December 2022 - Online edition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a meeting of leaders from all parties on India's presidency of the G-20 and sought their cooperation to make it a big success, while opposition leaders urged him to use the opportunity for the country's benefit.

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JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS

• Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ)

• Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ)

• Shalendra Prasad (Fiji)

• Rama Gaind (Canberra)

• Ml. 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 • Brian Sullivan (Photography)

• Amod Datar • Rajesh Chand

• Ashok

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WELCOME to our December 2022 issue. Let me begin with warm greetings on Christmas to you. May this festive occasion shower you with many more joys and smiles. On Christmas, I wish this holiday season would be full of happiness and goodness for you and your loved ones. Though not everyone celebrates Christmas, I want this festive occasion to brighten your present and future. Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year. That brings along a positive mood and energy. Christmas is not a festival for Christians only, but it is a happy time for everyone, and we must enjoy it to the fullest. A very Merry Christmas to you all.

As we get ready to bid 2022 goodbye and welcome the New Year, it is a time to reflect on the year that just passed and make plans for the future. It holds a special magic, promising new opportunities and the possibility to improve our lives. It's also a great time to bond over old memories as you endeavour to make more. This year, we must express our hopes and dreams for better days in 2023! Some of us have had a challenging year with illness, loss, grief, uncertain employment, and isolation due to Covid-19 or other circumstances.

November has been a hectic and full-on

month with so many functions and events, people are travelling again, and function venues are packed again. The end-of-year get-together is happening; I was pleased to attend the 2022 Brisbane City Council endof-year Reception; it is a great get-together of Brisbane City Council personnel, members

of the multicultural roundtable, and consular corps. I attended the Australian National Prayer Breakfast event at KENG on Monday, 28 November. Breakfast was served at 5.45 am, and we joined the Livestream from Parliament House, Canberra, at 6.15 am. I was asked to share Hindu prayer for the nation with other prayer presenters from various Faiths.

Our White ribbon breakfast hosted by Queensland Premier was highly successful; the breakfast is always a sell-out event supporting two organisations, White Ribbon Australia and Beyond DV. The event is delivered in a very professional manner at Brisbane Entertainment and Convention Centre. The presenters are of high calibre. White Ribbon Queensland committee held a stall and assisted with the sales of raffle tickets.

Congratulations to IWAA for the successful launch of their video “It starts with Respect,” I, together with other multicultural leaders featured in the video, raising awareness of domestic violence. I was honoured to be a speaker at the official launch ceremony. The video can be viewed on their YouTube channel and Australian Indian Radio – Facebook and YouTube channel. IMAQ has also prepared a video on travel-related health matters; that video is also available on Australian Indian Radio platforms.

Queensland Multicultural Council held its annual dinner at Indian Brothers restaurant, the event was well attended and presented, and I was honoured to be the MC for the event. It was a good night, and we have received favourable reviews. AIBC Dinner at Curry and Cask was another sold-out event, a big screen was set up for the cricket match, but unfortunately, India lost that night. APSA red carpet event was attended by Madhu Khanna representing Australian Indian Radio.

Hats off to Bal Sanaskar Kendra; their annual function was spectacular. The presentation by the students was just excellent and showed the hard work and commitment of the students, teachers, and parents. I was honoured to be the chief guest and speak to the children. I was so impressed by the presentation on various topics that affect our community. The conviction and confidence with which the presentation was delivered spoke volumes. My take on the presentation is that it should be shown to the broader community and will be a critical cultural awareness programme for government departments.

Last but not least, let me talk about the Nepalese festival; now I must say that this festival had the natural touch of a Desi Mela, organised chaos. It would be another way of describing it, but that is the essence of our celebrations, the crowds, things just taking place on the go and improvisations. I participated in the parade from King George Square to Queen Street Mall; what an experience and honour.

Well, that is about what we have time for in this issue, it’s been wonderful having your company, and we will see you next year; until then, Happy reading.

—Umesh Chandra OAM Publisher

Partner Visa’s

THE Department of Home Affairs allows Australian Citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their married or de facto partners on the basis of their genuine and ongoing relationship.

Partner visas are generally processed in two stages in Australia. Sponsored applicants must hold a provisional visa, a Partner (Temporary) visa, in order to be granted a permanent visa, a Partner (Residence) visa. The grant of the provisional visa enables them to travel to and remain in Australia on a temporary basis. Following the grant of a temporary visa, a permanent visa may be granted where the decisionmaker is satisfied the relationship has been ongoing for at least 2 years and is genuine and continuing. In some circumstances, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection may grant a waiver for the 2 year waiting period, or grant permanency even where the relationship has broken down before the end of the 2 year period.

Generally a provisional partner visa takes up to 12 months to be processed. Depending on the circumstances, visa applicants may be able to lodge their partner visa in Australia (subclass 820/801), and be granted a bridging visa, which will allow them to stay in Australia whilst the visa is being processed. Alternatively, a partner visa may be lodged and granted offshore (subclass 309/100).

Applicants will be required to show that together with their partner, they have a genuine commitment to a shared life together. This may be evidenced through financial interdependence, social context, nature of the household, nature of commitment to each other, and history of relationship. The department may take into account the cultural

background of the applicant, including cultural and legal marriage ceremonies.

Migration Guru has assisted a vast number of clients, in various and complex circumstances, including arranged marriages and de facto applicants. Migration Guru has more than 80 years of collective experience in the industry and a team of Migration Agents / Solicitors. With our vast experience and skills, we are able to provide accurate migration or legal advice based on our clients’ personal circumstances. If you would like more information regarding your visa eligibility, applicable visa subclass, or next steps, Migration Guru can assist you in navigating this process.

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 1, 162 Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS. Phone: 03 6281 8008

Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 5, 490 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson, ACT. Phone: 02 6109 9110

Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Suite 323, Level 3, 1 Queens Road, Melbourne, VIC. Phone 03 6240 1930

Disclaimer: - The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

Domestic and overseas holiday options ‘made for relaxation’

destinations as the sun sets. You're also well-placed to explore the region's famous wineries and find your next favourite spot.

By Rama Gaind

THE time for dreaming is over: about having a holiday, that is. There are many options when it comes to destinations, be it domestic or international. With proper planning you can target your personalised escape now ― and soon could be waking up to the sea breeze and relaxed alfresco lifestyle of the Mornington Peninsula, just one hour from Melbourne.

Slow down at the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, in Victoria. A harmonious blend of rich history with contemporary design has created a luxurious ocean side retreat. It’s like new life has been infused into a locally loved landmark. Unwind by the pool, then take the time to sample one of the seven dining

Experience the warmth of Australian hospitality at Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, in Queensland. Prominently situated on the marina, laze by the pool, surrounded by lush tropical gardens or adventure out to Cairns’ favourite attractions including local markets, waterfalls and World Heritage-listed rainforests and landmarks. This is one of the best bases for your tropical Queensland escape and, of course, make time to visit the Great Barrier Reef.

Head down to NSW for the perfect city stay-cation, with tourist attractions right on the doorstep at Crown Towers Sydney. Rising majestically above the bustling Barangaroo Precinct, this hotel offers comfort right in the heart of Sydney.

Alternatively, be one of the first to experience a new luxury hotel: The Porter House Hotel Sydney – MGallery. It is nestled amongst the eclectic mix of heritage and modern buildings in the heart of Sydney's CBD. You will find this hotel is in close

proximity to many of Sydney's attractions — Hyde Park, Australian Museum, Darling Harbour, Capitol Theatre — with rail links to the airport and Circular Quay.

There’s an adventure waiting for everyone whether it’s a Margaret River Wine Tour for food lovers, a Perth escape, an epic Perth getaway that includes Rottnest Island or a trip that includes a cruise on the Nornalup Inlet and explorer tours of Perth and Fremantle.

OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS

Your next getaway to Singapore could be a stay at one of the tallest hotels in Southeast Asia — Swissôtel The Stamford. Enjoy a few days in an upscale hotel

that boasts a prime location amid world-class shopping, dining, entertainment and business opportunities. Be well located in the heart of Singapore with the City Hall Mass Rapid Transit train station and other major transportation modes at the doorstep. Embark on a voyage of epicurean and entertainment pleasures at Swissôtel’s 13 restaurants and bars, which includes the Jaan by Kirk Westaway, awarded two Michelin stars.

Head to Indonesia, and stay in a suite with ocean views at the Anantara Uluwatu Bali. This is where one discovers a slower pace of life on the southern tip, where the luxury resort unfolds on a dramatic cliffside overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The retreat mesmerises

with suites and villas cascading down the cliffside towards the famous Impossible Beach below where you can ride the waves. While away from the crowds, explore clifftop temples, hidden beaches and some of the world’s best surf breaks.

When in Thailand, discover Katathani Phuket Beach Resort that’s perfectly

positioned across 850 metres of Kata Noi Beach, claimed to be the most beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters in Phuket. Sightseeing beckons, as well as, dining in a range of restaurants that offer Thai cuisine and western options.

Seek out special accommodation packages to be able to venture out on a journey of discovery and exploration.

Anantara Uluwatu in Bali.

Shangri-La The Marina in Cairns.

InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, in Victoria.

Why are relationships so complex?

QUESTION: WHy DO RELATIONSHIPS, ESPECIALLy BETWEEN GIRLFRIEND AND BOyFRIEND OR HUSBAND AND WIFE, BECOME SO COMPLEx?

SADHGURU: If relationships are bodybased, the excitement about each other’s body will usually die after some time. What you thought of as the ultimate is not ultimate after some time. It is natural that people begin to grow out of it when the main draw which brought them together starts to melt away. Without knowing why, they start being unpleasant to each other because, essentially, such a relationship is about extracting sweetness and happiness from another person. If you try to squeeze joy out of someone, after some time, when it does not yield the same results as it used to in the beginning, some bitterness will begin.

Certain things may happen as you start growing older. From yesterday to today, you are a little older. So, today, while you are young, you must think of all the relationships that you hold in your life – not just biological relationships – in terms of an expression of joy, not an extraction of joy.

For this to happen, you

must first become joyful by your own nature. If you focus on becoming an exuberant overflow of joy, and your relationship is about sharing this joy, you do not have to worry about the normal circus that people go through in their relationships.

A relationship may not stay just in one area of life.

Once people are together, they will have to share many things. Naturally, you will start stepping on each other’s toes for many small things that happen. Because of this, there will be many interactions – or you can even call them altercations – that will happen.

You cannot manage all

this on a daily basis. So, the best thing is to manage yourself in such a way that you are a naturally exuberant, joyful being. If this happens, your relationships will not be need-based.

When relationships are need-based, if what you need does not come, you will start cribbing. You

will start complaining and feeling bitter that you are not getting what you are supposed to get. If you just eliminate this need within you, and you are naturally overflowing with joy, then you can hold fabulous relationships with every kind of person, irrespective of who they are. They do not have to be like you.

May you have the most beautiful relationships in your life.

Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary and bestselling author. Sadhguru has been conferred the "Padma Vibhushan", India’s highest annual civilian award, by the Government of India in 2017, for exceptional and distinguished service.

A r E l Ationshi P m Ay not stAy just in on E A r EA of lif E. o nc E PE o P l E A r E tog E th E r, th E y will h Av E to sh A r E m A ny things. nAtur A lly, you will stA rt st EPP ing on EAch oth E r’s to E s for m A ny sm A ll things th At h APPE n. B E c Aus E of this, th E r E will BE m A ny int E r Actions – or you c A n E v E n c A ll th E m A lt E rc Ations –th At will h APPE n.

2022 White ribbon Day Breakfast

BRISBANE This year’s breakfast featured influential leaders in a discussion on critical issues, such as the behaviours that contribute to coercive control and raising awareness of how to respond to all forms of domestic and family violence appropriately.

The breakfast included Simone O’Brien as keynote speaker and Andrew Lofthouse, Nine News Queensland presenter, as Master of Ceremonies.

A panel of prominent ambassadors for change shared their insights and diverse experiences regarding the behaviours that perpetrate coercive control. Panellists included: • Adair Donaldson, Director, Donaldson Law • Sergeant Adrian Geary, Officer in Charge, Gordonvale Police Station • Matt Pronger, CoDirector, Workplace Respect Proceeds were donated to White Ribbon Australia

In an emergency, always call the police on triple zero (000). In a non-emergency, you can also lodge an online report if you’re unable to access a phone.

The Queensland Government is proud to support White Ribbon Day, which is an opportunity to raise awareness and commit to action to prevent

men’s violence against women.

Allan Ball , Director White Ribbon Australia, Umesh Chandra OAM –Chair of White Ribbon Queensland Committee and other committee members were in attendance. Queensland committee had a stall and assisted in the sale of raffle tickets.

PM chairs key all-Party Meet on G-20, seeks cooPeration

G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world's major developed and developing economies.

At the meeting, the government highlighted the yearlong programmes that have been planned during India's presidency.

Some opposition leaders, including Sitaram Yechury and D Raja of the Left, noted that India taking over the presidency was by rotation and said it should not be projected as the government's achievement, sources said.

Modi, in his address, asserted that it was an occasion for the entire country to be proud of and everyone should contribute to its success, they added.

The prime minister had spoken on similar lines at a BJP meeting, saying that every citizen should be proud of the development.

Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, who is also

the West Bengal chief minister, said at the meeting that the G-20 presidency was not about one party's agenda but of the entire country, sources said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said at the meeting that it was a matter of pride that India has got the G20 presidency and asked Modi to leverage this opportunity for the country's benefit and help deter China from carrying out incursions at the border as well as correct the trade imbalance with it.

He also asked the prime minister to use this opportunity to help the country secure a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and play a key role in helping nations out of the debt crisis as his predecessor Manmohan Singh had done during the 2008 economic crisis, the sources said.

Raising the issue of some nations providing aid and support to terrorism, he said the prime minister should use this

occasion to seek the support of other nations to act against such countries, the sources said.

On India's stand on the Ukraine war, he also told the prime minister to continue efforts to maintain peace and help create an environment where no war-like situation is created again.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president K Chandrasekhar Rao and Janata Dal-United chief Lalan Singh did not attend the meeting. The Rashtriya Janata Dal also skipped the meeting.

In a statement highlighting Yechury's comments at the meeting, the Communist Party of India-Marxist reiterated that India's turn at the helm of the grouping is by the dint of a "rotating presidency".

Opposition leaders' comments are apparently aimed at countering any BJP attempt to project the development as a major success for the government.

"Every country in the G20 will automatically be President when

their turn comes," Yechury said.

Stalin, in his address at the Delhi meet, assured the Centre of Tamil Nadu's full support and cooperation in conducting conferences to mark India's G20 Presidency.

"I congratulate our Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India assuming the G20 Presidency for 2023. This is a matter of great pride to our country and we have a very important role to play in promoting international understanding," he said as quoted in an official release.

India is keenly observed by, not just G20 countries, but all countries around the globe, the chief minister said.

"I strongly believe our prime minister will use this opportunity to promote the values of peace, non-violence, harmony, equality and equal justice all over the world. I assure that Tamil Nadu will extend its full support and cooperation in conducting the conferences to mark India's G20

Presidency."

"We will show India's greatness to the world. I thank our prime minister on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu for this opportunity," Stalin said.

Kharge highlighted at the meeting that India has in the past chaired the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit and hosted its summit in 1983 along with the CHOGM summit which was attended by leaders of several countries.

The IMF has that 53 nations are going through a debt crisis, Kharge said and expressed the hope that India shows the path forward in helping these countries come out of the crisis.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Sikkim's Prem Singh Tamang, and Maharashtra's Eknath Shinde attended the meeting.

Also in attendance were Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Jagan Mohan Reddy, Tamil Nadu's

M K Stalin, BJP president J P Nadda, former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu.

Those from the government side present at the meeting included Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Piyush Goyal.

India officially assumed the G20 presidency on December 1. The country is expected to host over 200 preparatory meetings across the country beginning this month. The next G20 Leaders' Summit at the level of heads of state or governments is scheduled to be held on September 9 and 10 next year in New Delhi.

G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union.

Queensland Multicultural council hosts annual Dinner

ANNERLEy on 18th November, Queensland Multicultural Council held its annual function at Indian Brothers restaurant in Annerley. The function began with the welcome address and acknowledgement to the country by MC Umesh Chandra OAM. He invited President Janeth Deen OAM to welcome everyone; many multicultural community leaders were in his presence and were duly recognised.

The two young and talented sisters from Sargam Music Academy performed three beautiful numbers to the audience’s delight. Ms Janeth Deen OAM, in her formal address, thanked everyone for coming and highlighted the activities of the Queensland Multicultural Council. She encouraged everyone to become members of the Queensland Multicultural Council.

Usha Chandra was accorded life membership of the Queensland Multicultural Council, and the board of trustees and the current committee approved the lifetime membership of Usha Chandra. A surprised but pleased Usha Chandra thanked the committee for the honour. Usha Chandra has been associated with

Queensland Multicultural Council since its inception alongside Umesh Chandra OAM.

Asti Mardiasmo ran the trivia segment, while Pradip Gorasia and Nayda Hernandez delivered the vote of thanks. Rohani Prasad and Irene Blaydon aptly handled the registration. Young Lara was the second performer for the night Certificate of appreciation was handed out to sponsors and volunteers.

The wine was sponsored by Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio. Indian Brothers restaurant served the delicious traditional Indian street and mains in buffet style. Best dressed in traditional costumes, male and female prizes were announced. Overall, a very successful event in the Queensland Multicultural Council tradition.

Bollywood Mega Fundraiser for Bracken ridge Project

By DHARMESH PRASAD Jai Sri Ram

AN event like this cannot happen overnight. The wheels started rolling weeks ago. It requires planning and a bird’s eye for details. We have been fortunate enough to be backed by a team of very motivated and resolute volunteers who know their job and are result oriented.

I cannot thank everyone enough for their involvement and their willingness to take on tasks beyond their comfort zones!

Hindu Society of Qld Inc kicked off a major fundraiser event on 3rd December at Narangba Community Hall. This was one of the Fundraisers in the series of events proposed by the Management Committee for 2023. The hall was packed to the brim, and everyone enjoyed the night; it was lovely to see the beautiful colours and elegant Indian costume costumes.

The evening started with Bollywood trivia and continued with a hilarious skit, “Fiji ki yaadein”, performed by a bunch of young kids; their experience of Fiji through their eyes; it was funny, humorous and witty.

The event had a serious side to it as well; the unveiling of the Bracken Project, a prominent Business Leader, Community Worker, and Past President Mr Umesh Chandra OAM, was the keynote speaker. He provided insight into the inception of the Hindu Society of Qld Inc. and how it steeped in history. We are thankful to the Past President and members who had the vision, imagination, and wisdom to sow the seeds of this journey.

President Dr Jai Ram updated the public on the current status of the Bracken Ridge Project and how much work has been put into the project. Management Committee has formed three significant Subcommittees, Building and Construction, Donations and Fundraising and Sales Marketing. Initial work has started whereby our Building and Construction Committee has prepared The Scope of Works sent to the four Architects and Designers to establish Tenders for Expression of interest. A date has been set for 9th December for all the Tenders to attend a briefing, Question and Answer session at Gayatri Mandir, Boondall. As soon as an architect is awarded the tender, design and detail drawing will commence, leading to costs for the project.

The donation and Fundraising Sub-Committee have also met, and income is working on different income streams. A Business Plan is being prepared to provide the roadmap; it will translate

our ideas into actionable, tangible steps to achieve our goal.

As you all know, we live a busy life of the hustle and bustle; we are always on the go; there is always something to do, places to go, and people to meet; this requires energy, stability and work-life balance. We all talk about this but are still looking for the right balance. To create this balance in life, we all strive to seek guidance through the higher being; you can call it GOD, We require a place and space as a society to find the source of all this.

Therefore, HSQ has embarked on a significant construction project to build a temple and a multipurpose hall for the North side. We are at the cusp of fulfilling our communities dream; the proposed cultural precinct would be home to a beautiful temple, space for Bal Vikash, the teaching of music, art, and literature and a multipurpose hall. We endeavour to provide a space to experience and practise our cultural engagement and enhance the spiritual journey for devotees in our diverse community.

Our responsibility is to preserve and foster our religion and culture. This is our identity; we should cherish and demonstrate to our younger generations to uphold the dharma, living one's life according to the codes of conduct described by the Hindu scriptures.

This noble cause requires lots of hard work, commitment and dedication, and we appeal to our brothers and sisters, with the grace of God, this would allure each one of you to be part of our project in furthering our noble objectives.

The year 2022 has flown by; reminiscing the year, Brisbane started the

year with the lockdown, working from home, and a list of restrictions were buzzwords words. Brisbane also suffered significant flooding in February; it has been a tough year for many. Nevertheless, people had the tenacity and resilience to overcome the plight; now, all the restrictions have been back background and

travel to different states and countries have opened up; it is a distant memory now. Amid all these, the Hindu Societies of Queensland have done excellent work serving the community.

On behalf of the Management Committee, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Safe New Year. May this auspicious

season bring lots of Joy, happiness, and peace to all. May all be blessed with God’s grace.

Please visit our website www.hindusocietyqld.org. au; our email address is gayatrimandirqld@gmail. com. We have feedback and a contact us page; feel free to provide us with it.

Feedback, and we will be

happy to oblige.

Stay Connected with the Hindu Society of Queensland W: www. hindusocietyqld.org.au F: Hindu Society of Qld’s Gayatri Mandir and email us at gayatrimandirqld@ gmail.com Phone: (07) 3865 3164 Address: 178 Lyndhurst Rd, Boondall QLD

reia PresiDent Joins national association oF realtors BoarD

THE National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has appointed Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) President, Mr Hayden Groves to its Board of Directors.

Mr Groves said the aim was to bring the REIA voice to NAR's ongoing discussions and decisions on the issues our members are facing as part of REIA-NARS long standing bi-lateral agreement.

"Though distance separates us, we share common goals for both our organisations and our members. This opportunity to discuss those issues and share new perspectives is critical to moving our industry forward and improve the experiences of our members," he concluded.

Mr Groves said he was humbled to be appointed to

NAR

NAR

AUCTION activity across the combined capitals continues to rise, with 2,579 homes set to go under the hammer this week. Continuing the upward trend seen over the past four weeks, this week's auction volumes are expected to rise 6.8%, overtaking last week (2,414) as the capital's busiest week since mid-June (2,528). While up week on week, this week's scheduled auction activity is -37.9% lower than the same week last year (4,153), when weekly auction volumes exceeded 4,000 for the second time on record.

With 937 homes currently scheduled for auction, Sydney's auction activity rose marginally this week (0.9%), making it the busiest week since late May (1,109). The previous week saw

929 homes auctioned across the city, while this time last year, 1,466 auctions were held.

Melbourne is expected to host more than 1,000 auctions for the third consecutive week, with 1,151 homes set to go under the hammer. Up 13.8% from the 1,011 auctions held last week, this week's auction activity is -39.8% below this time last year (1,912), when Melbourne hosted its sixth busiest auction week on record.

Adelaide (180) is set to overtake Brisbane as the busiest auction market amongst the smaller capitals, up 20.8% from the previous week when 149 auctions were held. With 169 auctions scheduled, Brisbane's auction activity is set to rise 9.7% this week, up from 154, while Canberra is expected to

host 125 auctions this week, 17.8% below the 152 held last week. In Perth, 14 homes are set to go under the hammer, while three auctions are expected in Tasmania this week.

SUMMARy OF LAST WEEk’S RESULTS

The combined capitals hosted the busiest auction week since mid-June (2,528) last week, with 2,414 auctions held across the capital cities. Last week's auction activity was 5.0% higher than the previous week (2,298) but -43.2% below the number of auctions held this time last year (4,251) when the capitals hosted the third busiest auction week on record.

The rise in auction activity was accompanied by a 3.8

percentage point decline in the combined capital clearance rate, with 56.4% of auctions reporting a successful result. This is the capital's lowest final clearance rate since late August (55.8%). The previous week's clearance rate came in at 60.2%, while 68.5% of auctions held this time last year were successful.

