February 2023 - Online edition

Volume 19, Number 6

Saturday, February 11th, 2023

BRISASIA FESTIVAL UNVEILS A SHOW-STOPPER PROGRAM 2023

BrisAsiA Festival returns from 1-19 February with a line-up of events to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Brisbane’s rich Asian cultural heritage. Featuring 27 unique experiences across 12 suburbs, BrisAsia Festival brings together over 400 artists and creatives who have shaped the most expansive and culturally rich program to date.

From Lunar New Year parties and celebrations to exhibitions, live music and dance events, workshops, comedy, and culinary experiences, the festival is the perfect place to connect and celebrate Brisbane’s evolving cultural story.

Lord Mayor Adrian schrinner said the festival plays a pivotal role in being Brisbane’s hub for cultural connection, creative

innovation and performance.

“Each year BrisAsia Festival gets better with new experiences on offer and some festival favourites returning. Residents can look forward to a jam-packed three weeks of festivities across the city,” Cr Schrinner said.

“BrisAsia Launch Party at the iconic Fortitude Music Hall.” kickstarted the festival with a fantastic display by CONTD. ON PG 45

As God is One, we respect all Religions

ADVErTisiNG: 0430 193 715 sales@indiantimes.com.au

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)

• Awadhesh Sharma

• Peter Lane Rai

• Shailendra Singh

• Ravi Vastrad

• Amod Datar

• Ashok Attri

From the Publisher

WELCOME to this special February issue; February 2023 claimed to be a once-in-a-lifetime February, but the fact check does not approve the claim. The second month of the year, February has 29 days in leap years or 28 days in regular years. The shortest month of the year, however, is jam-packed with festivities.

In India, the festival seasons are widely dispersed throughout the year, and some areas have a festival every month. However, everyone in India looks forward to February because it is the season’s last, more cooler months. Additionally, February is home to several important national and international celebrations, festivals, and events.

Important dates and days are observed to raise public awareness of the significance of holidays, days, etc. In addition, certain events draw attention to issues like disease, poverty, etc., educating people about their importance and raising awareness in government examinations like SSC,

banking, etc. The General Knowledge section plays an important role.

Valentine’s Day (February 14) is when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. Given their similarities, it has been suggested that the holiday originates in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in midFebruary. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I forbid the celebration of Lupercalia, which is sometimes attributed to replacing it with St. Valentine’s Day.

Brisbane Has been abuzz with activities; just so much happening out there, and politicians and community leaders have a challenging time trying to fit everything in. So, first of all, I must congratulate Kannada Sangha for the successful launch of Kannada Shale – Kannada language school, I was honoured to inaugurate the school, and I am sure it will do well.

Congratulation to ISKCON for

acquiring the property at Burbank, a great initiative and a proud achievement for our community; it is our duty now to get behind the project and support it wholeheartedly; we were proud to have been invited to the inauguration; it was an uplifting experience.

World Harmony Day, arranged by Bahai Brisbane, was another great initiative highlighting the similarities of many faiths; the theme close to my heart was the role of an individual- as Gandhi ji said, be the change you want to see in others, let the change begin with you.

The sixth Isthapna Diwas of Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir went well, with all three levels of government and QPS joining in with multifaith community leaders. Congratulations to Parma Nand on getting this year’s community service award by Dharam Guru Pundit Tripathi ji; he is genuinely deserving.

We attended many Lunar New Year celebrations, Vietnamese for whom it is the year of the cat. Then we hear a Taiwanese celebration at Landmarkthe year of the Rabbit, a Chinese community civic reception by the Lord Mayor. All in all, fantastic to take part in all of these beautiful events.

• Gagan deep Tandon

• Brian Sullivan (Photography)

• Rajesh Chand

Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager. Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times. Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply / approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers / correspondents responsibility. While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned.

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Brisbane indian Times, PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018. Ph: (07) 3192 5188 Fax: 3865 5864 / prod@indiantimes.com.au

From the Editor:

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Indian Republic Day four events, Flag Raising at the consulate office, ICAQ celebration and citizenship ceremony in Sandgate, FICQ function at Sunpac and GOPIO GoldCoast function; needless to say, all of these kept us very busy, but then that’s the way we like to be.

We attended two unique Lohri events, first at Sushma and Baldev Sharma’s residence; once again, they did a fantastic job organising the event; second, Usha was the Chief Guest at the Northside community celebration; what an honour and privilege.

We were pleasantly surprised at Suren and Manga’s get-together to discover that Suren had taken up tabla under Tabla Guru Dheeraj Shrestha (Dheeraj Bhai) for us. It shows that you can start music any age, wishing him all the best.

Our lead story this month is the Bris Asia festival, a fantastic launch partythe production team did wonder with the sound and lighting. The Dance Masala Group featured a stellar performance at the launch; please check out all the free events. Some require ticketing, so check them out on our and Brisbane City Councils’ websites.

With all that said, it’s time to say goodbye; wishing you all the very best for February until Next Month; happy reading

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.

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Discover the 'Eternal City' and the best of south Italy

By Rama Gaind

TrAVEL continues to be a part of our future as holidaymakers become astute while seeking best bargains for their vacations. Even though costs are on the rise, industry experts predict global tourism will rise by 30 per cent in 2023.

We need to be shrewd, become knowledgeable, experienced and wellinformed when it comes to grasping how to save and where to splurge. Look out for best value deals with competitive package deals, and look at rewarding yourself by seeking out benefits including accruing and spending reward points and using frequent flyer credit cards. Redeem your travel rewards for things like flights, hotels or other travel

purchases including car rentals or getaway packages. Use your rewards credit card to your advantage, with some issuers letting you convert travel rewards for statement credits and other non-travel related options.

iT WiLL PAY TO BE sAVVY THis YEAr!

One attractive holiday package on offer is where you can discover the 'Eternal City' and the best of south Italy. This 13-day tour will take you to Rome, Tuscany, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Positano, Capri, Pompeii and

more between 22 May and 13 October 2023. The all-new Qantas Tours aims to make unforgettable travel yours, with its curated collection of multi-destination touring packages that can be enjoyed across Australia and around the world.

PACkAGE OVErViEW

This is a small group tour in which you will experience the wonder of Italy. Spilling with many cultural treasures, delectable cuisine and stunning views, you will experience a slice of it all on this 13-day package.

Step into the 'Eternal City of Rome' and soak in the world's most iconic landmarks on a guided tour. Skip the queue and explore the Colosseum before enjoying lunch overlooking this spectacular relic, followed by time at leisure to experience la dolce vita. Then enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf in Sorrento before being treated to a private boat tour along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, with a stop in the colourful town of Positano.

Next, board a Gozzo boat for a day cruise around the

H E r E ar E som E H ig H lig H ts of t HE tour:

• Return international flights with Qantas Airways or a oneworld partner

• Visit the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Naples, Siena, Florence and more

• Explore the ancient wonders of Rome on a half-day guided tour

• Discover the inside of the most iconic landmark, the Colosseum with a skip-the-line ticket

• Stay in the city centre of Rome, a few steps from the iconic Fountain Trevi

• Stay in wonderful Sorrento overlooking the Gulf

• Look at the stunning Amalfi Coast on a full day private boat tour

• Admire the colourful cliffside houses of Positano

• Visit the buried city of Pompeii on a guided tour

• Enjoy a full day guided tour of Naples, in the shadow of the Vesuvius volcano

• Explore the beautiful city of Florence on a guided tour

If you haven’t already, then it’s time to discover or revisit some of the riches of Italy.

iconic Capri Island with the opportunity to swim and snorkel around the famous Blue Grotto's waters. The final leg of the tour will take you on a journey through the past, with a guided tour of the historic UNESCO World Heritagelisted ruins of Pompeii in ancient Naples. Explore medieval Siena and the cellar city of Montepulciano with an English-speaking

WHEN IT IS GOOD TO SERVE OTHERS

to a charity, volunteer at church, that allows God to take you higher.

When you serve others, a new level of favour is released in your life.

DEAr rEADEr, it is our joy to bring to you the word of God. I want to talk to you about serving your way up. When you take time to serve people, meet someone's need, help a colleague who has relationship issues, donate

In the scriptures (Philippians 2), we read about Jesus and how He humbled Himself and served people to the point that He gave His life on the cross. We read further that God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

Paul, who wrote the book of Philippians, does not say that Jesus is exalted and given a name above

every name because He is God, but because He served people. On one occasion, He washed His disciple's feet; another time, He fed five thousand people with bread and fish. He reached out to people and met their needs.

While it is easy to think that you can work your way to the top, the truth is you can serve your way up.

Acts 13v6 says, "for David, after he had served his generation … fell asleep…."

Now David was a king. He had people and servants working under him. Yet the bible does not say that he ruled over his people, had power and authority over his people, and then fell asleep, but instead, we

read that David served his people.

Here are 3 things we can learn from serving other people.

1) When you help people get what they want, they will help you get what you want. The people in distress, debt, or discontent came to David, and he protected them. Later we read in the scriptures that fighting men who volunteered to serve in the army came to make David king of Israel. As you serve people to achieve their goals, they, in turn, will help you to achieve your goals.

2) When we help someone to win in life, we will all win. Serving others requires putting

the needs of people before your aspirations by doing two things, first by listening to people and second by allowing the best idea to win instead of having your way only. After David became king, some of the people he had helped to succeed in life became his ministers, leaders, and captains.

3) Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. David was anointed to become the next king of Israel at age seventeen. One day his father asked him to take some food to his brothers who served in King Saul's army. This seemed like a very menial job for David since he was to become the next king of Israel. Yet he

guide, sampling some of the region's best vinos before discovering Renaissance-era art and architecture in the romantic city of Florence.

The ideal blend of culture, history and cuisine, this tour features return international flights, 10 nights 4-star accommodation and 14 meals including daily breakfast will stay with you long after your Italian sojourn comes to an end.

obeyed his father and went ahead. On the battlefield, David heard the challenge from the champion, Goliath, of their enemy army of the Philistines. He was told the rewards of anyone who could defeat Goliath meant no taxes for the family and the king's daughter's hand in marriage. David defeated Goliath, opening the door for him to join the royal family. And like David, when serving other people may look small, yet it could lead you to bigger opportunities. When your time comes, God will cause you to be in the right place and be noticed by others. We do ourselves the most good by serving others. God bless you.

Ps Joseph Dass

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

The Amalfi Coast. Capri, Italy.

The Colosseum, Rome.

and

Sadhguru, Isha Foundation

THE fundamental nature of jealousy or envy is that you feel inadequate. Envy is: somebody has something that you would like to have or somebody has something more than what you have. If you are very blissful you would not be envious of anybody. Right now, somebody seems to have or you assume that they have something more than you and you feel less than them. So envy can exist only if somebody else is there who is better than you. If you are here by yourself, envy cannot happen. But compassion is not like that. Compassion can happen even if nobody is here.

Let us take away this understanding that compassion is some kind of sympathy or empathy or pity. Passion means total involvement with something. When we say passion, people only think in terms of what happens between man and woman. No. When you are passionately involved with something, nothing else exists for you. Passion means unbridled involvement with something. It could

be anything – you can sing passionately, you can dance passionately, you can do your gardening passionately, you can read a book passionately, or you can just walk passionately. It does not mean any specific activity as such nor does it mean any

particular area of life. It is just that you have deep sense of involvement.

Compassion is an allencompassing passion. That means your passion is no longer discriminatory. Whatever is in touch with you right now, you are deeply passionate with that.

For example, if you look at something, you are not just casually looking at it. There is nothing like casual in your life. Everything is with total passion. You breathe with passion, you walk with passion, you live with passion – your very existence is with

absolute involvement with everything. This is compassion. This has got nothing to do with anybody. Even if nobody is here you can live in great compassion. But if nobody is here, you cannot live enviously. You need somebody to cause that for

you – you need help! So you are sympathetic with them when they fall but when they stand up you do not like it.

Do not try to handle sympathy and compassion and all these things. Just develop unbridled passion towards everything. Do not understand passion as being associated with a particular person. Understand passion in terms of anything that is in touch with you right now. The very cloth that you wear, the air that you breathe, the food that you eat, the earth that you walk upon, just practice some passion. It is horrible to tell anybody to practice passion, but please try. Just be passionate about everything. When it is unbridled, it is not entangling anymore.

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

New Year and Anniversary Celebrations 2023– Gayatri Mandir, Boondall

BY DHArMEsH PrAsAD Jai Shri Ram

GAYATri Mandir welcomed 2023 on an optimistic note; this is the third consecutive year Moreton Bay Ramayan Mandali has supported the Mandir on New Year’s Day celebration. The day started with reciting 11 hanuman Chalisa; recitation enriches the soul – antahkaran ki shudi, creates a beautiful vibe, a sense of joy and peace. President of Moreton Bay Ramayan Mandali, Mr Praveen, has vowed to support the Mandir every New year’s celebration in coming years. The management of HSQ is thankful for Mandal’s support.

Pujaniye Pt Brijesh Maharaj performed the hawan and delivered a solid and profound message of peace and goodwill; he spoke on sewa and Bhumi Daan. He said it is a divine and rare opportunity to do Bhumi Daan in one’s lifetime. This is an essence for spiritual progress and personal development. Pt Brijesh Maharaj also reminded us of the significance of a Mandir; it provides a space for the community to come

together to worship and evolve in their spiritual journey and helps build a solid and united community.

Vice President Dharmesh Prasad expressed the same sentiments; he briefly touched on and updated on the Bracken Ridge Project, Scope of work has been sent to four designers, and the tender is due on 23 January 2023. Vice President also reminded the devotees that there is much work to be done and that the public needs massive support to complete the Bracken Ridge Project. Finally, the Vice President thanked the Ramayan Mandali and the devotees who graced the Mandir, wished everyone

a happy new year, and hoped 2023 would bring new opportunities and possibilities.

One of our true devotees, Mr and Mrs Niranjan Prasad and his family, were mukhya yajman for the day, the family have been providing selfless sewa over the years, and we look forward to their continued support.

On 26th January Hindu Society of Qld celebrated its 32nd anniversary at Gayatri Mandir. It is worth noting, and we pay our respects and blessings to Past Presidents who had the foresight and a vision to have a Hindu Mandir in Brisbane. Consecutive

Committees have provided services/sewa to the Mandir and devotees; we would like to applaud and be proud that we call Gayatri Mandir a place of our own.

Every Community needs its place to practise its culture and spiritual practice so that this becomes a model and a learning experience for our young generations.

Under our enthusiastic and passionate Teacher/ Secretary, Mrs Nirmala Shandil, Bal Vikash commenced on 29th January; we have 20 children enrolled for the year 2023; she has taught our young children since 2019.

Mrs Shandil is truly an inspiration; she says, “to nurture and teach kids is a privilege, and to teach a child how to write and speak our language is magical”. Mrs Shandil is grateful to her husband, Pt Suresh Shandil, who has been a constant source of motivation, encouragement, and support. We believe that she and her hard-working team will make an immeasurable change to our young people’s lives for the better and the memories that will last their lifetimes.

We are also happy to report that under the guidance and leadership of Mrs Anita Ram (ExPresident) and Events Coordinator with her team of volunteers have been diligently working hard to provide space for Weddings, Birthdays and private pooja held at Gayatri Mandir. This has created a niche market for the Mandir and has added another income stream for the Hindu Society of Qld.

Thank you, team!

For All bookings and enquiries, please contact Mrs Anita Ram on mobile at 0452 504 502 or visit our website for bookings.

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 feedback, and we will be happy to oblige!

UPCOMiNG EVENTs

Shiv Chalisa every Monday: 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Ramayan Recital every Tuesday: 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm

17 February to 19

February: Mahashivratri

25 February –Sundarkand programs begin at 6.30 pm, followed by Prasad and Mahaprasad

22 March to 30 March:

Ram Naumi Sundarkand and Trayodashi are held every month at the mandir; please visit our website and Facebook page for details and sponsorship. Regular updates will be sent to all devotees via Facebook and SMS messages.

Stay Connected with the Hindu Society of Queensland Website www. hindusocietyqld.org.au

Facebook: Hindu Society of Qld and email us at gayatrimandirqld@gmail. com

Phone: (07) 38653164

Address: 178 Lyndhurst Rd, Boondall QLD

The sixth isthapna Diwas of Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir

NOrTH McLean, On 22nd

January, Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir celebrated its sixth isthapna Diwas (formation Day). Umesh Chandra OAM coordinated the event in consultation with Dharam

Guru Pundit Tripathi Ji and Guruma Pujniye Pundita

Asha Tripathi ji.

The celebration began at 5:00 pm with melodious bhajans by “Infusion World Music Group” the segment by these talented artists was appreciated by everyone and continued till 6:30 pm.

Invited VIPs were accorded welcome refreshments and later escorted into the main temple for the official program. The official segment began with a floral tribute to all deities by

His Holiness Dharam

Guru Pandith Tripathi Ji and Guruma Pujniye

Pundita Asha Tripathi ji.

After offering flowers and seeking blessings from all deities, Guruma Pujniye

Pundita Asha Tripathi ji offered Rani Haar (Valuable Queen Necklace) to Mata Rani, Rani haar which has been passed down from seven generations.

MC Umesh Chandra OAM then introduced the VIP guests; after the introduction, the following spoke briefly on occasion. Senator Paul Scarr – Senator for QLD, Councillor Natalie Willcoks – Deputy Mayor of Logan Councillor for Division 11, Senior Sergeant Cindel

Richardson – representing Commissioner of Police, Cr Jon Raven- Division 5 | Logan City Council | Chair of Planning, Economic Development, and the Environment. Mrs Usha Chandra read the special message by Minister Leanne Linnard MP.

