorously. He aimed to achieve a fitter body for his role of a Gujarati boy in the feature.

Along with his regular exercise regimen, Jackky also followed Keto diet to lose the extra weight he gained while recuperating from a broken knee. The actor worked really hard, and in a span of 20 days, lost about 15 kg.

Talking about his transformation, Jackky says, “I believe where there is a will there is a way. But I must also say that it’s never easy to lose weight as it requires one to be strict with what they eat and social life completely takes a back seat. But then I had to do the transformation because I had gained 15 kg after I broke my knee, earlier this year, and was trying to recover for 6 months. Also, (di-

• Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan have worked together in many films.(PTI)

It’s a good time for actors in the industry, says Kajol rector) Nitin sir wanted me to look a certain way in the film.” When asked whether he plans to continue with the diet and exercise regimen to maintain his body, Jackky gives an affirmative answer. “Yes, I will continue with my diet and workouts, because I was overweight. I have to work slightly harder to keep the body fat low,” adds the actor, who is known for his films such as F.A.L.T.U (2011), Rangrezz (2013) and Youngistaan (2014).

Jackky, who is the son of producer Vashu Bhagnani, was shooting for the untitled film in Ahmedabad recently. Reportedly, only the last schedule of the film is left to be shot. The film also features actor Kritika Kamra. HT

Manushi Chhillar on Bollywood: I’ll definitely want to work in an Aamir Khan film

MISS World Manushi Chhillar says she would love to work in an Aamir Khan film as the superstar is known to make sociallyrelevant movies. Manushi was recently crowned Miss World 2017 at a grand event held in Sanya, China. The medical student from Haryana said she finds all the actors in Bollywood beautiful but Aamir and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra are her favourites.

“I’ll definitely want to work in an Aamir Khan film. I think he has some really challenging roles that he gives you. At the same time, his movies have a message and a connect to the society. So it’ll be very interesting to do. In the actresses, my favourite is Priyanka Chopra,” she told reporters here.

Interestingly, the coveted title was last won

by Priyanka for India in 2000, just a year after Yukta Mookhey brought the crown home. Manushi, a 20-year-old medical student from Haryana, had won Femina Miss

India World 2017 in May this year.

When asked if she has Bollywood plans up next, she said the film industry was not on her mind right now. “I am very excited how this year will turn out. I’ll be travelling, visiting continents. We will be spreading awareness about menstrual hygiene where I’ll be joined by my other Miss World sisters.

That’s what I am excited about right now.

Bollywood is something which isn’t on my mind as of now. I really can’t say anything about it,” she added.

Manushi said in the initial weeks of the beauty pageant, several contestants thought her to be an actor. “In the first week of the pageant they thought I was a Bollywood actress. But jokes apart, we all are very similar.

We didn’t have any pre conceived notions about each other. We go there with a fresh mind, there’s a lot of curiosity to know each other,” she said.

HT

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

KAJOL believes there is more scope for actors to experiment as the audiences are willing to see them in different roles. The star, known for her commercial hits such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and My Name is Khan, said actors can get away with playing all kind of roles now.

When asked whether it was a difficult time for directors and actors to be a part of historical films in the wake of Padmavati, Kajol said, “I would not like to comment on Padmavati issue, per se. (But) I don’t think it is a difficult time for actors to work in a certain kind of film. It is a perfect time for actors to

do any kind of films that they like. You can see a younger actor playing an older role and vice versa and get away with it. People are willing to accept you and it is a fantastic time and space for actors to do any kind of film.”

Bhansali’s film is facing protests from various Rajput groups and politicians. The film was earlier scheduled to be released on December 1 but the makers had to defer the release. They are still waiting for a clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Kajol was talking on the sidelines of Lifebuoy event of Help A Child Reach 5. HT

IFFI 2017 Closing Ceremony: You are the father of our industry, Akshay Kumar honours Amitabh Bachchan ACTOR Akshay Kumar might have made the dialogue ‘Don’t Angry Me’ from his film Rowdy Rathore as popular as his action scenes but he made sure that he didn’t take it away from the original Angry Young Man — actor Amitabh Bachchan.

Honoring Big B with the Indian Film Personality of The Year award at the closing ceremony of 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Akshay paid a rather humorous tribute leaving the crowd in splits.

“America might have Superman, Batman, Spiderman… we Indians have got the Angry Young Man,” said Akshay, who also mentioned the old comic book Supremo based on Bachchan that contains some of his iconic dialogues.

All praise for Bachchan, Akshay added, “I have done several films with you and in many, you have portrayed the role of my on-screen father. You’ve played the role of father to many other heroes too. So, today, I would like to officially say that you are the father of our industry. We have learned so much [from you].”