With 1,011 auctions held across the city last week, Melbourne's auction activity was in line with the week prior (1,008) but nearly half (-47.1%) the number of auctions held this time last year (1,910). With 56.1% of auctions reporting a successful result, Melbourne recorded its lowest clearance rate since the week ending 24th July, when 52.0% of auctions were successful. Last week's clearance rate was -6.2 percentage points below the

rate recorded the previous week (62.3%) and well below this time last year, when 66.3% of auctions returned a successful result.

Sydney had its busiest auction week since late May (1,109) with 929 homes going under the hammer last week, up 19.4% compared to the previous week (778). After recording the strongest final clearance rate since midMarch (64.8%) the week prior (64.2%), Sydney's clearance rate fell -5.6 percentage points last week to 58.6%. Over the same week last year, 1,546 homes were taken to auction across the city, and a final clearance rate of 67.2% was reported. Despite the decline in Sydney's clearance rate, Sydney's withdrawal rate fell to 15.8%, down from 17.0% the previous week, while the

portion of homes passed in at auction rose from 18.8% the week prior to 25.5%.

Across the smaller capitals, Brisbane was the busiest auction market last week, despite recording a -21.8% decline week-onweek, with 154 homes taken to auction, followed closely by Canberra (up 15.2%) with 152 auctions and Adelaide (down -2.6%) with 149 auctions. Adelaide recorded the highest clearance rate amongst the smaller capitals, with 66.2% of auctions returning a successful result, while Canberra and Brisbane recorded a clearance rate of 50.0% and 43.8%, respectively.

In Perth, 16 auctions were held last week; eight recorded a successful result, while the three auctions held in Tasmania were unsuccessful.

THE Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) President, Hayden Groves has urged RBA to exercise caution in regard to interest rate rises next week as the latest ABS lending figures show buyers are beginning to pull back.

According to the latest ABS figures, the value of total new loan commitments for housing fell 2.7 per cent

in October 2022 (seasonally adjusted), while the value of owner-occupier refinancing between lenders fell 1.3 per cent.

Mr Groves said the number of new loan commitments is falling, coinciding with rising monthly mortgage repayments.

"The ABS figures show

the number of new loan commitments to owneroccupier first home buyers fell 3.2 per cent in October 2022, after a revised fall of 4.0 per cent in September.

First home buyer loans in October were 47 per cent below the January 2021 peak and are now similar to 2019 levels.

"The value of new owner-

occupier loan commitments fell 2.9 per cent in October, while the value of new investor loan commitments fell 2.2 per cent. This month's fall continued the decline from record high levels seen earlier this year, although commitments remain above pre-pandemic levels.

"The ABS figures show monthly owner-occupier

refinancing between lenders has remained above $12 billion since June 2022, well above pre-pandemic values."

Mr Groves said the reality is while house prices are decreasing from record highs over 2020 and 2021, affordability is getting worse for existing homeowners, first time buyers and renters which is directly attributable

to inflation and interest rates.

"The best possible move for the RBA to take is to hold the cash rate and provide Australians with some certainty in the run in to Christmas. The better-thanexpected CPI results this week should provide our monetary policy makers the comfort to do so."

the NAR Board adding that, "the decision to add an Aussie to the NAR Board of Directors was based on the value of the partnership that we've developed over the past 25 plus years."

invites five international Directors to form part of its Board as part

of their global programs and the last time an Australian was invited to the NAR Board was 2014 when Michael Wellsmore held the position.

has just over 1,000 Directors and represents nearly 1.6 million REALTORS both in the United States and abroad.

arya PratiniDhi saBha oF QueenslanD

born, which instill in us the sense of duties and responsibilities:

(Agnihotra / Havan) as a maintenance process of the environment.

GRATITUDE कतज्ञता is a noble human trait. It is respectful appreciation of support, care, love received.

Gratitude brings light to life. The Vedic (Hindu) philosophy upholds gratitude in terms of the Rina Traya (ऋण त्रय), the three-fold liabilities under which every individual is

1. DEV-RINA, देव ऋण i.e. obligations to Eeshvar (God), the Creator of the universe and all the forces and elements therein sustaining the universe and life (space, air, fire, water, earth …etc.), the revelation (Veda) and the knowledge ingrained in the universe (physical & other sciences)

• We need to honor the cosmic process, i.e. respect the laws in Creation - the laws of nature, refrain from polluting the planet which sustains life, make judicious use of resources, and not leave the planet in a worse state than we inherited by doing Yajnas

2. RISHI RINA ऋषी ऋण i.e. obligations to the seers (rishis) for the rich heritage & culture, the transmission of knowledge, the Vedas - the living values for peace, social cohesion, and fostering the inquisitive tradition.

• We need to keep ourselves on that learning curve, add to the wisdom and disseminate it to the next generation, hence Atithi Yajna paring respects to visiting learned and elderly persons.

3. PITRI-RINA पित ऋण i.e. obligations to parents, ancestors and the elderly around us for their contribution in

our physical, mentalmoral-spiritual & social upbringing. We need to toe the line of our ancestors in living up to the Universal Vedic values as well as continue the lineage and perpetuate the knowledge by disseminating it down to our children.

• Let’s adopt Pitri Yajna in our daily life, perform real Shraadha i.e. care for living parents as an act of faith, respect and gratitude; and Tarpan, i.e. keep them content …not when they are no longer among us.

Gratitude is a beneficial action that will multiply our blessings. We need to practice it daily to enhance our levels of happiness (sukh), peace (shaanti) and prosperity (samriddhi).

ABHAyAM MitraadAbhayam-AmitraadAbhayam JnaataadAbhayam Parokshaat, Abhayam Naktam Abhayam Divaa Nah Sarvaa Aashaa Mama Mitram Bhavantu. (AtharvaVeda 19.15.6)

O Eeshvar (God)! We seek your grace to be fearless from our friends & foes, from the known & unknown, from daylight & darkness of the night, and from all directions.

This mantra is an invocation to “be free from fear, be fearless and have faith in the Divinity.” It’s a call to always be alert as life is full of uncertainties which have to be faced as and when they arise; from friends & opponents, the known & unknown, light & darkness as well as all directions.

A similar prayer is found in the ManasaaParikramaa of our daily

twilight BrahmaYajna or Sandhya where we seek the divine protection from all living and nonliving beings, and from all directions.

We need to consolidate our health (body-mindspirit) and self-confidence. Life demands not an attitude of flight as running away or hiding the head is no solution. Rather, the acceptance of uncertainties fosters courage to act,

understand, love, nurture compassion, and endure create space for faith & hope to blossom.

We’ll realize the edict of “Manurbhava” – be humane in thoughts, words & deeds, and be the oil and wick in the lamp of humanity. Happiness (sukha), Peace (shaanti), and Prosperity (samriddhi) will illuminate human life all over the whole world. Acharya Bramdeo Mokoonlall Ji

Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

Acharya Bramdeo Ji

BRISBANE Vietnamese community in Queensland organised a ceremony to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our Vietnamese Boat People Memorial on Sunday, 4th December, at Captain Burke Park, Holman Street, Kangaroo Point.

After the end of the Vietnam War on 30th April 1975, due to the oppressive policies of the communists, nearly three million people fled our country and ran away from the communist regime in Vietnam. UNHCR estimated that around half a million people perished from 1975-1995 on the way to seeking Freedom.

Dr Cuong Trong BUI AM, the President, invited guests and multicultural community leaders to lay

tenth anniVersary

VietnaMese Boat PeoPle MeMorial the india australia society - Diwali 2022

THE India Australia Society organised the Diwali and Christmas event ‘MOOD 2022’ on 19th November 2022 at Coorparoo Secondary College. Members of wider Queensland communities joined this event which was filled with dance, music and food! The India Australia Society (IAS) of Queensland is a non-profit and nonpolitical organization established in Brisbane in 1977. The primary objectives of the IAS are to enhance friendly relationships, understanding and goodwill between Indians and Australians. India has always been synonymous with the ‘Unity in Diversity’ throughout the ages. The diversity and variety of India is rich and extensive.

The Master of Ceremony for the event was Mr. Zain Chamadia who was exceptional in managing the event all through the evening. Distinguished dignitaries, community and business leaders were present to celebrate the event. The celebration began with the lighting of lamps by the distinguished dignitaries and followed by

the singing of the Australian and Indian national anthem by the students of the Sargam Music Academy. The welcome address by Dr Preethi Suraj, President IAS stated the objectives of IAS is to promote social, cultural and recreational activities to its members families and friends. Speeches were delivered by Mrs. Archana Singh, Mr Jim Varghese and Mr Anoop Nannaru. The messages from all of the distinguished guests were in summary to celebrate the Unity in diversity and multicultural Australia for the betterment and community prosperity and harmony. The celebration also involved spectacular cultural performances from the various states of India. The event concluded with the vote of thanks by the Vice President of IAS, Mr. Vinod Sharma. The celebration this year was well supported by sponsors – George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals, Century 21, The leadership company, Red Rocket realty, Loan house lending solution, Vastra, E-Bike Rentals and Dosa Hut Gold coast

The event was a grand success with IAS and its executive team working together with the greater enthusiasm in bringing

one-ness, unity, peace and harmony. Delicious and scrumptious Indian dinner by Dosa Hut Restaurant Gold coast was organised to

all present in the event.

IAS as a whole, led by the current President Dr Preethi Suraj takes immense pride and thanks to everyone, for

the support to celebrate this event with uniting mainly all the senior citizens in various communities year after year.

wreaths at the end of the ceremony. The statue is of a woman holding a child’s hand and is dedicated to the refugees who fled war-torn

Vietnam in boats bound for Australia in the late 1970s and through the 1980s. Many lost their lives on the way. The statue

captures a sense of the plight of the Vietnamese, the human factor of each individual’s struggle, as a bird comes to rest on the

woman’s hand while the little boy tugs in the other direction, perhaps looking for a brighter future in a new country. This beautiful

memorial at Kangaroo Point acknowledges that struggle and the arrival of the Vietnamese to a new home in Australia.

f

new Fiji Government would need legislation to correct corrupted appointments

confidence and trust in not only their competence and skills but also their full loyalty to the new government.

iji’s appointment of 13 Permanent Secretaries (PS) on the eve of election seen as criminal abuse of power

Many eyebrows were raised, when all of a sudden, the rogue Khaiyum and Bainimarama regime again insulted the intelligence of Fiji people with gross abuse of power, bordering on criminality.

Nitya Reddy, a prolific contributor to social media also raised his concerns about renewing appointment of 13 with three new appointments of PS.

This is not only unusual but a blatant lack of respect and criminal abuse of power, knowing very well that they may lose the election. Days before the election, the convention is that all governments get into a caretaker mode, and do not commit any new contracts. This is a show of respect for the newcoming government.

As Nitya Reddy has pointed out, PS are the chief executives of the government and executioners of all government policies. Any incoming govt must have complete

Nitya Reddy adds With all due respect to the present lot, most are holdovers of the Fiji First; heavily dyed and contaminated with their 16-yearold loyalties to the regime and, in particular, hostages to the corrosive and divisive Khaiyum dogma. In fact, there is not a single one who has measured up fully to the required levels of public service ethics of neutrality, independence, professionalism and probity. And this is not an exaggeration.

In particular, he questioned the appointment of Ashwin Raj, an utterly incompetent Director of Human Rights, a decade long proven lap dog of the government, transfused with Fiji First blood, how can this appointment be justified? Given his record of biased and partisan rulings, he will never be loyal should there be a change in govt.

It is extraordinary not only for its blatant lack of respect for the new incoming govt (whoever that is) but also for its criminal and reckless act of entering into new 3 - year employment contracts. If revoked earlier, it will cost the taxpayers millions in damages. It is a deliberately vindictive act of exposing the taxpayers to serious potential damages.

My guess is that these Permanent Secretaries would now be earning at least $300-350,000 annually. What is also questionable is the manner in which they were

appointed. Were there open invitation, and interviews and transparency. And the biggest question is, were their contracts coming to an end, that they rushed into renewing them

The incoming government is shackled with these lapdogs and terminating their contracts will cost millions.

However, all is not lost.

sugg E st E d Actions for th E incoming n E w gov E rnm E nt

The incoming government would be in an unusual and difficult position as the Fiji First government has been run as a two-person dictatorship, with very questionable and past deals, and a big sack of stinking fish that they would inherit.

The appointment of PS is only one part of the problem. I suggest the new government to have a MINISTRY OF REFORM.

A law needs to be passed in Fiji Parliament reviewing and having legal powers to rescind all contracts and arrangements which were not made with transparency, proper legal requirements with correct procedures, and were granted without Cabinet or Parliamentary approval. The powers should be termination without any damages.

This should include appointments of expatriates and other appointments without proper and due process.

Among others, this would include questionable, unethical and immoral appointments of PS on the eve of the election. This was a criminal act by Khaiyum and show

of blatant regard in their care-taker stage of government, weeks before election.

All other nepotist appointments including CEO of FBC and all other contracts made to reward the cronies and funders of Fiji First and others to hinder progress. This may also include hospital outsourcing agreement with ASPEN, which reportedly has been given with exclusivity, denying the long overdue tertiary hospital project that both Rabuka and Chaudhry have already blessed.

A priority would also be to review appointments, qualifications and judicial appropriateness and suitability of judges, especially those from Sri Lanka, and those who have been sitting on crucial cases. Their qualifications, character suitability needs to be scrutinized.

This may be unusual but DOCTRINE OF NECESSITY would demand that the new government has confidence in those in its Executive and Judiciary arms and are able to drive policies which are not diluted or thinned by corruption and cronyism that

resulted in such appointments.

Unlike governments of the past, PAP / NFP and possibly LABOUR and others need to arm themselves with powers to protect democracy and rule of law through this doctrine of necessity. This is nothing unusual -it will just mirror the decrees Khaiyum used to abuse power.

But this will be an exercise to protect democracy, and learn from the fall of Chaudhry’s

Festive season at its best at rani’s Parv

Peoples Coalition, because the ethnonationalist Permanent Secretaries openly opposed and insulted the new government and its Prime Minister. This should not happen again

Fiji needs to learn from the past.

[Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist, and a media commentator , based in Auckland, and a regular contributor to this publication. E-mail: thakurjifj@ gmail.com]

RAJASTHANI Association of NSW Inc. (RANI) organised their last event for the year 2022 called RANI’s PARV (Festival)- themed Colours of India, at Roselea Community Center on the 29th of October 2022.

INTRODUCTION

We can make out from the happy faces that walked out after the end of the event that the event was a huge success. RANI is a not-forprofit association founded 5 years ago. The association has always focused to hold the Hindu culture and passing it forward to the coming young generation.

RANI conducts several events throughout the year, some are fundraising events, some are charity events, and some are member exclusive events. It is a community association that brings Rajasthani families

closer to each other who are away from home.

ABOUT THE EVENT

This year at RANI’s Parv they showcased different colours of India, celebrating the Unity in Diversity of Indian culture. They had food stalls that sold scrumptious food delicacies from different parts of India like Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab to name a few. Everyone was so delighted to see that one country has numerous special dishes that belong to each individual state. The highlight of the event was the Colous of India fashion Show. It was a one-of-a-kind fashion show where the full family participated. From little kids to the elderly, each family depicted a state of India, walking on the stage wearing its traditional outfit.

The audience got to see the different attires, different dresses that are worn by the people of that particular state. Outfits from states like West Bengal, Punjab, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Jammu Kashmir, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh were seen on the stage. It was truly amusing to see the vibrant colours on one stage. All the families made an outstanding effort to show and portray each state. Everyone attending was just amazed. Lastly, there were dance and singing performances from different states showing their folk talent. Several other cultural associations across Sydney like RANI also participated at Parv. Each performance was equally entertaining, and the

audience got to see the folk dances of several states.

SUMMARy

From firecrackers, photobooths, dance performances, DJ, photographers, yummy food

dishes, and colourful outfitsthe event had it all. India is such a big country with its wide and diverse culture and at Rani’s PARV we got to see it. Together we learnt and celebrated the food and culture of each state.

The smiles, the vibrance and splendor of the event set everyone happy and in high spirits. At Parv we all celebrated the biggest festive season of the Hindu CultureDiwali with a little different twist.

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

Sitiveni Rabuka -the probable incoming PM, with many skeletons in the closet of a questionable Fiji First Government

Khaiyum and Bainimarama who made many questionable contracts and commitments that may need to be nullified with special laws

Sitiveni Rabuka and Biman Prasad, who are expected to lead the new government, shackled with many questionable and corrupt contracts.

loknayak Jay Prakash narayan

JAy PRAkASH Narayan was an Indian freedom fighter, political leader, social reformer and campaigner against corruption in public life. He advocated the idea of Sampurna Kranti, total revolution and inspired political parties to work together for the benefit of the nation. He is also referred to as JP and became renowned as Loknayak, People’s Leader.

Early life - Jay Prakash was born on 11th October 1902 in a village named Sitabdiara in Saran district of Bihar. Parts of the village, which is located at the confluence of rivers Ganga and Ghaghra, are spread in Uttar Pradesh. His original house was in the flood prone area. The family moved a few kilometres away to a higher-level settlement, which is now known as Jay Prakash Nagar and it falls in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh.

Jay Prakash’s father Harsh Dayal was a junior officer in the irrigation department of the local government. His mother was Phulrani Devi. He was the fourth child of his parents. After completing his primary education, Jay Prakash went to Patna for high school education at the age of nine years and joined the collegiate school. He stayed at a student hostel named Saraswati Bhawan, in which most of the boys were slightly older than him. Among them were some of Bihar's future leaders including its first chief minister Shree Krishna Singh and his deputy Anugrah Narayan Sinha.

The nationalist movement in India was very strong in those days.

In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi had visited Bihar to investigate issues related to indigo plantation and successfully used nonviolent means of Satyagrah to resolve the dispute. The non-violent resistance to injustice attracted attention of all the nationalists. Jay Prakash was impressed by Gandhi’s approach and started reading his articles in ‘Young India’ published by him.

In 1919, Jay Prakash passed Matriculation in the first class and received a merit scholarship. He enrolled in the Science College Patna and aspired to become a scientist.

In October 1920, Jay Prakash married Prabhavati Devi, the daughter of a rich and influential lawyer Braj Kishore Prasad. She was 14 years of age at the time of marriage. Braj Kishore Prasad was an ardent follower of Gandhi and the first Congress party member in Bihar who had left a lucrative legal practice to devote himself to the freedom struggle.

Jay Prakash once attended a meeting where Maulana Abul Kalam Azad spoke about the non-

co-operation movement launched by Gandhi against the passing of the Rowlatt Act in 1919. Gandhi had urged advocates and students to boycott courts and colleges respectively, in protest against the Act.

Jay Prakash was moved by Maulana’s speech and left his college with just 20 days remaining until his final exams. He joined the Bihar Vidyapeeth, a college founded by Rajendra Prasad on advice of Mahatma Gandhi.

He passed Intermediate examination with merit and wanted to become a scientist, however, there was no teaching facility for science in the Vidyapeeth. He did not like to join government-funded college.

He decided to go to the USA for higher studies. He consulted his wife, who consented to his plan. Jay Prakash sailed for the USA in August 1922 and arrived in California in October.

Prabhavati moved to Gandhi’s ashram when Jay Prakash went abroad.

Jay Prakash was admitted to the California University in January 1923. He did not have enough money to sustain himself in the USA. He was obliged to perform menial works to earn for living and paying for education. He realised the difficult life of the working class people with his own experience. After a semester, he was forced to transfer to the University of Iowa due to an increase in the fees at California University.

He relocated several times, in search of jobs that could support his education. From Iowa, he went to Chicago and from there to Wisconsin and then to Ohio. At American universities, he studied natural sciences, economics and sociology. He came into contact with many followers of the communist philosophy and studied Marx, Engels, Lenin and Trotsky.

He completed a Bachelor degree in sociology at Ohio University. He got a scholarship and obtained his Master degree. He was about to enrol for PhD, when he received a letter from home with the news that his mother was seriously ill. He returned to India in September 1929. He travelled to his village where his mother was overjoyed to see him. His father had retired from service by then. Prabhavati returned home from the ashram to meet him.

Freedom fighterA few days after his return from the USA, Jay Prakash attended the Bihar provincial congress session, held in Munger, as an observer. The main issue for discussion was whether the nationalist movement should demand full independence or dominion status. The majority of delegates were for the more

radical demand, complete independence.

He travelled with his wife Prabhavati to Wardha to meet Gandhi. Prabhavati wanted to return to her duties at the ashram. At the congress working committee deliberation there, Jay Prakash and Jawaharlal Nehru were introduced to each other.

From Wardha, Prabhavati and Jay Prakash accompanied Gandhi to Lahore, where Nehru presided over the Congress session. At this session, Nehru declared that the Congress would fight for complete independence.

On Gandhi’s advice, Prabhavati left Wardha ashram to start living with her husband. Jay Prakash joined the Indian National Congress on Nehru’s invitation. He was appointed a secretary in the Labour Department of Congress. He along with his wife Prabhavati moved to Prayagraj and worked from Swaraj Bhawan for the party. Prabhavati built a close relationship with Nehru’s wife Kamala and became her confidante Gandhi began the civil disobedience movement by starting Salt Satyagrah in March 1930. He was detained in May that year. The Congress was banned, but its meetings continued and its public support grew.

Jay Prakash actively participated in civil disobedience activities against British rule. He was arrested in 1932 and imprisoned in Nasik jail. In the jail, he met Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Minoo Masani, Ashok Mehta, Yusuf Desai and other national leaders. After his release from jail, the Congress Socialist Party (CSP), a left wing group within the Congress was set up with Acharya Narendra Dev as president and Jay

Prakash as its general secretary. Jay Prakash continued working for the party in various roles.

In December 1939, as a general secretary of CSP, Jay Prakash called upon the people to take advantage of the 2nd World War to stop the British exploitation of India. He was arrested and imprisoned for nine months. After his release, he met with Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose. To strengthen the Indian freedom movement, he tried to bring about conciliation between the two leaders, but could not succeed.

During the Quit India Movement in 1942, Jay Prakash was once again at the helm of the agitation. He along with other leaders of CSP took charge of the ongoing campaign, when all the senior leaders of Congress had been arrested.

However, he was soon arrested under Defence of India Rules, a preventive detention law that did not require trial. He was put in Hazari Bagh Central Jail. Jay Prakash and his accomplices started planning an escape from the jail. Their chance came soon on Diwali day in November 1942 when a large number of guards were on leave because of the festival. He along with other inmates made a daring escape from prison by scaling its wall. The event made Jay Prakash a folk hero.

The British Government announced a reward of Rupees 10,000 for his capture. Jay Prakash actively worked underground for the Indian freedom movement after his escape. For fighting the tyranny of British rule, he organised a ‘Freedom Brigade’ in Nepal. British spies pursued him there

and eventually he returned to India.

After some time, en route to Lahore, travelling in a train, he was arrested in Amritsar in September 1943 and was imprisoned in Lahore fort. British authorities tortured him to extract information on the freedom movement. In January 1945, he was transferred from Lahore Fort to Agra Jail. When Gandhi insisted that he would begin negotiation with British rulers only after the unconditional release of Dr Lohia and Jay Prakash, they were released in April 1946.

Differences between Congress and CSP became increasingly apparent and soon after independence, CSP became the Socialist Party of India, a separate party. It did not perform well in the 1952 general election. Jay Prakash left the Socialist Party and became instrumental in setting up a new party named Praja Socialist Party in 1952-53.

He abandoned active politics not long after, and engaged himself in Bhoodan work of Vinoba Bhave and Sarvoday work of Sarva Sewa Sangh established by Mahatma Gandhi. He made an assessment of social evils in India and tried to find solutions to those issues.

He was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1965 for Public Service. It is an annual award established in the name of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay. It is given for upholding integrity in governance, courageous service to the people and pragmatic idealism within a democratic society. It is often called the Noble Peace Prize of Asia.

He was involved in solving the dacoit problem in the Chambal Valley in 1971-72. Around 450 dacoits surrendered their arms ceremoniously to him, in the presence of state authrorities. This brought him immense moral authority.

Emergency - Around 1974, India was in the grip of high levels of unemployment, corruption and inflation. The students of Gujarat, who led an agitation against the state government, requested him to lead the Nava Nirman Andolan.