After speeches, A special prayer was offered to the divine by Guruma Pujniye

Pundita Asha Tripathi j.i.

An integral part of the celebration is the felicitation of a community volunteer, who is presented the Community Service award; this year’s recipient was

Mr Parma Nand, a retired Queensland Government Servant, justice of the peace (qual), marriage celebrant and Radio broadcaster.

His Holiness Dharam

Guru Pandith Tripathi Ji and Guruma Pujniye Pundita

Asha Tripathi ji presented the certificate and shawl of honour to Parmaaward

Mr Parma Nand graciously responded and showed his appreciation for the honour.

Rakesh Sharma moved a vote of thanks and spoke briefly on occasion.

In Conclusion, Dharam

Guru Pandith Tripathi Ji addressed the gathering and showed appreciation; all invited VIPs received a shawl of honour and a gift pack from Vishnu Maya Mandir. The celebrations finished with Bhog, aarathi and Maha Prasad (Dinner). Overall, a very successful celebration.

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18 th February 2023 – Saturday

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The 2023 auction market is slowly ramping up with 706 capital city homes taken to auction this week

AUCTiON activity is slowly ramping up, with 706 homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities this week, 180.2% higher than the previous week (252), although -39.5% lower than the same week last year when auction activity picked up earlier than usual (1,166). There have been 453 results collected so far, returning a preliminary auction clearance rate of 67.9%, although the final clearance rate will likely revise lower once the remaining results are collected.

There were 259 homes taken to auction across Melbourne this week, up substantially from the previous week (71), although lower than this time last

year (394). Of the 186 results collected so far, 68.3% reported a successful result.

Over the same week last year, 67.5% of auctions were successful.

In Sydney, 202 homes were taken to auction this week, up from just 56 last week. Of the 134 results collected so far, 71.6% were successful. This time last year, 331 auctions were held across the city, with 66.3% of reported auctions returning a successful result.

Across the smaller capital cities, Adelaide recorded the highest preliminary auction clearance rate (76.8%), followed by Brisbane (59.6%) and Canberra (52.2%).

Adelaide was the busiest auction market (105), followed by Brisbane (98) and

Canberra (36), while Perth and Tasmania were host to just three auctions each this week.

Clearance rates were trending lower through December, with the average clearance rate coming in at 54.7%. While the preliminary clearance rate has come in relatively strong this week, we will likely see it revise lower as the remaining results are collected. The number of homes taken to auction will continue to rise over the coming weeks, with over 1,300 auctions expected to be held next week across the combined capitals, which will provide clarity on whether buyer confidence has increased.

CoreLogic systems monitor

more than 100,000 mortgage activity events every month across our 4 main finance industry platforms. Monitoring the activity events across this platform provides a unique and timely

lead indicator to housing finance commitments. The index shows an 81% correlation with the ABS housing finance data series (88% using the seasonally adjusted series). Based on the

AUCTiON MArkET PrEViEW - COrELOGiC

sCHEDULED auction activity is set to almost double as the combined capital city auction market continues to warm up. With 1,352 capital city homes set to go under the hammer, this week's auction activity is 90.4% higher than last week, when 710 auctions were held. Despite the week-on-week increase, this week's expected auction numbers are -24.0% below the auction activity recorded this time last year when momentum from the previous year's record-breaking auction numbers saw 1,779 homes auctioned.

Sydney is set to host the most auctions, making up 33.4% of this week's auction activity. Across the city, 451 homes are scheduled for auction, more than double the 202 auctions held last week. This week's scheduled auction numbers are -24.8% below the 600 auctions recorded this time last year.

Following Sydney, Melbourne is scheduled to host 31.5% of this week's auctions, with 426 homes expected to go under the hammer. The previous week saw 267 auctions held across the city, while this time last year 582 homes went under the hammer.

With auction volumes across the larger capitals still warming up, the smaller auction capitals are set to make up a larger portion of

capital city auction activity than normal, with 475 auctions scheduled this week. Across Brisbane, 179 homes are scheduled for auction this week, up 84.5% from the 97 held last week.

Canberra is expecting its weekly auction number to more than triple, with 144 homes set to go under the hammer, while Adelaide is set to host 139 auctions this week, up 33.7% week-onweek. In Perth, 12 homes are scheduled to go under the

hammer this week, while just one auction is scheduled in Tasmania.

Summary of last week’s results

After the seasonal slowdown over the festive period, capital city auction activity slowly ramped up last week, with 710 homes auctioned across the combined capitals. This year's auction market is off to a slower start than the previous year, when momentum from the end

of 2021 carried through to January 2022, causing auction activity to return earlier than normal. The clearance rate across the combined capital cities started the year off strong, with 61.8% of auctions returning a positive result last week, up 9.9 percentage points compared to the clearance rate recorded over the week ending 18th December 2022 (51.9%). While last week's clearance rate rise is promising, with

s ydn E y is s E t to H ost t HE most auctions, making u P 33.4% of t H is w EE k's auction activity. across t HE city, 451 H om E s ar E sc HE dul E d for auction, mor E t H an doubl E t HE 202 auctions HE ld last w EE k. tH is w EE k's sc HE dul E d auction numb E rs ar E -24.8% b E low

t HE 600 auctions

more than 1,300 auctions scheduled, this week's auction results will clarify whether buyer confidence is improving. Despite the rise, last week's clearance rate is well below the levels recorded this time last year, when 72.4% of the 1,166 auctions held were successful.

Sydney's auction activity ramped up sharply last week, with 202 auctions held across the city, in line with the total number of auctions held over the previous three weeks (201). At 62.3%, Sydney's clearance rate was 6.4 percentage points higher than the average rate recorded over December 2022 and was Sydney's highest clearance rate since the week ending 20th November 2022, when 64.2%

strong correlation and significant number of events being monitored, the Mortgage Index provides the most timely and holistic measure of mortgage market activity available.

of auctions were successful. The rise in the clearance rate also saw Sydney's withdrawal rate fall to its lowest rate since October 2021 (7.6%), with just 9.0% of auctions withdrawn. This time last year, 66.3% of the 331 auctions held recorded a successful result.

Auction activity across Melbourne also rose last week, with 267 auctions held across the city. Last week's auction activity was 276.1% higher than the previous week (71) but -32.2% below the number recorded this time last year (394). Melbourne's clearance rate rose 8.8 percentage points from the week ending 18th December (53.4%), with 62.2% of auctions returning a successful result. Last week's clearance rate was still 5.3 percentage points below the rate recorded this time last year (67.5%).

Across the smaller capitals, Adelaide hosted the busiest auction week, with 104 homes auctioned across the city. This was followed by Brisbane, with 97 auctions, and Canberra, with 35 auctions. At 68.9%, Adelaide recorded the highest clearance rate among the smaller auction capitals, followed by Brisbane (58.3%) and Canberra (50.0%). One of the three auctions held in Perth last week recorded a successful result, while neither of the two auctions held in.

ARYA PRATINIDHI SABHA OF QUEENSLAND

ईश्वर Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

तो क्या आप स्व्य को भी नहीं

मानगे? ककतनी हसने की बात है?"

"आप कौन ह? शरीर ्या

आतमा? आतमा।, आपके िािा

जी कौन थे? शरीर ्या आतमा?

आतमा।, आपके िािाजी की

10्वीं पीढी थी ्या नहीं थी? थी।, आपके िािाजी की 10्वीं पीढी

्वाले िािाजी कौन थे? शरीर ्या

आतमा? आतमा।, क्या आपने स्व्य को (आतमा

को) कभी िेखा है? नहीं िेखा।, अपने िािाजी (आतमा को) और

उनकी 10्वीं पीढी (आतमा को)

को कभी िेखा है? नहीं िेखा।, तो

क्या आप स्व्य को मानते ह ्या

नहीं मानते? मानते ह।, "अब क्यों बबना िेखे मान

लल्या?" जब आप स्व्य को बबना

िेखे मान सकते ह, कक 'म हं।'

अपने िािाजी

ही ईश्वर को भी

िेखे क्यों नहीं मान सकते,

बल, अलफा बीटा गामा ककरणों इत्यादि

को आपने कभी नहीं िेखा, कफर भी आप ्वैज्ाननकों के कथनानसार

इन सब ्वसतओं को मानते ह।

ऐसे ही ईश्वर को आपने नहीं िेखा,

कफर भी ऋवर्यों (आध्याततमक ्वैज्ाननकों) के कथनानसार ईश्वर को भी मानना ही चादहए।" ्यही बवधिमतता है। "्यदि आप भौनतक

्वैज्ाननकों की बात मानते ह, और

अध्याततमक ्वैज्ाननकों (ऋवर्यों)

की बात नहीं मानते, तो ्यह

बवधिमतता नहीं, और जो भौनतक

्वैज्ाननक लोग भी ईश्वर आतमा

आदि पिाथथों को नहीं मानते, ्व

भी बवधिमान नहीं कहलाएंगे "

सभी लोग अपने बचचों से प्म

करते ह, आप भी करते होंगे। क्या

आपने उस प्म को कभी िेखा है, कौन से रंग का है? ककस डिजाइन

दिख, पर ्य बवधि से समझ म

ह, इसललए हम इनह मान

ह। तो म कहता हं, कक "कोई

बात नहीं, आतमा और ईश्वर भी, ्यदि बवधि से समझ म आ जाए,

तब तो इनको भी मान लेंगे न!

हां, तब तो मानना ही पडगा।" अचछा, तो लीतजए, बवधि

से समझ लीतजए। "क्या बबना

चचत्रकार के, कोई चचत्र अपने आप

बन सकता है? नहीं बन सकता।,

क्या हल्वाई के बबना लमठाई अपने

आप बनती है? नहीं बनती।, क्या

िजजी के बबना कपड अपने आप

लसलते ह? नहीं लसलते।, क्या

सनार के व्वना आभरण अपने

आप बनते ह। नहीं बनते।, क्या

कमहार के बबना घड अपने आप

बनते ह? नहीं बनते।, ्यदि ्य

सब ्वसतएं अपने आप नहीं बन

सकती, तो ईश्वर के बबना अपने

आप ्यह सतषट कैसे बनेगी?"

"जगत की रचना बार बार होती

है। नन्यमप्व्सक होती है। जगत के

मल जड पिाथथों म तो ज्ान नहीं

है, कक ्व स्व्य जगत को बना ि।

इससे लसधि होता है, कक जगत का

भोकता, कोई चेतन आतमा भी है।

और जगत का बनाने ्वाला कोई

चेतन ईश्वर भी है।"

ईमानिार व्यतकत को समझाने

के ललए तो इतना प्माण तक्स

काफी है। इतने से ्वह आतमा और

ईश्वर को मान लेगा। "तजसे नहीं

मानना, और हठ करना है, उसका

कोई इलाज नहीं है।

आप तो बवधिमान ह। कप्या

आप तो अपना व्वनाश न कर।

हठ न कर। "व्वशेर रूप से भौनतक

व्वज्ान को मानने ्वाले लोग ईश्वर

और आतमा को समझने का प््यतन

कर। उसके संव्व्धान को ्विों को

पढ। ्विानकल उततम कमथों का

आचरण कर। तो ्धीरे-्धीरे आप

को ्य बात समझ म आ जाएंगी, कक 'ईश्वर ही सतषटकता्स है।' ्वही

सब का राजा न्या्या्धीश है।

उसको प्सनन कर। अन्यथा ्यदि

्वि व्वरुधि बरे कम्स ककए, तो ्वह

बहत खतरनाक िि िेगा।

स्वामी व्व्वेकाननि पररव्ाजक

ओ३म

For further information on Havan Satsang program at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre 198 Learoyd Road Willawong QLD 4110 please contact Vice President Mrs.Sushila Pathik 33146059. ओ३म

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati by Acharya Harish Chandra

As we approach Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti February 12 we are reminded of Maharshi having devoted his life primarily to shine the light of the Vedas. He is known for several contributions: 1) social reformer for girl education, widow remarriage, and to propagate the true Vedic Varna-Vyavastha based on the merits of an individual, in place of the birth-based caste system, 2) for initiating the freedom struggle, favouring country made goods, reminding Indians of their ancestors who ruled the world as Chakravarti Emperors, 3) cow protector and advancing a vegetarian diet void of meat, fish and eggs, and so on,Swami was a strong exponent of

sATsANG is a conjunct word: Sat (true) + Sang

women’s

rights.However, those associated with Arya Samaj must remember him primarily as Param Vedoddharak, meaning bringing back the message of the Vedas. His diagnosis for all the ills of the nation was that it had deviated from

the message of the Vedas as if they were ‘locked in a steel box’, its key untraceable. The correct method of interpreting the Vedas was not known to anybody and nobody cared about it. In such a precarious condition, he unlocked the mystery using the classical approach called Aarsh, evolved by the great Rishis in pre-MahaBharata period, more than 5000 years ago. This is the singularly most important contribution of his: he unlocked the deep meanings of the Vedas. The day will definitely come when the world will breathe in the fresh air of the Vedic message and that will come sooner than later . Until then we have to work very hard to practice, preach and propagate the Vedas,

SATSANG

(association). It is an activity with a spiritual connotation: "being with good/righteous companions."

People sit together for enlightenment, usually listen to or read the Scriptures, reflect, discuss, understand, meditate and bring their meaning in daily life...in short, a refining process to be a better human being.

Oxford Dictionary definition

Satsang is 'A spiritual discourse or sacred

gathering'.

Spiritual is 'Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things', 'Having a relationship based on a profound level of mental or emotional communion'

Satsang is a community activity where people bond as friends and seekers to enhance the inner quality: goodness or purity of thoughts filtering down as good words and deeds, thus expanding

selflessly and tirelessly.

Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati was more than a religious leader who left deep impact on the society. He founded the Arya Samaj that brought about changes in the religious perception.

What ultimate compliment and tribute we can pay to Swami Ji and thank him for the legacy and mission he has left us to carry on and whatever we do in the Arya Samaj we should remember and observe . the message from our Maharishi who abhorred all kinds of untouchability and discrimination. He said, The one who upholds the highest principles, moral values and ethics, righteous and noble ideals is an Arya.

knowledge depth, peace and contemplation.

Ultimately, satsang leads participants to follow the inner voice or the divine guidance ...triggering the potential to realize the inner and the higher Self.

In the process we remove negative thoughts, inordinate attachments and mental blockages to be more positive, constructive and spiritual.

Acharya Bramdeo Mokoonlall

A TIME FOR GIRMITIYA DESCENDANTS TO BE COUNTED AS "FIJI INDIANS" IN NZ AND AUSTRALIA

Girmitiyas who were honoured during Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day in Auckland in May, 2014. Our request to Fiji Indians filling out future census forms in NZ and Australia is to reflect our RACE/ETHNICITY/ ANCESTRY as those who descended from them- FIJI INDIANS.

FiJiANs of Indian descent in New Zealand and Australia comprise a huge number, but nobody knows how many, as we have never been recorded separately. We have either been counted as INDIANS, or have eclipsed in ‘ASIAN” or "SOUTH ASIAN" category or some other others. No efforts have been made to identify us separately.

Some claim that if recorded properly in NZ, we may even surpass Tongans and Niuean, and come only second to Samoans as the largest number of people of the Pacific in New Zealand. One estimate put our numbers at over 100,000.

Fiji Indians in Australia also comprises a huge number but they have never been recorded separately as FIJI INDIANS.

At the moment there is no consistent term that refers to Fijians of Indian descent-some call us IndoFijians, some Fiji-Indians and others Fijian Indians. Whatever the most accepted terminology, our first issue is to be identified separately in New Zealand and Australian Census, where we comprise more than most other Pacific Islanders as Pacifica people, not Asians.

That is why in 2018 NZ Census, Fiji Indians were urged to record their ethnicity as “Other” and record it as “Fiji Indian”, so that we are correctly recorded as who we are. At the moment, we are a lost race. We have to first identify

Bansi Chauhan, a Girmitiya from Karauli, Rajasthan, India, who arrived in Fiji in 1915, served his Girmit in Ba, Fiji and settled there. Like him, other 60,500 came and majority settled back in Fiji and produced a new culture and breed of people: FIJI INDIANS. The author of this article, Thakur Ranjit Singh is Bansi’s grandson, a third generation FIJI INDIAN.

as “FIJI INDIANS” and then decide on the appropriate terminology for us.

FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION

NZ is having discussion with NZ Government to give us our identity and amend forms to show a box as FIJI INDIANS. Australians need to do the same as FIJI INDIANS exceed many other ethnicities. Whether this is done or not, we in the meantime need to register our ETHNICITY, RACE or ANCESTRY, as OTHERS, and record it as FIJI INDIANS.

Pacific Islanders with lower numbers get special recognition and government assistance programmes, while Fiji Indians surpassing island numbers get lost in

Leonidas was the first ship to arrive in Fiji on 14 May, 1879 with the first batch of Girmitiyas-indentured labourers. A total of 87 voyages from India brought some 60,500 indentured labourers to Fiji. Some 25,000 returned after their indenture, and the rest settled in Fiji and the Fiji Indians descended from them.

Indian and Asian identities, and miss out on those benefits.

The irony is that Indians (from India) in New Zealand and Australia do not regard us as Indians while Fijians (ITaukei) do not accept us as Fijians. Special benefits available for Fijians in New Zealand do not reach Fiji Indians because they are not identified as Pacifica Fijians. So, Fiji Indians with a distinct culture and language became lost and drifted without any recognition, opportunities or benefits that were earmarked for us as Fijians. Special programmes reserved for Fijians ignored us.