Akshay also confessed that more than anyone else, he looks up to Bachchan for life lessons and always takes his advice seriously. “Aapki har salah main apne paas rakhta hoon. Aapki salah ke chakkar mein main Gujarat kareeban 10 baar ho aaya hu kyunki aap kehte rehte hain na ‘Padharo Hamare Gujarat Mein’. (I always keep your words with me and only because of you, I’ve been to Gujarat nearly 10 times because you keep saying ‘Kuch Din to Gujaro Gujarat Mein’),” laughed Akshay.

Going down memory lane, Akshay shared an interesting anecdote from his childhood days when he first met Bachchan and how that meeting left an ever lasting impact on Akki’s life. He recalled, “Mujhe abhi bhi yaad hai, 1980 mein, jab main 12 ya 13 saal ka tha, main apne maa baap ke sath Kashmir gaya hua tha aur wahan, sahab shooting kar rahe the aur main inki shooting door se dekh raha tha toh mere pita ji ne mujhe kaha, ‘jaa autograph le aa’. Main bhaag ke gaya aur sahab angoor kha rahe the. Maine autograph maanga, toh jab sir autograph de rahe the, toh meri nazar angoor par thi.

Mujhe woh angoor chahiye tha. Woh ek angoor neeche gir bhi gaya tha. Main dekh raha tha, toh who jab likh rahe the, main chup karke neeche gaya, angoor ko uthaya… yeh baat unhone dekh lee but aise pretend kiya ki inhone dekhi nahi. Aur inhone sign karke mujhe mere autograph

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book diya aur saath mein itna bada angoor ka guccha bhi diya. Sir, main aapse yeh kahunga ki woh angoor thode khatte the. lekin mere liye.. ek bachhe ke liye who aapse milye hua chocolate ka box tha.. aur main kha gaya aur who digest bhi ho gaye.

Lekin yeh kahunga sir, uski essence abhi tak mere paas hai. (I must have been 12 or 13 when I went to Kashmir with my parents and he [Bachchan] was shooting there.

When my dad asked me to get his autograph, I noticed he was having grapes and I wanted those. Even when one of the grapes fell and I was about to pick, he saw me but pretended he didn’t. He then gave me the autograph with a bunch of grapes, which I ate, though they were really sour. But its essence remains with me even today).

Akshay then goes on to share how a similar incident happened with him when he became a part of the film industry and how he reacted. “Jo aapne kiya, woh maine hamesha Zindagi main yaad rakha. Mujhe nahi maloom tha main film industry mein aaunga aur ek aisa hi haadsa mere sath hua, jab main keemat film ki shooting kar raha tha aur maine dekha, ek bachhe ko, koi dhakka maar ke nikal raha hai shooting se, toh bachha ro raha tha. Main wahan gaya aur uss bachhe ke sath maine photo lee, batcheet ki aur woh bachha aur koi nahi balki Ranveer Singh nikla. So, aapki personality mere ander bass chuki hai. (Whatever you did, I always remembered it. I didn’t know I would be a part of the film industry and a similar incident happened with me. When I was shooting for Keemat, I saw someone was pushing a kid out of the film set. I saw the kid crying, so I went to him, spoke to that kid and got a picture clicked with him. That kid was none other than Ranveer Singh),” gushed Akshay.

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Bollywood & Entertainment Mind Blowing Films brings to you an entertaining dose of Bollywood this holiday season!

KAPIL Sharma is back to tickle your bones with his latest film Firangi, released on 1st December, peace shall prevail with movies from across the border such as Rangreza and Arth - The Destination on 21st December.

Saving the best for the last, Tiger Zinda Hai, the biggest film of the year starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif releases on 22nd December 2017.

Arth - The Destination

Release Date: 21 December 2017 Starring: Humaima Malik and Mohib Mirza Language: Urdu (with English subtitles) Producers: Shaan Shahid Director: Shaan Shahid Synopsis: Strengthening film trade between the two countries, Arth 2 is a remake of Mahesh Bhatt’s Arth from 1982. This film mainly revolves around the lives of two women, Uzma Hassan and Humaima Malick, the paths they chose and how their lives evolve through their pursuit to reach the destination. Through these characters, the film

informs its viewers about disturbed relationships and domestic violence. It encourages victims to take stand and speak out and act against these inhumane actions. According to the director, Shaan Shahid, this film deals with the concept of ‘decisions’ and their powerful role in an individual’s life and how eventually it is these decisions that determine the destination, hence the phrase: Decisions determine Destiny.