A similar situation prevailed in Bihar. Jay Praksh called for social justice and demanded dissolution of the Bihar assembly. He urged the students to rise against corrupt political institutions and asked for a closure of colleges and universities for a year during which time he wanted students to devote their time to rebuild the nation. He became popularly known as JP.

He led the students’ movement in Bihar, which gradually developed

into a popular people’s movement. In a public meeting at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on June 5, 1974, JP declared that the struggle was not limited to securing the demands of the students, including the resignation of ministers and dissolution of the Assembly in Bihar. It would aim at bringing about a Sampurna Kranti or total revolution, which alone could solve the urgent problems encountered by the country, and usher in new societal norms.

His concept of total revolution comprised a combination of seven revolutions – social, economic, political, cultural, ideological or intellectual, educational and spiritual. JP believed that the revolution would always continue and keep on changing both personal and social lives. It knew no respite, no halt, indeed not a complete halt.

On his call, many young people joined the movement. He founded the ‘Citizens for Democracy’ and ‘People’s Union for Civil Liberties’ organisations to uphold and defend civil freedoms.

JP movement and the Allahabad High Court’s decision on electoral dishonesty against then prime minister culminated in the proclamation of a national emergency in June 1975. JP was arrested and kept as a detenu at Chandigarh. His health suddenly deteriorated and he was released on 12 November. Medical examinations revealed kidney failure. He stayed alive, dependant on dialysis for the rest of his life.

The Emergency was revoked in January 1977 and an election was announced. The Janata Party was formed by amalgamation of non congress parties. It was voted into power and became the first ever nonCongress government in March 1977. JP had the credit of bringing all nonCongress parties under a single umbrella of Janata Party. A new generation of leaders emerged from JP movement who later led various governments.

Jay Prakash died in Patna on 8th October 1979 due to effects of diabetes, and kidney and heart ailments. His wife Prabhavati had already passed away on April 15th 1973.

The Government of India posthumously awarded him Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country in 1999. Townships, bridges, hospitals and national institutions now bear his name. Patna International Airport is named after him. Jay Prakash is remembered for his courage, dedication to his people and service to the nation.

—Awadhesh Sharma www.hinduguru.com.au

God himself arranges for securing what we lack and preserving what we have – Part -3

elevate in life by realizing the real comfort of the Jeeva.

THE content of this article is taken from the satsang (spiritual discourse) of H.H. Sant Shri Asharam ji Bapu. Swami Vivekananda addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in September 1893. Hundred years after him, Pujya Bapu Ji addressed the same Parliament in September 1993 and the whole parliament reverberated with the chanting of Hari Om. Both of these worldrenowned spiritual leaders addressed the audience for much longer period than the given time and the audience were absorbed in listening to them.

To save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2007 Pujya Bapu ji-initiated celebrations of MatriPitri Pujan Diwas (Parents worship day) on 14th

February. Pujya Bapu ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu ji came up with the idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (holy basil). So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of the India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2014, he initiated celebration of Tulsi poojan on 25th December.

Dear readers, in this 3rd part of path of devotion to God, teaching about selfelevation, Bapu ji reminds us about not to waste our time by fulfilling bodily comfort but rather to

Make your life so elevated that you don't have to run after transitory things; instead, such things should seek you. Your essential nature is -SatChit-Ananda; meaning, you are 'The TruthKnowledge-Bliss' absolute. So, just realize that eternal nature of yours, and that's it: all your duties and responsibilities in life are fulfilled. Unfortunates are those who abandon divine intoxication and worry about comfort. Their fortune has not taken a most favourable turn yet. They are wasting their time for bodily comfort; and don't think of actual inner comfort at all. Lord Shiva says:

"Listen, Uma: those people are unfortunate indeed, who abandon Hari and become attached to objects of the senses.”

Even people like Lord Krishna, while living in his Guru's ashram, spent his life collecting wood from the jungle. And in that hermitage of the sage, there was nothing like discrimination based on caste of the disciple. There was no special facility for Krishna just because of his noble family; and ordinary

facilities for others ... No way, all are living together and treated equally. This is verily the glory of Guru's hermitage; the treatment there is free from discrimination.

When I lived at the lotus feet of my Guru (Bhagavatpada SatGuru Sai Shri Lilashahji Maharaj), all I had was the love and affection of my Guru, otherwise there were discomforts even in the ashram; and the disciple who took care of the ashram management wanted to be the head and principal disciple of Guru. He caused many disciples to quit the ashram by creating friction between them and the Guru. By virtue of Gurudev's grace, I was the only one who managed to stay there. There was a 6'X4'X4' [6 feet long, 4 feet wide and 4 feet high] kutir cottage in Nainital (ashram) which was constructed with woodenpieces using rectangular fruit packaging wooden crate boxes. It's roof was made out of old & damaged cans by cutting them. It was impossible to perform asanas like - Sarvangasana (supported shoulder-stand) in that 4 feet high kutir; and due to snow-fall, there was no possibility to perform asanas outside. Such was the kutir that I lived in; and for food, I would simply boil dhal (split green gram) and eat it.

One needs to make a lot of effort and please a good number of people to get appointed to a high worldly position. To please SatGuru, in order to attain Self knowledge, having attained once, nothing more remains to be done. I even paid great respect to the person who wanted to throw me out of there, but he misused my respectful behaviour towards him. Yet, by virtue of my Guru's grace, I managed to stay at the Guru's holy feet, and thus, gained absolute satisfaction in my own Self.

The behaviour of Shri Krishna exemplifies all that one needs to do, and how one needs to live and behave in order to avail Guru's company and proximity. The person, whose mind becomes pure, one-pointed and egoless, his mind becomes the instrument of divine will.

WHy CARRy A BURDEN ON yOUR HEAD UNNECESSARILy?

One will get either favourable circumstances or adverse circumstances in the world. There is no third option. Either fame will come, or disrepute will come, what else will happen? There is no third option. God is our own Self. He will neither come nor go. And what will come, will definitely go. You will also go; will you go or not? Since everything is bound

mA k E your lif E so E l E vAt E d th At you don't h Av E to run A ft E r tr A nsitory things; inst EA d, such things should s EE k you. your E ss E nti A l n Atur E is - sAtc hit-An A ndA; m EA ning, you A r E ' t h E t ruthk nowl E dg E -Bliss' AB solut E s o, just r EA liz E th At E t E rn A l n Atur E of yours, A nd th At's it: A ll your duti E s A nd r E s P onsi B iliti E s in lif E A r E fulfill E d.

to go, then why carry their burden on your head?

Swami Ramatirtha used to cite a parable about a youth who got married. When he went to father in-law's house for the first time, he carried the clothes and other belongings with him. In those days, people used to travel riding a horse. It was summer. He noticed that the horse's saddle-cloth was drenched with sweat. He felt pity for his horse and thought 'How ruthless I am! I am sitting on him and then there is luggage, then there is bedding and then this bag, there is so much burden on this poor horse! Let me remove some of the burden from him and carry it myself."

The youth dismounted the horse, put some goods on his back, some on the side, and put the iron suitcase on his head and mounted the horse again. When the horse started running, the youth's body was severely injured due to the bags loaded on

One will get either favourable circumstances or adverse circumstances in the world. There is no third option. Either fame will come, or disrepute will come, what else will happen? There is no third option. God is our own Self. He will neither come nor go. And what will come, it. When he reached his father-in-law's house the villagers came to greet him and said: "Let us do a welcome-ceremony for you.

The youth said: "Do the ceremony later, first bring a bedstead so big that I can lie down on it and you can carry me to hospital.'

Similarly, the total burden of your life is on the horse of God, but you become troubled unnecessarily by loading the burden on your head.

'What will become of my children! ... ' Oh! What can you do for your

children? Giving birth to your children is not in your hands. Keeping children happy is not in your hands. If they have wisdom, they will remain happy. Your birth is not in your hands. Your death is not in your hands. To prevent greying of your hair is not in your hands. When the main tasks are not in your hands, then surrender the remaining tasks to God. Give the responsibility of your life to God and see what happens!

This is a rule; a law ...

Just as the horse alone carried the total burden, the youth worsened his plight by assuming that he was carrying the load. Similarly, in spite of the presence of the sustainer of the entire universe (God), man thinks, 'I did.' The doctor thinks, 'I have cured the patient ... ' but simple Doctor Sahib! Why don't you think that you have just cleaned the wound and bandaged it, but the healer of the wound and giver of new skin is God Himself!

Similarly, you think that you are running the whole household. Do you think the family would starve to death if you had not earned money? Arre, that God makes arrangements even for the food of birds and animals then would He not arrange for your family? Considering yourself as the Doer, why do you worry about your son, daughter, daughter-inlaw, money?

Someone asked a Mullaji (a muslim priest): "Mullaji! Why are you so weak and thin?"" (to be continued in the next issue of The Brisbane Indian Times)

ExCERPTED FROM RISHI PRASAD ISSUE NUMBER 321 & 322

To listen 24X7 live divine Satsang of Pujya Bapu Ji, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http:// www.ashram.org/live or search “THE SBM STUDIO” on you Tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu ji, the weekly sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane. To know more about His Divine Holiness Bapu Ji, please watch this video. https://bit. ly/2uZvJuN

Shri Yoga Vedanta Seva Samiti Australia & New Zealand Inc. will be distributing free Tulsi plants on Tulsi pujan diwas and free school bags to kids on Matri Pitri Poojan Diwas in all cities of Australia & New Zealand. To get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine RishiPrasad in your mailbox in Australia or to get free online subscription of Rishi -Prasad, please contact by email at bskamd@gmail. com or by WhatsApp/phone to Ashok Attri and Anu Attri at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of The Brisbane Indian Times.

CHRISTMAS, Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) is of recent origin. The earlier term Yule may have derived from the Germanic j l or the Anglo-Saxon ge l, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice. The corresponding terms in other languages—Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, Noël in French— all probably denote nativity. The German word Weihnachten denotes “hallowed night.” Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an increasingly elaborate exchange of gifts. In this secular Christmas celebration, a mythical figure named Santa Claus plays the pivotal role. Christmas is celebrated on Saturday, December 25, 2021.

ORIGIN AND ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT

The early Christian community distinguished between the identification of the date of Jesus’ birth and the liturgical celebration of that event. The actual observance of the day of Jesus’ birth was long in coming. In particular, during the first two centuries of Christianity there was strong opposition to recognizing birthdays of martyrs or, for that matter, of Jesus. Numerous Church Fathers offered sarcastic comments about the pagan custom of celebrating birthdays when, in fact, saints and martyrs should be honoured on the days of their martyrdom—their true “birthdays,” from the church’s perspective.

The precise origin of assigning December 25 as the birth date of Jesus is unclear. The New Testament provides no clues in this regard. December 25 was first identified as the date of Jesus’ birth by Sextus Julius Africanus in 221 and later became the universally accepted date. One widespread explanation of the origin of this date is that December 25 was the Christianizing of the dies solis invicti nati (“day of the birth of the unconquered sun”), a popular holiday in the Roman Empire that celebrated the winter solstice as a symbol of the resurgence of the sun, the casting away of winter and the heralding of the rebirth of spring and summer. Indeed, after December 25 had become widely accepted as the date of Jesus’ birth, Christian writers frequently made the connection between the rebirth of the sun and the birth of the Son. One of the difficulties with this view is that it suggests a nonchalant willingness on the part of the Christian church to appropriate a pagan festival when the early church was so intent on distinguishing itself categorically from pagan beliefs and practices.

None of the contemporary Christmas customs have their origin in theological or liturgical affirmations, and most are of fairly recent date. The Renaissance humanist Sebastian Brant recorded, in Das Narrenschiff (1494; The Ship of Fools), the custom of placing branches of fir trees in houses. Even

A ChristiAn FestivAl

though there is some uncertainty about the precise date and origin of the tradition of the Christmas tree, it appears that fir trees decorated with apples were first known in Strasbourg in 1605. The first use of candles on such trees is recorded by a Silesian duchess in 1611. The Advent wreath—made of fir branches, with four candles denoting the four Sundays of the Advent season—is of even more recent origin, especially in North America. The custom, which began in the 19th century but had roots in the 16th, originally involved a fir wreath with 24 candles (the 24 days before Christmas, starting December 1), but the awkwardness of having so many candles on the wreath reduced the number to four. An analogous custom is the Advent calendar, which provides 24 openings, one to be opened each day beginning December 1. According to tradition, the calendar was created in the 19th century by a Munich housewife who tired of having to answer endlessly when Christmas would come. The first commercial calendars were printed in Germany in 1851. The intense preparation for Christmas that is part of the commercialization of the holiday has blurred the traditional liturgical distinction between Advent and the Christmas season, as can be seen by the placement of Christmas trees in sanctuaries well before December 25.

Toward the end of the 18th century the practice of giving gifts to family members became well established. Theologically, the feast day reminded Christians of God’s gift of Jesus to humankind even as the coming of the Wise Men, or Magi, to Bethlehem suggested that Christmas was somehow related to giving gifts. The practice of giving gifts, which goes back to the 15th century, contributed to the view that Christmas was a secular holiday focused on family and friends. This was one reason why Puritans in Old and New England opposed the celebration of Christmas and in both England and America succeeded in banning its observance.

The tradition of celebrating Christmas as a secular family holiday is splendidly illustrated by a number of English “Christmas” carols such as “Here We Come A-Wassailing” or “Deck the Halls.”

It can also be seen in the practice of sending Christmas cards, which began in England in the 19th century. Moreover, in countries such as Austria and Germany, the connection between the Christian festival and the family holiday is made by identifying the Christ Child

as the giver of gifts to the family.

In some European countries, St. Nicholas appears on his feast day (December 6) bringing modest gifts of candy and other gifts to children. In North America the preChristmas role of the Christian saint Nicholas was transformed, under the influence of the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (or “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas”), into the increasingly central role of Santa Claus as the source of Christmas gifts for the family. While both name and attire—a version of the traditional dress of bishop—of Santa Claus reveal his Christian roots, and his role of querying children about their past behaviour replicates that of St. Nicholas, he is seen as a secular figure. In Australia, where people attend open-air concerts of Christmas carols and have their Christmas dinner on the beach, Santa Claus wears red swimming trunks as well as a white beard.

LEARN ABOUT THE

18th-century Europe the modest exchange of gifts took place in the early hours of the 25th when the family returned home from the Christmas mass. When the evening of the 24th became the time for the exchange of gifts, the Christmas mass was set into the late afternoon of that day. In North America the centrality of the morning of the 25th of December as the time for the family to open presents has led, with the exception of Catholic and some Lutheran and Episcopal churches, to the virtual end of holding church services on that day, a striking illustration of the way societal customs influence liturgical practices.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Given the importance of Christmas as one of the major Christian feast days, most European countries observe, under Christian influence, December 26 as a second Christmas holiday. This practice recalls the ancient Christian

honour Christmas on December 25. However, for those that continue to use the Julian calendar for their liturgical observances, this date corresponds to January 7 on the Gregorian calendar. The churches of the Oriental Orthodox communion celebrate Christmas variously. For example, in Armenia, the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion, the church uses its own calendar; the Armenian Apostolic Church honours January 6 as Christmas. In Ethiopia, where Christianity has had a home ever since the 4th century, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church celebrates Christmas on January 7. Most of the churches of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East celebrate Christmas on December 25; at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, however, the Syriac Orthodox celebrate Christmas on January 6 with the Armenian Apostolic Church. Congregations of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria follow the date of December 25 on the Julian calendar, which corresponds to Khiak 29 on the ancient Coptic calendar.

CONTEMPORARy CUSTOMS IN OTHER AREAS

With the spread of Christianity beyond Europe and North America, the celebration of Christmas was transferred to societies throughout the non-Western world. In many of these countries, Christians are not the majority population, and, therefore, the religious holiday has not become a cultural holiday. Christmas customs in these societies thus often echo Western traditions because the people were exposed to Christianity as a religion and cultural artifact of the West.

In South and Central America, unique religious and secular traditions mark the Christmas celebration. In Mexico, on days leading up to Christmas, the search of Mary and Joseph for a place to stay is re-enacted, and children try to break a piñata filled with toys and candy. Christmas is a great summer festival in Brazil, including picnics, fireworks, and other festivities as well as a solemn procession of priests to the church to celebrate midnight mass.

In some parts of India the evergreen Christmas tree is replaced by the mango tree or the bamboo tree, and houses are decorated with mango leaves and paper stars. Christmas largely remains a Christian holiday and is otherwise not widely observed.

Japan serves as illustration of a different sort. In that predominantly Shint and Buddhist country, the secular aspects of the holiday— Christmas trees and decorations, even the singing of Christmas songs such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” or “White Christmas”— are widely observed instead of the religious aspects.

Hans J. Hillerbrand The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

the reason for this season…

Key Scripture: John 3:16 NKJV:

For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us.

The government will rest upon His shoulders. And He will be called:

Wonderful counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His Government and its Peace Will never end.

He will rule with fairness and Justice…for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s armies will make it happen. - (Isaiah 9:6-7)

DEAR READER,

Christmas is all about the Good News. This news about Living Hope that is promised by the Creator of the universe. This hope produce a great joy to people without hope. And Joy is the result of absolute confidence and trust Jesus Christ.

Our purpose is simple and clear. It is to make the unseen God real and Per-sonal. For many God is a mystery or misunderstood person.

But the reveals that God is a Living and a Loving Person. With this truth you may understand His nature and relate to Him practically and personal-ly.

It is also important to understand that God is not an object or an image. He is also not result of 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.

It our hope that 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 is the confidence you can have in Christ alone.

Do you know what is the Miracle of Miracles? It is found in the Christmas Story written for our benefit and blessing. Miracles are real supernatural intervention of God to reveal His love and care for His creation.

Here is the good news of great joy spoken through ages and this truth has never lost its intensity and the intent. Truth is a powerful matter. By it peo-ple who are seeking mercy and justice are set free.

I believe in truth that creates Miracles. Christmas is a season of Miracle of Miracles. The Holy Bible is a living word of a loving

God. Every page in the Bible is filled with life revealing truth. As you read this message with an open heart and mind, you shall know the truth in complete clarity and sim-plicity.

And in the process of knowing this truth you will be set free in your mind and spirit. You will be set free to encounter your Creator and Saviour in a personal and intimate way.

Prophet Isaiah wrote a profound prophetic message around 700 BC. The book of Isaiah and the whole Bible is divinely inspired by the Spirit of God. This message accurately foretold about the supernatural birth of Jesus Christ. This is the true story of Christmas, God enters human history as baby born in Bethlehem manger. His birth was a miracle of miracle. This event split the time from BC to AD. There is no other event in the human history that had the power

to redefine the time and calendar. This event made the way for grace of God to appear in human form and flesh.

What was the need for this Jesus the eternal God the supreme being to be born in human flesh? The answer is found in the Holy Bible. The first man and woman (Adam and Eve) whom God created beautifully and wonderfully were separated from their Creator God. This is recorded in the Genesis chapter 3. This lead to the fall of mankind from glorious relationship with God. The whole human race born after Adam and Eve were corrupted with sin. God’s perfect solution to restore the relationship with fallen mankind required a ransom to be paid for our sins. That ransom was the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ born with human flesh, so He could defeat our common enemy sin and Satan.

Jesus was always existed as supreme God, He is the

Creator, Sustainer of all that exists in this universe. From micro life to glorious stars and galaxies were created by the power of His breath. In the book of John it is written “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus) already existed…The Word was God. The Word gave life to everything that was created and His life brought light to everyone. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

We want you to encounter the Miracle Maker, Your Creator. There is no one in this world loves and cares for you like Jesus Christ. His mercy and compassion extends to all who repent of their sinful ways.He gives us all an amazing invitation to repent and return Him. Let this Christmas bring true meaning to you so that you may believe in Jesus Christ. We all are guilty and worst sinners until we repent of our past and welcome

Jesus Christ into our hearts. Every person ever lived has broken the one or few of the ten commandments. No one is perfect in God’s perfect standard of ten com-mandments. Christ lived a perfect life and did not break any of the ten commandments. Then He could offer His life as perfect sacrifice that was pleasing and acceptable to God the father. Therefore, Christ alone can offer a new heart and new mind to begin a new life to all who put their trust in Him.

Therefore, we invite you to pray this with a sincere heart; and experience the Miracle of Christmas in your life. Do not harden your heart in unbelief but humble yourself to your Creator and make Him your Saviour and Lord. Please pray loudly with a sincere heart and mind; “Dear Father God, Today, I thank you for your word that has touched my heart. I choose to repent of my wrongs and I confess with my mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and I be-lieve in my heart that Jesus died for my sins, God raised Jesus from the dead for my salvation (Mukti ). Now help me to know Jesus and His sweet fragrance 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 love each other. In Jesus name I ask and pray, so be it”(Amen).

Please email your prayer encounter so can continue to encourage in your journey: ravivastard4grace@gmail.com

christMas – Peace on earth

HERE ARE 3 WAyS IN WHICH THE COMING OF JESUS INTO THE WORLD BROUGHT US PEACE

1. JESUS BROUGHT US PEACE WITH GOD By COMING INTO THIS WORLD

Romans 5:1 says, ‘Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

us peace was upon him, and by his wounds, we are healed.”

Since He took away that punishment, we have peace with Father.

2. JESUS BROUGHT US PEACE WITH OURSELVES By COMING INTO THIS WORLD

DEAR READER, it is with much joy we bring you the word of God. This is the last month of 2022, and Christmas is on the lips of everyone. All over the world, families, friends, and neighbours are coming together to celebrate Christmas. Christmas is always associated with peace as much as it is associated with love and joy. In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah prophesied that Messiah would be the Prince of Peace.

And when Jesus was born, angels sang of peace. Luke 2:14 - Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Because of Adam’s (the first-person God created) sin, we naturally are not at peace with God. Our sins separate us from God. We did not have easy access to God, the Father. But it is through Jesus’ death on the cross and our Faith in Him that we are brought into a peaceful relationship with the Father.

How is it possible that anyone who puts their faith in Christ can be at peace with Father? One simple answer: it is because of Christ’s finished work on the cross.

Isaiah 53:5: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought

Though peace is a Christmas message, peace is not just limited to the Christmas season. Our inner beings constantly long for peace.

Jesus promises peace in all seasons of our life. The Prince of Peace is ready to reign in all areas of our life.

In John 14:27, Jesus says: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

And Jesus also said that we could find this peace only in Him.

John 16:33 - I have told you these things so that you may have peace in Me. The verse continues, You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

The peace that Jesus

gives is contrasted with the problems we may have in this world. The peace that he gives is not comparable to anything.

Thus, Paul writes in Philippians 4:7 - Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

3. By COMING INTO THIS WORLD, JESUS BROUGHT US PEACE WITH OTHERS

By bringing peace with

self and God, Lord Jesus also helps us have peaceful relationships with others.

In Romans 12:18, Paul says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

One of the many challenges we face is when our relationships are broken or in chaos. And when we find it difficult to mend the fractured relationship, we need the Prince of Peace to intervene and bring peace and restoration to our relationships.

Jesus came to bridge

the gaps, bring people together and restore broken relationships

As followers of Jesus, we can live in peace with others.

Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

Let’s peace of God rule our hearts, now and forever. Amen!

On behalf of my family and church family, I wish you a very blessed, happy and joyous Christmas.

—Ps Joseph Dass

Jesus said “arise and shine…”

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

a chilD is Born-his naMe is eMManuel [GoD is With us]

CHRISTMAS is celebrated in December of each year. We all wait for December, to decorate our house with Christmas theme, purchase gifts, sending cards to our relatives’ inter-state and overseas. The planning begins from November. In the past 2 years, globally couldn’t celebrate Christmas. We had restrictions, quarantine, distancing, wear mask. 2022 was a year of relaxations. In December, we see, houses decorated with Lights, in city George square illuminated with lights and a big Christmas tree.

The true meaning of Christmas is, “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. Christmas is of LOVE, JOY, GIFT, FELLOWSHIP [food], The biggest gift of Christmas is written in the Bible, John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not Perish, but have Everlasting Life”.