Fiji Indians are a distinct breed of people - they are not Indians - ask any Anglo

Saxon (European). Our history in the Pacific started in the eighteenth century.

Over 14 decades ago, the first Indians from mostly Northern India were shipped to Fiji as Indentured Labourers. Between the next 37 years, from 1879 to 1916, some 60,500 Girmitiyas, or indentured labourers were brought to Fiji by 87 ship voyages. Of these, some 25,000 were successful to move back to India after indenture, while the remainder stayed back. And we are their descendants.

Leonidas was the first ship to hit Fiji with Indentured Labourers. As India was a British Colony that time, the British and the Australians found India a fertile ground for cheap labour for cane

Key Verse:

The Glory of Zion

Indo-Fijians, Fiji Indians, or Fijian Indians - whatever you call us, we are Pacific people rooted in Fiji. We descended from Indian Indentured labourers-but are rooted in the Pacific. Hence New Zealand and Australia have to recognise their descendants as such- FIJI INDIANS, Pacifica people.

plantations in Fiji. India washed its hands on the suffering and plight of people in Fiji, and paid only token attention of cries from Fiji.

Even when Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Fiji in 1980s, she reminded Fiji Indians, that they were no longer Indians, but belonged to Fiji. And unfortunately, Indians in NZ and Australia also think the same. However, we never seemed to have belonged anywhere, what in Fiji Hindi we call, “latkan pappu”, something hanging in air, not belonging anywhere.

Through vision of Girmitiyas, we stood tall. This is because they vowed never again to allow a situation where their children would suffer like them. Hence, they concentrated on education and future well-being of their children. Such vision, suffering and sacrifices they made for their future generations are enumerated in many historical writings.

The new breed of Indians in Fiji shed the vices that still are a curse in India, like caste, dowry or female foeticide (killing female foetus), among others. They made a fresh start. And so began a distinct culture, and religious traits. As they stayed on cane farms spread sparsely, they formed Mandalis or religious groups, and thus began distinct religion, local

Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn”.

- Isaiah 60:1-3

DEAr rEADEr, We are excited to bring you the Good News. Our theme is simple and clear. It is to make God Real and Personal. God is not an object

or an image or imagination of human mind. God is a living and loving person. We find this amazing revelation in the pages of Holy Bible.

Please keep reading

with a humble heart. You will surely encounter your Creator today. We 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.

This month we focus our theme on “Arise and Shine”. Isaiah was a 8th Cen-tury BC, Jewish Prophet. Under the inspiration of The Holy Spirit, Isaiah wrote clear and astounding message concerning future events; including the precise details of birth and ministry of Jesus Christ. And Salvation of Hu-man race through the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Jesus calls all those who believe and follow His ways to “Arise and Shine”. Because

the Jesus has redeemed the fallen humanity from the darkness and sin. Christ is the Light of the world, and when someone welcomes Christ in-to their heart, they welcome the ‘Living Light’.

The supreme purpose of ‘Light’ is to expel the darkness. The world we live in is a not a perfect and peaceful world. Just listen to any TV or Radio news, there is death and destructions. This is filled with darkness and evil. But, when we learn to ‘Arise and Shine’ through the grace and truth of Christ we can enjoy the journey of purpose driven life.

Listen to a deep and gentle call of Jesus inside your heart today. He said, ‘I am the Light of the world’. Consider, He did not say I am like a Light. He gives

singing and cultural songs, which were rooted in India but changed and adopted with local flavour. The seed is from India, but the plant grew in Fijian and Pacific soil-that is who FIJI INDIANS are.

A distinct Fiji Hindi language also transformed with a mixture of Hindi and other languages and local dialects of Girmitiyas. Fiji Hindi initially started as Lingua franca, a bridging language, but later took root as a language of Fiji Indians. This is spoken by all the descendants of Girmitiyas. Hence time is ripe for Fiji Indians to be counted in New Zealand and Australia as a distinct race of people. All Fijians of Indian descent in New Zealand and Australia are requested to be counted and have pride in their Girmit legacy and heritage -and counted properly as who they really are – FIJI INDIANS.

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a third generation Fiji Girmitiya descendant, now settled in Auckland. He runs blog, FIJI PUNDIT and is a media commentator. He has filled his race/ethnicity/ancestry in the census as “OTHER and identified it as "FIJI INDIAN" and urges others like him from Fiji to do likewise, to be counted properly as FIJI INDIANS]

complete assurance and confidence. His word is a lamp unto our feet and light to our path (Ps. 119:105).

For people searching in the darkness of their soul, Christ will lead with His light. His purpose is to lead all humani-ty to Truth and Life.

Therefore, it is important to ask yourself this question: Do I really know this Living Light?

Living Light is not a philosophy or an idea of human imagination or tradi-tional practices. What is one of the Best definition of Light? Through Sci-ence we understand that light is an energy and matter. But the Word of teaches us that the Light is a Person; and He is a Living and Loving Person. That Person is completely defined and

perfectly expressed through the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Jesus boldly declared: “I am the Light of the World”. Therefore, we invite you to pray this with a sincere heart;

“Dear Father God, today I thank you for your word that has touched my heart. I repent of my wrongs and I confess with my mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and I believe in my heart that Jesus died for my sins, God raised Jesus from the dead for my Mukti (Salvation). Now help me to know Jesus 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. Amen.

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

The next generation after Girmit: The second-generation of descendants of Fiji

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore

rABiNDrANATH Tagore was the first Indian and the first nonEuropean to win a Nobel Prize in Literature. He was a master of many vocations. He wrote poems, dramas, novels, stories, songs and composed music. He was also a painter, philosopher, educationist and social reformer.

ANCEsTrY – His family traces its descent from Bhattanarayan, an eminent Sanskrit scholar. At the invitation of King Adisur of Bengal, Bhattanarayan migrated to the king’s court from Kanauj in the eighth century.

For many centuries, movements of the family remained unknown. In eighteenth century, Panchanan, a Tagore ancestor, relocated to Govindpur village, one of villages, which was amalgamated to form Kolkata. Local residents addressed him as Thakur, Godly man. Merchants of the East India Company mispronounced his nickname as Tagore. Eventually it became the family name of his descendants.

Panchanan’s son Jayram became a surveyor under the East India Company. After the events of 1757, when the East India Company won the Battle of Plassey, the family was displaced. Jayram’s son, Nilmoni relocated to North Kolkata, and built a new family home.

Rabindranath’s grandfather

Dwarkanath was the grandson of Nilmoni. He learnt English, became very wealthy, visited England and died there.

Rabindranath’s father Debendranath was a pious man. He joined the Brahmo Samaj and got initiated into it in December 1843. Eventually, he led the section known as Adi Brahmo Samaj.

EArLY LiFE - Rabindranath

Tagore, the son of Debendranath and Sharada Devi, was born on 7 May 1861 in the ancestral home Jorasanko Thakurbari, in North Kolkata. He was the youngest of the thirteen surviving children.

Rabindranath was entrusted to the care of a nursemaid during his infancy. When he grew up a little, mostly servants raised him. They fed him, controlled his movements and were the only persons to whom he had access. Later he recalled how one servant used to force him to stay within the boundary of a circle that he drew in the room for him to stay in.

He had noted about another servant who was a good storyteller and used to recite stories from Ramayan, Mahabharat and Purans. Rabindranath remained confined within a room with no access to the outside world. Whenever he found an opportunity, he peeped through the windows to observe the outdoor area.

The family had an elaborate provision for all round training of both mind and the body. In addition to reading lessons, he practiced wrestling for physical development and music for creating a taste in fine art. He had a wonderful capacity to learn music by merely listening to the masters. He had a natural dislike for formal lessons in music or other subjects imposed on him.

After home school, Tagore was admitted to the Oriental Seminar, a school in North Kolkata. Shortly afterward he was transferred to the Normal School. In the annual examination conducted at his school, he came first in Bengali, the only distinction he achieved in

his school life.

At this stage, Tagore had his first lesson in composing poems. With a natural aptitude for writing poems, he immediately found himself deeply engaged with the new hobby. He read out his poems to family elders. Soon his reputation as a poet spread to his school. Special arrangements were made to teach him English under the supervision of a teacher. Soon he was withdrawn from Normal School and admitted to the Anglo Indian School named Bengal Academy.

His father Debendranath mostly remained away from home. In 1873, he came back home for a few weeks. At this time, Tagore’s sacred thread ceremony was performed. Afterwards, Debendranath took Rabindranath with him to the Himalayas. This period of close contact with his father produced a tremendous impact on Rabindranath. It broadened his outlook and developed in him a new taste for nature.

During this journey, he stayed at Shantiniketan. Tagore fell in love with this place. After returning to Kolkata, Rabindranath withdrew from Bengal Academy and was admitted to the St Xavier’s school, but ultimately he gave up attending school altogether. Left to himself, he started seriously his own selfeducation.

When he turned seventeen, the family decided that Tagore should travel to England to study law and become a barrister. He left for the United Kingdom in September 1878. Initially he was admitted to a local school at Brighton and then moved to London. He gained admission to the University College London to study law, but left soon afterwards. He could not complete the course of studies. A directive from his father abruptly terminated it.

He independently studied Shakespeare’s plays and other literatures. English, Irish and Scottish folk tunes impressed him. During his stay in London, Tagore

on the banks of River Ganga. From there he could visit his Zamindari estates by boat. He regularly visited Kolkata, where his family resided. There he participated in literally events and patronised various art clubs. In 1897, he shifted his family to Shelidah. The rural setting of the region offered an ideal environment for his literary works.

Tagore found a residential school at Shantiniketan where his father had built a small settlement. The school known as a Brahmacharya Ashram was established on 22 December 1901. The first five students, including his eldest son, were enrolled in the school at its inauguration. A number of enthusiasts joined the school as teachers. One of the teachers introduced the practice of addressing Tagore as Gurudev, which became his appellation.

His wife moved to Shantiniketan. However, the family life did not continue for long. Mrinalini Devi fell ill and the disease could not be cured locally. She was removed to the family home in Kolkata where she passed away on 23 November 1902, at the age of twenty-nine.

the book themselves. London's India Society published the work in a limited edition.

In the meantime, Tagore left for the USA for a short tour, with his son and daughter-in-law. In the USA, he delivered lectures at universities, educational institutions and literary clubs.

He returned to London in April 1913. He was admitted to hospital for treatment in June and left for home on 4 September 1913. In November 1913, he was awarded the Nobel Laureate in Literature. His achievements were now universally recognised. He was awarded a knighthood by King George V in the 1915 Birthday Honours.

His recognition on a world stage entitled him to become the spiritual ambassador of India. Bal Gangadhar Tilak despatched a sum of fifty thousand rupees to him through a messenger, and communicated a wish that he should visit Europe to help build a case for India’s freedom.

picked up a good acquaintance with western music.

In February 1880, he returned to Kolkata. He regularly published poems, stories, and novels. These had a profound impact within Bengal itself but he received little national attention.

LiTErArY CArEEr - Tagore started his literary career when he was in his teens. The Tatvabodhini Patrika published his earliest poem ‘Abhilash’ in December 1874. He became a regular contributor to the other family journal Sadhana. He recited his poems on India, in the prestigious Kolkata Hindu Mela program, in 1875.

His mother passed away in 1875. After his mother’s death, Kadamabari Devi, the wife of his elder brother Jyotindranath, showered affection on him, and inspired him to develop his poetic attributes. Unfortunately, she committed suicide in 1884 for an unknown reason. Rabindranath dedicated his two initial works to her - ‘Saisab Sangeet’ a collection of poems written when he was still in teens, and ‘Bhanu Sinha Thakurer Padavali’. They were published in 1877 and 1881 respectively.

His first book of play ‘Rudra Chanda’ was published in 1881. The same year he wrote Valmiki Pratibha. Tagore’s first novel Bowthakuranir Hat was published in 1883 followed by Rajarshi in 1887. His literary works continued regularly.

FAMiLY AFFAirs - Tagore was married to Mrinalini Devi on 9 December 1883. The couple gave birth to five children, three sons and two daughters. In 1890, Tagore paid a short second visit to England. Mrinalini could not accompany him, probably because of her two young children and pregnancy with a third child at that time.

Debendranath assigned Tagore the responsibility of managing the family estates in North Bengal. He took residence at Shelidah, located

Soon more tragedies followed. His second daughter Renuka had contracted tuberculosis. Despite the best available treatments, she died in September 1903. By the end of 1904, his father became seriously ill and died in January 1905. In November 1907, his youngest son died of cholera at the age thirteen. Within a span of five years Rabindranath lost four nearest and dearest one by one.

The British decided to partition Bengal into two in 1905, which led to political unrest. Tagore protested against the partition of Bengal. He drew up a program to be followed during the protest. He wrote the best collection of patriotic songs.

Later, he separated himself from the anti-partition movement due to differences with other leading members. He remained mostly untouched by the political turmoil, until shaken by the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and subsequent events. In a protest against the Massacre, he relinquished the title of Knighthood which was conferred on him in 1916, by the king emperor.

NOBLE PrizE –His traumatic personal life and the contemporary political events seriously affected his health. He had developed a disease, which required surgery in the UK. His trip was booked but he became seriously ill and his journey was cancelled. He went to Shelidah to pass time until his next booking. There he translated a selection of 103 poems into English and named the compilation ‘Gitanjali’, Song Offering.

In due course, he boarded a ship on 27 May 1912 and reached London. There he shared his poems with his admirers including WB Yeats, CF Andrews, William Rothenstein and Ezra Pound.

On 7 July 1912, WB Yeats read out the poems from Gitanjali to a select audience. The program was a complete success. Letters of appreciation started arriving the next day.

On 10 July 1912, Yeats introduced Tagore to a group of distinguished men of letters. He also gave a reading of some of the poems from Gitanjali and concluded with favourable comments.

After the second meeting, Tagore’s friends decided to publish

Tagore visited numerous countries on invitation of their leaders and heads of institutions. Between 1912 and 1934, he undertook around 11 overseas journeys. He visited over thirty countries including UK, USA, Japan, China, Germany, Italy, Russia, Argentina, Mexico, Indonesia, Egypt, and others, on the five continents.

VisVA BHArATi - Tagore’s spiritual attainments and personality had won him the deep admiration of people around the world. He conceived the idea of transforming Shantiniketan into a link between India and the world, through a university. He named the proposed university Visva Bharati. Its foundation stone was laid on 24 December 1918 and the institution was inaugurated on 22 December 1921. It offered intellectual, emotional and spiritual education in a natural environment.

Tagore contributed his Noble Prize money towards its building and functioning. He raised funds in Europe and the USA during his travels for the project.

Tagore was a prolific composer. He composed over 2,000 songs. His songs are known as Rabindra Sangeet. The national anthems of India and Bangladesh are his compositions.

He started drawing and painting late in his sixties. Successful exhibition of his works were held in Paris and throughout Europe. He had left nearly 2,500 paintings and drawings. His artworks were modern in style.

In 1930s, Tagore became involved in politics again. Mahatma Gandhi adored him and sought his blessings.

In his old age, Tagore developed a special attraction to Kalimpong, a hill station in Darjeeling. He last visited there in May 1940. The same year, Oxford University conferred on him an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature at Shantiniketan.

His eightieth birthday was celebrated on 8 May 1941. Towards the end of July, he fell seriously ill and was moved to his Kolkata residence. His health did not recover and peacefully, he passed away on 7 August 1941. His physical remains were consigned to flames on the bank of River Hooghly. Awadhesh sharma

The Deha Abhimana (egoistic attachment to the body) is the source of all doubts

Covid-19, last year we couldn’t celebrate Matri Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents’ Worship day). This year

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. A 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 world-renowned 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.

Pujya Bapu Ji has always emphasized the necessity to follow rich Indian culture and always said that it is only the Indian culture and Sanatana dharma which can give the world happiness & peace.

Dear readers, due to

Shri Yoga Vedanta Seva Samiti is organizing Matri - Pitri Pujan Diwas worldwide. Understanding the importance of this event, in several states of India like Maharashtra, Haryana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Valentine’s Day has been officially renames as Matri – Pitri Pujan Diwas. As a stronger effort to promote the family culture, awareness about Hindu culture and traditions in the young generation, the celebration of Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas on 14th Feb has become more prominent.

In Australia, this unique event of true love & bonding is being celebrated in many cities. In Brisbane, this event will be celebrated on Sunday, the 12th February 2023 in Northgate Hall, Northgate. All the kids joining this event will be given a school bag.

Talking about the glory of satsang, Lord Sri Krishna says in the Shrimad Eknathi Bhagavat, “We should serve sadhus and saints. In fact, even among all sadhus, SatGuru alone possesses the most perfect saintliness and hence we should serve His holy feet. His Satsang and

the service etc. rendered to Him break the bondage of Samsara (metempsychosis) as the Guru is the true saint and gentleman. His sweet and pleasant spiritual instructions expound the Shrutis only, which give us the sword of transcendental knowledge, with which we may arm our intellect. This weapon should then be sharpened on the sharpening stones of dispassion and renunciation of enjoyments. The strong hilt of patience thereafter ought to be attached thereto. This sword should then be held firmly without fear or doubt in one’s inner self (mind). One should practise wielding this sword heart and soul; and then aim perfectly to slay the Deha Abhimana (egoistic attachment to the body) with it.