Tiger Zinda Hai

Releasing: 22nd December 2017 Starring: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif Language: Hindi (with English subtitles) Producers: Aditya Chopra Director: Ali Abbas Zafar Synopsis: Tiger & Zoya have been presumed dead by their respective countries. When all hell breaks lose in a foreign land which places civilian lives in harms way, Tiger & Zoya are called back into action for an impossible rescue mission to battle an international terrorist organisation.

For all the latest releases screening dates visit

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Releasing 21 December - www.mindblowingfilms.com

Sanjay Leela Bhansali appears before parliamentary panel on Padmavati controversy PADMAVATI director Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Thursday 30 November faced a barrage of questions from a parliamentary panel which asked him if the “selective” media screening of his film was aimed at influencing the CBFC, sources said. Bhansali appeared before the parliamentary standing committee on information technology to share his views on the controversy surrounding the film.

Sources said the members of the panel asked him, “How could you assume that the movie could be released on December 1 when you applied to the CBFC on November 11. As per the cinematography act, the CBFC may take 68 days before certifying a movie?”

“Is selective media screening of the movie fair and ethical? Was it an act to influence the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC),” they asked.

They asked if the creating a controversy was a new trend to sell the movie, sources said.

The panel said media was giving free space due to the ongoing controversy and even social media had given the movie immense space.

They said it seemed that his movies tend to target communities which produced tension between them.

Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi was also scheduled to appear before the panel, sources said.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief had told another parliamentary panel earlier in the day that a decision on the film would be taken after showing it to experts, the sources said.

The panel on information technology, which Call 07 3865 6533

also looks into the issues of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, had called the meeting to discuss the problems and issues faced by the film.

It is headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur and its members are senior BJP leader LK Advani and film actor Raj Babbar, a Congress leader.

Various Rajput groups and political leaders have accused Bhansali of distorting history in the movie by using a romantic dream sequence between the Rajput queen Padmini and Sultan Alauddin Khilji, a claim repeatedly denied by the filmmaker.

Historians are divided over whether Padmini actually existed.

The Deepika Padukone-Shahid Kapoor-Ranveer Singh film was earlier scheduled to release on December 1. The makers have deferred the release till they receive a certificate from the CBFC. They recently applied for 3D certification.

HT www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017 — 49

Sports News Wenger refuses to give up on Premier League title

Brownlee brothers bound for GC2018

By Hope Kerslake www.gc2018.com REIGNING Commonwealth champion Alistair Brownlee will be looking to retain his crown at GC2018 against a hot field, with some of the world’s best triathletes, including his brother, joining him on the start line.

The Brownlee brothers, 29-year-old Alistair and 27-year-old Jonny, are some of the most talented triathletes in Britain and spectators are expected to see some fierce rivalry from the pair, as well as some sibling affection.

The Brownlee brothers heroic and emotional arm-in-arm stumble over the finish line at The World Triathlon Series in Mexico last year was iconic.

Jonny, a Commonwealth gold and silver medallist and two-time world champion, was leading comfortably in the final kilometre of the race when he started to falter and weave across the course.

Alistair, who was coming in third, caught his brother and all but carried him along the final few hundred metres to push him across the finish line.

Speaking to GC2018.com, Alistair recalled the event, believing the shared bond is oneof-a-kind.

“The image from Mexico went around the world and we were a bit embarrassed about it really.” Alistair said.

“I think we have a very special brother relationship.

“It obviously gets tested to its max, both in training every day and also in competition all

the time, but we manage to use it to our advantage by training harder, putting each other on and getting the most out of each other.”

The brothers also provided one of the lasting images of the Rio 2016 Olympics where the pair collapsed to the floor and embraced beyond the finishing line after Alistair pulled away from Jonny in the final kilometre of the race to take gold.

And it was one of the fondest memories for the younger sibling.

“My greatest sporting moment is coming second at the Rio Olympic Games, behind Alistair,” Jonny told GC2018.com “To fulfil a lifelong dream of two brothers across the finish line first and second is incredibly special.

“I’d like to be in front of Alistair but obviously if I can’t be, to come second behind him is the next best.”

Both brothers will have the chance to once again fulfil that dream, to battle it out for the Commonwealth title, after being selected as part of the squad of 10 athletes across the able bodied and para events at GC2018.

Vicky Holland, Tom Bishop, Sophie Coldwell and Jess Learmonth will join the Brownlee brothers with 2017 Para-triathlon World Cup silver medallist, Lizzie Tench, Mark Conway and Joe Townsend complete England's triathlon squad.