LOVE- for God so loved the world, how He love, by giving His begotten Son, to save the mankind from their sin.

JOY- God has sent his only Son, to this world, to love the sinner, by His love, the sinner got salvation, because of this, the mankind got happiness, life changed GIFT- as read in the verse, the greatest gift of God is Jesus Christ, who became the Saviour of the world.

FELLOWSHIP- we celebrate Christmas by inviting our family and friends, for lunch or dinner, this is the earthly fellowship. The Heavenly fellowship is after our death we will be together with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is preparing place for us in heaven.

Christmas day is approaching, ask yourself, did I get the gift for Christmas? If not, confess with your mouth, the wrong you have done, accept Jesus as your Saviour, and spread the Gospel written in John 3:16 and live a holy life, so that you will have an everlasting life.

After we die, there is two path – Heaven or Hell, we have to decide. If Jesus is in your heart, you will have eternal life.

christmas Message by Pastor John thomas a christmas story...

yES, the Christmas season is upon us: parties, holidays, the beach, gifts and perhaps too much food and drink. Yet we know that many people are struggling with health, loneliness, and financial and family problems amidst the festivities.

The birth of Jesus Christ, the first Christmas, also brought about several problems. (Read Luke Chapter 2 and Matthew 1 and 2) Mary, a young single teenage girl, engaged to the older Joseph, is visited by an Angel informing her she will become pregnant by God’s Spirit and must call the baby Jesus.

What a story to tell Joseph! Discovering that Mary is pregnant, he wants to end the engagement but then waits for it; an Angel then appears to him, explaining. “Mary’s story is true; God’s spirit has conceived her baby. Marry her”

Then Joseph, and a heavily pregnant Mary, riding on a donkey, leave their home village of Nazareth to travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born. The problems continued local King Herod, on hearing of the birth of Jesus, the Promised Saviour of Israel, gives orders to murder all the baby boys under two years old living around Bethlehem.

Wonderfully, God saved the family from destruction as Mary, Jesus and Joseph escaped

to Egypt! Sadly, on my September trip to Fiji, I met an Indian Christian family who also had quite a few problems. The wife, Nimrit, had discovered that her husband, Jaspreet, had been watching porn, taking drugs, and having affairs with other women for many years.

Betrayed and outraged, she left Jaspreet, with their ten-year-old son, to live temporarily with her father, knowing she could not stay there long. Like Mary, the future was not bright for herself or her son. Yet an “angel “appeared to help Sajay, Jaspreet’s younger brother, a committed Christian,

who, on hearing of the problems, immediately went to visit them.

He firmly told Jaspreet that his marriage was over unless he immediately got help to overcome his addictions, make a commitment to change, apologise to, and be faithful to, Nimrit. Wonderfully, Jaspreet has been to see Sajay’s Pastor for help and has returned to Church again after many years of absence with his family.

There is still a long, arduous journey ahead for the family if love and trust are to be restored, but the Christmas story reveals that even the most challenging problems can be overcome with God’s help if people obey His Will.

—Peter Lane Rai

christmas celebration by empowering church Brisbane

DEAGON On Sunday, 4th December, Empowering Church, Brisbane, held its annual Christmas celebration at 41 Braun Street, Deagon. Many other Church groups attended the yearly event. It was good to see many other Church

groups participate in the Christmas celebration in an all-inclusive manner.

This year's unique attraction for the kids was Johnny, the jester Who kept the Young Entertained? The celebration included Performances by visiting

Church groups. The event included Prayers, Speeches, and presentations. Pastor Joseph Dass welcomed everyone to the annual event and thanked the sponsors and supporters of this yearly function.

The event began at 10:00

AM and concluded with lunch at noon. The festive mood was quite prevalent. The feedback from the attendees was an excellent function. And everyone enjoyed themselves. Pastor Joseph’s message Was that if God is willing, whatever

is to come your way will come your way. He gives an example of Mary: Of everyone else, she was chosen to have Jesus.

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio, together with Globenet Realty, Supported

the event. Pastor Joseph Das also appears on The Australian Indian Radio live Show. With his Christmas message every year, we wish the congregation a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

spirit of service at christmas time

COMPILATION By: SWAMI ATMESHANANDA, VEDANTA CENTRE SPRINGFIELD LAkES

“THIS life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive”, said Swami Vivekananda (saint and philosopher from India – 1863 to 1902). An interesting incident happened in the life of Swami Vivekananda. As a young man, he was interested in being absorbed in meditation and immerse himself in the realization of his true identity. He approached his spiritual guru (teacher) Sri Ramakrishna with the intent of requesting him to guide him. In retort, his teacher said to him ‘my boy, I was thinking that you would be like a huge banyan (fig) tree under whose shade many people would take shelter from the scorching sun and the birds would build their nests. But I see that you are only interested in your own happiness and salvation. Fie upon you! No, you should serve all beings looking upon them as embodiments of the Divine. That is a higher ideal than seeking your personal salvation’.

Indeed, the spirit of Christmas is that of caring and sharing – not mere going to the Church or

having a ‘good’ time by shopping, feasting and family reunion. Jesus the Christ himself served the poor and downtrodden, giving them solace through thought, word and deed. Even today the tradition is maintained by the Vatican when the Holy Father (the Pope) washes the feet of the poor with great reverence, in whom he sees the embodiment of Christ. Indeed, we should see the real Christ in the hearts of everyone, more so in those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

When you are generous to the poor, you are enriched with blessings in return.

Proverbs 22:9

May the Christmas season bring joy and happiness to everyone and enrich our lives with peace and prosperity. A Christmas service will be held at the Vedanta Centre, Springfield Lakes on Saturday 24th (Christmas Eve) from 6.30pm. All are welcome.

Du’a – Its Excellence, Benefits and Etiquettes

By Ml. M.Nawaaz Asfrafi

ALLAH (SWT) describes the very purpose of our existence in the Quran as ‘uboodiyyah:

Wa ma khalaqtul jinna wal insa illa liya’budoon

I have only created jinn and men that they may worship me.

The term ‘ibadah is very encompassing and there are many different forms of ‘ibadah. One of the many forms of ‘ibadah that we often do not appreciate to the extent that we should is Dua. Now when we talk about dua, there are many questions that come to one’s mind. What is dua? What are its blessings and its excellence? What is the proper etiquette that one must follow while making dua? Why is the dua of some people responded to and not that of the others? How can one increase the chances of getting one’s dua accepted?

Also, if everything is already predestined, then what is the purpose of making dua?

1. DUA – AN ACT OF WORSHIP

Linguistically dua means to call out. The Quran uses this linguistic meaning and other related meanings as well, to request, to implore, to seek aid. Now dua is a form of worship in itself.

Allah says:

Waqala rabbukumud u’nee astajib lakum. Innalazeena yastakbiruna a’n ibadatee sayadkhuloona jahannama dakhireen

And your Lord says: “Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer): but those who are too arrogant to worship Me will surely find themselves in Hell – in humiliation!

Allah first tells us to make dua, then says those who are too arrogant to worship me, thus implying that dua is the essence or the crux of worship. That is why the Prophet (SAW) said:

Innad dua huwal ibadah Dua is the worship

Therefore it is the essence of worship since it places us as creation at the proper level and it places Allah as our Creator at His proper level.

2. WE ARE NEARER TO HIM THAN HIS JUGULAR VEIN

Many times we feel that our hearts are far away and distant from Allah (SWT) but if we go to the Quran, we see that Allah (SWT), He uses the word Ya, which is the harfu nida or vocative particle. Harfu nida would be translated to something like O, e.g. Ya Abdallah, Ya Junaid, Ya binti and so forth. This is usually used as a sign of respect and is used to call someone when they are far away from you. So if I need to call someone who is like thirty feet away from me, I would say Ya Ahmed, even if they are 5 to 6 feet away from me, Ya Ahmed. But if someone is standing right next to me, I don’t need to use Ya because he is so close to me so I just say Ahmed.

Now if we look in the Quran brothers and sisters, we will not find a single dua in the Quran which is preceded by Ya. Because Allah (SWT) wants to show us that I’m so close to you by My Knowledge, I’m so close to you by My absolute Hearing and Seeing, if you want to call on Me O My servant, don’t say Ya, just say Rabbi and I will respond to you. And we find that Allah alludes to this in other verses of the Quran as well:

Wa idha saalaka ‘ibadee ‘annee fa innee qareeb. Ujeebu da’watad daa’i idha da’aan

When My servants ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, indeed I am Near: I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. (AlBaqarah 186)

If we look at those verses in the Quran in which Allah mentions the people asking the Prophet (SAW) about certain issues, we can see that Allah tells the Prophet (SAW) to respond back to the people with the answer.

So for example:

Yasaloonaka anil ahilla. Qul hiya mawaqeetu linnasi wal hajj

Yasaloonaka anish shahril haram. Qul qitalun feehi kabeer

Yasaloonaka anil maheedh. Qul howa azan

In all these verses Allah commands His messenger ‘say to them’ but here Allah directly addresses us to indicate His closeness and nearness to us.

3. DUA – SIGN OF ONE’S FAITH

Dua is a clear sign of one’s iman. When we make dua to Allah whether by whispering or making the dua in our heart, we automatically affirm that Allah can hear us. We are affirming His perfect nature. We are also affirming that He loves and cares about us. We also affirm that He has the qudrah, the power to respond to our dua. When we call out to Allah, we automatically give him certain names and

certain attributes that He is deserving of; He is the AllHearing, the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing, the EverCaring, the All-Powerful.

Fa iza rakibu fil fulki da’awullahu mukhliseena lahuddin. Falamma najjahum ilal barri iza hum yushrikun

And when they board a ship they supplicate to Allah, sincere to him in religion. But when He delivers them to the land, at once they associate others with Him.

4. MANIFESTATION OF OUR DUA

Every single dua will be responded to by Allah though it may not be manifested in the way we wanted it to be. The Prophet (SAW) is narrated to have said:

There is no person who asks Allah for anything except for that Allah gives it to him or keeps some evil away from him.

When the companions heard this, they said that Ya Rasulullah if that is the case then we will increase our dua. The Prophet (SAW) said Allahu akthar. Allah is more than that; meaning no matter how much you ask, Allah can give you more than that.

Another characteristics of dua is that it is the only act that can change predestination, i.e. the Qadr. The Prophet (SAW) said:

La yaruddul qadar illad dua

Nothing can repeal or change Qadr except dua

The Prophet (SAW) said: Caution will not be of any benefit against qadar. No matter how cautious you are, if something has been willed for you it will happen. But dua benefits matters that have occurred and will occur.

5. DUA & CAUSALITy

As human beings, we tend to seek out means and resources that could help us satisfy our needs. And we develop a normative understanding of our environment based on our observations. So if we feel

cold, we use something like fire that could help keep us warm. If we experience thirst, we use water to quench our thirst. But part of our belief as Muslims is that this very characteristic of fire to keep us warm and water to satisfy our thirst has been granted by Allah (SWT). So it is not the fire that keeps us warm or it is not the water that quenches our thirst but in reality it is the mercy of the Creator of fire and water due to which we are able to derive certain benefits from them. Now by saying this, in no way are we trying to deny the role of the means but instead of placing our trust in the means, we place our trust in the provider of those means. So while the Messenger of Allah instructed the sick to seek medical treatment, he (SAW) reminded them of the fact that it is Allah who has provided a cure for every illness. And that is why we read the beautiful dua of the prophet:

Allahumma azhibil b’as Rabbannas, ishfi wa anta Shafi, la Shifa’a illa Shifauk

O Allah remove the hardship, O Lord of mankind, grant cure for You are the Healer. There is no cure but from You.

6. ETIQUETTES OF MAkING DUA

In terms of the etiquettes of making dua, there are many of them such as beginning by praising Allah and His Messenger (SAW), facing the qiblah, being in a state of ritual purity, and so forth. We’ll insha Allah look into some of these:

6.1. USING TAWASSUL TO MAkE DUA

Tawassul refers to seeking means to draw nearer to Allah. There are two forms of tawassul that scholars unanimously agree upon, the first of these is tawassul via Allah’s names and attributes as Allah (SWT) says:

Wa lillahil asmaa ulhusna fad’uhu biha

And to Allah belong the most beautiful of names so

call on Him by them.

The other is tawassul through our good deeds that we have performed sincerely for the sake of Allah. This has been mentioned in a hadith narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (RA) in which the Messenger of Allah is narrated to have said:

“While three persons were traveling, they were overtaken by rain and they took shelter in a cave in a mountain. A big rock fell from the mountain over the mouth of the cave and blocked it. They said to each other. ‘Think of such good deeds which, you did for Allah’s sake only, and invoke Allah by giving reference to those deeds so that Allah may relieve you from your difficulty.

One of these men related the incident in which he had given precedence to his parents over his children on a certain occasion and he beseeched Allah saying that ‘if you considered that I had done that only for seeking Your pleasure, then please let there be an opening through which we can see the sky.’ So Allah made for them an opening through which they could see the sky.

Then the, second person related an incident in which he came very close to fornicate with one of his cousins whom he greatly admired when she reminded him to have fear of Allah and he abstained from it. He then said that ‘O Allah! If you considered that I had done that only for seeking Your pleasure then please let the rock move a little to have a (wider) opening.’ So Allah shifted that rock to make the opening wider for them.

And the last person related his good deed in which he had invested the wages that he owed to one of his laborers. The investment multiplied by many folds. Later when this laborer came back to collect his wages, this person gave him not just the original wages but the entire profit earned out of it. So he said, O Allah!

If You considered that I

had done that for seeking Your pleasure, then please remove the remaining part of the rock.’ And so Allah released them (from their difficulty).”

6.2. PERSISTENCE AND PATIENCE

The Prophet (SAW) said, the dua of any worshipper will be responded to as long as he is not hasty and impatient. The companions asked Ya Rasulullah how can a person be impatient? Rasulullah said impatient means that a person says that I have made dua but I see that Allah has not responded to me so he leaves the dua because he has not seen the effects of dua.

Zakariya (AS) made dua for decades, decades until he became an old man but he kept on making dua o Allah don’t leave me without a heir, give me a son. He became so old that when the angel finally came, he was the first one to ask “how can I have a son, I’m too old and my wife is barren.” So Allah responds, kazalik, We have already decreed this, you’re going to have a son and you’re going to call him Yahya. This is the kind of persistence that’s required my dear brothers and sisters.

6.3. HAVE AN ATTENTIVE HEART AND SOUL

The Prophet (SAW) is narrated to have said:

Udu’ollaha wa antum moqinoona bil ijabah

Make dua to Allah while you’re in a state of yaqeen and know that Allah does not respond to the dua from an inattentive heart.

You know the duas that we memorized since childhood and we continue to recite them without thinking about them, these are the type of duas that may fall under this category because they have a body but they lack a soul. Just like the salah that the Prophet (SAW) said “A person may not be rewarded at all for his prayer or he may be rewarded only one tenth, one ninth and so on and so forth.” Because of the lack of khushu’ in the salah.

Another aspect is the concept of depression, anxiety and being completely negative in one’s outlook. Many people feel that they’ve done this and that and they’ve got a lot of dirt…Oh I’m an evil person, how will Allah forgive me? Allah will not answer my dua. If you go to the Quran and see the supplication that Iblees made after he had refused to bow down to Adam (AS). He said:

Rabbi andhirnee ilaa yawmi yub’athun

My Lord, give me respite until the day when they are resurrected

To this, Allah (SWT) responded: Innaka minal munzireen

You are among those who are given respite.

Du’a – Its Excellence, Benefits and Etiquettes

CONTD. FROM PG 30

And our scholars have said that if Allah answered the dua of the worst of creation Iblees, then as we commit sins we should never be disappointed with the mercy of Allah and we should never give up on ourselves because He will indeed listen to us if we sincerely call upon Him. Indeed Allah will answer the dua of those who sincerely seek Him and want to come back to Him and develop a relationship.

6.4. ACkNOWLEDGING ONE’S SINS

Part of the etiquette of dua is to acknowledge one’s shortcomings and sins in front of one’s creator.

Imam Ahmed was once traveling and needed to stay somewhere overnight. When he went to the masjid, the guard (not recognizing Imam Ahmed) denied him entrance. Imam Ahmed tried numerous times, but the guard did not accept his requests. Frustrated, Imam Ahmed resolved to spend the night in the yard of the masjid. The guard became furious and dragged him away, despite the old age of Imam Ahmed. A baker,

whose shop was nearby, watched this scene and took pity on Imam Ahmed. He invited the Imam to stay with him for the night.

While there, Imam Ahmed noticed that the baker continually made Istighfar (asking for Allah’s forgiveness) while working, and in the morning, the Imam eagerly asked his host about his continual seeking of forgiveness. The baker said it had become like second nature for him. Imam Ahmed then asked whether the man had experienced any reward from this practice. The baker answered, By Allah! No dua I made except that it was answered but one. And what is that duaa, asked Imam Ahmed. To be able to see the famed Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal. Imam Ahmed interjected, I am Ahmed ibn Hanbal! He went on to add: By Allah! I was dragged to your place so that you can have your dua come true.

6.5. ONE’S EARNINGS BE HALAL

One of the primary factors for dua not being accepted is that one eats or drinks or earns haram and the opposite is true as well. When one eats and drinks

halal, this is one of the strongest ways that he could be verified and assured that his dua is accepted.

Inna ALlaaha ta’aala Tayyibun la yaqbalu illa tayyiban … Thumma dhakarar-rajul yuteelussafar, ash’atha wa aghbar, yamudu yadayhi ilassamaa: ya Rabb ya Rabb! wa mat’amuhu haraam wa mashrabuhu haraam wa malbasuhu haraam wa ghudhiya bilharaam, fa annaa yustajaabu lahu

The Prophet (SAW) said “Allah is AtTayyib and Allah only accepts that which is Tayyib. Then further down in the hadith, the Prophet (SAW) mentioned a traveler on a long journey, who is disheveled and dusty, his appearance is bad. He stretches forth his hands and he says Ya rabb, ya rabb. In other words the Prophet (SAW) is giving an example of a person who is traveling and is cut off from

his family and friends, alone in the desert, calling out to Allah. In general, this is the perfect situation to get your dua accepted when you are sincere. Additionally, he is all alone. Additionally he is dusty and disheveled; this would get sympathy from

is one of the strongest ways to get your dua accepted. He prays to be saved yet the Prophet (SAW) says: Wa mat’amuhu haraam wa mashrabuhu haraam wa malbasuhu haraam wa ghudhiya bilharaam, fa annaa yustajaabu lahu

This person, he has eaten from haram, he has drunk from haram, he has bought his clothes from haram, he has been nourished by haram, how does he expect to be responded by Allah.

He has no hope for a response from Allah even though he has combined many of the factors which otherwise should earn a response. We should make dua at all times, not only during times of distress. The Prophet (SAW) said:

We ask Allah (SWT) to accept our supplications, our duas. We ask Allah to purify our hearts from any ills which may cause our dua not to be heard or responded to by Allah (SWT).

Allahumma ilayka ashku ba’tha quwwatee wa qillata heelatee wa hawanee alan naas. ya Arhamar Rahimeen, anta Rabbal Mustadafeen wa anta Rabbi. Ilaa man takilnee, ilaa ba’eedin yatajahham, am ila ‘aduwwan mallaktahu amree. In lam yakun bika alayya ghadabun fa la ubaal wa lakin ‘afiyatuka hiya awsa’u li.

Allah or get sympathy from us. On top of that he raises his hands forth and this is one of the etiquettes we learn, then he calls Allah by his attributes, ya rabbi, which

Asl A m

All Praise be to God the Creator of the world, the One Who exists without beginning, without end, without location, without a "how" and Who does not depend on time. Nothing resembles Him in anyway and He hears and sees everything without organs. Peace and blessing upon Prophet Muhammad Salalahu Alayhi Wa Salam, the best of creation. I would like to share a few points about Prophet Isa Alahyis Salam.

Prophet Jesus (`Isa) is cited in the Qur’ân many times. Jesus is the son of Maryam,Mary who is the daughter of `Imrân, The name of Mary’s mother was Hannah .

lA dy mA ry moth E r of jE sus i s Born

Once, Hannah saw a bird feeding its children. She longed for a baby herself. She asked God to give her a child. God fulfilled her request. When Hannah felt the pregnancy she said: « O Lord, I vow that whoever is in my womb be dedicated as a servant in the Holy House, worshipping You. » Hannah had thought the child would be a boy. When she delivered, she saw the baby was a girl. Hannah named the baby Mary (Maryam) and asked God to protect her from the devil.

Mary grew up in a pious manner. As mentioned previously,prophet Zacharia was her custodian. From him, Mary learned the rules of religious rules. Mary endeavored in performing obedience, until she became the best woman in the world. Before attaining the age of fourteen (14), she was already a highly pious woman.

“Whosoever desires that Allah answers his duas in unfavorable and difficult conditions, he should make plentiful dua in days of ease and comfort.”

Prophet isa alayhis salam

Mary said: « How would I bear a child? I have not been touched by a man, Gabriel said: « This was ordained by God,and it is an easy matter to God. This child will be a sign to the people and a mercy from God to them. This is a matter that has been preordained. »

When he said that, Mary submitted to God’s ordainment. Gabriel blew in the collar of Mary’s dress. When Gabriel blew, the soul of Jesus went into Mary’s mouth and into her womb. Gabriel left Mary pregnant, carrying Prophet Jesus.

As days passed, Joseph saw the signs of pregnancy on Mary.

Joseph said: "Thoughts come to me about you. I have been fighting and rejecting them. However, I have reached the point that I am overwhelmed by these thoughts. This is why I wanted to talk to you."

Mary said: "Ask - but in a kind way that does not harm me." Joseph told her: "Tell me, will plants grow without seeds?" Mary said: "Yes." Then Joseph asked: "Will trees grow without rain?" Mary said: "Yes." Then Joseph asked her: "Will there be a child without a male?"

Mary said: "Yes. Do you not know that God made the plants emerge without seeds the day He created them the first time? Do you not know that God created the trees for the first time without rain? Do you not know that God created both Adam and Eve without a male or a female?" Joseph said: "Yes."

When Mary told him these

things, Joseph felt in his heart that this pregnancy was something unusual given to Mary from God. He felt sure of her innocence from sin.

Pro P h E t jE sus i s Born

The length of Mary’s pregnancy is a case of difference in opinion. Some said it was nine months long ; others said it was eight. Other lengths were also narrated.

When Mary felt the pains of delivery, she went east of Jerusalem. She started her delivery while being under the branch of a palm tree in Bethlehem (Bayt Lahm) in Palestine.

Mary said: "I wish I had died before this", due to her dread of the people’s reaction. She said: "I wish I had died and not a trace of me would have been seen."

Angel Gabriel called her from the lower end of the mountain saying: "Do not feel sad. God made a small river run underneath you. Shake the palm tree trunk, and dates will fall down to you."

That palm did not bear fruit, yet when Mary shook its trunk, it turned green and dates grew on it. Angel Gabriel said: "Eat, drink, and delight yourself." Prophet Jesus was born.

When the people saw Mary they exclaimed: "O Mary, you have committed an enormous sin." They told her: "O sister of Harun!" (This meant that Mary had been known to be like a pious man among them named Harun). They said: "Your father was not an evil man, nor was your mother a bad woman, How did you do this?"

Mary said: "As ordered, I have vowed not to talk to any human today." When they still wanted to talk to her, she

pointed at the baby indicating to them to talk to him. They were angered.

They said: "How do we talk to one who is still in the cradle?" They thought she was mocking them.

BABy jE sus sPEA ks to th E P E o P l E

At that point, God made Jesus speak. Baby Jesus said: "I am the slave of God. God will reveal a Book to me and make me a prophet. There are blessings wherever I am. God will order me with prayers and Zakah as long as I am alive."

Mary’s people wanted to punish her when they first saw the child with her because they thought she had committed fornication. However, after baby Jesus spoke, the people refrained from punishing her and left her alone.

Jesus told the people of his Prophethood. God gave him a new book, the Injil.