This Deha Abhimana is the source of all doubts, from which bodily afflictions arise, due to which one remains ever addicted to sense pleasures, which nurture lust and anger, which increase the three gunas (i.e. sattva, rajas, tamas), which create the sense of being a Jiva (individual soul) in the pure Atman, which is causative of births and deaths, release from which is very difficult for the Jiva, which is the giver of all sufferings and evils, and whose dear daughter is the sense of ‘mine-ness’ (Mamata).

Maya (sense of attachment) is the mother of Mamata which nurtures it and on whose strength the Jiva remains haughty. Therefore, the brave man should wield this sharp-edged weapon in the battlefield and patiently and cautiously give such a powerful blow that all the three –Maya, Mamata and Dehambhimana get cut into pieces with a single stroke.

The triads of experience, the experiencer and the object of experience; action, performer of action and instrument of action; meditation, meditator and the object of meditation should be rooted out. Once the notions of self-identity such as “I am”, “Who am I?” or “I am Brahman” are removed, the devotee attains to the supreme spiritual state of Mine, the Supreme Self. Thus, he becomes Brahman himself. Here you might raise an objection: ‘The measure you have suggested is merely a jugglery of words. How can the ego be annihilated merely by babbling out words? If the ego could be annihilated just through words, then why would all great scholars be engulfed by egotism? If ego were visible to the eyes, one could easily rush and cut it down, but that’s totally illogical. Thus, words alone can’t annihilate it. Similarly, even Selfrealisation isn’t possible through mere jugglery of

i n australia,

t H is uniqu E

E v E nt of tru E lov E & bonding is b E ing

c E l E brat E d in many citi E s. i n

b risban E, t H is

E v E nt will b E

c E l E brat E d on s unday,

t HE 12t H

fE bruary 2023 in n ort H gat E Hall, n ort H gat E. a ll t HE kids joining t H is

E v E nt will b E giv E n a sc H ool bag.

words.’ So, listen to the reply of this objection, “One who attentively worships Me with devotion to none else (or single-mindedly) or who serves the pious feet of his SatGuru beholding Me in Him, who worships Me with the feeling that even up to the end of the Creation there is absolutely no difference between Me and the essential being of his SatGuru, attains knowledge effortlessly. As a result of being naturally engrossed in devotion to Me he attains the sword of knowledge. He attains effortlessly such a weapon whose sharp edge terrifies even Death. Scared of this sword, Maya, Mamata and Abhimana flee from the Jiva forever; while ego, attachment and Avidya (ignorance) cease to exist. Devotees, who come by so much Knowledge through their supreme sense of devotion unto Me, may find another question arising in their mind: ‘Where should one do the Bhajan (spiritual practice)? O Lord! Your form is incomprehensible (beyond reasoning), extremely subtle and without attributes. Thus, I do not understand where I should worship You.’ If your mind ever has such doubts, let Me tell you of a very easily attainable place for worship. That is the only matchless place of worship which is My abode where you can meet Me, the Supreme Self, at all times without going to any far off places and doing hard work, without crossing millions of peaks or going to mountain caves. That is a very easily attainable place of My residence for My devotees to take rest. The resting place of all bliss, the Atma Rama (Rama as the Self or revelling in Self) resides evenly and perpetually in one’s own heart. There itself, you should worship Him with love.

I alone reside in the heart of every creature right

from Lord Brahma (the Creator) to a housefly - One who knows this is fortunate and this is the best worship for attaining Me. Nobody is intent on worshipping Me abiding in their hearts Who provide energy to their minds, intellects etc. for their respective functions, whose revelation makes the absolute Knowledge easily available. But people grow weary and fall into various miseries by resorting to external forms of worship. In such a populace, it is some extremely rare person –a supremely fortunate one –who through due discernment resolutely gets engaged in worshipping Me abiding in his own heart. By worshipping Me, dwelling in the heart, he attains my Self-Knowledge embellished with total dispassion, after attaining which one can never fall from the Highest State. The Abhimana flees merely out of the fear of that Knowledge. I bestow that Knowledge of Mine on them who constantly worship Me dwelling in their hearts. The Knowledge, which upon attainment, eradicates physical and mental disorders; sanctifies the mind, body and speech; and clears all doubts; that Knowledge enables the devotee to attain the Spiritual state.

To listen Vedic/knowldge stories or to listen 24X7 live divine Satsang, 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 and in Sydney. These sessions are aimed for the character, mental, intellectual and spiritual development of the kids. The kids are trained to learn yogic mudras, techniques, yogasnas and pranayamas. These yogic techniques along with jap and meditation help kids in attaining virtues like righteousness and selfrestraint. The kids learn precious keys to develop intelligence and take advantage of chanting and meditation while playing and laughing. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of “The Brisbane Indian Times.”

To know more about His Divine Holiness Bapu Ji, please watch this video. https://bit.ly/2uZvJuN

For more info about Bal Sanskar and yoga sessions, to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine RishiPrasad in your mail box 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

Harmony Day Festival and Market to be held at Vedanta Centre Springfield Lakes on 18

24 JANUArY 2023: Vedanta Centre, the intercultural faith and community centre in Springfield Lakes, today announces that it will hold ‘One and All Harmony Day Festival’ on Saturday 18 March from 10am to 2pm. The festival is supported by the Queensland Government. The Harmony Day Festival which will feature live music, artisan stalls, cultural performances, cooking demos and free workshops, is expected to be a popular event with families and market goers. Visitors can expect to be immersed, intrigued, delighted and moved by the sounds, smells, sights and soul of this festival.

The aim of the festival is to celebrate the wonderful diversity of cultures and traditions that enrich our communities. Highlights of this free event are performances by music duo Mundy-Turner who have toured the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Italy & Hong Kong with their original folk music and quirky humour. Spectators will also be treated to the rare voices of Pauline Maudy and Paddy McHugh. Pauline is an award-winning Frenchborn singer and songwriter

in rock, folk and jazz. Children can have plenty of fun in the interactive kids-tent or join in one of the free workshops taking place in the hall. Workshops to look out for are Sandhya Parappukkaran, renown children’s author, and Tsoof Baras hand drumming and novelty percussion.

Meanwhile the car park will come alive with market stalls showcasing artisan wares, ceramics, prints, homewear, jewellery, fashion, crystals, candles,

WHEN WE SERVE OTHERS, WE ARE SERVING GOD

Swami Atmeshananda, Vedanta Centre Springfield Lakes

gifts and more. Visitors will be able to support local businesses while enjoying roving performances and delicious eats from Maa Sarada’s Kitchen Café run by volunteers of the Centre.

The One and All Harmony Day Festival at Vedanta Centre Springfield Lakes will coincide with national Harmony Week. This is an occasion to come together as One in a spirit of unity. The motto of Harmony Day is ‘Everyone Belongs’ which reminds us to accept everyone regardless of their background or circumstances. Notable guests expected at the event include members of parliament and Ipswich Council.

What better place to celebrate Harmony Day than the Vedanta Centre with its ideals of unity and oneness. The Vedanta Centre is a spiritual and cultural organization that started in 1897 India and has a long history of working for universal harmony and welfare of all beings. The Centre provides services to the local community including free meals for the needy, a community café, $5 yoga classes, gardening and kids activities.

“GOD is everywhere but he is most manifest in Man. so serve Man as God. That is as good as worshipping God”said Sri Ramakrishna, a 19th century saint from India (1836 to 1886). By the term ‘man’ he meant all humans – not just man and woman. After going through 12 long years of intense spiritual practice, Sri Ramakrishna gained firsthand knowledge about the different aspects of God or the Divine.

Sri Ramakrishna was not an ordinary spiritual practitioner- he was one who dived deep into the core of the path that he followed. For example, he experimented with different aspects of Hinduism – the aspect of

personal God (loving and worshipping God as one’s father, mother, friend and lover), the aspect of the Nondual Brahman (Absolute Reality) which does not posit any name or attributes of God but realizes the Divine as the all-pervading reality – as also the aspect of the Divine in the Islamic religion (Sufi), the concept of the holy Trinity in Christianity and so on. These varieties of religious experiences took Sri Ramakrishna to the conclusion that God is One, even though worshipped by many in different ways. Further, he experienced that the best manifestation of the Divine in the world can

be had in humans. Hence, he preached that serving beings as manifestations of the Divine is equal to worshipping God, nay, even better than mere formal worship.

Sri Ramakrishna further proclaimed:- “The person who works for others, without any selfish motive, really does good to oneself”. Unselfishness is an essential nature of the Divine, hence if we can sacrifice our little comforts and serve or work for others, devoid of any personal agenda or motive, we will do a great service to ourselves. Because, by being unselfish, devoid of egotism, we will become happy beings.

Who, What, Where, When...

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner at the Vietnamese lunar New Year festival Great turnout at the Vietnamese lunar New Year festival over the two days

Satish Rajendran , Pinky Singh OAM, Umesh Chandra OAM, Minister Grace Grace MP , David Widjaya

Connie da Cunha and her guest, Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner, Councillor Tracy Davis and Mrs Usha Chandra

The multifaith representatives at the World Interfaith Harmony Week event

Satish Rajendran. David Widjaya, Pinly Singh OAM, David Crisafulli MP . Mrs Jeannie Mok OAM

Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner with Mr Umesh Chandra OAM and Mrs Usha Chandra

VIP Reception at Vietnamese lunar New Year festival

Who, What, Where, When...

Claire Moore at Universal Human rights day event at St Johns Cathedral

Lord Mayor’s civic reception for Lunar New Year

Umesh Chandra OAM – Chairperson GOPIO International Human rights Council, Scott McDougall Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Qld at the universal Human rights event at St Johns Cathedral

Members of the consular corps and QPS with Umesh Chandra OAM and Mrs Usha Chandra at the civic reception

Melody Chen Honorary life president WAMCI with Umesh Chandra OAM and Mrs Usha Chandra, Grace Yu, Ms Vivian Lin VIP lineup at the Taiwanese Lunar New Year event at Landmark Restaurant

Time for a group photo of dignitaries at the Taiwanese Lunar New Year

एक मलनाकना्त शेखर कलभषण कपर जी के सनाथ।

ऐसे ही नहीं। क़िलम मेककग मेरा कोई career नहीं है। ऐसे कोई मेरे सामने

कोई सबजेकट आता ऐसे मेरे सामने कोई

बात आती है तजस के बारे म म कछ

कहना चाहता ह तो कफर उस के बारे

म म क़िलम बनाता ह। नहीं तो career

के लल्य खखताब लमला। िेव्वि डी िोंटेललो अ्वाि्स 2008 –

बेसट ्यरपी्यन क़िलम – एललजेबेथ ि

गोलिन ऐज के लल्य चना्व – बेसट

क़िलम करिदटकस के लल्य खखताब लमला।

1984 मासम क़िलम, 1995 बेसट क़िलम करिदटक – बडिट क्वीन, 1997

डिरेकटर बडिट क्वीन, 1999 सपेशल अ्वाि्स

नहीं है मेरा।“ कमाल की बात है शेखर कपर जी

ककतनी सािगी से इतनी बडी बात

िी। क़िलम मेककग को ्यह

को एक सिर संिेश

िेती है। ्यह बहआ्यामी व्यतकतत्व के

माललक ह। उन की न्यी क़िलम “What’s

बाहर

ह उन की क्या क्या problems

ह। उस पर है। पर है लाइट हाटि।

हसगे भी और लोग रो्येग भी। आप ज़रूर जा कर िेखख्येगा।“ िोसतों क़िलम ननिशक शेखर कपर जी ने इस क़िलम के द्वारा व्विेशों म रह रहे लोगों की िव्व्धा, मतशकलों

को बहत खबसरती से दिखा्या है। मेरे

व्वचार से जो व्विेश म रह रहे भारती्यों

्या पाककसतानी की मनःतसथनत का

बहत सनिरता से चचत्रण कक्या है। हम

सब के मन म कभी ना कभी आता ही

है कक हमारी होने ्वाली बह ्या िामाि

हमारी संसकनत का हो , हमारे िेश का

हो । प्शन ्यह उठता है कक हम मन

म एक ्धारणा बना लेते ह कक गोरी

बह ्या गोरा िामाि हम ्वह सह्योग

नहीं िेग ्या व्वलभनन व्वचारो के होग

और ज़रूरी भी नहीं कक जो हमारे िेश

की होगी ्वह बडी संसकारी होगी ।

इसी तषणा म हम भागते है।

Dinousaurs can leave।

‘Life is too short and too long to marry the wrong person’.

Zoe – lily, Kaz -Shazad, Cath -Emma, Aisha – Shabana, Maymouna – Sajal, Mo -Asim, Zahid -Jeff Mirja सभी ने बखबी

अपने ककरिार ननभा्ये।

Kavita ji

GOPIO Gold Coast celebrates Indian Republic and conducts the Australian Citizenship ceremony

GOPiO Gold Coast celebrated the 74th India Republic Day at the Robina Community Centre on 29th January 2023. They also hosted their inaugural Australian Citizenship Ceremony. The singing of the national anthems of both countries and the chanting of shlokas by a group of enthusiastic children set the mood of the day. The performances with delicate and intricate steps from traditional Bharatnatyam to modern moves by cute children and young adults boosted the patriotic atmosphere of the

event.

Speeches by Hon MP Angie Bell, Hon Consul of India Mrs. Archana Singh, Hon MP John-Paul Langbroek, Hon MP Sa O’Connor, Gold Coast City Councillors Hermann Vorster, Ryan Bayldon Lumsden, and GOPIO Gold Coast president Pradip Gorasia gave food for thought of the diversified and progressive Indian community. Unity in Diversity. Leaders from the Indian and multicultural communities supported the event.

tHE singing of t HE national ant HE ms of bot H countri E s and t HE c H anting of s H lokas by a grou P of E nt H usiastic c H ildr E n s E t t HE mood of t HE day. tHE

PE rformanc E s wit H d E licat E and intricat E st EP s from traditional bH aratnatyam to mod E rn mov E s by cut E c H ildr E n and young adults boost E d t HE Patriotic atmos PHE r E of t HE E v E nt.

Bala Samskara Kendra & Yuva Samskara

Kendra Queensland celebrates Pongal

WILLAWONG Bala Samskara Kendra & Yuva Samskara Kendra Queensland Chapter celebrated 'Pongal' (harvest festival of Southern India) and Makarasankranthi celebrations on Saturday, 14 January 2023. The celebrations included a brief information session on the significance of celebrating Pongal and Makarasankranthi, cooking 'Pongal' (sweet rice), a Rangoli colouring competition for children and kite making workshop.

Indian Republic Day flag raising at Indian Consulate office, Brisbane

North Brisbane Lohri Celebration

NOrTHGATE, for the first time, a community Lohri celebration was organised in Northgate; the event was held at the heritage-listed Northgate Hall corner of Scott and Ridge Street on 14th January. The Hall was ideally suited to the event as it had a spacious lawn for the open fire ritual.

The fun-filled event included stage performances

TAriNGA, On the occasion of Indian Republic Day at nine am sharp, the Indian flag was raised at the Indian Consulate office at 175A, Swan Road, Taringa, Brisbane. This ritual takes place year after year despite many challenges, including but not limited to Covid 19.

Dr Vagish Singh, as Mc, welcomed everyone to the event and announced the flag raising with National Anthem; as the 26th of January is also Australia Day, the Australian National anthem was also sung. Dr Vagish Singh invited Mrs Archana Singh, honorary consul for India to Queensland for her Indian Republic Day speech; she touched on India’s economic growth and congratulated it

on its presidency of the G20. The much-awaited address by the learned and respected professor Sarva Daman Singh OAM followed. Professor ji spoke on ideals of the republican ideals, and he said that this hand been enshrined in India’s history from time immemorable; he said that even kings in ancient India were chosen by common consent, people spoke with one mind and came to common resolutions, the Challenges Inda has now is that it has to rededicate itself, he quoted Prime Minister Modi “Sabh ka saath , sabh ka Vikash, sabj ka Biswash , we have to cultivate our unity in diversity. The event concluded with refreshments for all and the group photos session.

Inauguration Festival of Brisbane Bhakti Yoga Centre

and ladies' traditional folk dances around the fire pit. Traditional sweets and food relating to Lohri were served. Mrs Usha Chandra was the chief guest; her husband, Umesh Chandra OAM, accompanied her. It was good to see the community sprint and all the volunteers coming tighter to put an event like this together.

BUrBANk, the inaugural Festival of Brisbane Bhakti Yoga Centre, took place on 26th January, on their new 8-acre centre is a unique facility for people who desire to take care of their body, mind and soul. It is rightly said that “the intention behind the action is what matters”, and they intend to serve people and the community. The organisation aims to make

Vedic wisdom (spiritual knowledge) accessible to the broader Brisbane community, distribute free plant-based food, hold major festivals and spread the benefits of Mantra Meditation.

The aim is to foster spiritual unity amongst our rich cultural diversity. We strongly believe that spiritual unity can act as the catalyst to bring about

real and lasting social cohesion amongst the people of our nation. The opening ceremony occurred at 1157 Mount Cotton Road on Thursday, 26th January, from 11 am to 2 pm. The event included live soul music, inauguration

purification fire sacrifice, and kid’s activities and concluded with a sumptuous plant-based feast.

Umesh Chandra OAM and Mrs Usha Chandra Attended the event as special guests; the project can be about progressive

thinking and fast acting committee. The overall cost will be more than $3.5 Million, and $1.7 million has been pledged.

Everyone is invited to support the project financially and morally—a proud achievement of our community.