Currently recovering from hip surgery, Alistair welcomes the opportunity to return to the Commonwealth stage and defend his title.

“It’s a great honour to be representing Team England,” Alistair said.

LONDON: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is refusing to concede defeat in the Premier League title race even though his team are now 15 points adrift of Manchester City in top spot.

Mauricio Pochettino has ruled Tottenham out of contention but Wenger is refusing to throw in the towel despite Saturday's (2 Dec) painful 3-1 loss to Manchester United.

The Gunners, who last won the trophy in 2003-04 and have three more points than rivals Spurs, are lagging in fifth spot after five defeats in their first 15 games.

"I am not Pochettino, I am Arsene Wenger," the Frenchman said. "I am here to fight as long as I can. As long as mathematically it's possible, you have to fight. You cannot give any other message out."

Wenger believes the performance in the loss to United, who capitalised on two defensive howlers, has revived belief within his squad.

"I believe from the game, it has to make us

angry and even more determined," added Wenger, whose side dominated possession and produced a succession of chances but were thwarted by United goalkeeper David De Gea. "If I am a player, and I think with what we produced, we have a huge potential, and we lose the game. We cannot accept that. That's what you want, the players have produced a quality performance. What makes you angry is that you produce that performance and in the end you have nothing to show for it.

That's very difficult to accept."

Wenger welcomed the positive reaction of the Emirates Stadium crowd to Arsenal's performance.

"The crowd sees as well that the team produced what is expected from them. The crowd was outstanding. And the team was outstanding. But we were not efficient. I cannot deny that. They have scored three, we have scored one."

TOI

“I have had the chance to compete at the Commonwealth Games once before and it’s a big deal for a niche sport like triathlon to compete in a global sporting competition like this.

“I am looking forward to getting out there on the start line.”

GC2018 marks the first time a sprint distance triathlon has been contested in a Commonwealth Games, and it will also host the Games debut of the Para Triathlon. As a free event, spectators will be able to view the action from several vantage points along the routes.

Virat Kohli’s India tighten noose on Sri Lanka in Delhi Test SRI Lanka were reeling at 31/3 at stumps on the penultimate day of the Delhi Test as India inched closer towards sealing a 2-0 series win.

Virat Kohli signed off a highly productive 2017 with a half-century, amassing 610 runs for the three-Test series against Sri Lanka as India pushed for victory in the final game at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground on Tuesday 5 December.

Tests at the Kotla, unless a crumbling surface is laid out, follow a pattern, and invariably plays into the hands of the hosts who have dominated since the loss to West Indies in 1987. They have won 10 of the 11 Tests since then.

At the end of the fourth day, it was a familiar situation as Sri Lanka fought to save the match after being reduced to 31 for three at stumps. Ravindra Jadeja’s double in an over left Sri Lanka reeling.

India piled on the lead before declaring their second innings at 246 for five midway through the final session, setting a target of 410 runs and giving themselves three-and-ahalf sessions to seal a 2-0 series victory.

On one end of the scale stood the Indian skipper, who followed his career-best 243 in the first-innings with 50. Shikhar Dhawan (50), Cheteshwar Pujara (49 no) and Rohit Sharma (50 no) all scored rapidly once Sri Lanka were 373 all out replying to India’s 536/7 declared.

Even a draw would give India a recordequalling ninth series win on the trot. But

there would be concerns over vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane’s poor form with South Africa up next. The toxic Delhi air also proved poor advertisement for sporting activity.

The backbone of India’s batting overseas, Rahane’s recent travails continued as he fell for 10 before lunch. Kohli promoted his deputy to No 3 to give him a chance to play himself into form without pressure.

However, Rahane, who has since the New Zealand home series last year scored just two hundreds, didn’t show any sign of resurgence after scores of 4, 0, 2 and 1 in this three-Test series..

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

Rahane’s weakness against spin at home was reinforced as he looked shaky, and twice survived two leg before appeals that were reviewed. Shuffling too far, and too early, he was in trouble but survived two reviews, only to loft off-spinner Dilruwan Perera to be caught at long-on.

The cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s first innings 373 was skipper Dinesh Chandimal surpassing his previous best of 162 not out – versus India at Galle in 2015 – by scoring 164 (361b, 21x4, 1x6) in almost eight hours before being the last man out.

He added 30 runs with last man Lakshan Sandakan before slashing Ishant Sharma to

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Dhawan at deep third man, the innings ending in the sixth over of the morning.

Chandimal had raised a181-run fourth wicket stand with former skipper Angelo Mathews (111) on the third day to lead Sri Lanka’s fight back.