God gave Jesus many miracles. At Jesus’ hands, God created the cure of many with leprosy and other severe diseases. Jesus also made the dead become alive - by the Will of God - to defeat those who objected to and opposed him. God gave Jesus these types of miracles, because the people of Jesus’ time were famous for their medical skill. Thus, they would appreciate the magnitude of such works, for despite their medical skills, by God’s Will, they could not replicate what Jesus did.

jE sus’ com P l E xion wA s fA ir.

Jesus was extremely detached from the world. He did not have a house of his own. He used to sleep wherever the night fell upon him. If the night

fell when Jesus was in the place of prayer, he would sleep there (during Jesus’ time, there were specific places dedicated for prayer. Although they were not called ‘masjids’ as we call them today, these specific places were present). Jesus did not get married during his first stay on Earth.

The Story of the Food Spread from the Sky Prophet Jesus had ordered al-Hawariyyun (literally, "the Supporters" who were the best of his people genuinely believing in and following him at that time) to fast thirty (30) days. Upon the completion of the thirty (30) days, they were with Jesus in a desert. When Prophet Jesus traveled, thousands of people would follow him. Some of them were Jesus’ Companions, and others were sick, wanting a cure. Additionally, an evil group of people followed to mock and belittle Jesus.

The Hawariyyun asked Prophet Jesus if they could have a spread of food descend on them from the sky to confirm to them that God accepted their fast. They wanted to have something special to eat on the day they broke their fast. They also asked that the spread would be enough for all of them, both rich and poor alike. Prophet Jesus was fearful for the Hawariyyun, thinking that they might not thank God properly if He gave them this endowment. Moreover, they had seen many miracles, so why did they want more?

When Prophet Jesus addressed them with his concern, their answer was that they wanted the blessings that would accompany this spread of food. After their insistence, Prophet Jesus went to his usual

I complain to you my lack of strength, my lack of resources and how insignificant I am to other people. O most Merciful of those who show mercy. You are the Lord of those who have no power and You are my Lord. Who are you going to leave me to? To some distant person who would be like the fire for me? Or to some enemy that you give him power over me? If you have no anger toward me [that you are not doing this out of your wrath], I have no objection but to give me ‘aafiya, its easier for me.

praying spot, placed a cloth made from unwoven wool, and cried out piously. Then Jesus made supplication that the Hawariyyun’s request would be answered.

God accepted Prophet Jesus’ supplication, and a spread of food descended from the sky between two clouds. One cloud was above it, and one was below. Around it, there were angels. Slowly it neared the ground, and during its descent Prophet Jesus continued making supplication to God - asking Him to make this spread of food a mercy for his people, bringing peace and blessings, not as an affliction.

The spread of food landed near Prophet Jesus.

Once the spread was uncovered, the people could see This food spread had a wonderful smell, which the people never had smell before.

Prophet Jesus ordered the Hawariyyun to eat from the spread of food,

Pro P h E t jE sus i s s till Aliv E A nd w ill com E BAck to E A rth

Jesus, peace be upon him, is now alive and present in the second heaven. He shall descend before the Day of Judgment. His descent will be one of the great signs of the nearing of the Day of Judgment.

Isa Alayhis Salam was blessed with many miracles which have been mentioned in the Quran. For eg, healing the patient with leprosy, giving sight to the blind and giving life to the dead, all of this possible with the permission of Allah Ta’ala. Isa Alayhis Salam is highly respected in Islam. We wish you a happy holiday season.

o n E of th E s E m E n r E l At E d th E incid E nt in which h E h A d giv E n P r E c E d E nc E to his PA r E nts ov E r his childr E n on A c E rtA in occ A sion A nd h E BE s EE ch E d All A h s Aying th At ‘if you consid E r E d th At i h A d don E th At only for s EE king your P l EA sur E, th E n P l EA s E l E t th E r E BE A n o PE ning through which w E c A n s EE th E sky.’ s o All A h m A d E for th E m A n o PE ning through which th E y could s EE th E sky.

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lA dy mA ry is Pr E gn A nt with A Bl E ss E d, fAth E rl E ss c hild

BaPs shri swaminarayan Mandir

Brisbane - QlD Parliament Diwali & annakut celebrations

ON Thursday 10th November 2022, between 6.30 pm to 8:00 pm BAPS

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Brisbane hosted the celebration of the auspicious Hindu festival of Diwali and Annakut in Queensland Parliament House with the support of Hon. Leanne Linard, Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

Diwali, commonly known as the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the sentiments of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. It is a time during which Hindu's from around the world light traditional lamps and pray for peace, prosperity and ask the Lord to dispel ignorance and bring spiritual enlightenment.

Annakut, the following day after Diwali, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. On this day, the Annakut, or ‘mountain of food,’ is offered to the Lord as a symbol of appreciation and gratitude. Devotees lovingly prepare vegetarian delicacies and offer them to the lord while singing devotional songs.

THE CHIEF GUESTS OF THE EVENING WERE:

Hon Steven Miles Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.

Hon Shannon Fentiman Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence

Mr Davis Crisafulli

Leader of Opposition

Mrs Archana Singh, Honorary Consul of India, Brisbane

Mr Simon kelly Executive Director Simon

Rena

Regional

North, Department of Home affairs

Apart from the above chief guest there were Inspector Jackey Honeywood Multicultural Unit QPS, Mr Anoop Nannuru, FICQ President, Mrs Lisa Ward, CEO of ECCQ, Dr Adam Bowles, Head of Department of History UQ, Ms Julie McDougall Executive Director of Multicultural Affairs and the representatives of various Indian communities and religious organisations attended the event.

The function begins with the recitation of the Shanti Paath to usher in peace into everyone's hearts and minds followed by Thaal (Offering food to God) and Aarti

Speeches were delivered by Hon Steve Miles, Hon Shannon Fentiman, Mr Davis Crisafulli, Mrs

Archana Singh, Mr Simon Kelly and Rena Fallon Hon Steven Miles and Mr Crisafulli acknowledged the significant contributions made by the BAPS organisation and the Indian community at large to Australia. They reflected on the values of Hinduism, and Diwali, and were proud to see them being displayed through BAPS in Queensland Parliament. Both parliamentarians noted the significance of the Indian

diaspora to the Queensland state and appreciated the hard working and entrepreneurial nature of the Indian community and BAPS volunteerism.

Mrs Archana Singh reinforced the one of the key messages of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj of Unity, and that unity was one of the key values that leaders of all the Indian communities should guard as sacred, and that unity between the Indian

community and the wider Queensland community should never be broken at any cost.

She admire the BAPS initiatives to establish the Vedic Indian traditions and values to maintain the significance of celebrating the festival in their true sense and spirit.

Mr Simon Kelly and Rena Fallon commended the hard efforts put on by BAPS volunteers and their commitment towards the community and following the mottos of BAPS Guru “ In the joy of Other, lies our own”. She also appreciate the BAPS volunteers to make this event happen and successful.

All chief guests were welcomed traditionally with presented garlands of fresh flowers.

Over 60 distinguished Members of Parliament, Honorary Consul’s, respected leaders of various Indian and Hindu communities and BAPS guests attended

this vibrant event in the Premiers & Speaker’s Hall of the Parliament House.

On display, and the highlight of the event, was the offering of grand Annakut (“mountain of food”) where a vast array of pure vegetarian food is traditionally arranged in tiers or steps resulting in a spectacular display.

The event was extremely well received by all attendees and served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen inter-community relationships as well as relationships with Members of QLD Parliament.

This grand event was concluded with the Aarti ritual and followed by sitdown round table dinner.

BACkGROUND INFORMATION

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide spiritual and humanitarian organization that is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families, and individuals. Through various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavours to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these characterbuilding activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically and spiritually pure. For more details, please visit www. baps.org.

Media Release and Images: Courtesy of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Brisbane.

For further information please direct queries to Jaynesh Brahmbhatt , PRO 0426 061 086 Baps.brisbanepr@gmail.com

Kelly of the Communications, Culture and Engagement Division of Queensland Police

Fallon,

Director

Kavita ji

Which is the right Path?

By SHRII SHRII ANANDAMURTI 5 November 1978 morning, Kalikata

MANy people ask themselves the same question: “Which is the right path?” Whenever scholars discuss this question together, they each give a different answer. So what should ordinary people do? Which path should they follow, and which one should they reject? Unable to discriminate between “shreya” (leading to welfare) and “preya” (leading to downfall), they are in a dilemma.

Some philosophies cannot be applied in the world of reality; they have no practical application whatsoever. But when given sophisticated names, they may sound quite attractive. Imagine someone makes the supposition that the River Ganges is made of honey and starts speculating how many factories could be started to process the honey and so on. In the beginning there was a mistake in the fundamental premise that the Ganges is made of honey. There are many such ludicrous theories. Shiva had this to say about them: “Lokavyamohakárakah”

That is, these theories misguide and disease the human mind. Only that philosophy which can be applied in the practical sphere deserves to be accepted. Everything else should be rejected. But how can common people recognize such a philosophy? A tough problem indeed. A similar, almost insurmountable problem is to know what to do and what not to do in the social sphere. A number of reputed scholars and illustrious poets have expressed their feelings about this, but none of them are prepared to accept the viewpoints of their colleagues. As all are equally expert in the field of argumentation, what is one to do? It is quite a dilemma! Once, in answer to the common question, “Which is the right path”? a great poet said:

Shrutayo vibhinnáh smrtayo vibhinnáh Naeka muniryasya matam na bhinnam. Dharmasya tattvama nihitama guháyám, Mahájano yena gatah sah panthá.

All the religious scriptures differ from one another. Everyone claims to have had a revelation of God. What a dilemma!

If these were all true cosmic revelations, why should there be so many differences of opinion?

Some advise that devotees should meditate facing the west whereas others

insist they should sit facing the east. These are confusing propositions. How can the same person meditate facing both east and west at the same time? Some scriptures say that the labour class (shudras) do not have the right to do spiritual practice, some claim that women don’t have that right and others stipulate that homeless people don’t have that right either. And yet some scriptures say that dharma should be as easily accessible to all as light and air. Which should be accepted and which should be rejected? Whom should one eulogize and whom should one criticize What should be done in the midst of such confusion? In fact, the scriptures themselves are confusing, as indeed are the social treatises. At one time the most important treatise was the “Paráshara Samhitá”, then came the “Nárada Samhitá” and then came the theory of Karl Marx. There are innumerable differences between the various social treatises and books of ethics. “Shruti shástra” means “religious code” and “niiti shástra” means “social code”. The social code is also called “smrti shástra”. The socioeconomic system, or the system of distribution of wealth, came within the

scope of “samája shástra” or social code. One such social code says, “Try to acquire as much wealth as you can with the help of your intelligence and analytic brain.” Another says, “Wealth should be divided in equal proportions”, whereas yet another says, “Distribute wealth according to necessity.” According to other theories, however, wealth should be distributed according to individual need; that is, one need not give the same amount to everyone. So many people, so many minds. In this situation, what should the common people do?

In order to find the answers, many people rush to the munis (saints) and rśis (sages). But there is a similar problem: who is a muni? The word “muni” means a person who always ideates on Iishvara, whose mind is in constant touch with Him. In the practical field, however, we notice that the more one is endowed with cunning and duplicity, the greater one is revered as a muni. It is also noticed that no one muni ever agrees with another – there are as many opinions as there are munis. So what should the common people do? Whom should they accept and whom should they reject? What is the wisest

thing to do? The answer is as follows;

Dharmasya tattvam nihitam guháyám

The real spirit of dharma lies embedded in the innermost cavity of the human mind. Each and every object has its inherent noumenal cause. The banyan seed, for example, is the noumenal cause of the large banyan tree which will emerge out of it. Similarly, dharma has its basic root. Where does that root lie? It lies in Parama Puruśa. One who worships numerable deities has undoubtedly forsaken Parama Puruśa. This is not dharma – we should give it some other name.

Some religions decree that widows will have to undergo penance and accept certain rules and follow certain abstinences. They are not supposed to eat certain types of food, for example. All these impositions have nothing to do with Parama Puruśa and are definitely not dharmic. So what does common sense tell us? It tells us that each and every human being is a child of Parama Puruśa.

The unmarried young girl and the widow are both His children. Do you think Parama Puruśa likes the idea that the widow

should wear coarse cloth? Of course He doesn’t. Rather, He is happy when He sees that everyone is well dressed, everyone is happy, everyone is singing, dancing and chatting in a joyful mood. If widows are persecuted, it is a negation of dharma. What is the real spirit of dharma? One is to approach Parama Puruśa and assimilate His innermost bháva (idea). That is the real spirit.

Dharmasya tattvam nihitam guháyám

In each and every human being there is a sense of existence in the innermost cavity of the mind. All the worldly clashes and struggles, all the subtle ideas and thoughts centre around this existential “I” feeling. “Because he has insulted me I seek revenge.”

Everything centres around this “I” feeling. “I am good, but he’s bad.” It is all the result of that small “I”. If the small “I” is good, the world is automatically good. The part of the mind in which the “I” resides is called “guhá”. Here “guhá” does not mean a mountain cave but that innermost cavity within the human mind where the seer “I” lies hidden. And this seeing or witnessing entity of the small “I” is the very root of dharma. Who lies hidden in that innermost cavity of the existential “I” feeling? Parama Puruśa, of course. All the entities of this world are sheltered in Him.

So the differences of opinion between various scriptures are of no concern for you. You should only be concerned about the particular path which will take you to Parama Puruśa, and move along it. There is no time to waste debating which scripture should be accepted and which one should be rejected. You have come to the world with a limited amount of time – don’t waste it on such trivial controversies.

We are all the progeny of Parama Puruśa. He is creating each and every thing. There is no need to worry about the man-made distinctions between tall and short, black and white, male and female. Identify your mind with the Cosmic Mind and see whether that pleases Parama Puruśa or not. Do whatever pleases Him.

No father wants to see his child die of starvation or one of his children eating or accumulating more than required. You will have to develop the economic sphere to ensure that these things will never happen. In social life no father would wish to see his widowed daughter forced to dress in an austere fashion, persecuted socially, or debarred from attending social functions. You must not support these things. Rather, you must provide equal opportunities for all.

Parents hate to see their children weep. If they do, they take them on their lap and comfort them with love and affection until their tears stop. You will have to build a society in which no one is forced to weep, where everyone smiles joyfully all the time and gets ample scope for laughter. Seeing such mirth and merriment, Parama Puruśa will feel immensely pleased. By giving joy to Parama Puruśa you will feel even more joyful and will feel His close proximity. This is the actual social code. And the actual spiritual code is the one that helps humans move towards Parama Puruśa. Under no circumstances should one create unnecessary controversies. The social code aims at bringing a broad smile to the faces of the progeny of Parama Puruśa. You should all move along this path –you are sure to meet with success.

5 November 1978 morning, Kalikata

i n ord E r to find th E

A nsw E rs, m A ny PE o P l E rush to th E munis (s A ints) A nd rśis (s Ag E s). But th E r E is A simil A r P ro B l E m: who is A muni? t h E word “muni” m EA ns A PE rson who A lwAys id EAt E s on i ishvA r A , whos E mind is in constA nt touch with h im. i n th E P r Actic A l fi E ld, how E v E r, w E notic E th At th E mor E on E is E ndow E d with cunning A nd du P licity, th E gr EAt E r on E is r E v E r E d A s A muni. i t is A lso notic E d th At no on E muni E v E r Agr EE s with A noth E r –th E r E A r E A s m A ny o P inions A s th E r E A r E munis.

seva Dharma Mission Free food distribution at adra community centre

SEVA Dharma Mission distributed Free food on 4th December 2022 in 6 am at Adra Community Centre car park in Woodridge (near train station) Logan Brisbane.

Fresh fruits, vege, varieties of breads and normal essentials were distributed. This time we had Apples, cucumber tomato, sweet potatoes and breads. Needy people like poor, disabled and low-income people come to get food.

Much thanks Dadas who helped to collect and distribute fresh food and produce.

If you would also like to volunteer or/and contribute, please call Dada on 0422 823 341.

Gratitude Dada Krsnapremananda Dada Devadattananda

NB: We have been also serving lunch in Loganlea community centre on 2nd Saturday of the month at 11.00 am. Everyone is welcome.

Namaskar

sitar sahana stuns sunnybank

By SHEN FLINDELL AND MOHIT LAL

ON Saturday 19th November 2022 Qld Sangeet Mela Association (QSMA) presented an evening of Indian classical music at the Sunnybank Church of Christ Hall, featuring sitar maestro Smt Sahana Banerjee (Kolkata).

The evening was opened by young rising vocalist Rugved Pawar, accompanied on tabla by Pankaj Navlekar and on harmonium by his father Raghunath Pawar.

Ahir Bhairav. Rugved's vocals mesmerised the audience and he was the star of the samosa break conversations.

Then came the Queen of Sitar, Sahana Banerjee, who took us on a sonic journey. She scientifically explained why she would be playing a particular Raag and played it so authentically according to her lineage, the Senia-Rampur Gharana.

The hall was well suited to the event, filled to capacity with an intimate atmosphere, with plenty of other spaces for restless kids to play without disturbing others. The front carpeted area was filled

with

international isolation due to Covid, Sahana Banerjee was an absolute tonic for the soul. We at QSMA are very happy with the response to this concert and look forward to many more successful events in 2023.

After several years of

Rugved presented a sensational performance of a Bada Khayaal in Raag Charukeshi, followed by a Chota Khayaal in Raag

She performed Raga Behag - alaap, jor, jhala, gats in vilambit and drut teentaal, followed by Hemant, Thumri in Manj Khammaj, and Bhairavi, all with beautiful accompaniment by Shen Flindell on tabla.

young tabla students and other music lovers, all enthralled by the music, counting the taals and following the compositions keenly, and discussing the music in between items.

(Photos by Brian Sullivan)

Welcome to country by QSMA president Mr Umesh Chandra OAM

Welcome to country by QSMA president Mr Umesh Chandra OAM

MC Nishtha Aggarwal

Smt Sahana Banerjee (sitar - Kolkata)

Shen Flindell (tabla)

Opening act: Rugved Pawar (vocal) with Pankaj Navlekar (tabla) and Raghunath Pawar (harmonium - hidden behind Natraj statue here)

The front area was filled with tabla students and other music lovers avidly counting the taal and following compositions.

kenG hosts australian national Prayer Breakfast in Brisbane

kINGSTON The Kingston East Neighbourhood Group (KENG) at 177 Meakin Road, Slacks Creek, was officially registered as a workplace to host an in-person event for this year's Australian National Prayer Breakfast on Monday, 28 November 2022.

Mr David Smith MP,

Federal Member for Bean, Australian Capital Territory, and Senator Matt O’Sullivan, Western Australia, co-hosted this year’s event.

Guests joined the breakfast at 5.45 am at KENG (Meakin Park). Then they joined the Livestream from Parliament House,

Canberra, from 6.15 am to 7.15 am (Queensland time) to hear messages from national dignitaries, Members of Parliament, Senators and other civic leaders, who shared stories of how their faith makes a difference as they serve our nation.

The keynote speaker

online was Mr Peter Gibbs, or ‘Chicka’, a proud Gamillaroi man from the community of Weilmoringle in far West New South Wales. He has extensive experience in community development and was instrumental in establishing The Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery Program

(IPROWD), a training model to develop First Nations Australians for a career with the NSW Police Force.

After the Livestream, from 7.15 am, invited local faith leaders at the in-person event at KENG presented prayers for the nation. Umesh Chandra OAM presented a Hindu

(peace prayer), Mokhtiar Singh presented a Sikh devotion, and Habib Jamal did the Muslim Prayers; Christian and Bahai faith leaders also presented their respective prayers. The Australian National Prayer Breakfast event hosted at KENG concluded by 8.00 am.

impressions: Diwali: the Festival of lights 2022 by life eternal trust australia

‘d iwA li’ - the Festival of Lights has a special significance to multicultural communities all over the world, upholding the eternal message, showcasing the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Generally, the Diwali festival features a mix of cultural and religious activities, including music, dance and art, and provide opportunities to celebrate multiculturalism.

On Saturday, 26th November 2022, LETA celebrated “Diwali: The Festival of Lights” at the Deception Bay Community Hall in the Moreton Bay Region. This Diwali Festival was supported by a grant from Moreton Bay Regional Council.

The festival was well attended by a diverse audience from the Moreton Bay, Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Toowoomba, including migrants from five different continents and twenty different countries who speak multiple languages other than English. Dignitaries,

including Kabi Kabi elder Uncle Michael Douglas, Chris Whiting MP [Member for Bancroft, representing Queensland Premier and Cabinet], Councillor Peter Flannery [Mayor, Moreton Bay Regional Council], Councillor Sandy Landers [Councillor for Bracken Ridge Ward, representing Lord Mayor of Brisbane] and Acting Superintendent Craig White [Moreton District Officer, representing Commissioner of Police] joined the festival.

The festival commenced at 6:00pm with a warm welcome from Meghamala Roy Basu and Dr. Sudipto Roy. After the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, Kabi Kabi elder Uncle Michael Douglas welcomed all the attendees with a very insightful acknowledgement of country.

Hetty Hensen and Meghamala Roy Basu delivered a very touching kindle the light within [mental stillness] segment that allowed the audience to enlighten their attention and kindle the light within,

celebrating the Diwali in true sense. Performers from diverse multicultural background thrilled the audience with live performances, including music, dance, drama, and instrumental ensembles. Dignitaries and community leaders briefly spoke about the significance of the Diwali Festival, the importance of the event within South-East Queensland and the valuable contributions made by LETA over the past 30 years to the socio-cultural and economic life, encouraging social cohesion and inclusiveness within Queensland and across Australia. Meghamala Roy

Basu delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the key partners, including the state and local governments, community partners, media partners, LETA volunteers and members of the wider community. Dinner was served at the end.

This free festival raised public awareness about simple methods to reduce stress, improve mental health and wellbeing, and promoted the benefits of a balanced living. Members of the wider community highly appreciated the significance and the overall quality of the festival, including the role of LETA and hosts in promoting inclusiveness, respect and belonging while making a positive contribution to the social, cultural and economic life of Queensland, evident from the following testimonials:

“Thank you for an extremely well organized event last night, every detail was well organized … the music and dance were stunning” … “Very uplifting … professional and dynamic … Can’t put into words” … “The final music was so restful, like being in cool green nature” … “Thank you Megha and Sudipto for organising such a wonderful event and providing the opportunity for the wider community to experience the joy of their Spirit”

Who, What, Where, When...

Rajesh Kumar From Sydney, Usha Chandra and Umesh Chandra OAM at AIBC dinner

Deputy Mayor – Councillor Krista Adams, Councillor Kim Marx and Usha Chandra.

Umesh Chandra, Jodi Mckay (National Chair ) and Umesh Chandra OAM at AIBC dinner

Multicultural Entrepreneur of the Year: Ms Nina Nguyen with Umesh Chandra OAM

PRD Olympics, Renewable Energy and Affordability market report a presentation by Asti Mardiasmo

All smiles at AIBC dinner

Umesh Chandra OAM , Sandra and Michael Micallef, Elijah Buol OAM at Lord Mayors Multicultural Business awards

Home Affairs seminar on Safe and Together Community Grants Program

End of year get together for Brisbane City Council with Councillor Charles Strunk and Pinky Singh OAM

John Paul Langbroek and Stacey with Usha Chandra, Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress and Umesh Chandra OAM at PRET Award

Councillor David McLaughlin and Councillor Norm Wyndham with Umesh Chandra OAM and members of the counsellor corps

Paul Shih of PRET Australia with Umesh and Usha Chandra at their awards night

Who, What, Where, When...