BrisBANE Australia Day

Citizenship Ceremony is a long-standing tradition at Brisbane City Hall; this year was no exception, and around six hundred and fifty candidates took up Australian citizenship at the ceremony.

The event features every popular girls’ choir and

the Navy band, and Tribal Experiences conduct the welcome to country with the smoking ceremony. Guest of honour includes representatives from the Army, Navy, fire and emergency services, members of the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural round table and community leaders,

who are invited to the preceremony reception and the after-ceremony refreshments.

Councillor David McLaughlin, chair of the council, is the MC, and Lord Mayor is the presiding Officer under the Act and conducts the ceremony. Every candidate gets a little tree as a token, and

Lord Mayor stresses that they look after the tree; he often relates to his own journey and how his father was a recipient at one of these ceremonies in City Hall.

During the ceremony, three representative families are called up on stage to receive their certificates, and one

representative family member gets an opportunity to speak in response. The representative families join the postceremony refreshment and get an opportunity for photos with Lord Mayor and other dignitaries.

The girls’ Choir do two numbers, and the Navy

Band provide the music for the National anthem; a voluntary affirmation ceremony concludes the official ceremony. This was the first of a series of citizenship ceremonies that will be held at Brisbane City Council throughout the year; always a pleasure to attend.

Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at Brisbane City Hall Brisbane City Council civic reception for the lunar New Year

BrisBANE Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner held a civic reception for the Lunar new year in the Brisbane Room of Brisbane City Hall on Monday, 23rd January. The event was attended by many councillors and members of the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural round table. Cultural performances welcomed guests at the event, and the lion dancers led the official party in for the formalities.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner wished everyone all the best for the Lunar New year and recognised that for some communities, it was the year of the cat, while widely, it is the year of the Rabbit. Councillor Steven Huang also spoke on occasion, and both Lord Mayor and Councillor Steven Huang reminded everyone of the Bris Asia Festival, which will be held across many venues during the month of February

Shivaan's first Lohri Celebration

BALDEV & Shushma

Sharma celebrated their grandson Shivaan's first Lohri at their home with friends and family on 14th January 2023. The first Lohri of a newborn is a special occasion in which all friends and family join to celebrate. It is performed in the later part of the evening. Invitation cards can be sent for this function, depending on how one wants to celebrate.

The event is observed at the parental home of the child in the presence of close relatives, friends and well-wishers. All the guests and relatives bring gifts for the baby and the new mother. In addition, the child’s maternal grandparents also give gifts to the child’s paternal relatives.

On the first Lohri of a newborn baby, the mother, attired in heavy clothes and

wearing much jewellery with mehndi on her hands and feet, sits with the baby in her lap. Then, the family does the presentations. The mother-in-law and father-in-law, of course, give many presents in the form of clothes and cash. Others do so according to their relationship with the couple and their capability and desire.

The maternal grandparents also send gifts of clothes, sweets, rayveri, peanuts, popcorn and fruits.

Lohri is then celebrated with traditional dancing and singing around the bonfire. Logs of wood are piled together for a bonfire, and friends and relatives gather around it. They go around the fire three times, giving offerings of popcorn, peanuts, rayveri and sweets.

Then, to the beat of the dhol (traditional Indian drum), people dance

around the fire. Prasad of til, peanuts, rayveri, puffed rice, popcorn, gajak and sweets are distributed. This symbolises a prayer to Agni for abundant crops

and prosperity. Finally, an elaborate traditional Punjabi dinner is served, comprising shaahi paneer, ma ki daal, makki ki roti, sarson ka saag etc.

Celebration of friendship and togetherness

HiLLCrEsT, Suren and Manga invited friends and family for a fun-filled evening in the spirit of togetherness, friendship and music; Suren did his debut solo performance under the tutelage of Tabla Nawaz and guru Dheeraj Shrestha. Suren, a relatively new student, surprised everyone with his performance; he is an enthusiast and seasoned event coordinator. The funfilled evening marked the 40th anniversary of the couple, the first birthday of their grandson and Suren’s

debut tabla performance. The couple’s contributions and achievements were highlighted on the night.

Smt. Manga Surendran (artistic director and choreographer of Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam) was the first student to perform an arangatram under the late Smt. Gowri Muthukumarasami. She also studied with Smt. Balasundari Prathalingam and Smt. Subathra Sivadasan in Sri Lanka. Smt Manga started her teaching career in Sri Lanka in a leading school in Colombo.

She regularly attends the Naatya Kala Conference, which is held in Chennai, to keep up with the latest developments in India. Manga underwent a comprehensive course at Kalakshetra, Chennai, a few years back. Manga has performed countless solo recitals and group dances while she was a Sri Lankan student.

Manga has a unique capacity for training students in Bharatha Natyam, folk dances and dance dramas. A large number of enthusiastic

pupils from diverse cultural backgrounds undergo training in a systematic, disciplined and professional

manner under her guidance. Manga’s passion and dedication have brought tremendous success to

the school and today. Easwaralya

is one of the leading schools in Queensland.

Kalikoodam

'Because Musharraf wanted to see Rahul Gandhi as PM': BJP's jibe at Shashi Tharoor

sLAMMiNG Shashi

Tharoor's 'eulogising' of Pervez Musharraf, the BJP said Musharraf wanted Rahul Gandhi to become the PM in 2019.

As Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday termed Pervez Musharraf as 'foeturned-real force for peace' in his condolence message, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla attacked the Congress for finding peace in a person" who had hailed Osama Bin Laden". This is the Congress that doubted Balakot, called its own Army chief 'sadak ka

gunda' but hails Musharraf, the BJP leader said. "Once upon a time, Musharraf had hailed Rahul Gandhi as a gentleman," Poonawalla tweeted.

Shashi Tharoor condoled his death and said Musharraf was once an implacable foe of India but he became a real force for peace between 2002 and 2007. "I met him annually in those days at the UN and found him smart, engaging and clear in his strategic thinking. RIP,"

Shashi Tharoor's post read.

"Parvez Musharraf who had hailed Osama Bin Laden

Tripura assembly election: Trinamool Congress releases election manifesto

THE party released its manifesto in the presence of TMC Tripura incharge, Rajib Banerjee; State TMC President, Pijush Kanti Biswas and party MP Sushmita Dev. The document details the party's vision for the people of Tripura for 2023-28.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday released the party's election manifesto for the upcoming Tripura Assembly elections a fortnight before the polls.

The party released its manifesto in the presence of TMC Tripura incharge, Rajib Banerjee; State TMC President, Pijush Kanti Biswas and party MP Sushmita Dev. The document details the party's vision for the people of Tripura for 2023-28.

Earlier in January, the party released its election manifesto for Meghalaya state.

TMC is in full mood to spread its influence beyond West Bengal and is mulling to give a tough fight to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura and are contesting the polls in Mamata Banerjee's face.

"It has been decided that the election of Tripura will be done keeping Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in front," Party leader Rajib Banerjee, State in-charge Tripura, told ANI earlier, adding that as there is no alternative of Mamata Banerjee in Bengal, and the party is preparing to contest the elections in Tripura on the same lines.

On the other hand, the BJP is also gearing up for the polls, with Chief Minister Manik

Saha conducting a door-todoor campaign today in the morning.

Saha held a door-to-door campaign in Goalabasti and Masterpara (Gita Mandir) in Agartala on Sunday ahead of Tripura assembly elections on February 16.

The minister visited the area and met the local people and urged them to cast their votes in the election.

While speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister said, "We've got a wonderful response from the public. The way people supported us in 2018, I believe the people's support has increased by many levels."

"I truly believe that this time we can win a record number of seats in the Tripura elections. The main reason for this is our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His work has reached even the last person in this country," added Saha.

Stressing various schemes and the work of the central government, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said, "Be it Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Nal se Jal Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana or electricity, our Prime Minister has addressed every issue. In our state, we have also worked with the same passion and dedication."

"The double-engine government has worked and a lot of many schemes have been implemented. We have reached a 100 per cent saturation point with schemes in the state. That is why people of the state support us," he said.

& Taliban had sung praises of Rahul Gandhi too - called him a gentleman and pledged his support to him!! Perhaps this is the reason why Shashi Tharoor is eulogising the architect of Kargil & a backer of terrorism!! Sigh," Shehzad wrote.

Musharraf's comment on Rahul Gandhi that Shehzad referred to dates back to 2019 ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. In an interview, Musharraf said he would like to see Rahul Gandhi as the prime minister of India. "My hopes, frankly, honestly talking, not for India or

Pakistan, if we want peace Modi Saab is not the man for peace," Musharraf said.

On being asked about Rahul Gandhi, Musharraf said when his mother, elder brother and son went to Delhi (when Musharraf was the president), Rahul Gandhi had invited his son for a cup of tea. Manmohan Singh invited all three of them for lunch, he added. "I mean these are things that should be encouraged. You know I used to encourage the cricket match with India...instead of creating a hysteria..." Musharraf had said.

No such thing as judiciary vs government: Union law minister Kiren Rijiju

THE law minister was referring to reports that the central government was at loggerheads with the judiciary over selecting judges for the higher judiciary through an apex court collegium

The people of India, who elect the government, are supreme, and the country is governed according to the Constitution, law minister Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday, reiterating that there was no conflict between the judiciary and the government.

“There is nothing like judiciary versus government in the country. It is the people, who elect the government... are supreme and the country runs as per the Constitution of India.” Rijiju said as chief guest at the valedictory programme of the 150th foundation day of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association in Prayagraj.

The law minister was referring to reports that the central government was at loggerheads with the judiciary over selecting judges for the higher judiciary through an apex court collegium.

Mentioning crores of cases pending in the country, the maximum of which are at

Centre

bans

the Allahabad High Court, Rijiju said that by adopting technology, “we can reduce the pendency rate”.

Commending the excellent work done by the judiciary during the pandemic, Rijiju said, “It was due to technology like videoconferencing initiated a few years ago under the e-court programme.”

He praised the Narendra Modi government for allocating Rs. 7,000 crore in the recent budget for phase three of the e-court programme.

Lauding the glorious history of Allahabad high court, he urged all those associated with the bar to maintain its glory as they were celebrating 150 years of its foundation.

Regarding other ways to reduce pendency, he said the federal government was making all possible efforts to strengthen the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method. In this backdrop, the Mediation Bill is going to be passed soon. “Though arbitration is a quasi-judicial process, mediation will be a judicial process,” he added.

He also urged organising

over

LAsT year in October, the centre issued a strict advisory against showcasing betting advertisements on overthe-top (OTT) platforms, such as Netflix, Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video, as well as private satellite TV platforms, stating that nonobservance of the advisory may invite penal action under the applicable laws.

The central government on Sunday banned over 230 illegal betting, gambling and loan applications, on ‘emergency’ basis, officials familiar with the matter said.

According to an official, the ministry of electronics

legal services camp in Uttar Pradesh, as has been done elsewhere, to provide justice at a reasonable cost to the people. “In order to make the judicial system easier, as many as 1,426 old and redundant laws have been removed,” the minister said. “Besides, the old laws prepared during the British period with a colonial mindset would also be given up.”

He said maximum use of the mother tongue during arguments should be encouraged in the interest of litigants, adding that his department has prepared a legal glossary and a book on legal terminology to make this task easier.

Supreme Court justice Krishna Murari, the guest of

honour, said he was proud that he was a member of this bar association. Another guest of honour, justice Vikram Nath of the Supreme Court, fondly recalled the days spent in this bar association.

Chief justice Rajesh Bindal said completion of 150 years of the bar association is time for retrospection and be motivation from its past activities.

Earlier, in his welcome address, bar association president Radha Kant Ojha said that certain defects in the collegium system had crept in the recent past. He lauded the law minister for highlighting this issue at the national level. He also pointed out the huge number of vacant posts of judges in the Allahabad high court, which is placing a huge burden on the judges.

Apart from several high court judges and many lawyers, others who shared the dais with the law minister included justice Ramesh Sinha, senior judge of the Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court, Uttar Pradesh advocate general Ajay Kumar Misra and bar association senior vice-president Manoj Kumar Mishra.

230 illegal betting, gambling and loan apps

engaging in illegal money laundering & were posing threat to the financial security of our nation,” under section 69(A) of the IT Act.

“The IT ministry has issued blocking orders based on emergency request issued by Nodal officer of ministry of home affairs (MHA),” said an official.

of today’s digital-based gaming activities and the emerging technologies associated with it.”

The rationale behind seeking central legislation is also the inconsistency in the state’s laws when it comes to online gambling.

and information technology (MeitY) banned 138 betting/gambling websites and apps and 94 loan apps, which “were

At present, the gambling industry is covered under the ambit of the Public Gambling Act, 1867. The report underscores that this is old legislation which is incapable “of covering/ defending/dealing with the various growing aspects

Last year, the ministry banned 54 Chinese apps which posed threat to India’s security. In June 2020, the government banned 59 apps and later blocked 47 related/cloning apps on August 10, 2020. Later, 118 apps were blocked on September 1, 2020, and another 43 apps on November 19, the same year.

Bilateral Celebrations Australia Day AND Indian Republic Day 2023

BY sEEMA CHAUHAN Public Relations Officer, FICQ

BrisBANE The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) hosted a joint. Celebration of India's 74th Republic Day and Australia Day on the 26th of January 2023 at SunPAC, Sunnybank, in Brisbane.

In line with the FICQ's tradition, representatives from Australia's First Nations people, three levels of government, Indian Consular representative, and community and business leaders got together to celebrate this annual event.

Held under the aegis of the National Australia Day Council, Brisbane City Council (BCC), Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner, Cr. Angela Owen and Cr. Steven Huang, this remarkable day was sponsored by Bravus Mining & Resources, Springfield City Group, SBS and Sustainable Homes.

Mr Zain Chamadia and Mr Siddharth Nagpurkar, joint Masters of ceremonies for the evening, played their roles with aplomb, engaging the stellar assembly of dignitaries, community, and business leaders who attended.

Celebrations commenced with a traditional lighting of lamps, followed by the 'Acknowledgement of the Country' by Aunty Peggy Tidyman. Students of Sargam Music Academy enthralled those present with their melodious renditions of both the Australian and Indian national anthems.

Various distinguished speakers genuinely spoke at length, celebrating a truly multicultural Australia and how India’s diversity led the way in ensuring 'Unity in

diversity' was the bedrock of community prosperity and harmony.

The Celebration also involved cultural performances, Jugalbandi - an instrumental medley by Subash and group, Contemporary fusion dance by Ms Taleatha WrightMorgan, instrumental music performance by Rudro Roy, Didgeridoo playing by Glenn Barry, a foot-tapping dance performance by Rhythm Dance group and an absorbing interactive activity about India and Australia by the MC.

Harmony Cup, a friendly game of cricket between the Australian Community XI and the Indian Community XI team, was organised on the day at Gibson Park (South Oval), Stafford. Thanks to the fabulous work behind the scenes by Queensland Sub District Cricket Association, Mr Sathish Rajendran- Brisbane Super Kings, Mr Ashutosh MisraQueensland Cricket and Mr Krishnan Menon - Secretary FICQ. An entertaining game played in the right spirit, with India Community XI

lifting the trophy.

The bilateral celebrations concluded with a vote of thanks by the Assistant Secretary, Mrs Sunita Avadhani. FICQ, led by its President, Mr Anoop Nannuru, takes immense pride and thanks everyone for continuing to celebrate this event by uniting all the Indian and Australian Communities year after year. The executive team of FICQ worked tirelessly with the more excellent Indian and Multicultural communities to make this event a resounding success.

FOCUS ON FIJI

Ukraine, Russia swap prisoners; bodies of British volunteers returned

UkrAiNE and Russia traded almost 200 prisoners of war in a swap announced separately by both sides on Saturday, with the bodies of two British volunteers also being sent back to Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said 116 Ukrainians had been returned, while Russian news agencies cited Moscow’s defence ministry as saying 63 Russian POWs had been freed.

“We managed to return 116 of our people, defenders of Mariupol, partisans from Kherson, snipers from the Bakhmut (front) and other

heroes of ours,” Yermak wrote on Telegram. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a video address that since the

war started last February, Ukraine had secured the release of 1,762 men and women from Russian captivity.

2023 Futsal IDC: Ba defeats defending champs to win final

Yermak also said the bodies of British volunteer aid workers Andrew Bagshaw and Chris Parry had been sent back to Ukraine.

Bagshaw and Parry were killed during an attempted humanitarian evacuation in eastern Ukraine in January, Parry’s family has previously said.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said the released Russian servicemen included “sensitive category” persons, whose exchange was made possible through the mediation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to agencies.

Behind the News: State media and independence

THis week, one of the stories that caused a media storm had to do with the salary and bonuses paid out to Fijian Broadcasting Corporation CEO, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

A shocked FBC chairman, Ajay Bhai Amrit, announced the sacking FBC chief executive officer, Mr SayedKhaiyum, the younger brother of former attorneygeneral, Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum, and revealed that he was being paid an extravagant monthly salary of $32,000.

This was disputed by Sayed-Khaiyum himself, who said allegations that he received exorbitant pay were “incorrect”.

He also said he was prepared to take legal action.

While we may debate over the issue until the cows come home, the problem reveals one simple truth –government ownership of the news media has glaring disadvantages.

Generally, we all know that a situation where Government owns or funds one, two or a number of media outlets tend to lead to a restriction in media freedom, stifling of freedom of expression and the exertion of an unacceptable level of influence over the media and journalists.

While the media is regarded as the purveyors of information and the truth, a governmentowned or government-run media outlet has the likely propensity to manipulate information, entrench politicians and political parties, deter voters and consumers of information from making informed choices.