Off-spinner R Ashwin, who triggered a batting collapse on the third day by first dismissing Mathews, took 3/90. Ishant Sharma took 3/98 with Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja taking two wickets each.

Pollution reigns Play began in heavy smog with the floodlights on. Sri Lanka players had felt the effect of air pollution during Day 2, though there were no further interruptions despite the poor air quality.

However, most Sri Lanka players wore face masks when they came on the field for India’s second innings. Pace bowler Suranga Lakmal vomited and went off the field briefly.

Indian players had braved the conditions and not shown much discomfort, but their resilience broke down late in the day when Mohammed Shami vomitted, and went off the field after bowling the final delivery of the over.

India lead the three-match series 1-0 and are looking to sign off their superb run over the last one year, predominantly at home, with a win.

A win or draw will help them equal the world record of nine consecutive Test series wins, held jointly by Australia and England.

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War, Cricket & Peace CRICKET is helping this team of Srilankan asylum seekers forget the bruises of war and develop a strong sense of community in Brisbane Region.

A shared love of cricket is helping a team of Sri Lankan asylum seekers break down barriers and build relationships in Australia, even among some of the most fervent supporters of the country's hard-line immigration policies.

This Brisbane based team named ‘Brisbane Cool Boys’ consisting of asylum seekers from Srilanka. The team has got everyone’s attention with their recent victory at the Last Mans Stand (LMS) tournament. They are placed No.1 in Brisbane, No. 4 in Australia and 14th worldwide. Sure, their performance has turned heads and support from the local cricket community.

Dinesh, the Captain of the team, frequently refers the team to be from ‘Tamil Eelam’ and aims to develop this team further. His goal is to build this team Tamil Eelam National Team and brand to get it affiliated with various international cricket organizations like LMS.

The term, with ‘Eelam’ meaning ‘Home’ in Tamil language, is largely associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The LTTE, commonly known as the Tamil Tigers, were fighting for an independent state from 1983, and were finally defeated in 2009. According to UN reports, the then current Sri Lankan Government was purposefully targeting civilians, humanitarian aid objects and critics of the Government both within and outside the conflict zone. About 100,000 people are believed to have lost their lives in the conflict.

Though numbers of civilian casualties remain disputed, with figures ranging from 9,000 to 40,000 put forwards by the Sri Lankan Government and the UN respectively. However, evidence reveals that the abuse of Tamils by Sri Lankan authorities did not end with the war and continues today.

U.N. rights watchdog called on Sri Lanka on Wednesday to investigate “routine torture” of detainees by security forces and rebuked its government for failing to prosecute war crimes committed during the country’s 26year civil war. United Nations Committee

against Torture cited continuing reports of abductions of people disappearing into “white vans”, deaths in custody, poor conditions of detention and the use of forced confessions in court for anyone the government feels might have links with the vanquished separatist movement.

Dinesh says that cricket seems to be the

medicine for the wounds of war. He says that when their team sets foot on the ground, they get the sense of community and tend to forget what happened back in Srilanka.

Though they are far away from the war-ravaged country, Cricket seems to the only hope for them to help forget the scars of war.

Liverpool's Matip could return sooner than expected: Klopp LIVERPOOL: Liverpool defender Joel Matip could return from his muscle injury sooner than expected, manager Juergen Klopp said as he ruled out the centre-back for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Spartak Moscow.

Matip, one of Liverpool's firstchoice centre-backs, was expected to be sidelined for a month after picking up the injury in the club's 3-0 Premier League win at Stoke City last week but Klopp is hoping the 26-year-old can make a quicker recovery.

"He has hurt his muscle. I don't

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know how long exactly he'll be out, but he's definitely not playing Wednesday," Klopp told the club's website. (www.liverpoolfc.com) "A month? No, I don't think so.

But as always, it's possible. We have to wait.

"But it's possible that it will be shorter. We will see."

In Matip's absence, midfielders Gini Wijnaldum and Emre Can were part of a three-man defence in Liverpool's 5-1 league win over Brighton and Hove Albion last Saturday (2 Dec) and Klopp praised the duo for their adaptability.

"Emre needs to do that, like Gini

can do that. They have to do it, we don't have anybody else," Klopp added. "I enjoyed it. It was like 'wow, interesting'...

"It was clear it wouldn't be perfect, but the boys were ready to cope with the difficulties of the new system.

"They did really well."

Klopp's side are unbeaten in the Champions League and top of their group ahead of their final group match against Moscow.

Liverpool, who are fourth in the league, host 10th-placed Everton in the Merseyside derby on Sunday 10 December. www.indiantimes.com.au

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52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES,December, 2017

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