Shaan Ross-Smith, Chair of the Board at DV Connect at Mate Bystander function

David Crisafulli, MP leader of the opposition, with Umesh and Usha Chandra at the Nepalese festival

Deputy Premier Steven Miles could easily pass as a Nepalese

Minister Shannon Fentiman at Mates program

Members of the Nepalese community with David Crisafulli and Umesh Chandra OAM

The massive parade from King George Square to Queen Street Mall

ANOUSHKA DOWLING, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Mate program with Umesh Chandra OAM

Displaying the national costumes of Nepal

Umesh Chandra OAM, Usha Chandra, Ninew and Ron Baker , Mr and Mrs Michael Choi at the stars above the cloud singing finals at city Hall

The impressive Display at Neighbourhood Earth in Queens Plaza Shopping

Umesh Chandra OAM, Usha Chandra, Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress and Mr and Mrs David Wu (organisers)

The amazing Display at Neighbourhood Earth in Queens Plaza Shopping is a must-see in Brisbane.

khan

video goes viral as congress leader demands action

The

AMID several incidents of 'Islamophic slurs' in classrooms being reported in the past few days, an old video of Patna's famous Khan Sir is doing the rounds on social media. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate shared one such post where Khan Sir was giving an example of how the meaning of a sentence changed when the name 'Suresh' gets replaced by 'Abdul'. The video triggered controversy earlier as well.

"The person should be arrested and those who are laughing after listening to this vulgar nonsense, they should think -- what are we becoming," Supriya Shrinate tweeted sharing writer Ashok Kumar Pandey's tweet.

In the video, Khan Sir was teaching Dvandva Samas and said, "There are some words which have two meanings. Like if you say Suresh was flying a plane, it means one thing and if you say Abdul was flying a plane,

it means a different thing..."

Khan Sir was in news early this year after he was booked by the Bihar Police on the charges of inciting violence following the protest of the students against the Railway Recruitment Board test.

The Suresh-Abdul video again went viral after the incident inside the classroom of the Manipal Institute of Technology came to light. A Muslim student called out his professor for calling Muslims 'terrorists' following which the teacher apologised.

Another such incident has been reported from Rajasthan after a Muslim student claimed that she was facing threats after criticising her professor for making biased comments in the History class.

However, in the Khan Sir video, many social media users claimed that Khan Sir's comment was actually sarcastic and that only a portion of the video is being shared.

in ahmedabad’s Juhapura, voters say they are shunned, focusing on education

6th Vande Bharat train to be inaugurated on December 11 in nagpur, and all the latest news

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the sixth semi-high speed Vande Bharat train in the country — to be operated on the Bilaspur (Chattisgarh)Nagpur (Maharashtra) route — on December 11, an Indian Railways official familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

According to the official, the train will run six days a week and will complete one leg of the journey in about five-and-a-half hours.

“The Bilaspur- Nagpur Vande Bharat train will be inaugurated on Sunday (December 11) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nagpur,” the official said.

“This train will leave Bilaspur at around 6.45am and reach Nagpur at around 12.15pm. Similarly, the train

will leave Nagpur at 2pm to reach Bilaspur at 7.35pm. Currently superfast trains take around seven hours to reach Nagpur, however this train will cover the distance in around five-and-a-half hours,” said the official.

According to a second official familiar with the matter, the train will be operated by the Southeast

Central Railways (SECR) and will have scheduled stops at Raipur, Durg and Gondia.

The official also said that another Vande Bharat train is likely to be launched between Secunderabad and Vijayawada in 2023.

“This will be the first indigenously-built semi high-speed rail in South

Central Railway (SCR) and second such train in south India,” the official added.

A new-generation Vande Bharat train was first inaugurated on the Mumbai- Ahmedabad route in October this year. The Railways aims to inaugurate 75 Vande Bharat trains by August next year.

All the coaches of the semi-high-speed train are equipped with automatic doors, GPS-based audio-visual passenger information system, onboard hotspot Wi-Fi for entertainment purposes, and comfortable seats.

However, the first Vande Bharat Express train was flagged off on the New Delhi- Kanpur- AllahabadVaranasi route on February 15, 2019.

PM Modi thanks global counterparts for supporting india's G-20 presidency

ON December 1, India took the helm of the G-20 in what has been called as a huge opportunity for the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday thanked his global counterparts for extending their support to India as the country assumed the G-20 Presidency on December 1. PM Modi responded to US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's congratulatory messages on Twitter.

“Thank you @POTUS. Your valued support will be a source of strength for India's G-20 Presidency. It is important we all work together to build a better planet,” Modi responded to Biden.

Earlier, Biden said in his tweet that the US supported the US is supporting India

and PM Modi during the G-20 presidency. He also said, "India-US, together will advance sustainable and inclusive growth while tackling shared challenges like the climate, energy, and food crises.”

Responding to the French President, PM Modi wrote: “Thank you, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron! I look forward to consulting you closely during India's G20

Women

TAkING photographs in Ujjain's Mahakal temple is banned and now taking mobile inside the sanctum sanctorum is also not allowed. While several videos from inside the temple surfaced on social media recently, this is the first case involving the security personnel.

Two women security personnel of Ujjain's Mahakal temple have been suspended after a video of

their dancing at the temple went viral. In the wake of another such incident at the temple, the security personnel now have been asked to not carry mobile phones, LiveHindustan reported. This is not the first time that dance videos inside Mahakal temple triggered a row, but this is the first case involving security personnel.

In the viral video, the two security personnel dressed in

Presidency, as we work to focus the world's attention on the issues that affect humanity as a whole”.

In response to Japan's Kishida's congratulatory message, PM Modi wrote: “Your solidarity is vital. Japan has contributed a lot to global well-being and I am confident the world will continue to learn from Japan's successes on various fronts. @kishida230.”

On December 1, India took the helm of the G-20 in what has been called as a huge opportunity for the country. In an article that appeared in several newspapers and was posted on his website as well, PM Modi wrote that “India's G20 priorities will be shaped in consultation with not just our G20 partners, but also our fellow-travellers in the global South, whose voice often goes unheard.”

India's theme isVasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One Earth, One Family, One Future.

Apart from India, the G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the European Union.

to 'pyar pyar' inside Mahakal temple suspended. Watch

ecently, videos from inside the temple and inside the sanctum sanctorum on social media created a stir and Madhya Pradesh home minister Narottam Mishra ordered a probe.

black could be seen dancing to 'pyar pyar karte karte' and 'jeene ke bahane lakhon'. The

In November, the administration banned photography and mobile phones inside the sanctum sanctorum at the temple. "After the inauguration of Mahakal Lok, the number

of devotees has increased. Devotees visiting the sanctum sanctorum take selfies and click photos, due to which common devotees have to face many difficulties while having darshan. Now we have been implementing our previous order of ban on photography strictly. Carrying mobiles and photography inside the sanctum sanctorum is completely banned," Ujjain collector Singh added.

video went viral on Instagram and came to the notice of the authorities.

sir's old 'suresh-abdul'

security personnel who danced

According to a Railways official, the train will run six days a week and will complete one leg of the journey in about five-and-a-half hours.

old video of Patna's famous Khan Sir is doing the rounds and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate demanded action.

Polling underway in the second and final phase of Gujarat assembly elections in Ahmedabad. (PTI)

Bala utsaV 2022

BALA Samskar Kendra (BSK) is the education wing of Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia providing opportunities to the younger generation in learning and inculcating values from Hindu Dharma through valued based education and learning from our rich ancient Hindu scriptures.

BSK aspires to increase self-confidence and develop leadership qualities while appreciating cultural heritage and tradition. Numerous events are organised throughout the year to assist children in exploring new aspects of life. All the important Hindu festivals are also celebrated with a view to understanding and appreciating the significance of those festivals. Children are also enlightened about various Hindu rituals and the underlying meaning.

One of the most prominent celebrations in BSK’s calendar is the annual Bala Utsav, where students showcase what they have learnt throughout the year. This year, the festival was celebrated on Sunday 13th November 2022 at SunPAC

Performing Arts Theatre, Sunnybank. Students from all the three centres, Sunnybank Brisbane, Springfield Brisbane and Gold Coast participated in the event. The programme was graced by the presence of dignitaries namely, Honourable Mr. Peter Russo MP, State Member for Toohey and Chair, Legal Affairs and Safety Committee; Shri Umeshji Chandra and Ushaji Chandra, Brisbane Indiatimes; Dr Sukhvir Singh, Arya Pranidhi Sabha; and Shri Anoop Nunnuru, President Federation of Indian Communities, Qld.

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LEARNING THAT CHILDREN SHOWCASED INCLUDED:

1. A group shlokas chanted by all the students.

2. Sanskrit / shloka presentation by each of the five age groups.

3. Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada language presentations.

4. Traditional dance.

5. Public speaking presentations on a range of topics, for example, (1) Hindu view on the science of

creation; (2) Jyotisha shastra - Astronomy and Astrology; (3) Chronologically tracing Shree Rama’s life events based on the astronomical record in the Ramayana; (4) Hindu way of life based on varna and jathi system; (5) Position and stature of women in hindu dharma; and (6) Significance and meaning of the swastika symbol.

BSK Queensland thrives to organise many such events that will bring positive changes in the life of our children and parents.

The BSK Queensland has been functioning since 2010 in Queensland and is run by dedicated volunteer parents and on

a not-for-profit basis. The BSK classes are held on Sundays (during regular school terms) from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM in Brisbane (at Sunnybank State High School & Springfield Central Community Centre), and in Gold Coast (at Benowa State School, Benowa). Please contact BSK Queensland at bskqld@live.com.au for additional information.

BANyO and Districts celebrated Christmas with music and local entertainment under brilliant blue skies on the afternoon of the 25th of November at Banyo Memorial Park.

Stalls of local community groups with craft traders and Boondall Police joined music provided by Alan Western, Peter Vance and the NCO brass Band. The Earnshaw Eagles skippers also provided a mesmerising performance. The high point of the event was when Santa’s arrival, courtesy of a Alex Fraser Group vehicle, was swamped by local children.

Organisers acknowledge the support of the Brisbane City Council through the Lard Mayors Community

Fund. Organisers especially acknowledge the special support of our media partner AIR/BIT. The event could not happen without our sponsors including Holy Cross Laundry, Alex Fraser group, Powerlink, Globenet Realty, and Harcourts Banyo. Outdoor equipment for the event was provided by other supporters in Active Hire and Jazz Poly. The event also was supported by government representatives Federal Minister Anika Wells, State MP Minister Leanne Linard and Local Councillor Adam Allan.

The event organisers, Banyo Districts Community Group Inc declared the event’s return after COVID a great success.

Reg Neil – 0407120378

FOCUS ON FIJI

FijiFirst ‘reneged’ on promise

The

FijiFirst Government has reneged on promise it made to the International Labour Organization (ILO) regarding striking Vatukoula

Gold Mine workers.

a rally at the Fijian Teachers Association hall on Thursday last week.

“The ILO recognises the striking workers in Vatukoula as the longest running strike in the world,” he said.

“And this government, at the ILO, made promises, made commitments – that it was going to come back home and settle this strike with the workers.

“Well, they’ve come back home a few times since and nothing has happened. “Those workers are still in

limbo, many have actually died. And, again, this remains unresolved.”

were

“But

with this government, if this government were to stay on.

“We’ve talked about the right to strike, while the law says that we do have a right to strike, but there are other laws like the internal security decree that disallows any form of action.

“We saw that during the termination of CAAF workers, where the police were all over the place.

“In fact, stopping workers from even sitting down having some grog, stopping workers from even sitting in the office at FTUC.

“Now that doesn’t happen in a democracy.”

Williams: strong democratic governance vital to region

STRONG democratic governance in Pacific nations is vital to the region navigating the triple challenges articulated by Pacific Islands Forum leaders – the existential threat of climate change, long-term recovery from COVID-19 and strategic contest.

Australian High Commission chargé d’affaires John Williams said this to members of the Fijian legal fraternity at the 24th Attorney-General’s Conference in Nadi on Friday.

He said for those reasons, they would be looking to have a deeper impact with their governance programs

and engagement in the region.

Mr Williams said Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong had commissioned a parliamentary inquiry,

managed by the Australian Federal Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, to look at how they could better promote democracy and the

international rules-based order in the region.

He said the inquiry would not only cover Australia’s aid program, but their political, economic and security partnerships across the region.

“Here in Fiji, we’re looking forward to building on our governance work, including aid programs supporting the national Parliament, media capacity and electoral administration. It’s been a vibrant and prosperous period of late for AustraliaFiji relations.

Our two governments are, I believe, working together more closely and effectively than we ever have before.”

Gollings’ men face hosts in cape town FVF to select players in sanctioned tourney

Defence given time to respond

THE defence in the case of accused murderer Samuel Naicker has been given time to respond to the State’s proposed facts.

In August this year, Mr Naicker pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder, where he was alleged to have strangled a 17-year-old boy at a house in Makoi in June.

The matter was called for pre-trial conference before High Court judge Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull, in the High Court at Suva last week.

State prosecutor Zenith Zunaid told the court the State was awaiting a response on its proposed facts.

The Legal Aid lawyer, appearing on instructions of the officer in carriage in the matter, Krishneel Chang, said she confirmed receipt of the proposed facts and sought 14 days to respond.

Mr Zunaid clarified there

might have been a delay in the response because Mr Naicker was admitted at Twomey Hospital at Tamavua with tuberculosis.

He said the State was relying on partial admissions in Mr Naicker’s caution interview and the evidence of his sister and mother, as the accused allegedly made confessions to them.

Mr Naicker’s bail application was also called before Justice Bull.

The defence counsel asked if the bail hearing could be vacated and the defence given seven days to file a supplementary affidavit in the bail application.

Justice Bull granted the defence’s application. The bail application will be called for hearing on January 16, 2023, while the substantive file will be called for further pre-trial conference on February 9.

Family loses house to fire

AFTER a dismal performance by the Fiji mens 7s team in Dubai over the weekend, Ben Gollings will have a tough task to prepare his side which is pooled with hosts South Africa this week.

South Africa won the Dubai title for the fourth straight time defeating Ireland 21-5 in the final yesterday.

Fiji, South Africa, France and Canada are in Group A of the Cape Town 7s. In Pool B Dubai tournament finalist Ireland will face Samoa, Uruguay and Japan.

New Zealand will lead Pool C with Argentina, Kenya and Spain Pool D will see USA, HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series defending champion Australia, Great Britain and Uganda battling out for a position in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, the Saiasi Fuli-coached Fijiana side is pooled with New Zealand, Great Britain and Brazil. Dubai 7s champion and series winner Australia is in Pool A with Ireland, Spain and hosts South Africa.

USA is in Pool C with France, Canada and Japan.

THE Fiji Volleyball Federation is using their sanctioned tournaments to select players who are eligible to represent Fiji in the Pacific Games next year.

With the successful completion of their Fiji Women’s Crisis Center National Club Volleyball Championship, FVF has selected players who had played well. President Kemueli Naiqama said they had noted a few players, who had performed well with expectation to be part of the national squad.

“We will then inform their associations where they will form elite teams to be based

at the west and the central division,” he said.

“We will have coaches to train them as we prepare for the South Pacific Games next year. “This is not only the opportunity for players, we also have our sanctioned tournaments next year like the Vulaca for the Central and the Western rally for the West. “We have the East West challenge and the final one will be the Easter games. So these tournament, we will be using them to select players.

“There is a lot of opportunities for our players to showcase their talents and to be recognised. We want them to use this tournaments.”

A Nacovi, Nadi family lost their entire four-bedroom property to a fire on Saturday night.

The homeowner, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the fire happened a little after 8pm and his grandmother was alone at home at the time of the incident.

“But no one got hurt and everyone is safe,” the homeowner said.

When this newspaper visited the scene yesterday, family members and neighbours were cleaning the remains of the fire which engulfed the $250,000 home.

Data released by the

National Fire Authority (NFA) indicated that as of September this year, 84 structural fires were recorded in the country.

NFA chief executive Puamau Sowane shared that since January this year to August, 84 structural fire incidents have been recorded compared with 74 structural fire incidents same period last year.

The Western Division recorded 41 fires while 31 occurred in the Central/ Eastern Division and 12 in the Northern Division.

Mr Sowane said the increase in residential fires was of great concern to the NFA.

FIJI Trades Union Congress national secretary Felix Anthony said this at

Mr Anthony said the striking Vatukoula workers

still waiting for “some kind of settlement or compensation.”

it’s not happening and it’s not going to happen

Federation of indian communities of Queensland - community cup cricket Match

THE Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland in association with the Bangladesh Association in Brisbane, assisted in conducting the Community Cup Cricket Match between an Indian XI vs Bangla XI on 20th November at Valley District Cricket Club.

The aim was to create harmony between the Indian and Bangladeshi communities through cricket as a sport.

Mr Sathish Rajenderan from Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club Inc and Mr John Stimpson and Mr Ashutosh

Misra from Queensland Cricket were instrumental in organising this game.

Cr Angela Owen, Councillor for Calamvale Ward, attended the match to cheer on the teams and

presented the trophy to Indian XI on their win.

The stage is now set for a bigger tournament next year.

—Seema Chauhan Public Relations Officer, FICQ

Federation of indian communities of Queensland - Women’s and Men’s Well-being session

THE Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland hosted a Women’s and Men’s Well-being session in Brisbane on 12th November 2022.

The event focused on a gender-based approach to mental health. The guest speakers included Dr Abha Chikarsal, General Practitioner, who presented

on women’s health and emphasised the importance of monitoring women’s health through means such as regular cervical screening; Dr Dev Kawol, General Practitioner, talked about mental health and men’s health issues along with a captivating presentation, and Emeritus Professor David Kavanagh,

who shared his knowledge of general mental health and well-being.

The event was wellreceived, with active participation by the attendees. FICQ aims to host more well-being sessions next year.

—Seema Chauhan Public Relations Officer, FICQ

c r Ang E l A o w E n, councillor for cA l A mvA l E wA rd, Att E nd E d th E m Atch to ch EE r on th E t EA ms A nd P r E s E nt E d th E tro P hy to i ndi A n xi on th E ir win.

salman

khan wraps up

the shoot of kisi ka Bhai kisi ki Jaan

SALMAN Khan starrer Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan that underwent many changes in its title, will feature the superstar in a different avatar. While his long-hair and bearded look has already got the town talking, the film’s ensemble cast has only added to the ongoing buzz about this potboiler. And now, the superstar actor-producer has announced the wrap up of the film. He has also posted a photo from the sets of the film as a treat to his fans.

Salman Khan may not be very active on social media but the actor has always given sneak peek into his projects on social media platforms. Now, yet again, the superstar posted another update about his next, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ka Jaan. While a few days ago, we had reported that Salman has wrapped up a song from the film, now the actor revealed that they have completed its shoot schedule. Along with the post that read, ‘Shoot wrapped!

#KisikaBhaiKisikiJaan arrives #Eid2023’, the actor also posted a photo of him sporting a jazzy printed jacket in his new long hairdo and bearded look. Followed by his post, many of the

aamir

superstar’s fans took to the platform to showcase their excitement about watching Khan on the big screen after a long time.

Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan is an action-packed entertainer directed by Farhad Samji and features Pooja Hegde as Salman Khan’s love interest. The film also features an ensemble cast that includes Venkatesh, Jagapathi Babu, Pooja Hegde, Bhumika Chawla, Shehnaaz Gill, Palak Tiwari, Raghav Juyal, Siddharth Nigam, Jassie Gill, and Mrinali Bhatnagar. The film is produced by Salman Khan Films and is presented by Zee Studios. The film is expected to release during Eid 2023.

the kashmir Files row: iFFi jury backs the statement of Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid

THE Kashmir Files, that was screened in the recently held film festival in Goa, IFFI 2022, blew up into a major controversy after a few remarks was passed by Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid about it being a ‘propaganda’ film. While three important members of the jury, American producer Jinko Gotoh, French film editor Pascale Chavance, French documentary filmmaker Javier Angulo Barturen have released a joint statement supporting the statement of Lapid. On the other hand, the only Indian jury member Sudipto Sen has maintained that while the film in its artistic form was rejected by the members, the comments made by Nadav Lapid were his own.

In the joint statement

released by the three jury members of IFFI 2022, they showcased their support to Nadav Lapid and his comments saying, “We stand by his statement. And to clarify, we were not taking a political stance on the film's content. We were making

an artistic statement, and it saddens us greatly to see the festival platform being used for politics and subsequent personal attacks on Nadav. That was never the intention of the jury.”

On the other hand, Sudipto Sen told PTI, “As a

board member, I stand by that we didn't award The Kashmir Files. We only awarded five films. This decision was unanimous. And we gave an official presentation to the NFDC and the festival authority. After that jury board's work is done. Now after that if somebody goes in public and pick up one particular film and say something which is not expected, then that is his personal feeling. It has nothing to do with the jury board.”

For the unversed, The Kashmir Files is inspired by real life incidents and talks about the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. Starring Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty among others, the film was directed by Vivek Agnihotri.

anushka sharma reVieWs triptii Dimri, Babil khan starrer Qala;

Aft E r the debacle of Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir Khan announced a break from doing Bollywood. The actor-producer recently celebrated a special moment in his life as a proud father as his daughter Ira Khan (with first wife Reema) and her fiancé Nupur Shikhare hosted a special engagement bash for their family, friends and relatives. Now, the actor has given a heartfelt interview to Humans of Bombay in which he recalled the time when his family struggled for family. He revealed that his father Tahir Hussain was a great producer but a bad businessman as he was always paying off debts.

Recalling the struggling days, Aamir Khan said, “I remember there was this film called Locket. It had Jitendra, Rekha, Kader Khan, like some of the biggest actors. At that point of time, actors would do about 30 films a year. So if you are not that famous a producer, you wouldn’t get that kind of priority. So my father would get pushed around. This film got stuck for dates and it took eight years for my father to make it.” Talking about how people would often call at his residence, demanding their money, Aamir added, “Situation was so bad that we were almost on the streets.”

He continued, “Unko problem mein dekh ke takleef hoti thi kyuki un logon ke phone aate the jinse paise liye hain. Unka jhagda shuru hojata tha phone pe ki ‘main kya karu, mere paas paise nahi hai. Meri film atki hai, mere actors ko

boliye dates dein mujhe, main kya karu.’ (we were so troubled and hurt to see him in that condition. People, who had loaned him money, would call. They would start arguing and fighting as my father would insist that he doesn’t have any money to pay them off. He would question them saying that his film is stuck because actors are not giving him dates, what should I do?)”

The actor became emotional when he reminisced about how he, a 10-year-old boy then, felt helpless about not being able help out his father. “The thing that would trouble us most was to see our father like that. He was a very simple man. Maybe he didn't have enough sense that he should not have taken so much loan,” he added.

“My father was an above average producer. His sensibilities were nice and he did choose good stories but he didn’t understand business. We can only draw this conclusion because his films have worked well but he was always in debt,” he concluded.

ANUSHkA Sharma, who is currently working on Chakda Xpress, will soon be releasing the sports biopic on OTT. As she is busy juggling between work and personal commitments, the actress caught up with a recent release on Netflix –Qala. The film in question features Triptii Dimri in the titular character and it also marks the acting debut of Babil Khan, son of Irrfan Khan. Anushka, who has worked with Triptii in her production Bulbbul, was rather impressed with her other Netflix release, and heaped praises on not just the actress but also the entire team of the film.

Anushka Sharma took to Instagram to share her review and opinion about Qala and defined it as a true work of art. She posted in her story saying, “A

daughters

that comes through in telling this detailed story and heartbreaking for portraying emotional abuse by an emotionally unstable parent in a way that’s never been done before by a film.”

She further went on to detail out how much she loved the work of the team of the film. She continued, “@anvita_dee UFF!! Your story telling is so true and original and you tell it like a poet, like a painting! You have detailed this film so excellently! @tripti_dimri WOW! You are one of the most talented actors of this generation! Your maturity as an actor and innocence as an artist is so rare! @ kans26 BRAVO! – for always backing the best content truthfully and raising the bar each time!”

Qala is a period drama set against the backdrop of 1930s Kolkata and is revolves around the life of a singer and the music industry. The film features Babil Khan and Triptii Dimri as singers.

khan gets emotional as he recalls the time when they were almost on the streets

heartbreaking yearning for her mother’s love. Qala is a work of art. It’s heartbreaking and exhilarating equally. Exhilarating because of the genius of each department

calls it ‘heartbreaking and exhilarating equally’

Anushka Sharma can’t stop praising actress Triptii Dimri and the entire team of Qala in a note shared by her on social media.