Ultimately, this undermines both democracy and society.

Because private and independent media supply alternative views to the public, they enable individuals like you and

me to choose the best from among political choices, goods, and services — with less or no fear of abuse by politicians or those in positions of authority.

Moreover, fair competition among media firms ensures that voters, consumers, and investors get unbiased and accurate information.

Government ownership of the media upsets this fair competition and causes sections of the society to get biased or one-sided information.

Private, public and competitive media are important for maintaining checks-and-balances in our system of democracy that they have come to be called “the fourth estate”.

However, Fiji’s media cannot exercise its responsibilities as the fourth estate or as an effective watchdog of the Government if so much of the media or sections of the media is controlled or easily influenced by the Government.

In the last 16 years, laws and policies were strategically changed to suit government’s agenda on media control, posing a serious threat to media independence and freedom of expression.

While the current government’s move to review draconian laws that have governed the media for many years is a step

in the right direction, we do not know how future governments will use the media and whether they were respect and honour press freedom.

While we can have laws to guarantee media freedom and ensure that government-funded media are run autonomously in theory, the worry lies in its practice, when unscrupulous politicians or media executives in the future will be influenced to only print, televise and publish what the government likes and believes is the truth.

In a robust and vibrant democracy, it is important that the media, governmentfunded or not, are free to report and inform the public without any interference.

Although current government and political leaders are giving assurances that there will be no interference with the media’s role and operations, it would be naive to think it will not happen somewhere down the line.

There are some countries around the world where governments control the media, a few media or most of the media present in the media space.

There are places where government funds the media only but allows it to operate freely and independently.

To make sure these do not cause problems,

rOOsTEr Chicken Ba

Futsal side won the Extra Supermarket Futsal IDC after narrowly defeating defending champion Suva in a close match 7-6 in an entertaining final at the Vodafone Arena.

Fiji Football Association CEO Mohammed Yusuf

thanked the participating teams. National coach Jerry Sam said it was four days of competitive games and he was impressed with how the players performed. He now looks forward to working with teams in improving their performance for future games.

these are matched with a level of political maturity that ensures media independence and freedom is always guaranteed and the media editorial policy and staff won’t be interfered with.

In Fiji, the Government owns the FBC and funds it in a way similar to how the Australian government finances the ABC.

There’s nothing wrong with that arrangement, really.

But there are advantages and disadvantages of such a government media set up.

When operated prudently, with adequate safeguards and oversight laws, government-owned and funded media can offer the public many benefits.

They can be established in such a way that allows for the provision of consistent, reliable and accurate news and current affairs like private-run and owned media.

Their viability, however, will depend on whether they enjoy editorial independence and would be free from government interference and influence.

Most importantly, unlike outright authoritarian regimes, the reliability of a state-run and/ or statefunded media outlet hinges on the government of the day’s ability to promote, protect and respect a free press, independent journalism and freedom of expression.

As responsible citizens, we must be alert and ready to stand guard against any moves by politicians, political parties or people to manipulate and distort information to suit the ruling party, entrench its political agenda and stop Fijians from making informed decisions, alternative views and opinions.

Until we meet on this same page, same time next week, stay blessed, stay healthy and stay safe!

Take a bow-wow! Meet Bobi, the world’s oldest dog on record

CONQUEirOs, Portugal

(Reuters) – When his dog was born three decades ago in a tiny village in central Portugal, Leonel Costa was only eight years old. Little did he know that his beloved Bobi would one day be recorded as the world’s oldest dog.

When Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, celebrated its 30th birthday last year, Costa knew he had broken an almost century-old record held by an Australian cattle-dog that died at 29 years and five months in 1939.

Costa got in touch with the Guinness World of Records, submitted all the paperwork and a year later Bobi was officially named the oldest dog on record.

Bobi was 30 years and 269 days old as of Feb. 4.

“It’s a feeling of pride we can’t explain,” Costa, 38, told Reuters as he petted Bobi near a church in the village of Conqueiros in central Portugal.

“Some people told us we wouldn’t make it… but we knew Bobi’s age and were sure the exams would only prove what we already knew.”

The Guinness World of Records, which made the announcement on Thursday, described Bobi’s story as “miraculous”.

At the time Bobi was born, Costa’s family had many animals and little money so his father, a hunter, generally buried newborn puppies rather than keep them. But Bobi hid among a pile of firewood. Costa and his siblings found it a few days later and kept it a secret until the puppy opened its eyes.

“We knew that when he opened his eyes, my parents wouldn’t be able to bury him, ” he said.

Bobi’s breed usually has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years and Costa attributed its longevity to a number of factors, including living in calm countryside, never having been chained or kept on a leash and always eating “human food”.

“Of course our love and affection throughout his life has also helped,” he said, giggling.

Although Bobi still loves walks, age is taking its toll: the dog is less adventurous, its fur is thinning, its eyesight has worsened and it needs to rest more than it used to.

Costa hopes Bobi has many more years of life and is thankful the dog has put the remote village of Conqueiros on the map.

“There were other animals here who lived long lives but Bobi surpassed everything.”

Australia Day, Indian Republic Day and Harvest Festival celebrated by ICAQ

sANDGATE On 26th January 2023, Indian Council of Australia, Queensland Inc. (ICAQ) successfully celebrated the Aus-Ind Day & Harvest Festival.

Federal, State, and local Members of Parliament and community members well attended the event. ICAQ is committed to promoting social causes. For example, this year, while celebrating Australia Day & Indian Republic Day, ICAQ highlighted the importance of the Agricultural and Farming sector.

The program was blessed by Song woman Maroochy Barambha of the Turrbal tribe, and Rhan Hooper played the Didgeridoo. The ICAQ Secretary, Ganesh Deshpande, read the welcome message on behalf of ICAQ President Parminder Singh. Pinky Singh OAM, ICAQ Advisor, also welcomed the audience. ICAQ sincerely thanks the dignitaries & guests for their time and support towards the event.

Citizenship Ceremony

Presiding Officer Cr. Jared Cassidy, Councilor for Deagon Ward and the staff provided all necessary support to execute the event successfully. Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Aged Care, Minister for Sport, and Member for Lilley, Hon Luke Howarth MP, Member for Petrie Senator Gerard Rennick, Senator for QLD, Hon Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement,

Mr Bart Mellish, Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans' Affairs and COVID Economic Recovery, Cr. Sandy Landers, Councilor for Bracken Ridge Ward, Cr. Tracy Davis, Councilor for McDowall Ward, Mr Damien Houston, Acting Inspector QPS, Prof. Muhammad Shiddiky, Griffith University, Mr Umesh Chandra OAM & Mrs Usha Chandra, Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio, ICAQ Media Partner.

Thanks to Tapori Squad, Noopur Dance Academy, Rich Virsa Dance & Bhangra Academy for the fantastic cultural performances. The Masters of Ceremony

Mr Zain Chams and Mrs Jyotsna Trivedy. Every event can successfully be managed with volunteers & Committee members.

Thanks to Srikar Reddy, Amandeep Singh Pannu, Sohil Sanzgiri, Akash Deshpande, Chirag Deshpande, and volunteers from Brisbane Telangana Association.

sALiM Khan and Javed

Akhtar created the ‘angry young man’ trope in the 80s in Hindi cinema with Zanjeer which changed the trajectory of the writer duo Salim-Javed and Amitabh Bachchan. As Big B became one of the biggest stars of that era, so did the writers who went on to pen several big films. Salim Khan recently recalled how many actors had said no to the film.

In an interview on Bollywood Bubble, Salim

Khan told Arbaaz Khan that actors like Dharmendra, Dev Anand and Dilip Kumar had passed on the script of Zanjeer when it finally landed with Amitabh Bachchan. No leading lady was attached to the project and many didn’t want to star due to the small role. So, Amitabh Bachchan reached out to Jaya Bachchan and asked her to star in it.

Khan revealed, “I suggested ki Jaya Bachchan ko le lo. She will do it and she will do it for him. Kahani bhi sunayi Jaya ko toh unhone kaha ki mera toh kuch hai nahi ismein zyada. Maine kaha ki haan ismein kuch hai nahi aapka zyada magar Amitabh Bachchan ke liye yeh ek aisi kahani hai ki yeh phod ke rakh degi (I suggested let’s

take Jaya Bachchan. She will do it and she will do it for him.

When I narrated the story to her, she said that she doesn’t have much to do in the film. I said yes, you don’t have much to do here but it can change Amitabh’s career).”

Salim Khan said that Amitabh Bachchan was known for his professionalism and Salim-Javed ensure to bring up his name during every project. However, following the split of Salim and Javed, Amitabh didn’t keep in touch with Salim as he was reserved in nature. He said, “Yeh joh thi relation rakhne ki responsibility, unpe thi. Aap jab bahut bade star ho jaate ho, aapki responsibility hoti hai ki usse milna julna joh bhi ho, relationship rakhna yeh aapka farz banta hai. Joh ki unhone shayad kisi wajah se nahi kiya (The responsibility of maintaining relationships was his. When you become a big star, it is on you to maintain relationships, which, for some reason, he did not do).”

Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan was last seen in Brahmastra and Unnchai. He has Nag Ashwin's next with Prabhas and Deepika Padukone tentatively titled Project K.

BriCk by brick, Nawazuddin Siddiqui constructed his own Taj Mahal in Mumbai. Gleaming white and custombuilt, Nawaz is rightfully house proud. Nawaab, Nawaz’s home named after his father, has six bedrooms, two large halls, and two spacious lawns. On the first floor, Nawaz has a large space to grow trees. Nawaz loves greenery. He wants his home in Mumbai to remind me of my home in my village. His voice beaming with pride and joy, Nawaz said, “I had an exact map of every inch of my dream house in my head, and I would not compromise on even an inch of that vision. If something was built wrongly during my absence, I broke it. There were many demolished walls before the house happened. I wanted every inch of the

house to be the way I had designed it in my mind. I must thank my brother who helped me a lot. During my absence, he supervised the construction.”

When I mentioned that people were comparing his home Nawaab with Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat, Nawaz demurred, “There is no need

ON Sunday, Kangana Ranaut shared a cryptic post alleging that a casanova and his wife from Bollywood are spying on her.

Actress Kangana Ranaut has often made headlines for her unfiltered opinion, whether it is being unhesitatingly vocal about issues in the Bollywood industry or pinpointing a finger at what she thinks is right or wrong. Once again, Kangana is trending on the internet. This time for claiming that she is being spied upon by someone from the film industry. Though she did not name either of them, she went on share multiple details about their lives.

For the unversed, the Queen actress, on Sunday, took to her verified Instagram handle and shared two notes on its story section. In the first note, she stated that the paparazzi followed her to a dance studio on Sunday despite her not informing them of

to compare the two. That is his dream home. This is mine. Sabke sapne alag alag hote hain (to each his own dream). I’d like you to come to see my home. It is on Yari Road in Andheri.”

And now, the same home has turned into a veritable horror castle, where his wife is fighting an ugly property

battle with Nawaz’s mother.

The wife Aaliya, who has apparently been locked out of the bedrooms and other private areas in the sprawling palace allegedly by Nawaz’s mother, has made the living room sofas the temporary (?) home for herself and her children.

Nawaz’s home Nawaab is swarming with cops and lawyers while he is nowhere to be traced, and rightly so. Whatever Nawaz says at the moment will be held against him. Whichever side he chooses, he will be seen as a traitor and a man who won’t own up to his responsibilities.

So where is Nawaz?

According to his friends, he has moved into a hotel for now. There he will remain until his lawyers sort out the mess at his home.

years who then refused to work with me,” read an excerpt of her story.

WiTH War and now Pathaan, Siddharth Anand has had two blockbusters back-toback. Following the Rs. 729 crore worldwide collections and the nett collection in India at Rs. 378.15 crores, Siddharth has begun the promo cycle with a bang. In an exclusive conversation, he spoke at length about the film, actors Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. He also addressed the boycott calls that were being made prior to the

release after a certain section was offended over Deepika wearing a saffron bikini in the ‘Besharam Rang’ song.

When asked what was happening around him and how he felt, Siddharth Anand told Bollywood Hungama, “It’s unnerving and unnecessary because we hadn't made a film that should draw any attention to any negativity. We made an entertaining commercial film. In a way, it's patriotic. You feel patriotic. Someone sent me a video where in the scene where SRK’s character does a salute to Dimple Kapadia, you saw a man standing up in theatre when for unfurling the flag of the country. So it brings out that fervour. To see such negativity around this film, it just is heartbreaking and

unnerving. Unnecessary. So yeah, so I hear about these things. We read about these things. But no, I'm not on any social media.”

Helmed by Siddharth

her whereabouts. Further, she went on to mention that a ‘Casanova’ from the film industry may be behind it. She also mentioned that his wife who, according to her, got her home decorated in the same style as hers.

“I am certain my WhatsApp data is being leaked professional deals or even personal life details, this obsessed nepo mafia

Anand, Pathaan is currently running in theatres in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan has two more releases this year – Atlee Kumar’s Jawan

clown who once landed at my door step uninvited and forced himself on me is a known womaniser and Casanova but now vice president of nepo mafia brigade as well, forces his wife to become producer, do more female-centric films, dress like me even make home interiors like me they even hired my stylist and even home stylists of many

releasing in June followed by Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki in December.

On the other hand, Siddharth Anand reunites with Hrithik Roshan for the

Speaking of the couple, the Simran actress wrote, “Wife is encouraging this obsessive behaviour she even wore the same sari for her wedding that I had worn earlier for my brother's wedding reception, it's beyond creepy.” She signed off by adding, “how is he getting all this data and what all is he indulging in because if he gets in trouble she and her baby will be in trouble as well ... she must take charge of her life and make sure he is not indulging in anything illegal... Much love to you dear girl and your new born.”

Coming to the professional front, the 35-year-old actress was last seen in Dhaakad. She recently wrapped shooting for Emergency and is currently busy with her second Tamil-language project, Chandramukhi 2.

third time after Bang Bang and War. He will direct Fighter which marks his reunion with Deepika Padukone, too. The film will release in theatres on Republic Day 2024.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s dream house turns into a nightmare; the actor moves into a hotel until his lawyers sort out the mess

EXCLUSIVE: Siddharth Anand on what he felt during boycott calls against Pathaan: “To see such negativity around this film, it just is heartbreaking and unnerving”

Salim Khan says Amitabh Bachchan did not maintain his relationship with him: ‘Relationship rakhna yeh aapka farz banta hai’

Kangana Ranaut alleges a “Casanova” and his wife are spying on her; says, “My WhatsApp data is being leaked”

Pushpinder Oberoi of Gold Coast, a recipient of Hind Rattan Award 2023

NEW DELHi,

Pushpinder

Oberoi of Gold Coast Australia was one of the awardees of Hind Rattan Award 2023; the award is not affiliated with Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, which is an Indian Government (MEA) initiative. Pushpinder Oberoi was nominated for Pravasi Samman Awards

The Hind Rattan is one of the Indian diasporic awards granted annually to non-resident persons of Indian origin (NRIs) by the NRI Welfare Society of India. The award is presented at the Society's annual congress on the eve of India’s Republic Day or during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations.

The number of awardees varies yearly but is generally about 25 to 30. The Society does not publish criteria for award selection; award selections are made among the Society leadership, and awardees are invited to attend the conference in New Delhi to accept their awards. Awardees must pay their fare, accommodation, and attendance fees for the awards.

Pushpinder Oberoi said, “I am privileged and honoured to receive “Hind Rattan Award 2023 in India in January 2023 for my multicultural Community service, social welfare and business and my involvement in maintaining

Indian Senior Citizens Association annual Havan Yagyan

an emotional bond between India and Non-Resident Indians and maintaining great bilateral relationship and understanding with India and Overseas. I made a pledge to serve India as the Indian Diaspora in building up good bilateral relationships between India and the countries I live via business, culture, and other sources.

PUsHPiNDEr’ s JOUrNEY left India in 1974 for Sweden and graduated in Hotel and Business administration from Stockholm and Uppsala University.

Formed Indo-Swedish society and did lots of Indian cultural and national events.

Executive committee member of the Indian Association of Sweden.

Awarded Mr India in Stockholm

1982 migrated to New Zealand.

Formed Indian cultural

Association in Hamilton

Awarded Justice of Peace, New Zealand in 1989

Migrated to Australia in 1995.

Formed Indian cultural Association, Gold Coast, in 1996. and later founder president of GOPIO Gold Coast in 1917 and at the present patron. Became Commissioner of Declaration Qld.

Was closely associated with FICQ for the last 15 years plus.

Was a team leader For Indian delegates and community Ambassador gc2018 during the Commonwealth games GC 2018

Honorary Ambassador Mental Health Foundation of Australia.

Honorary Ambassador for Australia Diaspora foundation of India President Australian chapter NRI welfare society of India

Ekta Women’s Group holds its AGM

BErriNBA Indian Senior Citizens Association members took part in their annual havan yagya held on 22nd January at the Sanatan Centre in Wembley Rd Berrinba.

Pundit Anand Sharma and Pundit Tiwariji officiated the Havan. Members were blessed with the opportunity of participating in the puja ceremony. Prasdam and Mahaprasadam followed

this, kindly donated by generous member sponsors. It was great to see our seniors taking part in this auspicious occasion.

The most ancient form of Hindu prayer is known as the Havan Yajna. It is a religious ceremony in which a sacred fire is lit, and Sanskrit mantras are recited. It is based on the principle of sacrificing for the sake of others.

THE women’s wing of the Indian Senior Citizens Association, Ekta Women’s Group, held its AGM and first meeting for 2023 at the residence of the president Mrs Roshni Sharma. It was so great to see the total

attendance and welcome new members. The 2023 upcoming events were discussed, followed by a sumptuous afternoon tea. Ekta women’s club is a progressive women’s club Woking in with Indian Seniors.

Do you know how you can get infected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C?

MOsT people will be aware that chronic hepatitis B is caused by the transmission of the virus from a mother with the virus to their baby at birth. This is becoming less of a risk due to testing for the mother during pregnancy, and the baby receiving vaccinations at birth (the hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) vaccine, and the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccinations).

For hepatitis C in Australia the most common way people are infected is through the sharing of intravenous drug use equipment (needles, tourniquets, spoons etc.).

Many people do not know that hepatitis B and hepatitis C can also be spread from one person to another through blood, especially the following ways when the equipment used is either reused or not sterilised properly (washing is not enough):

• Medical and dental procedures: including

vaccinations performed overseas

• Complementary or

Traditional Medical Practices: such as acupuncture, cupping, bloodletting etc. –when the equipment may be contaminated with blood

• Cosmetic procedures:

including eyebrow tattooing, tattoos, piercings, and cosmetic surgeries

• Cultural Practices: scarification, cultural piercings/tattoos

• Personal hygiene items: items such as toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers should

hepatitis B (there is no vaccine for hepatitis C but there is a cure)

• Always check – when having any procedures/ treatments that all equipment is new or has been properly sterilised – it is OK to ask the person doing the procedure.

• Avoid blood – do not touch another person’s blood (unless it is an emergency)use gloves.

• Do not share – your personal hygiene equipment

• Get checked – many people do not know they have hepatitis B or hepatitis C – so

to protect yourself and your family and close contacts ask your doctor for a blood test to check.

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

not be shared as they can become contaminated with blood which may cause infections

The best ways to protect yourself from becoming infected by hepatitis B or hepatitis C is to:

• Get Vaccinated – for

Hepatitis, HiV/AiDs and sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

Surprise Your Beauty with amazing uses of Lemon

high contents in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and compounds that regulate acidity and promote fat elimination.

HEY GirLs, All your beauty needs from scrubs, moisteners, foundations, face masks, hair (shampoos and conditioners), cheeks, eyes, lips - you name we have covered them all.

You can confidently use our suggested homemade recipes because they will not harm your skin, hair or body. Do-it-yourself natural remedies for skin and hair are getting positive reviews from the users. These recipes do not use any chemicals, synthetic fragrance or colours, so they will not clog your skin pores or damage your skin and hair in any way.

Taking care of your whole body with natural ingredients will result in radiant, youthful skin and long, lustrous hair!

Remember, your skin and hair need tender loving care and they will love our recipes. Use them and feel the difference!

Lemon is one ingredient that not only adds a delicious taste to cooking, it is also known for its properties in health and beauty. This food has properties that are astringent, disinfectant, and act as a natural lightener for hair and skin. They are also characterized by

If you still don’t know the best beauty secrets that lemons have to offer, read below for a few of their uses, so you can get excited about their benefits and enjoy them.

They are good for skin: -Lemon is a fantastic ally for skin, especially for people who suffer from oily skin. This ingredient, and its astringent properties, promote excess oil elimination and significantly improve skin’s appearance. That’s why it is important to keep in mind that lemon should be applied before going to bed, and under no circumstances should you expose yourself to sunlight. This could cause stains. It’s best to apply the treatment, and the next day, use sunscreen. All you need to do is squeeze the lemon a bit and apply it directly to your face using a spray or a cotton ball.

Exfoliating Lips: -There are a lot of factors that could affect lip health, making them look dry and cracked. In order to say goodbye to this problem, one good solution is to apply a bit of lemon juice to your lips before going to bed, and you will begin to notice the changes. This ingredient promotes hydration and eliminating dead skin cells.

Skin Lightening Mask: Mix together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of

cucumber juice, 1 tablespoon of tomato juice and 1 tablespoon of sandalwood paste to form a consistent paste. Apply this paste onto your skin, leaving it there for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it off with water and moisturize.

Highlighted hair: -This is one of lemon’s most wellknown beauty uses, as it has been proven to produce good results. In order to lighten your hair and to make it shiny, apply lemon juice to your hair and expose it to the sun. With sun contact, the lemon will help lighten your hair, giving it light and golden highlights. It’s best to do this at least once a week for good results.

Fight blackheads:Lemons have astringent and antibacterial properties that promote the elimination of waste and excess oil

on skin. They are great allies for fighting annoying blackheads, because they promote the elimination of toxins and deeply clean the skin. At night, rub a bit of lemon on your skin and let set for 10 minutes. Remove it with copious amounts of cold water. Remember not to use this treatment if you are going to be exposed to the sun.

Lemon Juice to Get rid of Wrinkles: Mix together a few drops of lemon juice with a drop of almond oil and a teaspoon of honey to form a consistent thick solution. Apply this mixture on to your face leaving it there for about 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with cool water. You can also apply this mixture around your eyes to remove fine lines. But take care that it does not go into your

eyes. Fine lines and wrinkles removal is a slow process and will take time.

improves marks: - Acne, sun exposure, illnesses, diet, and other factors can all cause marks on skin, which aesthetically, do not look very good. One very effective way of improving and reducing the appearance of marks is to apply a bit of lemon juice to the affected area, allow working for 15 minutes, and washing off with cold water. Do this treatment at night, as sun exposure could cause adverse reactions.

Nail strengthened and whitener: - Using chemicals, household chores, and a lot of other bad habits can cause nails to weaken and/ or become stained. Lemon is a wonderful ally for fighting this problem, as it promotes the elimination of marks on nails, strengthening at the same time. All you need to do is combining a bit of lemon juice with two tablespoons of olive oil. Then apply to your nails.

For your armpits: -Lemon can be an excellent ally for caring for armpit skin, as its properties act as a natural deodorant while at the same time clearing up the dark stains that usually form in this area of the body. Lemon’s citric acid is responsible for killing bacteria that cause bad odours, so it can work as an emergency deodorant. In order to lighten your armpits, you should mix lemon juice with oatmeal and a little bit

of honey; the resulting paste should be applied to your armpits and allowed to work for 1 hour.

HOW OFTEN TO UsE LEMON JUiCE?

Don’t get tempted to apply lemon juice mask or lemon juice alone directly onto your skin daily. Lemon juice has properties to dry out the skin, if applied daily. Limit its use to every other day or 3-4 applications in a week.

TiPs TO MAkE sUrE BEFOrE UsE OF LEMON JUiCE:

(i) Lemon juice is acidic, and its application can dry out your skin, so moisturize your skin after its use.

(ii) Add yogurt to lemon juice to make your own skin brightening and moisturizing mask.

(iii) Don’t apply lemon juice onto the areas having open cuts, bruises, or wounds. The acid in the lemon juice will sting. Should this happen, wash the area with cool water.

(iv) Never go out in the sun and avoid exposure to sun light with lemon juice on your skin.

(v) If irritation, redness or dryness occurs then dilute the lemon juice with more water or discontinue its use on your skin.

(vi) Lemon juice contains acid and its use can dry out your skin. Apply moisturizer after its use to keep your skin hydrated.

BRISASIA FESTIVAL UNVEILS A SHOW-STOPPER PROGRAM 2023

CONTD. FrOM PG 1

talented artists and a formal launch by Councillor Vicki Howard representing Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

This spectacular event features traditional and contemporary performances, lion dancers and martial arts displays, Sydney-based KPOP DJ Nick Kim, local drag sensation Crimson Coco, Bollywood Dance Masala and much more.

“New festival experiences for 2023 include soul Gazing: A Journey through the Cosmic skydome at the Mt Coot-tha Observatory, a new esports competition with the inaugural Team Bliss Community Cup and the BrisAsia Pop-Up Exhibition: Youth with You.“In addition, the hip hop, luxury car and Asian food truck event Southside by Night are back after its breakout success in 2022, featuring internationally renowned DJ Kuya, JDMs, Supercars, Euros and more, as well as a dedicated tea festival, the LanewayParTEA happening in the city.

“The digital food documentary Mother’s Table is back, and you can meet the restauranteurs this year and taste their sensational food,

including Curry and Cask Indian Restaurant.

Valentine’s Day concert

cultural festivities all aligned to celebrate the Lunar New Year,” he said.

BrisAsia

Love Songs returns to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coo-tha, and the cutting-edge creative residency BrisAsia LIVE 2023 will feature internationally renowned Mongolian musician Bukhu.”

BrisAsia Festival Producer, Dr Anthony Garcia, encourages people from all walks of life to experience what the Festival has to offer.

“BrisAsia Festival shares unique cultural stories through a mix of live performance, digital programming, discussion forums, outdoor family events and ritual, and

“The depth and breadth of traditional and contemporary Asian culture, art, cuisine and philosophy on offer is a testament to the diverse peoples who call Brisbane home. I could not be prouder of the record number of talented creative producers helping make the BrisAsia Festival one of the highlights of Brisbane’s cultural calendar.

“Many events require bookings, so don’t miss out –secure your tickets early.”For the complete BrisAsia Festival program and other events, visit Brisbane City Council’s website and search ‘BrisAsia’.

Monthly Predictions February-2023

a ri E s ( 21st m arc H to 20t H aP ril )

For Aries natives, Sun and Saturn can give a little pressure or responsibility and affect your health during the month of February. Financial support from family or friends likewise gets postponed due to Saturn and Sun transit. Jupiter transit recommends you stay away from negative thoughts with the goal that you will get the right thought and want to have an effective month. Mercury movement will give progress in another friendship and furthermore give more exciting days. Mercury and Mars transition will give progress in language-related courses. Mars move likewise proposes that those of you who are pursuing studies related to sports will obtain good results. You are expected not to have any unwanted conversation and don't fault each other for previous faults. Some of you could get restless to meet your ex partner that can influence your relationship this month so you are encouraged to give the message and call so your partner will feel connected with you. Mars recommends you to try not to settle on any hasty choice. Those of you who are looking for a new position are expected to refresh your skills. Tasks that are taken into consideration for a long period can provide good results with the blessings of Saturn. The past interest in business gives business achievement. Venus moving in the period of February can give festivities at home. Some of you could get a good reward this month with the movement of mercury and sun.

taurus ( 21st aP ril to 21st m ay )

In February, you want to control your anger, so that you can lead a peaceful life. Sun can give a few conflicts in connections and the Mercury movement says you take every choice with patience. As a result of the Saturn impact, you must stay away from negative considerations and negative thoughts. Venus will bring joy from shopping and furthermore offer the chance to go for expected traveling. Jupiter will likewise give great help of karma with regards to money and the right knowledge to make the passionate interest in the second week. Saturn will give good financial profit with your appropriate plan and thinking skill. In February, the second and third week is exceptionally important. Mars, Saturn and Sun recommend you be aware of teeth, stomach and nerves strain. Try to have a medical checkup this month so that you wont end up in severe health issues. There can be medical problems if you neglect it so be aware of your health. Some of you can get unexpected expenses or sudden bad luck. You are encouraged to settle on every choice with patience and those of you who are business owners, this month isn't great to bring out any business improvements in the new strategy. Students may get new friends and some pressure from parents due to the transition of Sun. Jupiter and Rahu movement will give success to get confirmation in a higher profile job and thus get progress in any job you undertake.

c anc E r ( 22nd j un E to 22nd j uly )

There can be an additional love relationship as there is a transit by Sun and Venus. You must keep away from any particular choice during this month. Saturn and Sun give a genuine argument with parents in law or with the partner. There can be property matters with parents in law which can give pressure to the family. Rahu and Jupiter can cause miscommunication due to the third individual so having an immediate discussion with other individuals or partners around you would be great. Some of you could get expenses due to partners and parents in law. Some of you could get an unfamiliar agreement which can give a bad image about you. Some of you could land good opportunities which can increase their financial benefit. There can be long traveling so expenses on that can be there. Responsibility and hard work will consume a significant part in the work culture. Saturn and Mercury movement can give some conflict with your subordinates at work. Try to keep away from unwanted queries or arguments and give your absolute best with it. Mercury and Mars can give the tendency to learn tarot tricks, astrology or skill related courses. Venus is prepared to give progress in media or craftsmanship related subjects.

l ibra ( 23rd sEP t E mb E r to 22nd o ctob E r )

For Libra natives, February month may energize your love life, but some planetary movements may disturb the peace. As the month advances the positive movement of Venus may give you good charm. The last week may give you some obstacles. You will get good money this month. The monetary movements you make will help you with the future benefits. You may face unexpected expenses thus you will not be able to save the money you expected. But as time passes, Venus helps with wealth and prosperity. You will get a chance to resolve the financial matters during the third week of the month. Career may progress due to the favorable movements of planets. The movement of Saturn supports you and thus there is a gradual improvement in professional status. You will get support from Jupiter and progress will be fine. Your studies will improve with strong planetary support and the fourth week is the most favorable one where you will be focusing on studies more. The Saturn transit keeps you balanced this month. You may feel minor mood swings and irritation and you may face some health issues as a result. Planetary transits could cause unrest even though there are not any major malefic planetary influences in this period.

c a P ricorn ( 22nd dE c E mb E r to 20t H j anuary )

Venus will bless your love life at the beginning of this month. Singles looking for love relationships will be able to find their mate. Around the month end, singles will enjoy entering into a love relationship. Married couples will spend more time with each other in order to enjoy love to the fullest. Jupiter and Venus foretell that financial success will be yours. Fiscal growth will be high, and this will enable you to set high targets and you are most likely to achieve them with minimum efforts. Your family will help you in getting financial assistance while at the same time you may also get old dues to keep yourself afloat in this challenging financial time. This month will be a positive one for you since many career opportunities will be coming your way. The positive vibes of Jupiter will influence your decisions and bring your way material gains. Business persons may also get some excellent opportunities to expand their business. Freshers will also be able to get great career opportunities. If you are in business, it will be a favourable phase for starting something new. This month will be an awesome one when it comes to your education. The combined impact of Mercury and Jupiter will make you able to unlock all your goals and potentials. You will be supported by Jupiter and Mars, bringing you the energy and dynamism. You won’t risk anything. But at times you will want to do too much. An unbalanced schedule will tire you out.

lE o ( 23rd j uly to 22nd august )

For Leo natives, February month may give you changes in your work. It is because of Venus transit. Do not argue with your partner, be it your life partner, business partner or any one. This may give a strenuous situation and may delay success. If you are running a wholesale business you will find success. The moon movement recommends you to take every step ahead carefully. Then you may get good savings in your account and will be able to save from financial crunches. Jupiter may move this month and it says you may have to spend on foreign trips and spiritual causes. If you have children you may get expenses related to their education. If you are single you will not get a good partner this month. Wait for some time to get a good partner. Due to Saturn and the Sun, things may be tough at times in your relationship. Some of you may be separate from your partner. Do not think about the past and live only in your present. Avoid negative thoughts and being in bad company. There can be a surprise test or examination this month. Hard work and determination can give expected success to you. Try to avoid excessive uses of electronic items. It may affect your eyes health and sleeping issues will be the result. Don’t forget the routine checkup and be regular with your medication for this month. In terms of health this month you need to be careful as the transit of planets can give a busy schedule and workload. Pregnant women should take care of their health and try to be in a positive environment.

s cor P io ( 23rd o ctob E r to 22nd n ov E mb E r )

In the start of this current month the stars show that affection will be repressed. Step by step, your relationship will be more elegant. The period around the center of this current month can be a decent stage for singles. Singles might meet their adoration mates suddenly this time around. The impacts of Venus and Mars will emphatically affect your sentiments. Love will be brilliant, expressive and alluring. The effect of Jupiter will carry astounding chances to enable your monetary status. As the month propels, cash stream will be progressively better and nonstop. Cash from unforeseen sources will add to your pay. The stars for funds recommend an excellent cash stream during the closure part of this current month. There will be vulnerability and vagueness at your work environment at the start of this current month. Money manager requirements to deal with his undertaking with a calm mind here. The traveling Saturn demonstrates that there will be a few disillusionments and dissatisfactions at work. Financial specialists are situated alright to deal with the issues effectively during the last week of this current month. The stars during the closing of a piece of this current month predicts significant improvement in your profession possibilities. As the month starts the effect of the Hubs appears making issues in your examinations. The traveling Jupiter might facilitate the tension bit by bit and liable to deal with the issues productively as the month propels. Those showing up for cutthroat assessments ought to take extra assistance and direction. The planetary impacts at the start of the month don't look good for your wellbeing. As the month progresses the effect of Mars and Jupiter demonstrate that wellbeing will be great.

aquarius ( 21st j anuary to 18t H fE bruary )

This month is likely to bring some refreshing experiences in your love life. However, as the week advances, the impact of Saturn will make you see the difference between dreams and reality. Venus will activate all your social contacts. But, the impact of the Nodes around the mid of this month can be detrimental for married couples. If you are single, the expansive impact of planets may bring fresh air of love and joy in your life during the latter part of this month. This month is likely to bring some good opportunity to strike some good financial deals. You will be able to enhance your financial growth. But, as the month progresses, there may be some tricky situations to face. Gradually, the impact of Jupiter will help you to resolve some pending financial issues. The impact of South Node indicates that you will have to face some pressure position in money matters though you may be having good income during the latter half of this month. As the month begins, Jupiter will bring some new opportunities and therefore you would feel fresh and energetic at your place of work. But, Mars indicates that you might indulge into arguments with peers and superiors. You must keep in mind that this might affect your progress. If you are in business, there can be some important development in your business. Jupiter will continue to shower blessing upon you around the month end. You may find some good career options this time around. This month will be good to make progress in education. You will perform well but Mars indicates that, at times your overconfidence may make you careless and hence you may not able to prepare or concentrate well in studies.