Queenslanders in the top position of Miss and Mrs Punjaban 2022

IN the year 2022, Queensland Team Brings the Trophy home to Brisbane. Miss Ramneek Dosanjh (QLD) wins Miss Punjaban (Aust). Mrs Mandeep Kaur won the runner-up for Mrs Punjaban (Aust).

Neeru Virk, renowned Women Business Leader and socialite of Brisbane, Australia, organised Miss and Mrs Punjaban Queensland 2022 on 8th October at Unidus Community Centre. Avanti Institute and Grow Money sponsored this event. It is an annual event hosted across Australia where winners from each state’s Miss and Mrs category go to the finals and compete with other State finalists in Melbourne on 27th November.

Our Team, Mrs Virk, Mr Virk, Kritika Bansal, Taran Kaur Harpargat Singh, and Prerna Pahwa from Simply Human Inc.Superheroes without Capes accompanied the Brisbane contestants to Melbourne to motivate and support the ladies throughout. Prerna Pahwa is a well-recognized and decorated community leader who runs the Not-forProfit organisation Simply Human Inc. - Superheroes Without Capes, which helps cancer patients and their families. Prerna is also one of the directors of Poppin Papadums, a women-led business. She wanted to set an example for other aspiring businesswomen by starting an all-women-led Indian restaurant. She aims to encourage and empower women to work towards their dreams.

We want to Congratulate Miss Ramneek Dosanjh for winning Miss Punjaban Australia 2022 and Mrs Mandeep Kaur, who won Runner Up title for Mrs They all were seamless, graceful, beautiful, glamorous, confident, and challenging competition for other participants. They flew to Melbourne a few days in advance and practised day in and day out with other National participants. We applaud their commitment to this pageant for parking their personal lives and focusing on their skills to compete; it is only possible when you have the most supportive family and friends. This is an excellent success story for others to follow. They are indeed creating benchmarks!

A special thank you to Shama Bhangu for supporting us in running this pageant in Queensland, along with Brisbane Indian Times for their continuous Support.

Less said, events like these require endless planning, organising, time, financial support, practice sessions, continuous dancing workshops, preparing the attires, coordination, nutritional diet plans,

motivation, and ensuring the props and minutes. The girls had immense support from Mrs Virk regarding personal grooming, the art of ramp walking, perfecting their Giddha Skills, glamming up, public speaking skills, personality development and selecting dresses. It indeed illustrates her passion and commitment to the pageants. Being a fullfledged businesswoman, balancing her personal and professional life was difficult, but her dedication to empowering the participants was unbeatable.

Mrs Virk curated the Queensland Pageant 2022 event format to involve young kids by adding Junior and Teens titles, with a vision to preserve our culture and pass it on to the next generations. A platform where ladies display their traditions and culture and the youth learns. This event brought the audience’s eyes tears when they saw the ladies dressed as Brides. It is not every day we witness such emotional moments.

Mrs Virk ensured the event was fair and introduced Queensland judges who were not just honest but very professional in their skills. According to Mrs Virk, it is crucial to ensure these events are in all fairness; hence we witnessed the results in Finals, where the Queensland Ladies brought home the title.

This event has created a superior self-awareness and confidence in the ladies who participated in this competition. One of the participants said, " I never thought I would be able to participate in such pageants after being a mum". The second one quoted, " I am glad this event is not just about being 5'5" or fair or slim. This event assessed our overall personality, showing me that beauty is beyond the stereotypes created in our society.

One of the past winners Mrs Anu Samra from Queensland, was the showstopper at the event. It's great to see Queensland winners maintaining the

legacy.

The Star Judge, Miss Loena Kaur, flew from Sydney to judge the pageant along with other carefully curated judging panels. In between the event, the star performed a few of her songs Live for the audience, which was an absolute crowd catcher.

The heart and soul of the event, Neeru Virk, is enthusiastic about women's upliftment in society, boosting their morale and

confidence and motivating them. She adds that several women in this community have suffered from Domestic Violence, abuse, etc., and are not aware of their rights and actions. She has been helping these women personally to assist them as much as possible over many years. Her vision is to bring women out of their comfort zone and shine to reach for their desired positions. This is just the beginning for Brisbane to witness her

sight; next year, she plans to take the event to higher skies with more impact and create more significance for the audience and participants.

We are now in December, while preparation started in May and the JOSH (enthusiasm) is still Super High. We have begun planning for next year's event. Registration will open on 1st January 2023. Please look out at https:// missandmrspunjabanaustra lia.com.au/ for more details.

happy and safe holiday wishes

HERE we are at the end of another year in the Australian calendar, and the team at the Hepatitis, HIV and Sexual Health Program at the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland thank our communities for their support over the last 12 months.

We also want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

This year has seen us all experience the challenges associated with the ongoing COVID pandemic and natural disasters including floods that have affected us all in different ways. Now as we take time to have a rest and enjoy time with our families and friends, we should also remember to ensure we look after our own health.

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• Everything in moderation

o Maintain healthy eating

choices –reduce processed, fatty, fried and sugary foods and drinks.

o Limit or avoid alcohol –ensure maintain Australian recommended alcohol consumption limits of no more than 4 standard alcoholic drinks in a day and 3 alcohol free days each

week.

o Make sure you drink plenty of water- especially as the weather becomes hotter

• Regular physical activity –

o A great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends – go for a walk. Remember to take water with

you and be sun-safe – wear a hat and wear sunscreen.

o If swimming or enjoying time at the beach – swim between the flags and do take heed of any warnings.

• Make sure you keep up with regular health checks –don’t miss any.

o Prioritise your own health

o If you have any chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hepatitis B etc. make sure you see your doctor and have any tests required as recommended.

o If you have hepatitis B – make sure you are seeing your doctor every 6 months –or as advised by your doctor and have the blood tests, ultrasounds and Fibroscan as requested.

New Year’s resolutions –many people make plans to make changes in their lives at this time. You may want to:

• See your doctor for a check-up – we can have some health conditions that need

monitoring even if we don’t feel sick, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure. you may also want to have a sexual health screen.

• Take better care of your health

o Eat better

o Reduce or stop smoking and alcohol

o Exercise more (walking is easy and FREE) – 30 minutes a day is recommended

o Get more rest – our bodies and minds need time to recover from hard work

For more information

about healthy choices and information about hepatitis B and hepatitis C you can contact the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland on (BCHWinsert your details).

For more information, please contact ECCQ: Website: www.eccq.com. au/bbv Phone: 07-3844 9166

If you live in Cairns, you can also contact:

Rhondda Lewis

Viral Hepatitis Health Coordinator Phone: 07-4226 4769

Email: Rhondda.Lewis@ health.qld.gov.au

BAthrOOM B e AU t Y tre At M ent

BATHROOM Treatment is also very important beauty schedule, As well as a chance to cleanse your body, bath or shower time is perfect opportunity to pamper and polish your skin, and indulge in some beautytreat. Try some of these effective body treat on a regular basis.

BODy LOTIONS AND OILS

Seal moisture into your skin with a lotion or oil, making it soft and smooth. Especially concentrate on dry areas, such as feet, elbows and knees. Oily and normal skins benefit from lotions, while cream and oil give moisture dry skins.

ExFOLIATING SCRUBS

Help combat the rough patches and blackheads that can appear on your skin by using a scrub. Use once or twice a week in the bath or shower, rinsing away the excess with clear warm water.

PUMICE STONE

These stones, made from very porous volcanic rock, work best if you lather up with soap before rubbing at dead skin areas of skin in circular motions. Don't rub too fiercely or else you'll make the rashes on the skin. A little but consistently is the best.

LOOFAHS AND BACk

BRUSHES

Back brushes or long loofahs are useful as exfoliators, and their length

makes them great for scrubbing difficult to reach areas like the back. Loofahs are actually the pod of an Egyptian plant and need a bit of care if they're to last. Rinse and drain them thoroughly after use to stop them going black and mouldy. Avoid rinsing them in vinegar and lemon juice as this can be too harsh for these once living things. Back brushes are easier to care for; you simply rinse them in cool water after use and leave them to dry.

BATH TIME TREAT

Soaking in a warm bath has to be one of the most popular ways to relax. You can literally feel your cares disappear as you sink into the soothing water. However, you can also use bath time for a variety of other benefits and beauty boosters.

LEARNING TO RELAx

Turn bath time into an aromatherapy treat by adding relaxing essential oils such as chamomile and

lavender to the water. Just add a few drops once you have run the bath, then lie back, inhale the vapour and relax. Salts and bubble baths that contain sea minerals that also help to purify your skin

4 Sleek skin

Smooth your body with body oil before getting into the bath. After soaking for 10 minutes, rub your skin with a soft washcloth- you will be amazed at how much dead skin you remove.

4 Boosting benefits

If you pat yourself dry after a bath, it will help you to unwind, whereas briskly rubbing your skin with a towel will help to invigorate you.

4 SHOWER TIME TREATS

Shower are a wonderful opportunity to cleanse your body quickly, cheaply and to wake yourself up. Here are some of other benefits.

4 Circulation booster

and relaxing your body, too. Bath by candlelight and listen to relaxing music to make it even more of a treat. Put on slice of cucumber as eye pads and relax for 15 minutes.

BE A NATURAL BEAUTy

You don't have to splash out on expensive bath additives- try making your own:

4 Soothe irritated skin by adding a cup of cider vinegar to the running water.

4 A cup of powdered milk will soothe rough skin.

*Add a cupful of oatmeal or bran to cleanse, whiten and soothe your skin.

Switch on the cold water before finishing your shower to help boost your circulation. Strangely, it will also make you feel warmer once you get out of the shower. It also work well if you concentrate the blasts of cold water on cellulite-prone areas, as this stimulates the sluggish circulation in these spots.

Turn a daily shower into a real power shower. Keep smiling by Nimisha of Hetvi Hair and Beauty Mobile 0412350013

Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

search for stroke stars starts now!

NOMINATIONS for the 2023 Stroke Foundation

Stroke Awards are now open. The annual event recognises the incredible individuals in our community who make the future brighter for people impacted by stroke, by building on the Stroke Foundation’s work.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the Stroke Awards are open to survivors of stroke, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals and researchers.

“We are so lucky to have so many inspirational members of our community who are doing amazing things to raise awareness of stroke and demonstrate there is a life after stroke,” Ms McGowan said.

“The Stroke Awards provide us with an opportunity to honour these inspiring individuals and their efforts.”

A stroke strikes the brain and can change lives in an instant. It is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. There are more than 445,000 people with stroke living in our community.

“If you know someone

who

stroke, then tell us about them so we can celebrate them,” she said.

There are six award categories this year (listed below). Visit the Stroke Foundation website and

nominate now.

STROkE AWARDS CATEGORIES:

• Stroke Warrior Award - Recognises the significant contribution of

a person under 18 in stroke awareness, fundraising or advocacy.

• Courage Award –Recognises the indomitable courage and hope shown by a survivor of stroke or carer in facing stroke recovery.

• Creative Award –Celebrates a survivor of stroke's contribution to creative industries including writing, photography, music and fine art.

• Fundraiser of the Year Award – Recognises a fundraiser who has gone above and beyond to help raise awareness and funds for stroke in Australia.

• Improving Life after Stroke Award – Celebrates those who voluntarily dedicate their time to improving the care and support of survivors of stroke in the community.

• Volunteer of the Year Award – Celebrates those who voluntarily dedicate their time to improving the care and support of survivors of stroke in the community.

Nominations close on February 17. The winners will be announced at Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Awards ceremony in Melbourne on Thursday, May 4.

$2million boost to cancer research announced

RECENTLy, Cancer Council Queensland announced a $2 million boost to cancer research at their annual Accelerating Collaborative Cancer Research (ACCR) Grant presentation.

2022 marks the fourth year of the ACCR grants. This year, in partnership with The University of Queensland, Cancer Council Queensland will invest $2 million over four years to Lead Researcher Professor Andrew Barbour for his project titled Assessment of tumour phenotype for precision medicine in oesophageal cancer via deep learning analysis of medical images.

The highly competitive Accelerating Collaborative Cancer Research grants aim to:

• Stimulate innovative, collaborative cancer research to make major advances in areas of need.

• Accelerate the translation of research findings into improved prevention, outcomes, clinical practice or health policy to improve the survival and well-being of cancer patients, and

• Develop the capacity of high-quality cancer research groups in Queensland by encouraging effective research collaboration between universities, health services and medical and scientific research institutes.

Cancer Council Queensland CEO, Andrew Donne congratulated the successful research team at the event, “Thanks to

our generous supporters, Cancer Council Queensland is proud to accelerate Professor Andrew Barbour’s project and provide hope for the 31,000 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer each year."

Professor Joanne Aitken, Head of Research at Cancer Council Queensland added, “Cancer is a major burden to the health system in Australia and across the world. Investment in innovative, groundbreaking research in Queensland is vital for reducing the burden of cancer in our community.”

Professor Barbour expressed heartfelt thanks to Cancer Council Queensland and its supporters on behalf of the research team, which brings together clinicians and researchers from across Queensland.

“Oesophageal cancer has a poor prognosis and there are few treatment options,” Professor Barbour said.

“We aim to extract information from medical imaging to support better treatment decisions and outcomes for patients through a precision medicine approach.”

“I am grateful to Cancer Council Queensland for this grant and for their initial support that set my research off back in 2007,” he said.

Cancer Council Queensland is an independent, communitybased charity, the achievements of which are made possible by the generosity of Queenslanders.

Ms McGowan said this year’s awards were an opportunity to celebrate the courage, creativity and achievements of the stroke community.

has demonstrated courage in their recovery, artistic talent after stroke, fundraising flair or has made any other significant contribution to improving the lives of people with

2022 Stroke Warrior Award winners Sophie and Elliot Clayton.

The transit of Venus and Mercury will work in your favour. Singles would have the opportunity to receive a successful partnership proposal. This month, you may experience a sudden shift in your love and marriage relationship, which would bring you joy. Marriage and love relationships would bring you good fortune this month. The career would also be fine, and the project is supposed to be in your hands. This month you may earn planned financial gains from increments, as well as tips from your friends for a successful financial investment. This would provide you with an anticipated return. Professionally, you can experience some relief from workload and stress. A small family gathering would bring fun and the company of family members. You should prepare budget for this month's expenses because the stars forecast that you may spend money on travel, shopping, and car maintenance. There is a chance of an increase, but savings would be not be much as anticipated. This month may provide some relief from the workload as well as the expected financial benefit from your job. The sensible financial decision you make would significantly assist you in accumulating a successful profit this month. There could be unplanned expenses associated with travelling with siblings as well as a small celebration with them. In general, this month's well-being would be average. However, a weakened immune system can cause you to experience unexpected health problems. Fever and colds can cause health problems. To maintain good health, try to avoid cold drinks and stick to a balanced diet regularly.

The month of December 2022 would be filled with exciting events. However, it is possible that it would be average for some of you. Furthermore, since they would be surrounded by health and financial difficulties, there could be some uncertainty this month. The planetary combination is severely afflicting your zodiac sign and its governing king, so you should remain vigilant and cautious. Praying to the Sun and Jupiter would be helpful. You can be a valuable resource in all aspects of life. Furthermore, trips taken during this period do not seem to yield any benefits. As predicted, you may receive few benefits, but your health conditions are likely to worsen. Be well-prepared and pack your belongings before embarking on a trip. Respect the women in the family; they are likely to have some valuable advice for you. And if some of you are either stressed or upset about something. Seek the assistance of your closest friends and family members in this regard, and address your dilemma and difficulties. This is when you must find the ideal function required to solve problems that have gone unaddressed for a long time. Now is the time to show your appreciation for all that you have done to achieve your dream. Simply staying focused shall ensure your success in all aspects of life. This is your moment, and the last month of the year would be advantageous to you.

This month, you must regulate your aggression and rage to achieve the desired results. A job-related career would be fine, with planned raises, but if you are expecting help from your superiors, more hard work and commitment is needed this month. You have a favourable time to invest in the stock market, but you should seek professional advice as well, as Jupiter's power will provide you with sound advice. Learning spiritual awareness and visiting religious sites can be costly. Relationships can demand attention while avoiding ego clashes. There may be disagreements on ideas that must be addressed. This month, you would see a spontaneous get-together with in-laws. A short trip with them will provide a fun time for the whole family. Your spouse's manner of expressing love for you can astound you. This would help to reinforce your bond. Many of you who were committed to your relationship would have the opportunity to spend more time with your partner. You could have average savings this month. You would have a consistent source of revenue, but there may be unplanned and unexpected expenses. Because of a lack of understanding of the issue, school education may be disrupted. You should seek assistance from your parents. The student can experience stress as a result of receiving all of the information at once. Make an effort to eat a nutritious diet that includes fruits and vegetables at breakfast and dinner. Overthinking can cause tension, which can lead to health problems. Consume light, healthy foods and maintain a routine that includes light exercise and meditation.

This month, your accomplishments and income would improve your morale, according to your monthly horoscope. The location of the planets in the zodiac means that you can meet new love interests. You can also be very vocal when it comes to expressing your feelings to your love companion. The horoscope also predicts that your friend circle is likely to expand this month. Your father's support for your career would lead to professional success. According to the horoscope of Dec, your violent behaviour can cause problems in your marriage. For a more harmonious relationship, be considerate of your spouse's feelings and control your temper. The monthly horoscope also predicts health problems. To stay fit and engaged, improve your eating habits and exercise regularly. The horoscope of Dec brings positive indications of personal and professional growth and development. You are likely to be presented with numerous opportunities and open doors. According to the monthly horoscope, you are a self-made person who would amass wealth through hard work and concentrated effort. Your financial position appears to be in good shape, and there is a good chance that you may close a lucrative deal this month. On a more serious note, you might be distressed by your father's illness. Nonetheless, your relatives and family members would be extremely helpful during the month. It is advised to stay calm and composed when dealing with stressful circumstances. Avoid quarrels and disputes with your loved ones.

They must remain optimistic because they will undoubtedly succeed sooner or later. Investors in the stock market would be very fortunate. They are free to take some calculated risks. Any lottery ticket purchased has a chance of becoming a winner. Students who have worked hard for their exams or tournaments would be praised this week for their efforts. People in sports may do well in their respective competitions. They may be more energised and enthusiastic. You can expect a healthy month. You do not need to be concerned about any sickness. This week would bring you good fortune in love and romance. Your bond would get more vital and more profound. You would also get a supportive response from your partner. This week you are likely to have a pleasant time with your loved one. Single people can await a exciting week. They are likely to meet new people and possibly form new relationships. This week, keep children and the young healthy. They are more likely to have minor mishaps, slips, deaths, and so on. Keep them indoors and away from areas where they could hurt themselves. Those looking for work should prepare to attend some interviews. They may get some calls leading brands. They may also bring their dream job. Business people may have a good month. They can gain new clients or enter into new contracts. They can also anticipate a busy but enjoyable month. In this month, negative comments made by parents or teachers can harm students, emotionally.

You may not be able to find simple ways to meet your goals at the start of this month. As the month progresses, you would be given more tasks at work, and you would most likely be multitasking. There would be more opportunities for development in the second half of this month. Businesspeople must concentrate more on current programmes and goals to keep the company running. Overall, you would be able to focus on your financial management this month. The only thing to look out for is that any investment made in haste does not turn out to be a dead investment. Your effective financial management, on the other hand, can assist you in overcoming obstacles. The latter half of the month may be an excellent time to implement a long-planned strategy to improve your financial prospects. Multiple thoughts affecting your mind can cause a lot of uncertainty in your personal life during this month. Do not get irritated for no reason. During the latter half of this month, there would be opportunities to improve the relationship further. This month's planetary alignment may aid your academic success. There may be some challenges to overcome in the middle of this month, but your efforts would bear fruit as the month progresses. Any minor health issues can bother you at the start of this month. Gradually, your health would improve, and, as a result, your vitality will also improve.

You should be settled into a new job or assignment at the start of this month. A businessperson can explore new avenues and add new products/services to their product/service list. About the middle of this month, your career may pick up steam. During this process, business people would be able to secure some significant projects. The beginning of this month, you may feel overly optimistic, forcing you to take unnecessary risks that could land you in trouble. As a result, you must proceed with caution this time. Your income are likely to remain stable as the month progresses. The middle of this month suggests some significant financial transactions. You are likely to face very complicated problems in the latter part of this month, affecting your financial situation if you make rash decisions. Starting of this month would be very perplexing for your personal life and relationship. You may be emotionally charged and more temperamental about the middle of this month. You would gradually realise the equations that may help you understand the complexities of your relationship in the latter section. Any distractions could affect your academic performance at the start of this month. As the month progresses, you should learn well enough and impress your mentors with your perfect understanding of complex subjects. During this month, you are likely to have much better fitness levels and recover vitality. Your awareness of the latter part would be more beneficial to your wellbeing.

During this time, the planetary position would be favourable to the commercial partners. You would get along well with your partners, and things are likely to be excellent between the two of you. You may seek advice from one another, which would be extremely valuable to your business. The period following the 15th of the month would be the most favourable for you. This would make you a clever competitor, and you would be able to outperform your competitors at this time. Rahu would go to your Courage house, enhancing your self-assurance and willpower. You are likely to have more energy and would be able to focus better on your tasks. Your curiosity in research may be piqued. However, you may need to put in more effort if you want to see positive results. This month indicates that you keep your calm even in difficult times. There is a possibility that you may organise auspicious programmes in your home and become active in charitable activity. Others may criticise you because you are firm despite being a lady. With the separation of your children for further education or a career, you may experience depression. The approaching days are predicted to restore your spirits. You would be relieved of a sickness that has been bothering you for a long time, and you would feel calmer. You may begin to rely more on your doctor's advice. Travelling would cause money to slide through your fingers like quicksilver without you even realising it.

The planetary placements this month are promoting a happy love life for inhabitants of your pick. You must show your mate love and affection. You are going to spend quality time with your lover. This is an excellent opportunity to surprise your lover by doing something that would make them pleased. Single natives may also discover their ideal partner this month. Saturn's placement and transit may cause some difficulties in your life, but you would easily overcome these difficulties. The beginning portion of this month's Marriage Horoscope would be excellent for married couples, but there is a potential for disagreements. However, this is only a passing phase. You would address all outstanding conflicts and emerge as a happily married couple. Spend time together and try to be more understanding and caring. You should avoid becoming aggressive when dealing with challenging situations. The beginning of the month may be unfavourable for your family life throughout this month. There is a chance of disagreements among family members, which would keep the household atmosphere disrupted. You may have verbal spats with your family members. As a result, you must keep your words under control. This is not the time to talk about ancestors' money or possessions. Be cautious of your buddies since they may attempt to take advantage of you. Separately, your parents would be very supportive, and it offer you strength. When it comes to your health, you should avoid junk food during this month. Going for a morning stroll or jog might help you stay fit and healthy. Avoid anything that could harm your health.

You are generous to achieve anything beautiful and harmonious and would be willing to lavish money and energy on it. Self-improvement is likely to be your self-imposed motto in the coming days. Friends and relatives would be there for you with a helping hand. This month you would find yourself relentless and driven in your struggle towards achievement, at times, driving you as well as those around you crazy. Generous and warm qualities in you may lead to many joyful experiences in the family. Your commitment to the family would help you to gain the love and care you seek. Confidence and mental preparation to achieve the best would boost up your energy. Your inner self will always act as a good guide for you. You are so cautious, secretive and generally suspicious more than any woman used to be. So you tend to be more watchful and scrutinised before getting committed to anyone or anything. Undue criticism, excessive worry and fear would be the factors that restrain your sense of freedom and spontaneity. You may feel dull by the aloofness of your coworkers. You need a lot of encouragement and motive. An energetic and rejuvenating month ahead for you. You may feel ready for accepting new challenges relating to your work or new enterprises. Your freshness may bring harmony to your whole family. The main menace to your physical situation would be your emotions, which in the form of repressed anger and grudges can even lead to a mental syndrome.

Your feelings of insecurity would cause you to be worried, indecisive, depressed, and afraid. For a short while, this would hold the beauty and harmony in your life at bay. Your perception of the future may be altered in various ways. Your participation with friends may be thrilling and refreshing. You may battle with individuals or institutions, but you are likely to be rewarded with a job or a well-executed deal. The approval of a new project by the authority may provide you with the opportunity to grow and implement new ideas that were previously only in your thoughts. You are sure to gain much from what comes in quest of you these days since you have the critical essential, a sense of survival and the expertise to make a lot from a little. Consider it once or twice before expressing your feelings to the person you are drawn to. Before concluding, conduct a thorough examination of all the good and negative aspects. People who associated with you would regard you as trustworthy because of your loyalty, sincerity, and consistent support. Unwarranted criticism, excessive concern, and dread may limit your sense of freedom and spontaneity. The aloofness of your coworkers would bore you. You require a lot of motivation and encouragement. Consider your personal development opportunities more carefully, as it is time to live for yourself and your family. Work is your source of excitement, and you would not consider resting, even though you are fatigued.

To attain the required results this month, avoid hostility and strive to be patient. Jupiter is ready to shower you with good fortune, but you must be careful with your communication and avoid being harsh with others on both a personal and professional level. For the rest of the month, try to avoid arguing with your boss or any government officials. This month may include unforeseen travel connected to work, which would be beneficial. You might obtain a positive reaction from this month's interview. Jupiter is ready to provide marriage blessings. The transit of Venus and Mercury can bring positive news about children as well as love relationships. Try to spend quality time with yourself and your family; this may help you to feel rejuvenated in life. Mars' transit indicates that there may be disagreements with family members, so exercise patience and avoid excessive dispute. Romantic relationships improve gradually, so be patient and allow your lover some space. Saturn may favour foreign investment as well as domestic land-related businesses. There would be a success in obtaining the anticipated savings. There may be expenses for a party and friends. You may incur costs if you purchase gifts and clothing for a celebration or party. Precautions should be taken when travelling. Avoiding tension and pointless arguments with those around you will provide you with mental tranquilly. Saturn's transit can cause leg discomfort or indigestion. There may be teethrelated disorders; therefore, a routine exam may prevent you from poor health.

Brett robinson and sinead Diver break australian marathon records, including rob de castella's 36yo mark

BRETT Robinson and Sinead

Diver have broken Australia's long-standing marathon records within hours of each other.

Robinson finally eclipsed the mark set by distance running legend Rob de Castella, which had stood since five years before he was born.

After Robinson made his breakthrough at the Fukuoka International Marathon in Japan, Diver broke the Australian women's record at Spain's Valencia Marathon.

The 45-year-old bettered Benita Willis's 2006 record of 2 hours, 22 minutes and 36 seconds by more than a minute, crossing the line in 2:21:34.

"Huge congrats Sinead Diver on your Aussie marathon record today!" Willis wrote on Instagram.

"Was an honour to hold it for so long. Couldn't have been broken by a better athlete/person. Amazing."

Diver broke her personal best by nearly 3 minutes after finishing 10th at the Tokyo Olympics. It came just a couple of hours after Robinson took down a

marathon mark that had stood for 36 years.

Robinson, 31, finished fourth at Fukuoka in 2:07:31, breaking by 20 seconds de Castella's record that had stood since he won the 1986 Boston Marathon.

Robinson, a two-time Olympian, beat his personal best by 2 minutes and 21 seconds.

In October, he became only the sixth Australian to join the sub-2:10 club when

he finished the London Marathon in 2:09:52.

"It's such a great feeling. I've gone for this record a few times now, and it's funny — I always talk about going for it before a race," Robinson said.

"But I didn't mention it to anyone this time around. I went about my own business and I finally got it. I knew I was capable of it.

"The current crop of Australian athletes are smashing records at the

moment, and this was one of the last long-standing ones for us to tick off, so it means a lot to me to finally get this today."

Steve Moneghetti, whose 2:08:16 is now the third-best Australian time, paid tribute to Robinson.

"I also want to give credit to Deeks (de Castella) for holding the record for so long," Moneghetti said.

"We've been waiting for it to be broken for so many years now, and we need to acknowledge just how hard it's been for anyone to get even close."

Robinson and Diver are training partners under coach Nic Bideau.

"Benita is Australia's best runner of all time so it's an honour to now have this record. I couldn't be prouder today," Diver said.

"I actually didn't know if I wanted to know if he (Robinson) got it when I woke up this morning … but as we were walking over to the start line, someone asked if I had heard about his record, and I got a rush of excitement. I was so happy to know it before I started running."

Defending champions reign supreme at emirates Dubai 7s

Austr A li A's women began their HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series title defence on a winning note as they claimed an unprecedented hat-trick of titles in Dubai with a 26-19 victory against their closest rivals New Zealand.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s men made it four Dubai titles in a row with a 21-5 win against Ireland underlining their dominance in the desert. Having missed out on the medals in the first tournament of the World Series in Hong Kong last month, it was a timely response from the Blitzboks with qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games determined by the standings at the season's end.

In the bronze medal matches, it was one win and one defeat for the USA, who lost to New Zealand in the men’s competition but saw off France in the women’s.

Fiji’s men, runners-up in Hong Kong a month ago, could only finish ninth and are currently outside of the top four places guaranteed to secure teams' automatic entry to the Paris extravaganza, although with nine rounds left to play there is still plenty of time for them to make up lost ground.

Q u EE ns of th E d E s E rt

For Australia’s women, the Dubai tournament saw a continuation of the form that

took them to not only the World Series crown but also the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens gold medals.

“Our coaches say we are queens of the desert, we thrive off heat, so for us, it was just a golden win,” said player of the final, Madison Ashby.

It was the 19th World Series Cup final between Australia and New Zealand with the Black Ferns Sevens looking to tip the balance back in their favour after being on the wrong side of recent results.

Michaela Blyde had a steelyeyed look about her during the national anthems and she was right up for the occasion, but her hat-trick was in vain as allconquering Australia celebrated yet another trophy.

Putting on a performance of pace and power, Australia always had the edge over their fiercest rivals and tries from Sharni Williams, who also kicked three conversions, Faith Nathan, Maddison Levi and Demi Hayes saw them home.

Levi’s try in the final took her to the top of the all-time Dubai try-scorers chart, on 11.

Co-captain Hayes said: “It was always going to be a tough final, and credit to them, they are such a good opposition so for us to come out on top today, it was a good win.”

Brisbane roar star welcomes newborn cub Billy to the family

Jack Hingert is living his best life on the couch – “taking on night shifts” with newborn son Billy while enjoying every moment of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Happily changing nappies and tending to baby Billy, Mr Hingert, 32, said being glued to the television with their baby boy was a good opportunity to give fiancé Symeon Leslie, 31, time to rest.

“I can’t complain, I get time to spend with Billy and enjoy watching football at the same time. Symeon can catch up on some sleep too,” Mr Hingert said.

Gearing up for Wednesday morning when Australia takes on Denmark at 1am, Mr Hingert said he and Billy would be cheering from their loungeroom.

The first-time parents, from Murarrie, welcomed Billy at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in Brisbane on November 11, weighing 4.1kg.

One in every five Queensland babies are born at Mater.

Describing his son as a “big boy”, Mr Hingert said Billy measured in the 99th percentile throughout his partner’s pregnancy.

Mr Hingert, who has won two A-League Championships at the Roar, hopes his son will one day follow in his

footsteps.

“I would love him to play football and I’d love to teach him as much about the game as I can,” he said.

Mr Hingert, who launched a side hustle with fellow soccer player Isaka Cernak selling gender-neutral nappy bags aimed at dads on baby duties, said he could now

experience his own product first-hand.

“I’ve been giving the One Nine nappy bags a go, especially on my outings to local coffee shops and on walks with Billy,” he said.

“They’re definitely very practical. I like that I can now tell customers about my own experience using these bags.”

Enjoying their time at home together as a family of three, the sportsman said Billy was “eating and sleeping well” and soaking up every moment with his newborn.

BRISBANE Roar defender

hAPP ily ch A nging n APP i E s A nd t E nding to BABy Billy, m r h ing E rt, 32, s A id BE ing glu E d to th E t E l E vision with th E ir BABy B oy wA s A good o PP ortunity to giv E fi A ncé s ym E on lE sli E, 31, tim E to r E st.

australia, south africa arrive in cape town full of confidence

Australia opened the women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with a perfect two days in Dubai, while South Africa’s men warmed up for their home tournament with victory at The Sevens Stadium.

hiGhliGht

Pradeep wins a gold medal for 800m breaststroke in the Pan Pacific Master Games swimming championships

failure is not falling but refusing to get up.

Pr A d EEP Kumbhar’s journey as a runner started in 2011 in a 6 km dream run at Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon. Since then, there has been no looking back. This dream run ignited their passion for running, and very soon, Pradeep Kumbhar got addicted to running in Marathons. He soon progressed from a number of half marathons to Full Marathons. Then he went on to complete Ultra Runs. He ran the 160 KMS Ultra Intercity Run with Milind Soman. This is followed by 12- and 24-hours stadium runs covering a distance of over 100 km. This did not satisfy him. He wanted to push his limits and wanted to aim for something bigger.

He started his training for a Duathlon and completed one. This soon progressed into Triathlon training. In 2018, Pradeep Kumbhar began training for the Iron Man Malaysia event. However, destiny threw a challenge towards Pradeep Kumbhar. He met with an accident in which he lost his right leg and severely injured the left one. But this did not affect the strong will and determination of this warrior. The way the rest of the story

unfolds only makes him more focused and strong-willed.

After a lengthy hospitalisation and over eight months of rehab, the warrior rises with renewed goals and unwavering inner strength. During his recovery, instead of complaining or feeling bad about his condition, Pradeep Kumbhar identifies a support network. An amputee will most likely experience a wide range of emotions, such as denial, helplessness, hopelessness, selfpity, anger, regret, self-doubt, and sadness. And it is okay to feel this way. But it depends on what one wants to choose. Whether one wants to choose a path of recovery and hope, or a path filled with bitterness, regret and agony, he chose a life filled with hope and opportunities.

And once you decide to walk on this path, you will see several doors open for you. In no time, Major D.P. Singh, an old acquaintance, decided to extend his time and emotional support to Pradeep Kumbhar. Major D.P. Singh, an amputee, introduced Pradeep to a network of differently abled named “The Challenging Ones”. Major D.P. Singh is the founder of “The Challenging Ones”, – A self Help support network for the differently abled.

This network and the people he met here inspired him and strengthened his belief in himself.

During his hospitalisation, Pradeep was also contacted by Sachin Tendulkar, who kept him motivated. Pradeep Kumbhar and Sachin Tendulkar are buddies as Sachin has been an ambassador for IDBI Mumbai Marathon, and Pradeep is involved in organising this event.

After getting his prosthetic leg, Pradeep has already completed several 5 Km, and 10 Km runs within one year of completing his rehab. Sachin Tendulkar has felicitated him for a couple of runs. He now swims 3 to 5 KM regularly and cycles for around 50KMS daily. And recently, the Kalsubai Peak Trek height of 1646 meters or

5400 Feet. Climbed Kalsubai Trek Distance 6.6 km one way. It is the highest peak in Maharashtra. This warrior’s dream of completing an international triathlon persists, and there is no doubt that this dream will become a reality very soon.

Life will never be perfect. It

will most likely put you in difficult situations from time to time. During adversity, it is essential our mind reaches out for help. Finding a support system like family, friends, loved ones, or a support network is critical. You may also seek professional help. You do not have to go through the journey

alone. Life is all about the choices we make. Not all of them will be right. Nevertheless, always choose LIFE.

Pradeep Kumbhar’s message to everyone is, “Success belongs to those who are goal-oriented, determined and persevering; if you can dream it, you can do it!”

Brisbane super kings 10th annual awards ceremony

ALGESTER Sunday, 4th December, Brisbane Super kings held their tenth annual awards ceremony at Algester State School.

Satish from Brisbane Super Kings said, “On behalf of the Brisbane Super Kings, we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting and assisting us with all aspects. With your support, BSK

has grown immensely over the years. As every other sports club struggled and went through a tough time because of COVID-19, your generous contribution made our dream come true for our local community, especially for girls and junior cricketers.

Our club currently consists of players in Woolworths

Junior and Master Blaster Program, Junior Cricket

Stage 1,2,3 and Girls teams, which entails 168 junior members. Further, we have 360 plus senior players involved with senior cricket and Brisbane Super Kings' Multicultural cup. Our juniors and seniors are hardworking and dedicated themselves throughout the year. BSK is fortunate to have our fantastic volunteers, coaches, players, managers, and parents, who support us tirelessly.

We again thank you for your valuable contribution to the club and our multicultural cricket tournament. We hope you keep supporting us in the near future and making our club remarkable in southeast Queensland.

The event is prepared to show our acknowledgement to our most important sponsors, players, and

supporters. Therefore, this will be an outstanding opportunity to show appreciation for your generosity.

Brisbane Super Kings is

prospering with the generous support of a caring community. Thank you again

for your thoughtfulness, generosity, and continued support of the local cricketing community.”

The event was well attended and has outgrown your traditional restauranttype venue for the awards; this hall was just the right

size. Councillor Charles Strunck, Angela Owen, and Milton Dick, MP- Federal speaker, were amongst the guest of honour list. The event was well organised and run, and the cheerful crowd were supportive and engaged until the Pizzas arrived.

at 15th

aWarDs

wins

GOLD COAST, Australia:

The Asia Pacific Screen Academy announced the winners at the 15th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) at a Gala Ceremony on Australia’s Gold Coast on Friday evening, with nominees able to attend for the first time since 2019.

APSA celebrates cinematic storytelling that best reflects its cultural origins, from a diverse region encompassing half the world’s film, 78 countries and areas. In 2022, films from 17 Asia Pacific countries and areas have celebrated APSA wins, with historic first-ever APSA wins for filmmakers from Jordan, Armenia, Cambodia and Pakistan.

Kamila Andini’s Before, Now and Then (Nana), produced by Ifa Isfansyah and Gita Fara, took out the 15th APSA Award for Best Film and both the first Indonesian film and the first film directed by a woman to win the coveted award.

t h E AwA rd wA s Acc EP t E d

By i ndon E si A n stA r hAPPy sA lm A, who P l Ays th E l EA d rol E of nA n A in A m E sm E rizing A nd intim At E P ortr A it of h E r lif E s E t Ag A inst th E unr E st of 1960’s i ndon E si A.

The award was accepted by Indonesian star Happy Salma, who plays the lead role of Nana in a mesmerizing and intimate portrait of her life set against the unrest of 1960’s Indonesia.

In being awarded the top prize, director Kamila Andini also becomes the first person to have directed three APSA award winners in feature film categories, with The Seen and Unseen (Sekala Niskala, 2017) and The Mirror Never Lies (Laut Bercermin, 2012) winning the then-called Best Youth Feature Film and Best Children’s Feature Film respectively.

The APSA for Best Youth Film has gone to Farha (Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sweden), the story of a young Palestinian girl set against the backdrop of looming violence in

1948 Palestine. Farha is directed by Darin J Sallam and in winning, she has become the first Jordanian filmmaker to awarded an APSA.

Aurora’s Sunrise (Armenia, Germany, Lithuania), the story of forgotten genocide survivor turned silent Hollywood film star and philanthropist, has won the 15th APSA for Best Animated Film and marks the first APSA win for an Armenian film.

Winner of the APSA Best Documentary Film in 2022 is All that Breathes (India, United Kingdom, United States of America), a touching tale of two brothers caring for Delhi’s wounded iconic Black Kite birds, through which we get a definitive snapshot of contemporary India, and its surreal environmental and political absurdities. All that Breathes is directed by Shaunak Sen produced by Aman Mann, Shaunak Sen, Teddy Leifer.

The APSA Youth, Animation, Documentary International Jury also gave a Special Mention in this category to fellow environmental tale Delikado (Philippines, Australia, Hong Kong, United States of America, United Kingdom), directed by Karl Malakunas and produced by Marty Syjuco, Michael Collins, Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Karl Malakunas.

The inaugural winner of the new ungendered APSA for Best Performance is Lee Jeong-eun for Hommage (Omaju, Republic of Korea). She is best known

d A n AP s A.

internationally as the housekeeper in Bong Joonho’s Parasite, her third film with the director after Mother (2009) and Okja (2017). Lee Jeong-eun becomes the 7th Korean performer to win an APSA for Performance. She joins previous Korean APSA winning performers Lee Byung-hun (Masquerade, 2013), Choi Min-sik (Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time 2012), Jung Jaeyoung (Right Now, Wrong Then 2015), Jeon Do-yeon (Secret Sunshine, 2007), Yun Jung-he (Poetry, 2010) and Kim Hye-ja who she starred alongside in Mother (2009).

In the second new performance category, the inaugural APSA for Best New Performer for a first or second time lead performance in a feature length role, the award has gone to French/Korean newcomer Park Ji-min for her debut role in Return to Seoul (Retour à Séoul, France, Belgium, Germany).

A first APSA win for a Cambodian filmmaker, Cambodian/French filmmaker Davy Chou has

won the APSA for Best Director for Return to Seoul, the only film to take home two awards at this year’s event.

Indonesian film criticturned-filmmaker Makbul Mubarak has won the APSA for Best Screenplay for Autobiography (Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Qatar, France, Poland, Germany).

Niklas Lindschau won the APSA for Best Cinematography for The Stranger (Al Garib, Palestine, Syrian Arab Republic, Qatar, Germany).

The APSA Jury Grand Prize was given to This is What I Remember (Esimde, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Netherlands, France), directed by Aktan Arym Kubat and produced by Altynai Koichumanova, Denis Vaslin, Yuji Sadai, Carine Chichkowsky, Fleur Knopperts.

The APSA International Jury was presided over by eminent Egyptian screenwriter and producer, Mohamed Hefzy and comprised of Indian producer Guneet Monga, actor, director and producer

Numan Acar (Turkey/ Germany), Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde and Sri Lankan director Vimukthi Jayasundara.

APSA International Jury President Mohamed Hefzy said:“Serving as jury president has allowed me a closer window onto the rich cinema of the Asia Pacific region, with its diversity of themes, cultures, and filmmakers. It has been a truly memorable experience.”

The four-person Youth, Animation, Documentary International Jury was chaired by Shin Su-Won (Republic of Korea), joined by documentarian Zhao Qi (People’s Republic of China), documentarian and writer Baby Ruth Villarama (Philippines) and New Zealand filmmaker Tearepa Kahi (Muru).

Chair of the Youth, Animation, Documentary International Jury Shin Su-Won said: “Our jury members watched 15 nominated films from the Asia Pacific region. Most of films dealt with the war, political violence, and focused on global environmental issues and women’s lives. While watching films, I’ve been thinking that I’m sailing the Asian Pacific Ocean. Every time I reached the port, I always felt excited because of the different themes and style. Also I met a new vision through the window of amazing 15 nominated films. It was a preciously special journey for me. Congratulations to the winners and all the nominated filmmakers.”

categories

i n th E s E cond n E w PE rform A nc E c At E gory, th E in Augur A l AP s A for B E st nE w P E rform E r for A first or s E cond tim E l EA d PE rform A nc E in A f EAtur E l E ngth rol E, th E AwA rd h A s gon E to f r E nch/kor EA n n E wcom E r PA rk j i-min for h E r d EB ut rol E in rE turn to sE oul ( rE tour à s éoul, f r A nc E, B E lgium, gE rm A ny).

Chair of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy Tracey Vieira said: “The 15th APSA Ceremony and 4th Asia Pacific Screen Forum have made 2022 a memorable year for the APSA Academy. Multiple countries have won APSAs for the first time, female filmmakers are represented in the winner tally like never before, and emerging filmmakers have won major awards. All of these points speak to the increasing diversity of both the stories being told from across our vast region and the growing strength of many of its film industries to be able to bring them to the screen.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “What a great moment it has been to see APSA nominees return to the Gold Coast for the 15th APSA Ceremony. It’s only fitting for such a group of acclaimed filmmakers from the region’s vibrant and diverse cultures to gather at the iconic and colourful HOTA for a truly special event.”

Major Partner Screen Queensland Chief Executive Officer Courtney Gibson said: “There has been a dynamic energy at HOTA this week with the Asia Pacific Screen Forum in full swing and filmmakers from all over the region coming together to share ideas. I congratulate all of the winners awarded at tonight’s APSA Ceremony and I look forward to the exclusive screening programme over the weekend, filled with Q&As and Queensland Premieres.”

4 Historic first

for Indonesia, Jordan, Armenia, Cambodia, Pakistan 4 Female filmmakers dominate feature film awards, new performance

lord Mayor's Multicultural awards for Business

THE Lord Mayor's Multicultural Awards for Business celebrate the contribution multicultural businesses make to the Brisbane economy and community through their creativity, innovation and resilience.

Winners of the 2022 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Awards for

Business were announced at the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Dinner and Awards on Friday 11 November 2022.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Awards for Business and for their contribution to the Brisbane economy.

Multicultural Business Person of the year

– Mr George sha, Balanz

THIS award recognises a successful multicultural Brisbane business leader and celebrates the recipient’s contribution to the Brisbane economy and recognises them as a local champion of enterprise who may have a global

outlook for their business.

George Sha moved to Brisbane from Shenzhen China in 2001. He has more than 17 years’ experience in banking and finance industry. He co-found Balanz in 2014 which is now one

of Australia's leading finance broking firms that delivers customised finance solutions for businesses and their key people. Balanz has placed and managed more than 6 billion dollars of debts to date, with 20 team

members and 3 offices across Brisbane, Sydney and Townsville. Balanz aims to source most suitable finance solutions for as many Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as possible.

nick Xynias Multicultural young Business Person of the year – Mr Johnny shin, solomons Group australia

THIS award recognises the success, creativity and energy of a multicultural young business leader under the age of 35, celebrating both their contribution to their community and that of Brisbane’s continued economic prosperity.

Johnny Shin is the Managing Director and founding partner of Solomons Group Australia. Solomons is a multicultural and multidisciplinary firm providing top-tier advice in investments, tax and legal advisory services for corporate and high-networth clients across the Asia-Pacific region. Johnny

was born in South Korea and migrated to Australia in 2002. Prior to establishing Solomons Group in 2019, Johnny has spent close to decade working for number of leading financial institutions like Macquarie Bank and Ord Minnett. Under Johnny’s leadership, Solomons has established a reputation of providing quality advice, genuine care and always having client’s best interest at heart. This has led to multiple Institutional mandates from multinationals making Solomons one of the fastest growing advisory firms in Australia.

Multicultural entrepreneur of the year – Ms nina nguyen, Pakko

THIS award recognises a multicultural Brisbane business leader that demonstrates through their business success, entrepreneurial flair, embedding a culture of innovation as a central pillar

to their growth strategy. The recipient will personify the best in entrepreneurialism, possessing qualities from clear leadership and sound management to determination and ambition.

Nina Nguyen was born at a Malaysian refugee camp to Vietnamese immigrant parents; they first arrived in Sydney in 1991 and later resettled in Brisbane. Motivated by passion to help her parents'

farming business, Nina founded Pakko in 2017, a manufacturing company where a box is never just a box. Pakko is on a mission to lead a manufacturing renaissance in Australia that embraces innovation

and sustainability while supporting the growing needs of Australian businesses. Nina supports diversity and inclusion within the workplace and community and is an Ambassador for Inspiring

Rare Birds, Brisbane. In 2022 Nina was awarded the prestigious Telstra Best of Business Award for Progressing Australia and regularly contributes as an author for Inside Small Business.

2022 Pret australia awards night

BRISBANE Pret celebrated and recognised the achievements of graduates and training partners in the Property Industry and supported Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust, Mater Foundation and RBWH Foundation.

Sponsors and early birds booked all tables in the main auditorium; they opened 200 seats for individual ticket purchase on the upperlevel balcony theatre seating. Buffet meals were included.

Each year the PRET Australia Awards Dinner celebrates Brisbane's high achievers in the

real estate industry while raising an incredible amount of money for important local causes.

This year, the Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust was chosen as the beneficiary, with an incredible $38,675 raised for the annual Christmas Appeal and frontline charities.

Thank you to PRET CEO and Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust Ambassador Paul Shih for supporting the Trust and the Mater and RBWH Foundation.

Thank you for your incredibly generous donation.