gE mini ( 22nd m ay to 21st j un E )

This month you can get the support of luck. Your hard work and persistent effort will give success this month both on the personal and professional front. Sun and Saturn advised you need to implement discipline and should strictly follow the time and fulfil your promises this will help you to get the expected result in your career and also in your relationship. In terms of relationship, this week is going to be good. You will get the chances to go for an outing and trip with your loved partner or with your spouse. A relationship proposal from a friend can be there. Some of you will get a positive response from your in-laws. Mars advised you to avoid demanding nature this will protect you from the marital problem. In terms of money and finance, this month Jupiter will help you. But Rahu and Jupiter suggest you avoid giving money to others because stars are giving clue that cannot be easily recoverable. Mars can give unplanned expenditure to repairing of the vehicle and also in the renovation. Saturn and Sun movement can give health-related expenditure. Support from senior can be with you. Your hard work and persistence effort will get appreciated by your senior. Saturn can give a sudden workload. The last paths of this month can give some hurdle and tough relationship with your boss so it would be good to avoid an argument with them. Communication or mass media-related work will give you job opportunity and promotion. In terms of health, you are advised to void digging deep in a past event and also avoid argument for past mistakes. This will give protection from stress which can affect your health this month.

v irgo ( 23rd august to 22nd sEP t E mb E r )

Long-distance travelling or a trip to a foreign land can be there. Business-related investment is going to succeed this month. At the workplace conversation with different people will be there. New work responsibility will be assigned to you. Your boss and seniors will support you and accept your idea. You may get short distance travelling related to your business. Try to be polite with your partner and give rejuvenation to your relationship by spending quality time together. Communication with ex-partner will be there. A relationship proposal can be there from an old friend. Students can get help from their hard work and concentration. Get together with in-laws. Try to give quality time to your partner. Transit of Moon, Venus and Sun predicting that you may get changes in a love relationship. Ego clashes can give a distance relationship. Clear all the tax-related matters to stay away from legal matters. Financial expenditure on yourself and grooming will be there. Traveling can give expenses. Fulfillment of desire will be there. This month is not favorable to make a major investment in property. You should avoid an unnecessary argument with your partner. Financial help or gain from the spouse will be there. Unplanned expenditure on party and friends will begin this month. You will get success related to higher study and projects. There can be a success in the plan to get admission in distance learning courses. Aggression can lead to wrong decisions and affect your relationship with friends. Self-study can be a better option than group study.

s agittarius ( 23rd n ov E mb E r to 21st dE c E mb E r )

The stars in the beginning of this month indicate that you may put a large focus on family. Jupiter may provide stability in current romantic relationships. If you are in a serious committed relationship, but not yet married, then the period around the mid of this month can be a good phase to tie the knot. The impact of stars will remain positive for your finances as the month begins. As the month advances, you may have good income flow as well. But no matter how much money you gain this week, it will be a bad phase to make investments in anything besides real estate. The transiting Saturn indicates, others may try to swindle you out of your money. Watch out and be alert for this. The month may begin with some sort of uncertainty at career and business front. If you are to face any difficulties in your life, then it must be related to your career, indicates Saturn. Mars indicates that you are likely to be busier than normal at work. This implies that you will also need to work harder as there will be larger workload and stiff problems. You may get ample opportunities to study new skills. There will be a variety of knowledge and mental stimulation, Mercury indicates. Due to the blessings of Jupiter, you may achieve better results during the latter part of this month. The favorable impact of stars are likely to help you maintain your energy levels during this month. But in the beginning of the month, the impact of Nodes may bring some fluctuations in your health. Your immunity will be good and hence even if you face any health issue, you may be able to recover very fast.

Pisc E s ( 19t H fE bruary to 20t H m arc H )

The beginning of this month will be good time for a meeting to resolve some conflict in your relationship. But Saturn indicates that as the month advances, a recent mistake may be weighing on you. The best option for you will be to come clean and to speak from the heart. It is time to take positive steps, suggests Jupiter. At the beginning of this month, Saturn may test your money management. As the month advances, you may also have better chances for financial gains. Around the mid of this month, the impact of Nodes indicates you are likely to face several difficulties on the financial front. In the beginning of this month, the impact of Saturn will be demanding of you. If you are in business, this could be the right time to make new plans or strategies for growth. During the latter half of the month, you may have big plans regarding your career. Around the month end, Jupiter indicates some significant development at your work place. A big business deal is also possible this time around. Jupiter during this month may help you to focus yourself back on studies and hence the better would be the outcome. But you may be facing many ups and downs due to the difficult aspect of Mars. The period around the month end may prove favourable for your studies. There will be a possibility that fever or a water-borne disease may occur in the beginning of the month. As the month advances, you may have good awareness for your health.

NBL news 2023: Melbourne United’s devastating exit up close and personal

THE brutality of sport was never more evident than Melbourne United’s heartbreaking ride down to wire for a place in the finals. Mick Randall went along for the emotion-fuelled finale.

Melbourne United produced a pulsating 40 minutes of playoff-intensity basketball to knock off Adelaide in the penultimate game of the NBL season, only to have their hearts ripped in two on the other side of the country.

It came down to the last basket of the season, but Perth beat Sydney by 12 points to take Melbourne’s spot in the top six — by 0.06 per cent — and end its season in heartbreaking fashion.

Michael Randall went behind the scenes as Dean Vickerman’s team handled its business before the ultimate heartbreak.

There’s a nervous energy among the United camp two hours before their seasondefining clash.

A quiet buzz creates a feeling something special is about to unfold at John Cain Arena.

Assistant coach Justin Schueller knows his team is in an uncomfortable situation.

If United can somehow win by 40 points, a spot in the top six is guaranteed. Perth’s loss to Cairns two nights earlier opened the door further for Melbourne. A win over Adelaide, coupled with a Wildcats’ stumble against Sydney would

ensure qualification.

‘NOBODY CAN F***

WiTH Us’

Players gather in the belly of JCA and Vickerman kicks things off by revealing Adelaide coach CJ Bruton has made a big change to his starting line-up.

Young tyro Kyrin Galloway is in the first five, an indicator the Sixers plan to push the pace.

Vickerman isn’t displeased. He wants to make it an up and down contest, given the task ahead, his plan to play with a breakneck tempo to start, with the intention to dial it back if and when it is needed.

Vickerman commands the room, players listen intently as he picks apart the mechanics of carving up the Sixers using tape from the last time the two teams met.

“Quick decisions, good pace all night, hunt great threes,” Vickerman tells his charges.

On the defensive side, Schueller’s domain, United want to make Adelaide play five-on-five as often as possible, denying a numerical advantage.

“Tonight is proactive v reactive on defence,” Schueller said.

“You gotta f***ing use your voice. Whatever’s called (on defence), you live with it, we can problem solve on the back end of things.”

The 20-minute pre-game meeting ends with a package of steals, blocks, charges

and fast offence, set to a soundtrack of Coast Contra’s banger Never Freestyle.

It’s what Vickerman wants to see and it gets the players hyped for the task.

Hell, even I want to crash through the glass door on the way out.

“I want to see just absolute confidence, aggression, fearlessness, picture us playing in that mindset while executing everything that we’ve been talking about, nobody can f*** with us,” Barlow, who is out with concussion, finished on.

It’s up to them, now.

EArLY CONTrOVErsY

Point guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes comes out swinging with eight points in the first quarter as both teams launch a barrage of threes, but nothing separates them at the first break.

The trade blows again in

the second, Adelaide takes a one-point lead into the long break after a Goulding three from just inside the halfcourt that almost raised the roof is waved away.

An image of Goulding getting the shot off with 0.1 seconds remaining on JCA’s main scoreboard does the rounds on Twitter, leaving United fans angry, given the importance of points to the makeup of the finals.

But the club says the scoreboard clock isn’t official — it’s the clock above the rim that the timers follow.

TUCk sHOP OPEN

Young import Rayjon Tucker leads the way on the court and off it. He’s got 17 at the half and a huge block that the vocal Barlow raves about.

“Keep running you can see it on their face, they’re not used to playing like

this,” Tucker says in a bid to inspire his teammates to run over the top of the Sixers.

It’s injured father figure and basketball genius Barlow who takes over from there.

“They’re super vulnerable,” Barlow says.

“Early, loud communication on defence. (Ian) Clark, Sunday (Dech), hit a couple tough ones — we live with that.

“Defensively for them, Sunday and (Antonius) Cleveland are doing a good job on the ball and trying to cover everything for them by fighting hard.”

Big import Marcus Lee walks in late, a little cross of band-aids on his left cheek to patch up a knock he copped in the second.

They haven’t opened up the enormous margin they’d hoped for, so Vickerman wants his group to go back to being “solid”.

It works — they score eight points in the first minute-and-a-half to turn the deficit into a lead and they carry it into the last break up seven.

It should have been the springboard they needed to establish a big gap, but a calamitous opening minute helped the Sixers bring the margin back to two.

Vickerman calls a standing time-out his players gathering around on court as he gave them what-for.

Another time-out came and tensions went through the roof when Cleveland

landed a three that gave Adelaide a 93-91 lead.

ArE THE sixErs ABOUT TO rUiN THEir sEAsON?

Not on Tuck’s watch. The lightning fast dynamo poured in 10 points in the last three minutes, including a three-pointer as time expired that set Perth’s winning target against Sydney at 11.

THEY CELEBrATE AHEAD OF A NErVOUs TWO HOUrs.

Perth jumps out to a 23-point lead early in the last quarter and it looks curtains. But the Kings storm back and a DJ Vasiljevic three with 53 seconds left reduces the margin to eight and puts United in — momentarily.

But Bryce Cotton makes two and then Brady Manek pots a pair of free throws — after a review that had the United crew biting its nails and then Vasiljevic misses a pair of three-point tries that leaves Melbourne heartbroken.

The review will show an almost completely new look roster, which lost its starting centre Ariel Hukporti to injury and only got half a season out of Shea Ili should be proud it even had a chance to make the top six.

But it will only create a hunger to bounce back with a vengeance, the league’s giants wounded by a first season without final basketball in five years under Vickerman.

Usman Khawaja issued visa for Indian Test series after being left behind

PAkisTAN-BOrN Australian batter Usman Khawaja was on Wednesday night belatedly issued his Indian visa and will join his teammates who are already departing for next week’s four-Test tour, an Indian diplomat said.

The saddest part of the issue remains that Khawaja — who moved to Australia aged four — has toured India before, but also faced delays on that occasion with his visa taking longer than Australiaborn teammates.

“Waiting for my Indian Visa,” Khawaja said on Instagram, above an image from Netflix series “Narcos” where forlorn Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar — played by actor Wagner Moura — sits alone on a swinging seat.

The left-handed opener was the only member of the travelling party who didn’t receive clearance on his visa.

It remains unclear why

Khawaja’s was the only member denied a visa.

India’s High Commissioner to Australia tweeted in response later that Khawaja’s visa had been “issued and collected from our Consulate General in Melbourne”.

“Let’s have a great #BorderGavaskarTrophy series!” Manpreet Vohra

tweeted. He did not elaborate on the reasons for the visa delay.

Australian media reported that touring players and support staff began receiving visas in early January, and some have already begun arriving in Bengaluru, where the team will set up prematch camp.

Pakistan and India have had fraught relations since partition in 1947 and those tensions have routinely seeped into sports.

The two countries last played a bilateral series a decade ago and Pakistani players have been barred from the prestigious T20 Indian Premier League.

Australia is trying to win its first Test series in India in almost a decade. Tests will be played in Nagpur, Delhi, Dharamsala and then in the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

After being left out of the Test side for about two years Khawaja made a stunning return against England in the

2021-2022 Ashes. He notched his 4,000th Test run in a recent match against South Africa in Sydney, where he was 195 not out.

Khawaja was awarded the inaugural Shane Warne Men’s Test Player of the Year award for his 1,020 runs at an average of 78.46.

Australia Day 2023 Honours Announced

CANBErrA The GovernorGeneral announced 2023 Honours and Awards for 1047 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.

“Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today’s Honours List. The recipients have had a significant impact at the local, national and international level and are, quite simply, inspiring,” the Governor-General said.

“They go above and beyond, are from all over the country, and contribute every day in every way imaginable. These are the people who see us through good times and bad. They’re the first to show up and the last to leave.

“They’re almost always humble to a fault, but I urge recipients today to put aside that humility - it’s important they know how much they are valued.”

There are 736 awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia, with 48 per cent for women and 45 per cent for service to local communities.

“It is encouraging to see an increase in diversity in the Order of Australia. Each recipient has something in common – someone nominated them. The Order belongs to us, and we each have a part to play. A person can be recognised only for someone to nominate them.”

Australia Day 2023 Honours List

• The Australia Day 2023 Honours List recognises 1047 outstanding and inspirational Australians. They are awarded in 3 Categories:

o Order of Australia honours (General, Military Divisions);

o Meritorious awards; and

o Distinguished and Conspicuous awards (Military).

• Recipients announced in the list will be invested with their awards in the coming months, either by the Governor-General at Government House in Canberra, or by the State Governors or Administrator of the Northern Territory, where COVID–19 restrictions allow.

Order of Australia Honours List (General Division, including

Total awards: 1047

Honorary General)

• A total of 736 people were recognised in the Order of Australia Honours (General Division) in The Queen’s Birthday 2022 list:

o 6 appointed Companion of the Order (AC)

o 47 appointed Officer of the Order (AO)

o 177 appointed Member of the Order (AM)

o 506 awarded Medal of the Order (OAM)

General Division of the Order of Australia (including Honorary Permanent Residents):

Total awards: 736

Gender distribution: Level of award:

Military Division of the Order of Australia: Total awards: 30

• This list includes recipients being recognised (at least in part) for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A separate Honour Roll for COVID-19 service has been included in this package.

• Women were recognised with 354 awards (48%). This is the highest percentage of female Order of Australia recipients in an honours list

Meritorious awards: Total awards: 217

since the introduction of the Australian honours system in 1975.

• The Governor-General has prioritised ensuring the Order reflects the diversity of our community. Work is underway to increase nominations for outstanding individuals from parts of our community that have been historically underrepresented, including women, people

In addition to the 736 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (6 AC, 47 AO, 177 AM and 506 OAM), today’s Honours list includes:

• 30 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (2 AO, 17 AM and 11 OAM)

• 217 Meritorious awards

• 64 Distinguished and Conspicuous awards

This list also includes 77 Australians recognised for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals will also be included in an ongoing and permanent COVID-19 Honour roll.

from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• Over 45.4 per cent of awards (334 in total) were for outstanding service or achievement in the community.

• The youngest recipient is 37 years old, the eldest living recipient is 102 years old.

Distinguished

Towards Universal Peace: the role of the Individual, World Interfaith Harmony Week

MiLTON, a celebration in honour of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, was held on Sunday, 5 February 2023 at Brisbane Bahá’í Centre of Learning. This year’s theme was Towards Universal Peace: the role of the Individual. The following passage from the Holy Writings of the Bahá’í Faith inspired this:

‘…religion should be the cause of love and agreement, a bond to unify all mankind for it is a message of peace and goodwill to man from God.’ – ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The event began with a welcome to the country and introductory remarks by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr Shayan Saberi. Ms Jonty Bush MP delivered the welcome address, followed by a spectacular musical performance by the ever-talented Golbarani Family. Next, the following Faith representatives read messages from their respective faiths; ChristianReverent David Baker, HinduSwami Atmeshananda, Muslim- Habib Jamal, Jewish- Mrs Gail Paratz, Bahai- Ms Shabnam Muhajer, Pagan- Mrs Linda Ward, Sikh Amandeep Gill. The concluding remarks were by Mr Michael Berkman MP. The event concluded with refreshments and networking.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted World Interfaith Harmony Week on 20 October 2010. It takes place the first week of

‘…r E ligion s H ould b E t HE caus E of lov E and agr EE m E nt, a bond to unify all mankind for it is a m E ssag E of PE ac E and goodwill to man from g od.’ –‘a bdu’l- b a H á

February every year. The resolution ‘reaffirms that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace’. It further ‘encourages all States to support the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill.’We hope that everyone can work towards universal peace: the role of the individual – you be the change in 2023.

Kannada Sangha Queensland Inc. Launches Brisbane Kannada Shale

CHErMsiDE, on Sunday, 5th February, Kannada Sangha Queensland Inc. inaugurated their language school, Brisbane Kannada Shale. The inauguration took place in Chermside library.

President Sneha Rajkumar said, “we are starting low-key and hope to grow big in the coming years” Umesh Chandra OAM and Mrs Usha Chandra Attended the inauguration as honoured guests. Umesh Chandra OAM spoke on the importance of the mother language and congratulated Kannada Sangha for this initiative, and he also thanked the parents for their support and stressed the importance of s cohesive community where every language and culture can coexist in harmony

Kannada is a Dravidian

language, a different language family from the Indo-European or Aryan languages of the north, such as Hindi but close to the

other southern languages like Telugu. It has about 3000 years of written history.

The first version is known as the Old Kannada script. By about 3000, it had morphed into the Kannada and Telugu scripts. Printing presses introduced by Christian missionaries at the beginning of the 19th century standardised the Kannada and Telugu scripts.